That title seems like quite the oxymoron, doesn’t it? Many perceive intuitive eating as completely go-with-the-flow in moment to moment eating decisions. Doesn’t planning negate that concept? I don’t really know the answer, but I do know that I would say I practice it.

Most of you know how much I believe in intuitive eating. I wrote an entire series reviewing its principles after all. (You can find all those posts under my Top Posts page). At the same time, however, I have to plan out much of what I eat..and when I eat. As a mom coordinating schedules for two others, I have to make time for myself to eat because otherwise I honestly may forget to eat. That’s no fun and only leaves me ravenous and out of touch with my body. Also, we have a pretty tight budget when it comes to groceries; meal planning has to occur.

For this reason, I typically eat the same things each week for breakfast, lunch, and snacks as they are the items planned for in my meals. Dinner is something new every night, but also planned while making my grocery list. My meals this week, for example, look something like this -

Breakfast = oats topped w/ natural peanut butter & fruit, an egg on the side

Snack 1 = a banana and some Cocoa Roast or Cinnamon Roast almonds

Lunch = a sandwich on bakery fresh 9 grain bread w/ turkey, tomato, spinach, mustard, pickles, onion and veggies w/ hummus on the side…some dark chocolate for my sweet tooth

Sometimes I will have leftovers for lunch instead of the above.

Snack 2 = a container of Chobani and an apple before heading to the gym

Dinners = last night we had roasted chicken & carrots, fresh green beans, and whole wheat macaroni & cheese (thanks, Alisha for the care meal! delicious!!!)

Dessert = If I’m craving something, I will have a small somethin’ somethin’ for dessert. You can imagine this happens in some form most nights. 😉

So, how can I call this intuitive eating if I know ahead of time what I plan to eat? In my opinion, there is one basic difference that allows this style of eating to work for me and still be intuitive on a whole. My plans are simply due to lifestyle and not set with the intention of having control over my food. This way I can still practice true intuitive eating with the following adjustments if necessary:

• If I still feel hungry over what I planned to eat, I do not hesitate to have more.
• If I truly don’t feel like eating something, I don’t force it. We do have other options I can make work when I don’t feel like having a planned meal.
• I still focus on eating mindfully and being aware of cravings caused by emotions, stress, fatigue, etc.
• I plan foods and meals I truly enjoy and I know I will want to eat. I don’t plan foods because they are “good” versus “bad” or fit a certain caloric allotment.

So, there you have it. My approach as “planned intuitive eating”. It works for me.

Question of the Day – Do you plan out meals or take things one meal at a time? What ways do you practice eating intuitively?

Also, do you like the occasional “my day of eats” posts to see what I have or do you prefer it more sporadic with showing a snack here, breakfast there, dinner every now and then?

Yesterday was the last day of 2010. It ended on a supremely good note. After having a rough day before then, I determined that I would end the year well. Sometimes you just have to make a day a good one. I didn’t have to force too much though, since they day included so many great plans.

I started off with a quick circuit style workout. I used the very first fitness DVD I ever owned and completed. The Beachbody Slim in 6 workout.

It’s a very basic mix of light cardio and strength moves with a resistance band. It makes a perfect beginner workout – or late pregnancy workout in this case. I got pretty sweaty and my legs were certainly feeling it by the end.

After my workout, Peter & I headed out to meet up with some friends for lunch. Thomas and I go way back. We’ve known each other and been friends for over 15 years! So crazy to think that. We only get to see each other a few times a year because he now lives up north.

We have our little tradition of going to O’Charley’s. It’s a chain I don’t mind. Mainly because I am in love with their California Chicken salad – chicken, oranges, strawberries, pecans, spinach, blue cheese…yum! Please excuse the recycled super old photo from my blog. I may not be much good at photography, but at least better than this now.

I also forgot to snap a picture of the group of us together, so here is one from their wedding we attended over the summer.

There’s certainly something special about those old friendships. No matter how long we go without seeing each other or talking regularly, the bond will never cease.

Later that night, we spent our time with “newer” friends though. We have developed such amazing friendships through our small group at church. I really do not know what I would do without them and couldn’t imagine ringing in the New Year with any other group of people.

We had a low-key evening with lots of chatting, lots of laughing.

And lots of eating.

Yes, that would be Jess’ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip. And yes, it is as fabulous as it appeared on her blog. In fact, having the chance to make that for our NYE party almost makes baby B still residing in my stomach worthwhile. Now let’s see how much longer he plans to chill in there. I’ve been having some minor contractions again…we just have to wait to see if they disappear or increase. I’m certainly praying and crossing my fingers for the latter.

Question of the Day – What’s the oldest friendship you have? What did you do for New Year’s Eve?