Recently I ate a large Jersey Freeze as a treat but it was not quite right for me.  Now don’t get me wrong, I loved this soft serve ice cream and would highly recommend it.  The situation was that I usually mix in fruit and chocolate with my custard or soft serve, and I really did not like the options listed, but I ordered one anyway.  I thought later in the day, I wonder is it time for a food and eating inventory?

Inventory

When I think of inventory, I think of stores counting the number of towels they have on the shelves or the number of cans of mushrooms.  Inventory is a list of items such as property, goods in stock, or even the contents in a kitchen.  Inventory can also be the process of taking stock or reviewing, even as it relates to eating and the food we choose.

Back to the Jersey Freeze. As I take stock, I should have ordered a different item (you notice I did not suggest the option of NOT eating the ice cream!)  that I knew I would like better or would satisfy me more.

Process

This might be a silly example, but the process is beneficial.  It is a good practice to review how you feel when and after you eat and what foods you are selecting to eat.  Things to think about are:

• Why did I choose to eat that?  Was I hungry? Bored? Or filling a different emotion?
• What symptoms did I have after eating? Was I satisfied? Stuffed? Unsettled?
• How did the food fit my lifestyle? Was it healthy?
• Are there daily or weekly patterns to my eating?
• How long have I practiced these habits? Are they working for me? Do they help me reach my goals?

Stepping back and taking stock is a good practice in which to engage.  It can help break cycles of feeling stuck.  It can lead to transformations and breakthroughs. Taking time for a food and eating inventory can help you look at your food intake in a different light, develop a plan, and help you choose what future actions you want to take.