What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive eating is an approach to eating that focuses on listening to your body's signals of hunger and fullness, rather than following strict diets or food rules. The idea behind intuitive eating is that when you trust your body and honor its natural hunger and fullness cues, you can develop a healthier relationship with food and your body.

What are some of the principles of intuitive eating?

Intuitive eating involves a number of principles, including:

1. Reject the diet mentality: Intuitive eating encourages you to move away from dieting and instead focus on nourishing your body.
2. Honor your hunger: Eat when you are hungry, and pay attention to how your body feels when it's hungry.
3. Make peace with food: Give yourself permission to eat all types of food without guilt or shame.
4. Challenge the food police: Stop judging yourself and others for what they eat.
5. Respect your fullness: Pay attention to your body's signals of fullness and stop eating when you are satisfied.
6. Discover the satisfaction factor: Enjoy your food and eat foods that taste good to you.
7. Honor your feelings without using food: Learn to cope with emotions without using food.
8. Respect your body: Accept your body for what it is and focus on self-care rather than trying to change your appearance.
9. Exercise and feel the difference: Move your body in a way that feels good, without focusing on weight loss or calorie burn.
10. Honor your health: Choose foods that make you feel good and provide your body with the nutrients it needs, but also allow yourself to enjoy treats and indulgences in moderation.

Intuitive eating is not a diet or a weight loss program, but rather a way of life that can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and your body.

How can a dietitian help with intuitive eating?

A dietitian can be a valuable resource when it comes to learning and practicing intuitive eating. Here are a few ways that a dietitian can help with intuitive eating:

1. Education: A dietitian can provide education about the principles of intuitive eating and how to apply them to your daily life.
2. Assessment: A dietitian can assess your current eating habits and help you identify areas where you might need to make changes in order to better honor your body's hunger and fullness cues.
3. Meal planning: A dietitian can help you plan meals and snacks that are balanced, satisfying, and aligned with your individual needs and preferences.
4. Support: A dietitian can provide ongoing support as you navigate the ups and downs of intuitive eating, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
5. Accountability: A dietitian can help you set realistic goals and hold you accountable for making progress towards those goals.
6. Addressing underlying issues: A dietitian can help you address any underlying issues that may be contributing to disordered eating habits, such as stress, anxiety, or past trauma.

Overall, a dietitian can play an important role in helping you learn to trust and listen to your body's signals, develop a healthier relationship with food, and achieve greater overall wellbeing.