2021 is here officially, which means there will be a flood of resolutions for the New Year. The most popular solution every year is to lose weight. I am losing weight. Many lose weight by trying a keto, paleo, or Whole 30 diet. They also test intermittent fasting and signing up for new gym memberships to help them reach their goals. Intuitive eating may be a good option if you want to change your healthy outlook this year.
What is intuitive eating? Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch introduced the concept in 1995 in their book intuitive eating. Intuitive eating means that your body should be listening to your cues and feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Intuitive eating promotes a healthy relationship between food and your mental health. It sounds simple. However, intuitive eating rejects popular diets today, such as keto, paleo, Whole 30, and others.
Tribole and Resch established ten principles for intuitive eating.
It would help if you rejected the diet mentality. It is impossible to lose weight quickly and permanently with a diet.
Respect your hunger. It seems simple. It would help if you ate when you felt hungry. You can become a binge-eater if you ignore your need until it becomes unbearable. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.
Be happy with your food. Avoiding certain foods can cause guilt, anxiety, and cravings. You don’t have to restrict your choices. Eat what you like.
Be a challenge to the food police. It’s not OK to eat smaller portions, and it’s not OK to eat potato chips. Do not let your weight loss culture dictate how you relate to food.
Find the satisfaction factor. Eating whatever you want, when you want it, is a rewarding experience that leads to a healthier and more balanced relationship with food. Limiting your choices in food can lead to deprivation and constant dissatisfaction.
Feel full.
Be kind to yourself and your emotions. It is essential to realize that food cannot fix your feelings.
Be kind to your body. Don’t judge yourself for how you look. Celebrate your body. It is beautiful just the way it looks.
Feel the difference. Get rid of the belief that exercise is necessary to lose weight. It feels good to exercise, and it energizes you.
Be kind to your body and avoid eating harmful foods. It is your long-term and not your short-term food habits that matter.
It can be challenging to accept the deeply-rooted culture of weight loss today. Tribole, Resch, and others say intuitive eating is about trusting your body and listening to your body’s cues. Although intuitive eating can be difficult, it is the best way for you to have a healthy relationship.
