The ‘I’m going to EAT it ANYWAY!’ Button

When You Eat the Food You Think You “Shouldn’t”

This week, a client shared something that made me smile with recognition—and I have a feeling it’ll resonate with you too.

She said,

“I was battling with my food choices. I felt like I should order the salmon dish, but what I really wanted was the mac and cheese. And you know what? I just hit the ‘I’m going to do it anyway‘ button.”

Sound familiar? That “I’m doing it anyway” moment can feel like rebellion—or relief. Sometimes it feels empowering, and other times it comes with guilt or second-guessing.

But here’s what I want you to know:

That moment isn’t really about food.
It’s about resistance.

It’s the part of you saying:
“Enough with the rules. Enough with the pressure. I need some space.”

We all have an inner rebel—the one who pushes back when things feel too restrictive, too monitored, too full of “shoulds.”

And instead of judging her or trying to shut her down, what if we paused to listen?

Ask yourself:

• What is she rebelling against?
• How is she trying to support you?
• What does she need right now—freedom, comfort, a break from being “good”?

Sometimes we’ll hit that “I’m going to eat it anyway” button.
Sometimes we won’t.

But either way, your rebel is not wrong.

She’s a part of you worth listening to—because she often points us toward our unmet needs.

Here’s a gentle practice to try this week:

The next time you feel the urge to rebel with food, take a breath. Ask:

What am I really needing in this moment?
And then respond with care—whether that means honoring the craving, or tending to yourself in another way.

Let’s talk about this.
What does your inner rebel sound like?

Hit reply and tell me—or share your thoughts over on my video about this on Instagram @ninamanolson (follow me once you’re there!)

With you in the messy, beautiful work of Body-Peace®,

Nina