Practicing non-judgment with food is not mainstream-- yet.
The messaging about food ongoing, on a sign around every corner, when you open your phone and possibly in many day to day conversations. So we have a collective opinion about food but mostly it's confusing and there's a lot of guilt around what we enjoy.
So what's non-judgement look like? Eating whatever you want whenever you feel like it? If you're not calculating or putting pressure on yourself, wouldn't you go off the rails? Usually we hear the voice of the "Food Police" set in and it sounds like a forceful parent or the boss.
Approaching without judgement it the opposite.
It's knowing yourself. Listening to what you have to say. What you like. What you don't like. Finding contentment in the joys of food. Even allowing joy for food.
Non-judgement allows compassion. This approach allows you to be observant.
This perspective is hopefully curious, and skeptical and even a little picky.
Think of a toddler who is trying new food for the first time. If you've ever watched a young child eat, you know they experience their food differently. There is a lot of thought that goes into just allowing these foods to go into their mouths and that doesn't mean they are even convinced it should be swallowed.
A good non-judgemental perspective is a scientist, anthropologist, a neutral observer.
Here is what it can sound like.
"You ate that really fast- you must be hungry. In fact, you didn't eat breakfast...That makes sense."
"You really like that dessert. It is your favorite flavor and you might even want another piece."
"Your stomach feels uncomfortable and bloated. It could be the great big dinner you had or maybe that one side dish didn't agree with you."
"You feel full but this tastes really good. I could eat more or I could wait to see how my body and hunger feel in another minute- then just see what happens."
"This meal is unsatisfying. I will have to order what I'm craving next time."
Notice how the Anthropologist approach (an important part of Intuitive Eating) has a way of being objective. Almost without any emotion yet gentle. The Anthropologist is not going to make critical statements or snide remarks. That's the intolerable behavior of "The Food Police". Just the opposite- the Anthropologist has no agenda. The voice is only there to help you interpret what's going on in your mind, body and environment. Basically, your Anthropologist makes helpful observations. The purpose of this voice is to learn more about you and help you make discoveries about food.
Ultimately the Food Police used to "help" likely limits our ability to explore food and how we feel about it. By giving up the nutrition police, you can make self-informed changes that truly serves you and help you make good future decisions with the insight you need.
In giving ourselves permission with food we can take great steps toward self-care and grant ourselves grace in our ongoing human needs to eat and be satisfied.
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