So I shamelessly stole this directly from an amazing book called “Fat Loss Happens on a Monday”!
It’s definitely one of the best books I’ve studied regarding health and fitness and I highly recommend it.
The parable of “The Two Wolves” is used perfectly in the book to address our self-talk and how we look at ourselves.
In chapter 6 the authors remind us of the story:
An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life…
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
"The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
"Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied,
"The one you feed."
I remember coming across this story years ago and it was one that really helped re frame my mindset.
In the following chapter Josh and Dan continue to explain how the story of “The Two Wolves” can be connected to our body image and food.
In regards to body image:
Wolf 1 is talking to yourself about hating parts of your body and constantly comparing it to others. Trying to use your body as a tool for acceptance.
Wolf 2 appreciates all your body does, focusing on your favourite parts, being grateful for your body, cutting off negative thoughts about your body, being proud of your body and being inspired by what it can do
In regards to food:
Wolf 1 is resentful of eating healthy food, feeding negative thoughts of missing out because of not eating crap, justifying being lazy about healthy food, talking about how hard it is to eat healthy, complaining about how healthy food isn’t what you really want.
Wolf 2 appreciates how healthy food makes you feel, focuses on your favourite healthy foods, being proud of eating in a way that fuels a strong healthy body, cutting off negative thoughts about healthy food.
What we focus on is how we feel.
When we shift where our focus is regarding body image and food we can change our feelings on them.
For whatever reason you can’t get a coach right now, but want a good plan to follow, I couldn’t recommend highly enough “Fat loss Happens on a Monday”. Get yourself a copy and follow the advice given!
So which wolf are you feeding?