Intuitive Eating

Lets talk intuitive eating! How many times have you started a diet that is unmanageable, restricting, and not long term? These fad diets lead to binge eating and in turn feeling bad about yourself because you didn’t follow the diet. Restriction=binge. People don’t know how to eat anymore, due to the fear of food and the failure of diet all together.

So, what is intuitive eating? It’s paying attention to the messages your body is sending you while you are eating. Your body sends you cues of “I’m full”, or “I’m hungry”. Eating is an experience for you body that only you can control. Slow down your eating and recognize each bite you take. While you slow down your body is better able to tell you when you are full. Many people (especially my age) where taught to finish their plate. Well, you can have that mentality while simply putting less on your plate. Start with small portions, see how you feel and go for seconds. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, know that is okay to put the rest of the food you didn’t eat in an container for later. What you don’t eat would normally end up in the trash right? So why treat your body as a trash can by eating the food you normally wouldn’t finish?? Honor your body and what it needs!

Your body tells you exactly what it needs, just like your body tells you when you need to pee. Self care not only includes showers, the gym, and facials. It mainly includes eating! What you eat determines how you will feel throughout the day. Food IS the energy source for our body’s.

With intuitive eating you can allow yourself to have the cupcake, or the piece of chocolate. You can eat this things without feeling guilt, and without binging because you know you’re not restricting yourself. Always focus on a well balanced meal with each meal, and if you are feeling a treat afterwards go for it. Your body knows exactly what you need. As you’re sitting down picture how you feel sitting in your chair. What does the chair feel like underneath you? The same principle applies to intuitive eating. Recognize how you feel, while you are eating.

Feel the sensations through your body, recognize your cues, and eat the foods you

enjoy while maintaining well balanced meals.