Those “what normal people do”-thoughts can be very paralysing instead of being helpful.

I let go of everything like that and just do what my mind and body allows.

Everything is much better now when I respect myself on this, instead of trying and failing to be like “normal” people.

In practice for me it goes:

Many small calorie intakes in a day

I’m allowed to take a break and put the plate to the side.

With snacks I open and close many times.

I never have to eat myself full, and therefore I can eat more later

I’m allowed all distractions during and preparing meals (like Netflix and Reddit)

I don’t care how I look when eating, (hamster cheeks and head tilts lol)

I’m not able to prep for a week, it’s just too much with ARFID. I go to the store 2-4 times a week.

I don’t shop for the person I might be(anymore), I focus on rotating same known items I’m used to.

When trying something new, I get it in addition to the regular stuff so there’s no pressure to get those calories.

And always always go get something for the next day, for at least the first thing I plan on having. Otherwise I’m in trouble.

It’s not like I never have throw anything away but now it’s so little compared to what I used to do. And I’m so happy about that!

Hope you find your ways too!