Intuitive eating is a lifestyle and “anti-diet” in which individuals give themselves complete freedom around food and what they choose to eat.
1) Intuitive eating allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods without guilt.
Intuitive eaters don’t restrict themselves and make “rules” about what they can and cannot eat. By following this “anti-diet,” you develop a more open and comfortable relationship with food in which you can enjoy the junk foods you love, such as pizza and ice cream, in moderation.
2) You’ll learn that “eating whatever you want” doesn’t mean you’ll only choose unhealthy food
Intuitive eating is all about listening to your body and learning to understand what you really want to eat. For example, if you know you’re going to work out, you may recognize that you will feel the best if you eat lean protein beforehand. Even if junk food may taste better in the moment, you may decide that having the best fuel source is more important to you in that specific situation.
3) You’ll be able to satisfy your cravings
Do you ever want to eat something unhealthy, but you’re trying to avoid calories, so you choose a “healthier” option instead? Do you then find yourself snacking more and more throughout the day because you’re never truly satisfied? With intuitive eating, you’ll realize that what’s best is to enjoy the foods you crave in moderation so you can get on with your day and not spend it obsessing over your relationship with food.
4) You’ll have a healthier relationship with food
Have you ever suffered through a restrictive and unsustainable diet that left you feeling cranky and without energy? When you practice intuitive eating, you will always be able to eat enough to fuel your body without guilt. If you’re hungry, eat. It’s as simple as that. If you’re not hungry and you’re eating for a different, more emotional reason, you can work on learning how to identify this and figure out alternative strategies in these types of situations.
5) You’ll realize there are so many things that are more important than dieting to have a “perfect body”
Intuitive eating allows you to enjoy food freely and for what it is – a tool. Food can be used for fuel, for enjoyment, to bring people together, and as a celebration. When you build a more free and honest relationship with food and diet, you will have so much more time and energy to dedicate to more important things such as your relationships with your family, your friends, and yourself.