Navigating Intuitive Eating as a Mom: Real-Life Challenges and Growth

Explore the honest challenges and everyday wins of embracing intuitive eating while raising a family as a mom, because nourishment, trust, and growth go hand in hand.

Written by: Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on the ups and downs of my intuitive eating journey, especially how it evolved the moment we found out we were expecting our little one. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful that I had already laid the foundation for intuitive eating and self-acceptance before entering this new chapter.

Still, that doesn’t mean it’s been smooth sailing. Becoming a mom, or stepping into the role again, brings real challenges, and intuitive eating challenges as a mom are no exception. Whether you're newly pregnant, deep in postpartum, or chasing toddlers while trying to enjoy a meal, you're not alone.

Here’s what the journey has looked like for me:

1. Honoring my hunger (even when it felt complicated)

Before pregnancy, I felt confident in reading my hunger cues. Then the first trimester hit like a plot twist: I was either ravenously hungry or nauseated with no appetite. Hello, intuitive eating challenge number one. It was tough navigating food aversions while trying to stay grounded in the principles I had spent so long practicing.

2. Reconnecting with the satisfaction factor

After weeks of bland food for survival’s sake, rediscovering satisfaction was like waking up my taste buds all over again. My cravings and preferences had shifted, and I found comfort in familiar favorites more than ever. And that’s okay—intuitive eating as a mom sometimes means sticking with what brings peace and pleasure in the moment.

3. Respecting my changing body

Years ago, these dramatic changes in my body might have triggered discomfort or frustration. But now? I feel awe. This body has shifted and stretched to keep another human safe. That’s not something I want to fight or “fix”—it’s something I deeply respect. As a mom, intuitive eating isn’t just about food—it’s about embracing and honoring your body every step of the way.

4. Practicing gentle nutrition (without perfection)

There were days when I had no appetite, and others when I couldn’t eat enough. Through it all, I leaned into gentle nutrition, the final principle of intuitive eating. That means nourishing my body with intention, without rigid rules. It’s about balancing nutritional goals with flexibility, joy, and self-compassion—especially during a season as physically demanding as motherhood.

Gentle nutrition is not about being “perfect” with food. It’s about asking: What would feel supportive right now, both physically and mentally?

That shift in perspective changed everything.

Motherhood can magnify our relationship with food, our body image, and our sense of identity. So if you’re navigating these intuitive eating challenges as a mom, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think.

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Disclaimer: While I am a registered dietitian, the information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only and may not be tailored to your specific health needs. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.