Permission to Love Ice Cream: Finding Food Freedom Through Intuitive Eating

Break free from food rules and rediscover the joy of eating (yes, even ice cream) through the compassionate lens of intuitive eating.

Written by: Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN

If you know me, you know one thing for sure: I love ice cream! I’ll go out of my way to find the creamiest, most delicious scoop wherever I am; it’s a joyful little mission I fully embrace. My husband even once suggested we save a new ice cream spot I was excited about for a “weekend activity” because it was too far for a Thursday. Valid... but also, rude.

The truth is, I could eat ice cream morning, noon, and night. And I used to want to. Constantly. Not because I lacked willpower, but because I was trying so hard not to want it.

What happens when ice cream is off-limits

For years, subtle comments about my sweet tooth and portion sizes planted seeds of shame and guilt. I began to question, “Should I be eating this?” Eventually, I started telling myself I shouldn’t eat ice cream, that I needed to be “healthier.” I restricted it to “special occasions.” I swapped it for frozen yogurt. But that never really satisfied me.

And so I’d obsess. Think about it constantly. Eat the entire pint when I finally let myself have it. And then feel awful, not physically, but emotionally.

How intuitive eating changed everything

Enter intuitive eating: a practice that encouraged me to stop moralizing food and start listening to my body instead. One night, I craved ice cream for dinner, so I ate it. The next morning, I wanted it again, so I had more. No guilt. No spiral. Just honoring my craving.

What happened? I stopped needing ice cream to be such a big deal. It became just one food among many that brings me joy and satisfaction. Some days I eat it. Some days I don’t. It’s there when I want it, and that’s enough.

Rewriting the rules

Now, when a craving hits, I check in with myself. Do I want it? Will it feel good? If yes, I eat it. If not, it stays in the freezer. (Like the birthday sundae my husband brought home, it’s been untouched for days. That would’ve never happened years ago!)

This is the magic of intuitive eating: When you give yourself unconditional permission to enjoy foods, including the ones that diet culture tells you to “watch” like ice cream, you naturally find balance. You stop obsessing. You reconnect with satisfaction.

Ice cream is just ice cream

Sure, I still love a good road trip for a creamy cone. I still get giddy when my favorite local spot opens for summer. But now it comes from joy, not urgency.

That’s the heart of a peaceful relationship with food and the sweet freedom that intuitive eating has helped me reclaim.

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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.