01/01/2026
Japan was a masterclass in the practice of “normal eating.” 🇯🇵
There’s a common myth that “normal” eating means eating “perfectly” or choosing “healthy” options all the time. Another is that there is only one “right” way to do it. In reality, normal eating is a flexible, low-stress relationship with food that may look different from day to day.
Here is what “normal eating” actually looks like in practice:
💫 No Food Morality: There are no “good” or “bad” foods. It’s about choosing what will nourish your body while unapologetically choosing what will satisfy your soul. You can care about eating nutritiously without cutting out the food you absolutely love.
💫 Flexibility over Rules: Normal eating responds to the moment. It’s being flexible enough to adjust to your hunger and fullness, your emotions, and your environment. On this trip, that meant choosing food based on what’s available, what looked interesting, satisfying and nourishing. It also meant stopping when satisfied—even after just 1-2 bites—or eating less when the food simply wasn’t vibing with me.
💫 Structure without Rigidity: It’s having a general plan for meals (like # of meals per day or go-to snacks) without rigidly adhering to a schedule or any specific practice. It’s calm and low-drama.
💫 Trusting the Flux: Overeating is a normal, human part of the process, not a moral failure. Undereating can happen, too. Normal eaters trust that their bodies can handle the natural ebb and flow of appetite.
💫 Emotional Range: Sometimes we eat for fuel, and sometimes we eat for comfort or pleasure. No justifications are needed.
When you stop trying to follow a set of externally applied rules, you finally have the space to actually eat in a way you truly enjoy. But beyond the mental peace, this approach is also deeply healthy for the body. By moving away from the “all-or-nothing” cycle, you reduce the stress of food-related anxiety and allow your body’s hunger and fullness signals to take the lead. True health isn’t found in a rigid meal plan or rules; it’s found in a sustainable, reliable relationship with food that supports both your physical well-being and your peace of mind.
