Dieting is ostensibly the practice of eating less and less until you hit a specific number on the scale. Intuitive eating, on the other hand, is an approach to food and your body that focuses on being aware of what you eat and how it makes you feel.
These two concepts seem like they couldn’t be more different, but they are both ways of dealing with nutrition and your body image. So if you’re tired of counting calories, tracking points, or cutting out entire food groups, then you might be ready for intuitive eating. Intuitive eating can break you free from the pitfalls of dieting culture by changing the way you think about food. It leads to a new relationship with your body and its natural hunger cues. And most importantly, it helps you trust yourself around food again.
What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive eating focuses on your body’s hunger and fullness cues and what your body needs nutritionally. It is a way of eating that is not focused on weight loss or strict restrictions. Instead, it is a way of eating that is focused on nourishing your body, regardless of your size or weight. People who practice intuitive eating often eat what their bodies need, including dessert and a wide range of foods. They trust their bodies’ natural hunger and fullness cues and don’t use food as a way of coping with emotions—or at least only in a healthy way. Those who practice intuitive eating are able to enjoy their meals, pay attention to their bodies, and make food choices that are right for them. Intuitive eating is not a diet or specific eating plan. It is a process that involves making peace with food and your body. It involves three steps: eating when you’re hungry, stopping when you’re full, and paying attention to how different foods make you feel.
How to Start Learning to Be Intuitive with Your Body and Food
Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. There’s no rule of thumb for how much you should eat at a single meal. Instead, listen to your body and eat until you feel satisfied.
Try new foods, and don’t be ashamed of eating. You don’t have to eat exactly the same way every day. There are no rules about how to eat, and there’s no shame in exploring new foods. If you’re at a restaurant and you see something on the menu that you’ve never tried before, be brave and order it. If you’re grocery shopping and you see something new you’ve never tried before, pick up a bag and give it a try.
Be aware of how different foods make you feel. Every single meal has the potential to change your life, in one way or another. Focus on how different foods make you feel. Notice how different foods make you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. The more you tune into this, the more intuitive you’ll be with your eating.
Applying Intuitive Thought to Other Parts of Your Life
The best part of intuitive eating is the philosophical overhaul it can make for your sense of self and body image. That sounds big, but it’s true! Once you feel good about your body, you can branch it out into other realms, like socializing or fashion. Just like trying new food, try out some new outfits. Go for that jacket and those Alexander McQueen Trainers!
To move on from the harmful effects of diet culture, look inwards. Eat what makes you feel good—what you like, what’s healthy, what gives you happiness. When you practice intuitive eating, you can reassert a great relationship with your body!
Images courtesy of unsplash.com
