02/26/2026
As a dietitian, I regularly have conversations about intuitive eating and how food restriction leads to an unhealthy relationship with the forbidden food. I know this to be true from scientific research studies as well as what I see in my practice.
And yet, I share this quick story because I'm still in awe of the body and mind's ability to desire what they need. I snapped this photo of the cereal in my pantry the other day after both of my daughters chose plain greek yogurt, plain cheerios, and berries... completely on their own accord, even with all of these cereal options available.
Do they always make this choice? No.
Is it ok with me if they choose things like sweetened cereals, flavored yogurts, or chocolate chip pancakes? Yes.
Do I think I have parenting and feeding kids all figured out? Ha! Absolutely not.
But this was a good reminder - even to me, who lives and breathes this work - that when a wide variety of foods are available to us, we will choose what our bodies need in the moment. Sometimes that's vitamins and fiber, sometimes it's quick energy, sometimes it's nostalgia or comfort. All are acceptable. All are forms of nourishment.
