There has been a LOT of buzz around Intuitive Eating lately- what it is, what it isn’t, what it can and can’t do for you. I like to think of it as a framework- a supporting structure that informs how we approach our relationship to food and our bodies. It is NOT the latest fad-diet, nor does it purport to be a weight-loss method.
The creators of this framework are two dietitians, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, and they began working with this model in 1995. It is backed by over 100 peer-reviewed studies and provides an alternative approach to food and bodies that is weight-neutral meaning the the emphasis is not on weight, but rather on health markers and behaviors that promote self-care over self-punishment.
As the authors of the book and framework state:
“The principles of Intuitive Eating work in two key ways:
- By helping you cultivate attunement to the physical sensations that arise from within your body to get both your biological and psychological needs met and
- Removing the obstacles and disruptors to attunement, which usually come from the mind in the form of rules, beliefs, and thoughts.
The process of Intuitive Eating is a practice, which honors both physical and mental health. Intuitive Eating is aligned with Health at Every Size, because the pursuit of intentional weight loss is a failed paradigm, which creates health problems: including weight stigma, weight cycling, and eating disorders. All bodies deserve dignity and respect.”
So, what does that mean for you?
It means that Intuitive Eating can help you normalize your relationship to food by tuning in to your hunger and fullness cues, and by prioritizing pleasure and satisfaction while eating over food rules and restrictions. It also means that you learn to pay close attention to beliefs, emotions and judgements that you make around your body size and work toward accepting and respecting your ‘here and now’ body- and to understand that your body is always changing. You begin to let go of the idea that you can make your body smaller, and that a smaller body is better for your health. You develop skills of self-care to replace the sense of control that dieting (temporarily) offered, and you learn how to recognize and react to the needs of your mental, emotional and physical self.
Ultimately, Intuitive Eating is a positive approach to health in all ways, with strong a scientific evidence base. It builds freedom and trust, and frees us from a culture that constantly tells us that we are never good enough or doing enough. It teaches us to know, deep inside that we are enough- we are worthy of respect, compassion, self-care and compassion, and that doing is far less important than being.
If you’d like to learn more or explore working toward creating this kind of freedom for yourself, book a free 30-minute consultation call to see if this work is right for you.