Do you struggle with tossing away food when you can’t save it for later, even if you’re already full? We get it; saying goodbye to a partially full plate can be a tough ordeal, especially when you’ve formed a deep emotional connection with your meals. 🍽️

Becoming Okay With Food Waste

The real challenge comes when you find yourself unable to store the leftover food, be it at a restaurant or in your own kitchen. “What do you mean I have to let this go?” you might ask, reluctant to part with those last few bites.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with finishing what’s on your plate, we also know it doesn’t always leave us feeling great. So, if you’re having a tough time releasing your attachment to food for fear of it going to waste, here are a few things to think about:

1. Helping Those in Need

If the fear of wasting food stems from the notion that others are going hungry, consider this: eating until you’re uncomfortably full just to clean your plate doesn’t actually assist those in need. If you genuinely want to make a difference, consider donating to food banks, volunteering at food-related charities, or contributing financially. Your unpleasantly full stomach won’t help fill anyone else’s.

2. The Financial Perspective

Perhaps you grapple with food waste due to the money spent on groceries, restaurant food, or takeout. Well, continuing to eat beyond fullness and then investing in diet after diet because you’re unhappy with your body isn’t saving money; it’s wasting more. In reality, healing your relationship with food, forgoing ineffective diets, and adopting a more deliberate approach to your shopping and meal planning can save you substantial sums in the long run.

3. Nurturing Past Scarcity

If your concern about food waste traces back to a history of food scarcity, be gentle with yourself. Remind yourself that you can ask for a to-go box or wrap up leftovers to enjoy later. In situations where these options aren’t available, remember you have a choice:

• Own Your Decision: If you choose to keep eating, know that you’re not doing anything wrong. Don’t judge yourself for feeling overly full; you’re merely honoring your personal choice.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Calm yourself down and repeat the mantra, “The food isn’t going away. I am safe. I am okay.” Let this phrase serve as a reminder that your well-being matters.

Keep in mind that this journey takes time and patience. There will be moments when it’s easier to stop and times when it’s a challenge. The key is to minimize self-judgment and allow yourself to learn and grow. With practice, you can become more adept at honoring your fullness, regardless of what remains on your plate.

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The Best Guided Journals To Start A Journaling Practice 

Just so you know, I do review everything I recommend. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission.

“The Five-Minute Journal”

A widely acclaimed guided journal designed for daily gratitude and self-reflection. This journal prompts users to express gratitude, set positive intentions, and reflect on daily achievements, fostering a positive mindset.

“Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration” by Meera Lee Patel

This beautifully illustrated guided journal encourages self-exploration through a series of thought-provoking prompts, creative exercises, and inspirational quotes. It’s a visually engaging journey of self-discovery.

“365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Precepts” by R.J. Palacio

Inspired by the best-selling novel “Wonder,” this guided journal offers daily precepts, quotes, and prompts to encourage kindness, empathy, and reflection. It’s a heartwarming and insightful companion for personal growth.

“The Mindfulness Journal”

Geared towards promoting mindfulness and reducing stress, this journal includes daily prompts for meditation, gratitude, and reflections on the present moment. It’s an ideal tool for those seeking a more centered and mindful lifestyle.

“Bullet Journal Method” by Ryder Carroll

While not a traditional guided journal, Ryder Carroll’s method has gained immense popularity. The Bullet Journal is a customizable organizational system that combines to-do lists, calendars, and reflections, offering a flexible and personalized approach to journaling. Click here for a bullet journal. 

“The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal” by Julia Cameron

Based on Julia Cameron’s transformative book, “The Artist’s Way,” this journal encourages the practice of “morning pages” – three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing every morning. It’s a tool for unlocking creativity and overcoming creative blocks.

“52 Lists Project” by Moorea Seal

This guided journal provides a year’s worth of weekly list prompts designed to inspire self-reflection, gratitude, and personal growth. Each list is thoughtfully curated to explore different aspects of your life and goals.

“Calm the Chaos Journal”

Targeted at those seeking stress relief and emotional balance, this guided journal combines mindfulness exercises, prompts for self-reflection, and spaces for creative expression. It’s a holistic approach to calming the chaos in daily life.

“Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal”

Perfect for those who prefer a long-term commitment, this journal offers a daily question for five years, allowing users to track their thoughts and experiences over time. It’s a unique way to witness personal growth and changing perspectives.

My other favorite guided journals.