In an earlier blog I told you I had started a 40 day self-care challenge for myself. The challenge was to cut out sugary foods such as chocolate, biscuits and cake. I also cut out alcohol.

My motivation was for general health benefits including weight loss and reducing inflammation.

On the surface I have been successful in this challenge. I have found it easy to avoid the foods I chose to cut out. However I noticed something strange. I have gained about four pounds in weight.

At first this didn’t make sense. Then I reflected on how my eating habits have changed over the last few weeks.

I have cut out the specific sources of sugar but then quite unconsciously I have increased my carbohydrate intake. You probably already know that in the body carbohydrates are broken down into sugar.

How had this happened?

I have a theory, based on my training and experience. I believe that food issues are rarely just about food. In some way sugar has a place in my psychological and emotional strategies. This form of unconscious sabotage needs to be viewed as useful data. It provides us with information that will ultimately help us.

My suspicion is that this is rooted in some personal work that I have already cleared and that this experience is an indicator that there is some more to do. I am also aware of some stress in my life right now that may also be having an impact.

I have decided to use some specific tools that I find really useful as a way of exploring and clearing what this change in eating has triggered.

I am going to use two techniques developed by Connirae Andreas, the Core Transformation Process and Wholeness Work. I’ll let you know how I get on later in this series.

For me listening to your body in this way is another way of practicing self-care. Listen to your body, listen to your responses and notice what you learn.

Do let me know what discoveries you make about yourself as you deepen your self-care practice.