Follow your instinct

Listen to your body. It knows what it needs.

In a world saturated with diets and weight-loss programs, the concept of intuitive eating offers a refreshing perspective on our relationship with food. Instead of counting calories or adhering to strict meal plans, intuitive eating encourages us to listen to our bodies, honor our hunger and fullness cues, and reconnect with the joy of eating.

What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive eating is a mindful approach to eating that promotes a healthy relationship with food, free from the constraints of diet culture. It was developed by registered dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch and is based on the belief that our bodies inherently know what and how much we need to eat to maintain our health.

Intuitive eating is a holistic approach to nourishing both your body and mind. It begins by rejecting the diet mentality; diets often trigger a damaging cycle of weight fluctuations, an unhealthy obsession with food, and the burden of guilt, all of which can harm both our physical and mental well-being. Intuitive eating instead encourages us to honor our hunger, viewing it as a natural, biological cue that deserves our respect. Paying attention to our body's fullness cues, practicing mindfulness when eating, and stopping when we are satisfied, but not overly full, is essential.

Intuitive also rejects labels like "good" or "bad" and grant ourselves unconditional permission to enjoy all types of foods without judgment. The process involves challenging and reframing the inner voices known as the "food police" that impose strict food rules and generate feelings of guilt around eating. Food should be a source of pleasure, and it encourages savoring the flavors and textures of our meals, fostering a deeper enjoyment of the act of eating.

Intuitive eating as a solution to binge eating?

Intuitive eating can be a helpful approach for individuals who struggle with binge eating. By learning to tune into their body's hunger and fullness cues, individuals with binge eating tendencies can develop a healthier relationship with food. Intuitive eating can help them distinguish between true physical hunger and emotional eating triggers.

Many people with binge eating disorder have a history of restrictive diets, which often exacerbate their bingeing behavior. Intuitive eating encourages the rejection of diet mentality and unconditional permission to eat, helping individuals break the cycle of restriction and subsequent binging. Also, both intuitive eating and binge eating treatment emphasize self-compassion. Binge eating often leads to feelings of guilt and shame, which intuitive eating aims to alleviate by encouraging self-acceptance and a non-judgmental attitude toward food and eating behaviors.

Intuitive eating is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may take time to fully adopt its principles. However, it offers a liberating and sustainable approach to nourishing your body and mind. By reconnecting with your body's signals and embracing a non-judgmental relationship with food, you can rediscover the joy of eating, enhance your well-being, and break free from the constraints of diet culture. Remember, it's not just about what you eat, but also how you eat that matters.

🚀 Like to learn more about myths about intuitive eating?

💘 Curious to know more about solutions for binge eating? Check out this blog that reviews a variety of apps that support you in overcoming binge eating.