Eating "The Same" Every Day

From skwigg's journal:

That's also a really good question about "eating the same every day." That does not mean AT ALL what I thought it did. In my restrictive diet mind, that phrase would have implied eating the same kind of foods, same times of day, same portions, and juggling my schedule and everyone else's to make it happen. The massive breakthrough in thinking was when I realized that "the same" is not about the food or the clock. It's about habits and mindset.

Every day: I eat to feel good before, during, and after my meals. I'm flexible regarding when I eat and what's available. I eat a satisfying amount when I'm physically hungry. I eat what I actually want. I go to sleep at night comfortable and proud of myself, not stuffed or starving. I eat plenty of nutritious whole foods because they taste good and make me feel good. I understand that it's what I do most of the time that matters. One weird day affects nothing.

So, yeah, nothing about eating certain foods at special times. Trusting myself and listening to my body are the daily constant. That generally leads to eating three meals. They may be two breakfasts and a big dinner nine hours later. Or an evenly spaced breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or a normal breakfast, big lunch, and light dinner. If I eat mindfully and honor my appetite, I eat roughly the same quantity of food from day to day. I'm never hungry for 5,000 calories of ice cream and potato chips, or satisfied with 1,200 calories of fish and green vegetables. Circumstances and timing may change but I go right down the middle every day, honoring my appetite and taste preferences. There's cake on weekdays, vegetables on weekends, vacations and parties without constant mindless snacking. It's crazy. :-)