We hear many different messages about eating, how to eat and what to eat. Defining normal eating is a difficult task and can mean different things
for different people. Ellyn Satter, a social worker and registered dietician, suggests that normal
eating includes:
Going to a meal hungry and eating until you are satisfied.
Being able to choose foods you like and getting enough of it - not just stopping because you think you should.
Being able to give some thought to your food selection so you get nutritious food, but not being so wary and restrictive that you miss out on
enjoyable food.
Sometimes giving yourself permission to eat because you are happy, sad or bored, or just because it feels good.
Three meals a day - or four or five - or choosing to munch along the way.
Leaving some cookies on the plate because you know you can have some again tomorrow, or eating more right now because they taste so
wonderful.
Overeating at times, feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. And undereating at times and wishing you had more.
Trusting your body to make up for your mistakes in eating.
Takes some of your time and attention but keeps its place as only one important area of your life.
