11/10/2025
I so often hear that many people feel they should never eat when they’re not hungry. That is totally not true and sometimes we have to think beyond our immediate cues in terms of how we take care of ourselves.
Here are totally valid reasons you might need to eat even when you’re not hungry:
1. Preventing future hunger
You have a meeting, commute, or busy afternoon ahead. Eating now protects your body from a crash later.
2. Blood sugar support
For many people (especially those with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or certain meds), steady fueling is essential — hunger cues don’t always show up reliably.
3. Recovery from chronic dieting or an eating disorder
Hunger hormones can be suppressed for a while. Eating regularly helps them come back online.
4. Illness, stress, or emotional exhaustion
Your appetite isn’t always a perfect indicator of your needs — sometimes illness or stress mutes hunger… but your body still needs nourishment.
5. Gentle nutrition
You may choose to eat because your body needs something — energy, protein, fiber — even if hunger is subtle.
6. Pleasure & connection
Celebrations, traditions, grabbing a snack with a friend… these are part of normal, healthy eating.
Intuitive eating is about care, attunement, flexibility, and trust — NOT rigid rules or waiting for the “perfect” hunger cue.
