Eating on a Budget x Intuitive Eating
Client question:
How can I eat intuitively when the grocery budget is tight?
Intuitive eating is a privilege because it relies on the individual having access to a variety of foods that they find satisfying and craving. Not everyone has this privilege. If you are struggling with permission to eat or even gentle nutrition because your food budget doesn’t allow you to buy the necessary food to practice this permission, this is a valid barrier. However, eating intuitively does not mean eating all the expensive foods. It is possible to still eat satisfying meals with a limited food budget.
Often a very crucial phase in learning how to eat intuitively is curiously and intentionally challenging the food rules and diet authority in your head. It is very natural to temporarily feel like you’re only craving the foods that feel forbidden. This is an expected and even healthy phase. The only way to find neutrality and flexibility with food is to experience the eating rebellion. Keep reminding yourself that this is temporary. Your body is destined to organically crave balance or gentle nutrition. If you are in the food rebellion phase, it is crucial to not put too many boundaries or conditions on eating - including budgeting - which is why intuitive eating is a privilege. You might find, though, that giving yourself permission to eat includes eating foods with various price points, especially because many inexpensive foods are demonized. So! If you’re on a limited food budget, don’t let that stop you from starting your intuitive eating journey - you just might find that you save more money and eat with more satisfaction.
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Eating should be both an enjoyable and mundane part of your day. Your body wants to feel well - trust it to do its job. If you live in the reality of food insecurity (unsure when or where your next meal is), focus your energy away from “is this food healthy” to “all food provides nourishment.” Feed yourself and your family what you have access to.
All foods provide nourishment. The human body is amazing. For example, it needs glucose – broken down from carbohydrates – to energize your brain and red blood cells. The body will break down carbohydrates from a large variety of foods – chips, bananas, muffins, brown rice, potatoes, and even candy – to process glucose. We feel best - emotionally & physically - when we get nourishment from a large variety of foods. There’s too much to worry about in life - stop worrying about the minutiae of nutrition. A balanced meal is a meal that is both emotionally and physically satisfying.
The intention behind this information is to help you practice intuitive eating while also making economic food decisions.
Idea #1: Make the food you already own more satisfying:
Pull a stool or chair up to your pantry/fridge/freezer with a notebook or notes app handy to take some notes on the following questions:
