Intuitive Eating is a growing trend that emphasizes listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, rather than following external diet rules or restrictions. It’s a holistic approach to health that recognizes the mental, emotional, and physical impact of dieting and seeks to promote a more positive relationship with food and body.
The idea behind intuitive eating is that dieting often leads to a cycle of restriction, bingeing, and guilt, which can have negative effects on self-esteem and mental health. By instead focusing on the internal cues that guide our eating habits, individuals can develop a more balanced and healthy relationship with food.
Intuitive Eating incorporates ten principles, including:
- Reject the Diet Mentality
- Honor Your Hunger
- Make Peace with Food
- Challenge the Food Police
- Respect Your Fullness
- Discover the Satisfaction Factor
- Honor Your Feelings without Using Food
- Respect Your Body
- Exercise—Feel the Difference
- Honor Your Health—Gentle Nutrition
Advocates of intuitive eating suggest that it can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable approach to food, improved body image, and better overall health. However, it’s important to note that intuitive eating is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may take time to develop a strong sense of intuition about what and when to eat.
If you’re interested in exploring intuitive eating, it may be helpful to work with a registered dietitian or a therapist who is trained in this approach. They can provide guidance and support as you work to develop a healthier relationship with food and your body.
1 thought on “The Rise of the Non-Diet: What to Know About Intuitive Eating”