Why Intuitive Eating Just Makes Sense

It all starts with a decision to be self-compassionate. Food and eating are part of this puzzle, and having self-compassion is a big part of Intuitive Eating.

Written by: Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN

Lately, I’ve been leaning hard into self-compassion, and it’s been nothing short of freeing. As a recovering perfectionist, I’m realizing that I can’t control everything, and honestly, permitting myself to take a breath (or a nap, or a cookie) has made space for joy in ways I didn’t expect.

My monthly self-care lists have been lifesavers this year. This season especially, they’ve reminded me that little rituals matter, because taking care of myself doesn’t have to be complicated.

What self-care has looked like lately

• It's officially soup season: French onion with grilled cheese, butternut squash paired with crusty sourdough, and dumpling soup loaded with spinach and mushrooms.

• Reconnecting with my yoga practice has helped me transition out of work mode and stay unplugged in the evenings.

• Fall-scented wax melts, the fluffy down comforter back on the bed, and cozy naps with cats in coordinating sweatsuits (yes, that happened).

• And baking cookies with my husband, just because we felt like it. No agenda. No substitutions. Just M&M and plain doughy goodness.

So… where does intuitive eating fit into all this?

Honestly, everywhere.

• I had mental space to enjoy my life instead of worrying about what I "should" or "shouldn’t" be eating.

• We baked cookies for the joy of it, not to give them all away, or to “healthify” every last ingredient. We ate some, saved some, and moved on. No guilt. No food rules. Just presence.

  
  

That’s what intuitive eating is about: trusting your body, honoring your cravings, and making peace with food so you can get on with the rest of your beautiful, complex, seasonally-scented life.

So I’ll ask you gently:

Are you able to have fun with food on any given day? And if that feels hard right now, why might that be?

There’s no judgment here, just curiosity and compassion. Because, like intuitive eating itself, this is a journey of rediscovering what feels good, grounded, and true to you.

Oh, and if you're exploring self-compassion, I highly recommend this free group created by Dr. Kristin Neff and her team. It’s a lovely, judgment-free space that can make a world of difference when you’re learning how to be kinder to yourself.

Want to learn how to eat your favorite foods without guilt or stress?!

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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.