Mariah Carey needs fried chicken and 12 vanilla protein shakes.

Alicia Keys needs individual packets of Quaker Oats instant oatmeal and room temperature Evian water.

Taylor Swift needs mac and cheese and two four-packs of Red Bull.

… and these are just some highlights.

Celebrity riders are extensive.

Producers are busy.

No one really has time for all that, but they make time.

They hire people.

If the budget is tight, they rework things to make it happen.

Why?

Because they want these performers at their venues, and these performers have specific needs that are non-negotiable.

In fact, we all do.

Celebrities are pampered and prioritized because of their status, but the truth is that we all have specific things we need to feel our best and operate at our full potential – especially when it comes to nourishment.

Intuitive eating is not about throwing structure to the wind and eating whatever, whenever (already dancing to that Shakira song).

The structure is your soul.

Your intuition.

When you truly listen, she’s SUPER specific – just like Taylor or Mariah.

When you’re approaching intuitive eating, the mindset is one of deep regard and respect for your needs.

The actions are listening to your body, getting what you need, receiving support, and setting boundaries.

Life will always be full, and you probably want it that way – full of all the things you love.

There will always be the option to just eat what everyone else is eating…

To ignore your body…

To numb out…

… and there will always be the option to give your body what she’s asking for.

Intuitive eating is not the simplest path.

The simplest path is going through the motions.

Eating the foods you think you’re supposed to eat.

Eating the foods that are most readily available.

Frequently numbing out through food, caffeine, or alcohol.

Intuitive eating is the path of the gentle warrior.

It’s for the woman who is not messing around.

The woman who refuses to betray herself.

It’s for the woman who is willing to stand up for herself.

The woman who is willing to ask questions at restaurants.

The woman who is willing to tell her best friend she doesn’t want to share the burger and fries, and would like to order something else.

It’s not always comfortable – but the payoff is complete food and body freedom.

True freedom.

Freedom where you feel good on all levels – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Intuitive eating is for the woman who regards herself so highly that she fiercely goes with HER flow, instead of going with “the flow.”

It doesn’t mean always going against the grain, but the willingness to do so must always be present.

The willingness to put yourself and your needs first.

There are exceptions, of course, like if you have children – but the vibe is putting your own oxygen mask on first, which is always essential.

Because when you put your own oxygen mask on first, you can truly show up for yourself, your loved ones, and your work.

Committing to intuitive eating means committing to yourself…

Committing to your soul…

Refusing to betray yourself…

Showing yourself love by eating the foods your body is asking for – the foods that work for you…

… and forgiving yourself when you don’t.

Committing to yourself means making self-love and self-reverence non-negotiable.

It means choosing to give yourself the benefit of the doubt – to regard yourself highly no matter what happens.

Intuitive eating means taking care of your energy and emotions, and setting boundaries with those who drain you.

So, what’s on your rider today?

Share with me in the comments below.

With so much love,
Lula