It seems like diet culture is unescapable these days, everywhere you look there’s a new diet fad that’s leading people to try some trending superfood or miracle elixir for a flat stomach or to shed an absurd amount of pounds in a short amount of time. It took years for me to realize these were all BS and that scientifically, diets do not work!
That’s where intuitive eating came in and changed my relationship with food and my body. Intuitive eating comprises of learning to trust your body to eat the foods that feel good for you; honoring your cravings and hunger cues without feeling guilt or being influenced by diet culture. Intuitive eating surrounds the following principles to “non-dieting” and healing your relationship with food:
- Reject the diet mentality
- Honor your hunger
- Make peace with food – give yourself permission to eat
- Challenge the food police – the only “bad” food is the food you’re allergic to
- Discover the satisfaction factor
- Feel your fullness
- Cope with your emotions with kindness
- Respect your body – accept your genetic blueprint
- Movement – feel the difference (what feels good vs. calorie burning)
- Honor your health – gentle nutrition
Understanding that foods have no moral values, honoring my cravings to feel satisfied, and moving my body in ways that feel good completely changed my relationship with my body and the way that I view food. Honoring your cravings and eating chocolate, or enjoying cake on a friend’s birthday, or skipping a workout because you’re tired is NOT going to change your body overnight. The more I started leaning into the cues from my body and less from society and diet culture, the happier I’ve become.
If you’re looking for more information on intuitive eating, I highly recommend the podcast: How to Love your Body . If you’re struggling with food or any disordered eating, please visit the National Eating Disorder Association for support, resources, and treatment.