4 Levels of Eating

Level 1: Eating for Pleasure

Impulsive and Reactive

Maximizing Pleasure, minimizing pain

Immediate gratification

Refined foods such as ice cream, cookies, candy

Excessive alcohol, chocolate or coffee

Emotional eating response to stress

Level 2: Eating for Energy

Blood sugar regulation drives one’s food choices

Foods chosen to stop hunger

Burritos and burgers are common choices

Quality is not really an issue

Highly acid-forming, allergy inducing and clogging

Level 3: Eating for Recovery

Inevitable cumulative effects of Level 1 & 2

Goes on a diet (Atkins, Keto, Paleo, Weight Watchers, Blood Type)

Positive effects of diet eventually diminish

More mature than Levels 1 & 2 but can become tiresome, judgmental and supplement driven

Level 4: Eating for Health

Lifelong learning about optimal nutrition

Similar to Level 3 but allows for personal choice

Choose from healthy, organic foods and eating in moderation

Care in preparation and presentation

Food is understood ad appreciated as an instrument of personal healing