Normal eating is eating three meals and several snacks each day.

Or, from time to time, it is munching all throughout the day.

Normal eating is enjoying a slice of cake with ice cream at a birthday party.

Or, it is saying, “No, thank you,” without feeling the need to explain yourself.

Normal eating is allowing yourself to eat more now, simply because food tastes so good.

Or, it is pausing and saving some for later.

Normal eating is eating to a comfortable level of fullness, most of the time.

It is eating past comfortable fullness at other times.

It is choosing a hearty salad because it tastes amazing.

Or it is choosing a burger and fries because that also tastes amazing.

Normal eating is going out for a milkshake at 10pm on a Friday night with your friends.

It is making a nourishing breakfast of pancakes with all the toppings on a Sunday morning.

Normal eating doesn’t create rules, lists, or punishments.

Nor is it tinged with guilt, fear, anxiety, or shame.

Normal eating is flexible and freeing.

It varies in response to how we are feeling, what’s sounding good, and different life circumstances.

It allows the mental space to think about other meaningful aspects of life.

As well as the emotional space to be present with oneself and others.

It is nourishment that gives us energy to enjoy and savor all that life has to offer – food and exceedingly more.

More thoughts on nurturing a healthy relationship with food:

–> What is Intuitive Eating?
–> Increasing Satisfaction in Eating
–> What Foods Do You Consider Healthy?
–> Rediscover a Joy-Based Approach to Eating