One of the biggest myths I hear about food freedom and intuitive eating is that you can’t have it or do it if you have food allergies/sensitivities/restrictions. Well my friend, this is totally false! And I’m going to tell you why.
I used to think that I couldn’t care about my health if I wanted food freedom. I thought that I would only be totally free once I proved that I could eat cheese pizza without fear or guilt or anxiety...even though I’m lactose and gluten intolerant.
I thought that I was still falling into restrictive habits when I intuitively wanted a paleo chocolate chip cookie instead of an Oreo, even though I do love both!
I thought that I wasn’t at 100% food freedom when I was craving a side salad instead of a plate of french fries, even though I know that veggies daily are pretty essential for my wellbeing and mood.
What I thought was that food freedom looked one way: freely eating cookies and pizza and fries and pasta. What I realized was that food freedom is a mindset, not a menu.
Let’s break this down...
So if my body legitimately isn’t equipped to properly handle those foods, does that mean that I can never have food freedom?? Heck no! It means that I can empower myself to choose a pizza that will make me feel good and satisfy my craving.
Similarly, let’s say you intuitively are craving an omelette, but you’re allergic to eggs. Does that mean you can’t eat intuitively? NOPE! It means that you can empower yourself to find an option (maybe a tofu scramble?) that will make you feel good and satisfy your craving.
Food freedom and eating intuitively are much more about the mindset that you have around food, and less about the actual food that you’re choosing to eat.
Ultimately, the way in which you think about and label your “off limits” foods really matters. If you tell yourself that gluten is a “restricted” food, your brain and body will feel restricted. Restrictions always lead to feelings of being out of control, which always lead to spiraling and then going overboard and then ending in a heap of guilt and regret. If instead you tell yourself that you’re prioritizing flours/carbs/pastas/breads that make you feel good, your brain and body will feel empowered and in control. You’ll be able to confidently choose gluten free grains that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied, and you can leave the stomach aches behind!
Choosing fear and lack means choosing restriction.
Choosing love and abundance means choosing freedom.
When working on your food freedom journey alongside allergies/intolerances/restrictions, focus on what you CAN eat and thrive on. Focus on the abundance of choices you DO have. Focus on your gratitude for having the resources to go and buy those foods. Focus on trusting that your body will tell you exactly what it needs.
Leave the fear, confusion, frustration, and control behind, and step confidently into your personal freedom.
Still feel like you can’t stop thinking about food and controlling all of your meals and ingredients? I got you girl! It’s a process! That’s why I want to give you this gift: a step-by-step guide on Eating with Love & Intuition to Stop Obsessively Thinking About Food. Download it now, and let me know what you think! See you on Instagram!