I woke up earlier than usual this morning. It was still dark outside my bedroom window. Rather than tossing and turning, I got out of bed, washed my face and brushed my teeth, drank my bottle of water with my daily vitamins and made my coffee. Journaling and sitting in the stillness of the morning, waiting patiently for the sun to rise is a simple pleasure. This morning I started to reflect on how much my relationship with food, and with myself, has shifted over time.
In my “earlier life” (before I began truly working on my relationship with food and my body image), I often thought of eating in terms of rules: what I should or shouldn’t have, how much was “too much,” and whether I’d “earned” something indulgent. Those thoughts were so normalized through diet culture that I hardly noticed them. But now, happily, I find myself drawn to a gentler, more intuitive rhythm.
I have tossed away old narratives about my body, unhelpful habits and outdated beliefs, especially as I have experienced hormonal changes that allow me to be a bit kinder to myself. For me, listening has become a kind of daily practice. Some days, it means noticing when I’m truly hungry versus when I just want to graze. Other days, it’s recognizing that I might need to lay down and rest more than “going going going”. And there are some days I want to walk outside and notice the signs and sounds of nature as it feels better to me than my gym routine. It’s tuning in, even when my body feels unpredictable. This stage of my life feels less like a set of guidelines. I’m realizing that intuitive eating extends far beyond the plate. It’s a philosophy of self-care that honors the whole person.
I am not gonna lie (to you or to myself), that there is also a sense of mourning that can come with these transitions—the letting go of how things used to be. But alongside that loss, there’s a greater desire to reconnect with myself and feel tremendous joy.
When I think about it, this stage feels like a recalibration. It’s not about “getting back” to who I was, but about growing into who I am now with presence, compassion, and respect for the natural seasons of change.
If you’re walking through a similar time, whether it’s menopause, a shift in identity, or another life transition, perhaps this is your reminder to pause, breathe, and listen inward. Your body is still speaking. The language may have changed, but the message remains the same: you are worthy of care, nourishment, and trust.
I’d love to hear from you: how has your relationship with food or your body evolved as you’ve moved through different life stages? I am a licensed social worker and Intuitive Eating Counselor and I am passionate about helping women rediscover joy and trust in their relationship with food and body. I offer virtual sessions and share reflections on living with intention, balance, and kindness. Contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com