Siddarth Shukla

A personal blog

Maintaining healthy lifestyle while battling a persistent attachment to food is a challenge many of us face. Despite having a thorough understanding of nutrition and the ability to lose weight multiple times, I find myself repeatedly gaining it back. The crux of the issues lies in my deep attachment to food and the constant struggle to maintain discipline. 

I am fully aware of correct dietary choices needed to keep my weight stable and improve my health. However, the challenge is not in knowing what to eat but in consistently practicing healthy eating habits. It has been a long time since I maintained the discipline required for a healthy lifestyle. I take full responsibility for regaining the weight because I am waiting to achieve a state of “Sehaj.”

Sehaj, in this context, refers to a state of effortless awareness and contentment where all desires are vanquished. Achieving Sehaj means overcoming attachments and desires that lead to unhealthy habits. However, my attachment to taste often overrides my intellect and better judgement. My emotional connection to food dictates my choices, leading to indulge in foods that are not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight. 

Growing up, I developed a strong attachment to the taste of certain foods. Whether it’s the delightful crunch of Snicker’s Almond, the creamy sweetness of ice cream, the fizzy allure of Coke Zero, or the comforting flavors of my mom’s cooked Roti, these tastes have a powerful hold over me. Sharing food with loved ones also plays a significant role. Memories of enjoying flames with Uday or savoring tacos and sushi with Juliana bring a sense of nostalgia and emotional comfort that is hard to resist. 

I have always found ways to justify indulging in these tastes, often using social occasions as an excuse. Eating in a restaurant with company has become a norm, making it challenging to stick to a disciplined eating plan. The concept of Sehaj eludes me when it comes to food. I have moments of temporary control, often driven by  specific reason like preparing for a wedding. These short bursts of discipline highlight how much my appearance matters to me. My ego is deeply intertwined with how I present myself in public. When my appearance does not meet my standards, my mind becomes insecure, further fueling my attachment to food as a source of comfort. 

This ongoing struggle underscores the need to find a sustainable balance. To achieve true Sehaj, I must work on detaching my emotional and ego-driven connections to food. This involves recognizing that taste and emotional satisfaction are temporary, while the benefits of healthy lifestyle are enduring. Developing mindfulness and awareness around my eating habits is crucial. By practicing mindful eating, I can begin to appreciate the nourishment food provides without succumbing to the fleeting pleasures of taste.  

In conclusion, overcoming my attachment to food requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to long-term discipline. It involves acknowledging the emotional and psychological factors at play and addressing them with compassion and awareness. By striving for a state of Sehaj, where desires are balanced and awareness I heightened, I can work towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports both my physical and mental well-being.