During first sessions with new clients I am frequently asked, what does an intuitive eater eat? It’s no surprise if you share this question too. After years and years of being on a diet, you expect to receive rules, grocery lists and meal plans. That’s quite the opposite of what an intuitive eater eats though! Keep reading to see what this former carb cycler turned intuitive eater keeps in her pantry and fridge.

An Intuitive Eater’s Pantry

I came into intuitive eating after 4 years of carb cycling and intermittent fasting. Which means, I previously endured low carb days multiple times per week. I would skip taco shells on Tuesdays. Add coconut oil to my coffee and smoothies. Avoid fruit, bread, cereal, pasta. Or only allow a tiny portion of it so it fit my macros. Then on regular macro days, I had to force-feed myself oatmeal, potatoes, rice and other foods I wasn’t always in the mood for to hit my high carb goals.

That was a sad, restrictive life!

Now that I’m an intuitive eater, my pantry looks much different. I enjoy all foods whenever I want. I keep a variety of grains and cereal. Including fun cereals like Cinnamon Cheerios (try them on yogurt with sliced banana and blueberries…so good!)

I also keep potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers and cookies! Once I did the work to become an intuitive eater and neutralized all foods, they no longer are fear foods. I can confidently keep them within reach on my pantry shelves. Purchase them at the grocery store. And I don’t over-eat them or restrict them. It ends up looking like having a handful of chips a few lunches a week. A couple cookies every so often. And crackers and pretzels once in awhile.

A very balanced approach to eating.

An Intuitive Eater’s Fridge

Similar to my pantry, my fridge is now home to a wide variety of foods as well. I no longer vilify foods like mayonnaise, flavored yogurt and Italian dressing. I’m not limited to low carb days to enjoy snacks I love like cheese and pepperoni. Eating a sandwich with deli meat several times a week makes me happy.

I have also discovered the foods that I genuinely love. Not because of a “clean” diet or health benefits. But because they truly taste good and help my body thrive. I continue to grill extra chicken and veggies so that I can have leftovers for lunches. I like whole milk in my coffee with stevia and collagen powder. But I prefer oat milk or almond milk in my protein shakes. I absolutely love fresh fruits, berries and salads. As well as snacking on crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery dipped into Hidden Valley Ranch (it HAS to be that brand!) I drink more water when I add slices of cucumber and strawberries. But I also like to enjoy a packet of lemonade some days. Diet Coke has made a comeback too but I only have it a couple times a week.

An Intuitive Eater Eats Both Nutrient-Dense & Fun Foods

What I’m ultimately getting at is, when you become an intuitive eater, you’re not just going to sit there and eat chips and cookies all day. You may think you can’t trust yourself around food, but that all changes when you lose the diet mentality. Because an intuitive eater eats what she wants and moves on.

We now eat such a wider variety of foods. Most are nutrient-dense and help my body feel its best. Others are just fun. They still serve a purpose because they taste good. They add a little crunch, sweetness or excitement to the meal.

What Happens When You Become an Intuitive Eater

I know it can be so hard to imagine. But I promise you. Once you neutralize all food. And you know you can have it at ANY time. Unconditionally. You’re not just going to sit there with your hand in a bag of chips all day.

Because your body is eventually going to be like “GIRLFRIEND! Give me some vitamins! Give me some protein! I need carbs! Time for some fat!”

Your body is amazing! You just have to listen to it.

This can be you too! Join me today to begin your journey of healing your relationship with food, mind and body. Click here to learn more about my 12-week intuitive eating group coaching program, Diet-Free Academy.

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