Waging War On Fat? How To Heal Obesity From The Inside Out - Part Two

I have learnt about the war on fat, about the struggle with food and fear of being fat; from the inside out. At times in my life I have relied on food to numb-out unacknowledged emotional pain. I remember one trip to India, during which I managed to put on weight, even though I had a bout of Delhi Belly! I recognize now that I was miserable in an unhealthy relationship, my self-esteem was in tatters, and I constantly compared my body to the skinnier yogis, eating my way to very temporary pleasure through mountains of tasty Indian cuisine and sweets. I have many times noticed myself exercising with a fear of fat motivation, rather than from a place of self care; because Im worth it! Our deeper motivation is the prime indicator to watch in whether we can heal ourselves for good.

In practice as a natural health practitioner, I have found that fat protects layers of hidden emotional injury. I call these emotional wounds our 'Black hole'. Every person has a black hole to heal, even if they pretend they are indestructible, or if they are frightened to acknowledge their vulnerability. Most people use food, relationships, drugs and alcohol to self-medicate uncomfortable emotional states. Ever notice that unpleasant nagging feeling that something is missing, a space needs filling? This may manifest as boredom, irritation, sadness, or a number of emotions. These feeling states are clues that a space inside needs to be heard before it can be healed. Simply feeling uneasy and using a habitual behaviour such as pouring a wine or snacking, is avoiding our real potential to heal.

Many people spend their whole lives avoiding the rewarding journey of healing the black hole. Many cultural and social norms accept and encourage the avoidance of discussing emotional issues. What is really going on for you and how does it feel? Scary ideas for many whod rather not go there. Crisis may be a time when people search for more substantial fulfillment and healing.

Thankfully healing the hungry hole, the catalyst for unwholesome eating and drinking behaviors, is possible for everyone. It is also an inspirational process, which I recommend from personal experience. Emotional healing is a vital part of becoming a mature adult, and provides the ground floor of total wellbeing. Alongside nutrition and lifestyle education, establishing emotional wellbeing is pivotal to healing the obesity crisis.

There are countless well-qualified and experienced professionals specialising in working with people who are ready to heal the black hole (this really means just making friends with it!). Psychologists, health practitioners, coaches, spiritual teachers, counselors, and doctors to name a few possibilities.

As people acknowledge and accept their vulnerable soft spots they are naturally able to invite all the injured parts of themselves home into a more unified whole. The empty space then no longer has the loud voice which causes us to overindulge in things that eventually hurt us. This is an indescribably fantastic feeling.

Personal work may be challenging at times, but its worth every moment. I am happier and healthier now that ever and am grateful to have opportunities to put myself back together again. When we feel more whole, we feel loved and no longer need unhealthy habits to make life bearable. From this confident place it is easy to make wise decisions about nutrition and exercise. It is easy to choose healthy options because we intrinsically know we are worth it.

I encourage individuals, the government and the media to take a gentler, but more effective, holistic approach to obesity, including sensitive and accessible programs for emotional healing. Naturally this also includes access to exercise programs and nutrition education.

Remember, its not the fat thats the problem; its the fear of fat. What we hate haunts and hunts us. Lets dish out large helpings of real compassion and start facing the core of the problem rather than dishing out superficial solutions.

Just imagine if that headline had read '67 million dollar fund promotes fit healthy bodies'. Sure it has less of a sensationalist punch, but it would make people with fat bodies feel optimistic and interested, rather than the target. Who wants to be the target of a war-campaign, when you can be a person desiring increased wellness and a body which feels good?

Anna Wilde provides skills to empower people who want to heal body-image and food related issues. Check out Healthy food made easy. Get yummy recipes for a healthy bodyweight like: Lemon Coconut Fish