Intuitive Eating in Real Life: Abby

A personal story of how Intuitive Eating works in real life.

Written by intern Abby Wojcik, Edited by Cristina Luibil MS, RD, LDN

Growing up consumed by diet culture, food was always a tricky subject for me. I started struggling with it as early as 10 years old, even before I really understood what dieting or “watching what I ate” meant. I just knew that food felt like something I had to be careful around. While other kids were grabbing seconds at sleepovers or eating birthday cake without a second thought, I was already thinking about whether I “should” eat something, whether someone was judging me, or what it might mean for my body. 

“Yo-yo dieting” wasn’t just a phrase I heard adults throw around. It consumed my eating habits. I cycled through phases of strict rules, frustrated overeating, bargaining with myself, guilt, and starting over and over and over again. It became such a routine that I stopped questioning it altogether. I thought that’s just what eating had to be for me: inconsistent, stressful, and never truly satisfying - physically or emotionally.

However, about two years ago, I hit a point where I couldn't ignore how much mental space food was taking up in my life. Every bite felt like a test I could pass or fail. Family dinners stopped feeling like family time altogether. Snack tables at parties weren’t fun; they were battlegrounds where I tried to “be good” while secretly fearing I’d lose control. Food wasn’t fun for me; it was constant negotiation.

What helped me begin to change was listening. Listening to my body. Listening to people who supported my happiness. Listening to my own exhaustion from trying so hard all the time. That’s when I first came across intuitive eating. At first, it sounded unrealistic, like it was something meant for other people with a perfectly calm relationship with food. “Eat what I want? Trust my body?” After years of stress and rules, it felt completely impossible.

But the more I learned, the more intuitive eating made sense. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life counting calories, restricting things, or feeling guilty about things that should be simple. I wanted to change.

It didn’t happen overnight. I started small, paying attention to hunger cues instead of the clock, noticing what my body actually wanted instead of what I thought I should want. I let myself eat foods I used to label as “bad” or “off-limits,” and watched the guilt fade. Even though I started off slowly, it was still progress for me. I started asking myself simple questions: “What do I want right now? What will make me feel good, not just in the moment, but later too?” And maybe the biggest shift of all, I stopped treating fullness like failure.

As I practiced more principles of intuitive eating, things continued to shift. I worked on honoring my hunger instead of waiting until I was starving. I learned to respect my fullness rather than push past it out of anxiety or “last chance” thinking. I practiced giving myself permission to eat all foods so they no longer held power over me. I started respecting my body instead of fighting it. Slowly, these principles helped quiet the noise in my head.

There are still tough days. Old patterns didn’t disappear instantly. But little by little, food started to feel neutral again. Meals weren’t tests. Snacks weren’t traps. Social events became social again, instead of situations I had to strategize around.

One of the most surprising changes was rediscovering enjoyment in food. I started trying new foods I had never let myself explore before. Foods I used to avoid because they felt too indulgent, or too unfamiliar. Now I actually enjoy experiencing new flavors. Going out to dinner became something fun instead of stressful. I can read a menu and pick something because it sounds good, not because it fits some rule. I could order dessert without rehearsing the calories in my head. Eating out became an experience again, good food, good company, great memories.

Intuitive eating has given me a kind of freedom I never knew I was missing. It taught me that my body isn’t something to control 24/7; it’s something I should be listening to. I’m still learning and unlearning, still growing, and still practicing. But for the first time in years, I feel like food and I are finally on the same team. 

If you are looking to break free from diet culture or are curious about how Intuitive Eating can work for you, Aterra can help! If you would like to get in touch with our dietitians or access more of our resources, check out the links below!

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It may not be tailored to your specific health needs as it is written here. 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.