In this series I classify eating habits based on each of the seven major energy centers. See if you can pick the one that describes you the best.
Root Chakra – Stress Eating
Lifestyle factors cause the body to become so depleted over time that survival mechanisms take over. Food choices are based largely on reflex and tend to be foods that give you energy now at the expense of your future health.
Causative Factors:
- Cumulative effect of poor-quality food choices
- Fight or flight lifestyle i.e. burning the candle at both ends, working to much, over exercising etc..
- Accumulating too much financial debt or not having enough money
- Chronic systemic health issue, chronic pain, chronic emotional stress, environmental toxicity
- Poor sleep habits, not enough sleep, shift work
- Fasting for too long
Lifestyle considerations that will help:
Being a part of a community is essential. Doing it by yourself at this level is won’t work. You will need support and a lot of it. Surround yourself with people who live a healthy balanced lifestyle.
Nutrient dense foods, super foods with a variety of colour, hydration to restore depleted body. Avoid stimulants.
High intensity and/or long duration exercise is to be avoided. More fight or flight is not what you need nor will it have any benefit. Exercise should be yin/restorative. Stretching, meditation, gentle yoga, tai chi, walking, being in nature or rehab-based exercise to manage pain.
Pace of living needs to slow down. Chronic high stress can mask deep levels of fatigue which can become apparent and feel just awful when you finally slow down. Often, it is much easier to just go back into busy mode but that only builds up a greater deficit. Doing this can lead to a health crisis if the body continues to deplete.
Rest and regeneration are essential. Sleep more, do less.
As the body recovers vitality, your reflex survival mechanisms will dial down enough for you to have greater control in your food choices.