Sometimes you just need that extra kick in the butt, push, or shove to get you going, stay on track, and really commit.
That’s exactly what my boyfriend provided me with on Wednesday, Feb. 6th.
Last week, I spilled my guts out to you. I shared a lot of bottled up emotions and something I wanted more than anything – to ditch my food scale and become more in tune with myself by becoming an intuitive eater.
But, how did this all start? Yes, I have been frustrated with weighing and measuring my food day after day, meal after meal, snack after snack, but how did I actually get past that fear of letting go of measuring everything? What made me go over the edge and commit?
Well here’s the story of how it all started…
On the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 6th, my boyfriend and I were making dinner in the kitchen (something we do pretty much every night together), but this night was different…
This evening was the first evening my boyfriend ever commented on my food scale.
It was sitting on the counter just like always, just hanging out, but he decided to ask me why I have it.
My instant reply was the typical reply of anyone who owns a food scale and weighs pretty much everything that they put in their mouth, “I use it to make sure I get what I need.”
His immediate reply? “That’s silly.”
Obviously, I rolled my eyes and thought “you just don’t get it”, but after his one little comment, I couldn’t stop thinking about that food scale and how silly it actually is. He was so right. It’s silly, it’s bizarre, and it’s completely unnecessary (just like I’ve found out over the past week of not weighing my food).
The next morning, his comment was still bugging me. I couldn’t shake it. That’s how I knew that I needed him to say that. And the funny thing is, he also knew I needed to hear it. He knew I was so close to making the change on my own, but just needed that extra push or kick in the butt to actually commit to serious change.
So, I FaceTimed my Mom on Thursday for hours on end. We cried and talked for hours. She gave me her support to ditch my food scale and start eating (or try to) according to my hunger cues.
Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my support system is incredible and it just continues to grow before my eyes. Not only do I have my parents and boyfriend, but so many of my friends (“real” and blogging) have offered their support to me as well and I cannot thank them enough <3
Thursday evening was the first meal I began to not measure or weigh. It was freeing and I felt so much more alive. More “normal” and much much less stressed.
Of course, I haven’t gone without my food scale for every single meal since that Thursday evening - I’m ok with taking baby steps, but I can tell you one thing… Every meal I don’t weigh is much better than the meals I do weigh.
As I am feeling more and more comfortable with not weighing or measuring my foods, I do it less and less. If I feel that I need to measure something for whatever reason, I always make sure there is some element in my meal that I do not measure.
This way, I still have that comfort in knowing I’m getting enough of a certain food, but also stepping out of my comfort zone at the same time by not weighing my other foods.
Change comes when you step out of your comfort zone, so I’m making sure I’m doing this daily and at every meal.
Staying within my comfort zone has held me back before, but not now. I’m definitely becoming more and more comfortable and less anxious with assembling my meals without a food scale, so I know it will take no time at all until the food scale is gone for good. Also, I hate that food scale and I only want love in my life 
Like I said, it was my boyfriend and I thought it would be a good idea to share with you how he lit that spark inside of me to actually make a serious change, toss my scale for good, and become a better me.
I have a lot to update you on in terms of my progress with intuitive eating. Are you interested in progress posts? Are you wanting to hear personal strategies regarding what has helped me with transitioning into becoming more of an intuitive eater? Like I said, I have a lot to share, so I could provide you with endless posts on this subject, but tomorrow you’ll be getting a recipe! 
It’s a good one, so be excited!
Love always,
Meg xo
Who last gave you the kick in the butt you needed to commit to something?
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
sometimes those boyfriends can be so wise! glad you have him around and he is such a great support!
Thanks Kaitlin!
Great blog Meg and I’m so proud of you for ditching that scale! Who has the time anyway! Plus you know exactly what your body needs nutrition wise- I’m so so proud of your accomplishments so far!! I needed a good swift quick in the butt a few months ago when it came to tracking all of my foods in Livestrong- it was crazy!! Now I have so much more time in my life to just live! Keep inspiring us my friend… Cannot wait to hear more on how the intuitive eating is going for you- You’ve got this!!! xoxo
Thanks Wendy!
I’m so happy to hear you’re not tracking food anymore either. It is so time consuming and soooo not necessary.
I needed to read this post, meg, so thank you. My trainer gave me a goal yesterday that she wants to see by tomorrow and lets just say….it’s intense. I cried during our session (while I was doing step ups/toe taps mind you, so I’m sure THAT was a sight haha) – but she gave me a kick in the pants, and I needed it….but I need support, too, because I am scared out of my wits about what the outcome of this goal might be – my mind likes to come up with all the bad outcomes and taunt me with them.
But again, thank you SO much for this – you definitely didn’t know the effect you were going to have (or maybe you did) – and it was such a positive one at that<3
Sometimes we all just need one last kick in the pants.
I’m so glad you’re having so much progress!
Sometimes, boyfriends are the best when they don’t know how to keep their mouths closed:) I’d love to see progress posts! I know you can do it and have so much faith in you, but would love to keep updated! You rock, chick!
Hey Meg! I just stumbled over here from the Blend Retreat site, and I wanted to say that I can totally identify with this post. I just started on my intuitive eating journey last summer, and while I’m not completely cured of all the dieting nonsense that has been fed to me since I was young, I feel increasingly more liberated by the day. I have a food scale, and if you can believe it, I used to use it on even the smallest things like cereal. Now I just use it when I bake to make sure I get the measurements right. Anywho, I just wanted to pop over to say hi.
Thanks for saying hi Haley! I really enjoyed this comment <3 Looking forward to meeting you in May!
Always interested Meg! Don’t forget, you’re not the only one with the struggles you speak of, and the way you overcome them will inspire us to do the same
Remember, you’re NEVER in this alone
I definitely want your progress reports! This is such a great story, Joe kicks me in the pants all the time and it’s so amazing to have his support. I love that you talk about how you were on the verge of making the change yourself already, because that’s super important. It has to come from within, but it never hurts to have someone help you make that next leap. Love you girl!
Love you too babe!
You are doing such great progress Meg, amazing! And yes,I’d love to hear more about it yet I am excited for the recipe, you know how much I love your recipes
I would need a kick in the butt now. I really do and think I have to do it myself since a few tried it already but no success so it’s me who has to make the change!
You go girl!! Baby steps is exactly what I was talking about. You are doing an amazing job, and sharing that with everyone else is so inspirational.
You are so blessed to have such a caring, loving, HONEST BF. They are few and hard to find (not to mention he is a chef) . Wish you could clone him and send one my way LOL! Yes, please keep us posted on what has/is helping you. Oh can’t for your recipe tomorrow!!!! Last night I enjoyed your spiced orange salmon with spaghetti squash only I was all out of Salmon :0( so I used shrimp. YUMMY just as delicious!!!
Happy Tuesday girl!!!
Love that recipe! AND I LOVE U
random comments definitely hit the spot at times – for better or for worse! i’m interested in whatever you have to say because i love you and think you’re incredible! hehe xoxo
This is great! I’m so happy you’ve taken that step towards “food freedom.”
I can definitely relate. My boyfriend has been such a big supporter of me, and if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have made a lot of positive changes I was avoiding. I guess he was a motivating factor for me towards recovery, and living a normal, healthy life that just wouldn’t work with disordered eating and exercise. I’m glad you have someone special, and so many others, in your life that are supporting your goals!
I’m so happy you have such a great support system surrounding you! Take small steps and you will get there. So proud of you
I think his tiny comment really resinated with you and you’re learning a lot already! It’s nice to have someone like that do help you out
Hi Meg,
I literally just stumbled upon your website today, and don’t know your history as I’ve only read back through the last few posts. But since it sounds like your aim is to develop a more relaxed and positive relationship to food, and to gain some weight, I would strongly recommend reading this series of blog posts/articles: http://www.youreatopia.com/archive/
Scroll down through the index and start with the post “Fat: No More Fear, No More Contempt. Part I”, and just keep going through the rest of the posts. All the scientific studies she cites can be found in the resources section (and she provides abbreviated references in the posts so you’ll know what to search for). Good luck with your journey to happier eating!
Best wishes,
Hannah
Thank you so much for directing me there Hannah!
Of course I want to hear more about this subject
Have you done any reading about it? I read a book that really helped me. It definitely isn’t easy at first, but its very liberating once it finally clicks!
I haven’t read a book yet just because I’ve been doing so well on my own! But it’s something I did consider
Big hugs to you, Meg! I am proud that you are taken steps to change the way you approach your eating. I know it’s scary – like you I have an ED history – and I sometimes I worry that if I “listen” to my body it will betray me and I’ll undo all the hard work I’ve done. But then I remember that my body never betrayed me – I betrayed and abused it. And time and time again, trusting my body has proven to be the best choice.
Recently, the hubs gave me a big kick in the pants. I was whining..um…discussing how I want to run a half-marathon “someday”. His response, “Stop talking and start training!”. Then he went on to agree to train with me.
Awwww yay I am so proud of you girl <3
sometimes i think the food scales tell us what we need (which is okay at times) but when you already KNOW what you need and YOUR body knows, then that’s totally different, yes?
TOTALLY!
Congratulations again Meg on becoming an intuitive eater! I definitely would LOVE to hear updates on your progress and any tips you can give along the way would be incredible!
Boyfriends definitely are good for some things! Mine was the main reason why I finally decided to take my new job that I’ll be starting next week! I was so scared to leave where I am notw because it is very comfortable to me and I love everyone that I work with, but deep down I really wanted to be challenged, and I knew that I would be able to handle whatever was thrown at me in my new position. I had the support from my family and friends who knew I could do it too, which was super helpful.
Driving home from my boyfriend’s sister’s college after watching her play basketball, my boyfriend has asked me if I had made a decision about my job (they gave me the weekend to think about it). I said I didn’t know if I should do it, and when he asked me why, I broke down and said I was scared. He literally yelled (in a loving way, of course) at me and said “Why are you scared!? Everyone knows that you can do this and we all support you so much! They wouldn’t have offered you the job if they didn’t think you were capable, and your current boss is even giving you his blessing and telling you to go! You need to start believing in yourself!”
He was right! And that was exactly what I needed to hear. At dinner with our families that evening I had told them that I had made the decision to take the new job
So happy for you and excited for your new job! You should submit me a high five
Every meal I don’t weigh is much better than the meals I do weigh. —> totally agree!!!
your boyfriend sounds like a very wise person
sometimes it is those that are close to us that can do something that just makes sense, it just clicks. we have had that happen to us a few times with family and close friends
hugs
Because I have some of the same struggles, I would love to see all your strategies and progress.
Thank you so much for this. I have been obsessively calorie counting for about a year and made myself stop last week. I have really been struggling with guilt and trying not to count as I try to eat intuitively. I will definitely be following your blog and looking forward to progress posts. Even this post helped so much.
Hi Amy! I think I know which post I will write next for you <3
I’m so proud of you Meg! I know how difficult it can be to just let go of measuring and counting but once you do, it is exactly what you said – freeing. It’s also less annoying! I want to keep hearing more about your progress, not only because I think it’s valuable to me and your readers but also as a way to help you express your feelings about it. I find that blogging is just as freeing as letting go of that scale! Xo
this post made me smile..
when i was in the depths of my ED i thankfully had my brother to tell me “b, just shut up and eat”.. I swear he got me through so many meals.. now i know anyone with an ED, those words “just eat” is probably the most threatening phrase but I was at a point where i just wanted to be normal again. I had to step out of my own head and look around.. take a long hard look at normal people, like him and truly want to get better…
the days i cried and wanted to throw in the towel, i had to remind myself that i wanted to live. i knew i had to live. i didnt know for what, or why or where i would go in life, but i knew that i had to fight the battle.
i constantly had to think that if i knew someone who was in an abusive relationship, i would take that fucker (<-pardon my french) down.
and thats exactly what an ED is, a controlling abusive plague..
you have to want it so bad to truly achieve it. and i believe you can.. it'll be the biggest battle to let it go, but once you do, the freedom is so powerful.
every challenge you take will make you stronger. will give you more courage and strenth to move foward.
dont let this thing win… its not worth it.
letting go is being strong. dont let it fool you that its making you weaker.
thanks girl!
When I was at the deepest point of my ED, I had someone tell me straight up I didn’t look like an athlete anymore because I had no muscle tone. It was my mother and it was probably the smartest/best thing she ever said to me. An athlete isn’t frail, thin, and has no muscle or worries about eating fat. This was a huge, HUGE thing for her to say to me. I’m glad your boyfriend hit something which made you think twice towards an even stronger recovery! Keep it up, lady!
Thank goodness for that mom of yours!!
Sometimes just a little push is all you need! You are lucky to have such wonderful support in your life.
we need men like this in our lives.. keep in mind that he is probably the “logical” side of your food talk. my man is my logical thought for food.. because we all need a little kick in the pants or a slap in the face. good luck, girly. i (and many others) are here for ya!
Thank you Haley! LOVE U
Hi Meg,
As someone who has been weighing her protein on and off for a few years- now more so because I live alone, I am truly inspired by your ability to ditch the scale. Your series of posts have inspired me to practice more intuitive eating rather eating every 3 hours. I REALLY want to be in tune with my body and not have to worry about whether I am going to be able to eat at the specified time. I know it is a process and that it won’t happen overnight. But, your posts have helped me and I am eager to hear what else you have to say. You are an inspiration! <3
Aw Ali! I am so happy you feel this way! I will definitely write more about this topic and keep you in mind <3 If you have any specific questions ask away!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment that is. Fighting for that freedom is so worth it and something I need to work on. I’d love to hear about your experiences with intuitive eating.
Meg, part of the reason I started to read your blog (and why I pitched my Crohn’s post to you rather than others) is because of your balancing of these types of raw, no-my-world-really-isn’t-as-peachy-as-it-sometimes-seems posts with your workouts, your recipes, and then your “I hard a hard day yesterday, this is what I learned, how I’m moving forward, how I’m choosing to see the positive.” Lately I would say that you have gotten rather life-is-freaking-grand (and who’s to say it isn’t? I REALLY hope it is, my dear!) and why we are all happy for you, it can be a hard pill to swallow sometimes. I am saying this not to put you down or to “hate” but to encourage you–THESE are the best posts! These show not only that you ARE doing better in your recovery and progress but also, and most importantly for those of us still struggling, HOW you progress in mind, not just body. Journey, not just destination.
Again, I am so happy for you and your progress, I hope to make like changes in my own life soon so that I can live a more unfettered life.
Just be the real Meg, not the one you tnk we want to hear. Find the balance again. Be happy when you are, be angry when you are, and be strong when you are. THAT is how you capture your audience and make a difference.
I’m so glad that your boyfriend gave you that push girl!! I can’t wait to chat and catch up!!
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