Choose Your Own Adventure: Intuitive Eating at the Ballpark

Imagine this: you’re a Kiwi tourist at your first baseball game in the US. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd is buzzing, and the smell of hot dogs and popcorn fills the air. It’s time to choose your own adventure! How will you navigate the food choices? Let’s explore three different paths you might take.

Adventure A: The Restriction Route

In this scenario, you decide to listen to food rules and diet culture. You restrict yourself from having that iconic baseball game hot dog. Instead of enjoying the game, you spend your time preoccupied with thoughts of the food you’re not allowing yourself to have. You’re there physically, but mentally, you’re missing out on the whole experience. The focus is on what you can’t have, and it’s hard to truly be present.

Adventure B: The Guilt Trip

Here, you start by telling yourself you won’t be “naughty” and avoid the hot dog. But the more you resist, the stronger your cravings become. Eventually, you give in and enjoy the hot dog and maybe a beer. Instead of savoring the moment, guilt creeps in. You beat yourself up and promise to “be good tomorrow,” planning to restrict your diet or overexercise to compensate. The joy of the game is overshadowed by feelings of guilt and self-criticism.

Adventure C: The Mindful Enjoyment

Now, let’s take a different path. You decide to allow yourself to enjoy the hot dog and a beer, knowing that all foods can fit into a balanced way of eating. You’re present, savoring each bite and truly enjoying the experience. There’s no guilt, just pure satisfaction and appreciation of the culture. You immerse yourself in the moment, soaking up the atmosphere and making memories.

The Takeaway

Choosing Adventure C embodies the spirit of intuitive eating. It’s about being mindful, allowing yourself to enjoy all foods, and understanding that one meal doesn’t define your overall health. By letting go of restrictive food rules and guilt, you open yourself up to fully experiencing life’s moments.

When you allow yourself to enjoy food without guilt, you can be more present and make the most of your adventures. Whether you’re at a baseball game, traveling, or just enjoying a meal with friends, remember that food is a part of the experience, not a barrier to it.

So, next time you find yourself at a baseball game (or any event), choose your own adventure wisely. Embrace the moment, enjoy the food, and be present. Life’s too short to miss out on the fun because of food rules and guilt.

Enjoy the game, and most importantly, enjoy the journey, friends! 🌭⚾🍻

Be kind to yourself,

M x