Who's Talking at the Table?

I recently came across this idea while listening to and reading Intuitive Eating, sometimes I need both to really absorb something, and it stuck with me. The authors talk about “food voices”: the Food Police, the Diet Rebel, and the Nutrition Informant.

I had to laugh because I’m pretty sure I’m all three. Just ask my family, they’d say I’m the Food Police for sure. But I still slip into all of these roles. They’re all alive and well in my head, just taking turns depending on the day.

The Food Police shows up with her rulebook, the one who reminds you that you’ve “already eaten enough carbs today” or questions whether you really need dessert. She means well, but she’s exhausting.

Then there’s the Diet Rebel, who storms in after too many rules and says, “Forget it, I’ll eat whatever I want.” She’s fiery, defiant, and kind of fun… until she leaves you feeling disconnected and frustrated.

And finally, the Nutrition Informant, who sounds more polished. She tells you it’s not about dieting, it’s about “health.” But sometimes, her advice still carries that same undercurrent of guilt and control, just dressed up in wellness language.

Noticing Who’s at Your Table

What I’ve been learning is that none of these voices are bad, they’re just loud.
They’ve been shaped by years of messaging about what we “should” eat, how we “should” look, and what “healthy” means.

The practice now is simply to notice them.
To pause and ask:

“Who’s talking right now?”
“Do I want to listen to that voice?”

Some days the Food Police is in charge. Other days, the Rebel takes the wheel. And sometimes, the Nutrition Informant quietly sneaks in, disguised as reason.

When I can step back and recognize who’s speaking, it’s easier to invite in a calmer, more compassionate voice, one that’s curious instead of critical.

Because food isn’t just about rules or rebellion.
It’s about connection, nourishment, and trust and maybe learning to give everyone at the table a seat, without letting them run the show. 

I’d love to know, do any of these voices sound familiar?
Which one tends to speak the loudest for you?