January 21, 2025

What the fuck to actually eat when you stop restricting

22 minutes

Hey Queens! In this episode, I’m talking about a question I get asked all the time: “What the f**k do I actually eat when I stop restricting?”

It’s inspired by a lovely listener, Hedi, and so many of you who’ve shared the same struggle. I’m here to reassure you that, yes, it can feel paralyzing when you finally drop all your food rules—but there’s freedom on the other side.

Eat Whatever the Fk You Want**

You’ve let go of restriction, so the world of food can suddenly feel huge and overwhelming.

There’s no “wrong” way to reintroduce foods—give yourself permission to honor what you truly want.

If you’re not sure what you want, try checking in with your inner child or imagine you’re no longer afraid of any food—then see what comes up.

No Food Is Off-Limits

Let go of the idea that certain foods are “bad.” Every food has its place.

You don’t need to earn your food or feel guilty. Guilt only shows up when you believe you’ve done something wrong, so unlearn all that diet-culture BS.

Follow Your Hunger—Even If You’re Not Hungry

Start by eating however much your body asks for, without counting portions or calculating macros.

If you’ve been restricting for years, your hunger cues may be all over the place. Eating at regular intervals—even when you’re not physically starving—is part of rebuilding trust with your body.

Challenge Safe Foods

Relying only on “safe” foods keeps you in a restrictive mindset.

Pick one food that scares you—like pasta or chocolate—and give it a try. Discomfort is normal; it’s also where the magic of freedom happens.

Take Inspiration from Free Eaters

If you feel lost about “normal” eating, look to someone with a truly non-restrictive, intuitive style.

I shared a sample day where breakfast could be toast with peanut butter, a mid-morning donut if desired, a satisfying lunch, an afternoon snack, and a flexible dinner—without overthinking or planning.

Enjoy Your Food

After years of fear, let yourself rediscover pleasure in eating.

Savor the flavors, eat slowly if it feels good, and notice how each bite tastes without shame or guilt.

I’ve been where you are, terrified and convinced “going all in” meant I’d lose control forever. But by trusting my body, I now eat a naturally balanced diet without obsessing—chocolate is just chocolate, not a forbidden treat I can’t stop thinking about.

It might feel messy and chaotic at first, but it gets easier. Unconditional permission to eat is the path to true food freedom.

Eat anything and everything your body craves, and keep reminding yourself: you can’t do this wrong.

This episode is all about letting go of rules and letting your body guide you. You’ll find your equilibrium as you practice.

If you enjoyed this and found it helpful, I’d love your support! Please leave a five-star rating on your podcast app, subscribe, and share with a friend—or hit “like” and “subscribe” on YouTube if you’re watching there.

Thank you so much for listening and for being part of this journey with me. We’ve got this, Queens!

Join my free support group: https://victoria-kleinsman.circle.so/c/free-support-group/

Work with me: https://victoriakleinsman.com/work-with-me/

...more

View all episodes

By Victoria Kleinsman

4.9

4747 ratings