These days, it seems like everyone wants to put a label on their eating. Vegan. Paleo. Gluten free. Clean. Here’s a funny point, when people find out I’m a dietitian, I often get a lot of speculation about what “kind of eater” I am.  Such as,

“You must be a healthy eater.” 
“I bet your diet is perfect.”
“Are you doing XYZ diet?” 

I never quite know what to say, because being grilled about my eating habits is kinda uncomfortable.  If I had to be known for a certain eating label, I would just say I’m a “normal eater.”

Read more as a talk about what Normal Eating is and it’s not what you think! 

Going to the table Hungry 

Dieting and disordered eating have become normal eating. Both are so prevalent, that we often label “concerning” eating behaviors as normal.

Examples:

• Skipping meals to save up for a big dinner. Normal.
• Avoiding entire food groups. Normal.  (Exception is going Vegan)
• Spending an hour each day tracking calorie intake. Normal.

Clearly, that’s not the kind of “normal” eating!

Normal eating is going to the table hungry and eating until you are satisfied. It’s being able to choose the food you like and eat it and truly get enough of it – not just stop eating because you think you should.

Normal eating is being able to give some thought to your food selection, so you get nutritious food, but not being so wary and restrictive that you miss out on enjoyable food.

Normal eating means eating out of hunger most of the time, but not always.

The reality is Normal eating is occasionally drowning your sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerrys or mindlessly eating the cookies or donuts a coworker brought into work. You may feel a hint of guilt, but rather than saying “the helk with it,” you are able to look at the situation objectively and brainstorm a better way of dealing with the trigger in the future.

There will always be stressful days and coworkers who like to bring in donuts.

Giving yourself permission to eat

Normal eating is nourishing yourself regularly throughout the day. Perhaps it’s with three meals a day, or maybe for you it’s usually 5 smaller meals.

There may be busy days when you find you’ve gone too long without eating and feel ravenously hungry. There may be days where you just don’t have much of an appetite, and miss meals or snacks. There may be days where you feel very hungry and eat more meals and snacks than usual. Some days you may miss the mark.

The key is you’re giving your body what it needs.

Normal eating means adapting to what food is available in the situation. Maybe that means eating at a restaurant you don’t like because that’s where your friends want to go. Maybe that means ordering takeout because you don’t have time to cook. Maybe that means throwing a ton of random snack foods together to make a meal and even though it isn’t super satisfying, you know you have plenty of opportunity for tasty meals in the future.

Normal eating means food is part of life, but it isn’t all of life.   Normal eating also leaves room for other interests too.

Trusting your body to make up the mistakes in eating

Normal eating means making decisions based on what you want and need in THAT moment, and what’s available to you.  Normal may value nutrition – or not!

There’s no rule that you HAVE to eat healthy. Normal eating knows that nutrition is ONE form of self-care

If you zoom out on normal eating, you’ll see lots of nutritious foods – and plenty of fun foods.  Some days may have a higher ratio of nutritious foods. Other days you might just eat cheese sticks, French fries and a fried chicken sandwich. Neither is good or bad it’s just what felt good and right at that time.

Normal eating balances out “mistakes” in eating over time, so they aren’t really mistakes.

Summary

In a nutshell, normal eating is FLEXIBLE!

The main point is, normal eating is knowing food isn’t your enemy.

Normal eaters know food is there to nourish your body, and your soul.

Normal eating means food is your friend, an ally that is there to support you in living longer, feeling better and enabling you to do the things YOU enjoy doing!

 

Sandra Recommends

The summer season is quickly approaching!

Are you ready to break out your shorts, tank tops, swimsuits???

If you don’t quite feel ready after a long winter, I’ve got the perfect answer

This is what I’m hearing:

• people are not comfortable in their clothes,
• not happy with how they look,
• not comfortable with putting on a bathing suit.

If this is you, I’ve got you covered.

On May 7,  I’m kicking off my FREE LIVE Challenge called:

During the challenge:

• 3 days of satisfying, easy to prepare meals/snacks
• 3 days of filling powerhouse breakfast smoothies to start your morning off strong
• 3 days of live training, from me, with a different topic each day as well as me coaching you through the challenge
• 3 days of accountability, group support, and hand holding

Come out of this challenge:

• More energized
• Less sugar cravings
• Feeling better
• Reviving up your metabolism
• Jump starting weight loss

Come out of this challenge on the right path to becoming the “BEST VERSION OF YOU”!

Amazing what the body is capable of is JUST THREE DAYS!!!

Registration is NOW OPEN, and you all are getting this link HOT OFF THE PRESS. Learn more and Grab your spot [CLICK-HERE]

******Challenges are more fun with a buddy! Invite a friend or family member*******

Share this link: actionchoies.com/SummerShapeUp

 

Previous week’s topic The Key Question to Ask Yourself Before & After you Eat

Next week’s topic How We Unknowingly Self-Sabotage our Diet (as well as Our Results), and How to Stop Doing It!