Back in 2010, Taylor Swift told WebMD about her eating philosophy in an interview. Her method is in lockstep with the tenets of intuitive eating. This approach focuses more on tuning in to your body’s cues and providing freedom to enjoy all kinds of foods while avoiding rigid diet rules. Swift picked up these habits over 15 years ago, a testament to her dedication to these principles long before they ever became trendy. Today, more than 200k posts about them have been uploaded on TikTok alone.
Throughout the week, Swift made healthy eating a priority—choosing salads, yogurt, and sandwiches. She stated, “During the week, I try to eat healthily, so that means salads, yogurt, and sandwiches. No sugary drinks. I try to keep it lighter.” She gave herself permission to indulge in all of her comfort foods, like ice cream, cookies and cheeseburgers, on the weekends. This beautiful balance is a true testament to her mastery of showcasing moderation and nourishment in equal parts.
Swift consistently communicated a positive approach to eating, emphasizing that her diet is not super strict. “But it’s nothing too regimented or crazy. I don’t like to create too many rules where I don’t need them. We know what’s good for us, thanks to common sense,” she explained. This perspective reflects a core tenet of intuitive eating, which encourages individuals to eat when hungry without tracking macronutrients or feeling guilt about food choices.
Registered dietitian and food policy expert Jinan Banna expanded on the core principles of intuitive eating. She stated that it “focuses on trusting your hunger cues. You decide what to eat and how much based on that.” Banna said we have to push back against diet culture. This method removes the stigma around food and becomes the foundation for a positive connection to eating.
“It really rejects diet culture. It avoids judgments around food, and it puts the focus on trusting your body.” – Jinan Banna
Many experts agree that having a rigid mindset towards eating can lead to negative impacts on body image and relationships with food. Banna noted, “We need to be careful that we don’t take a super-black-and-white, very-strict attitude toward food. To this they say it is indeed true that all foods are fit in moderation. This philosophy is in sync with Swift’s approach to enjoying her favorite Starbucks beverages, like spiced pumpkin lattes. She said she tries to make healthier choices during the week.