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You might have heard of intuitive eating, but are unsure what it means. It sounds quite wishy-washy, doesn’t it? The kind of scam-diet that leaves you feeling starving, tired, and totally fed up. Well, in actual fact, intuitive eating is the exact opposite. 

In fact, intuitive eating is a new, healthier way to look at food. In fact, it’s not new at all - people around the world have been practicing it for hundreds of years - but in light of current food trends and fad diet culture, a revisitation of this ancient way of living is needed. Healthy practices like meal planning, routine and balance are all encouraged when practicing intuitive eating. 

What Is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive eating follows many principles. The bottom line of this practice is saying no to disordered and restrictive diets, and saying yes to listening to your body. Listening to your body means knowing when you feel full, accepting when you feel hungry and feeding your body, and understanding which foods make you feel most energized. It is, quite simply put, using your intuition to guide you when it comes to eating. 

How Do I Listen To My Body?

Listening to your body means shutting off the noise from other sources like diet books, Instagram influencers, and body-shamers. If you are unhappy with your weight or general body health, intuitive eating can help guide you to a healthier, happier body at any size. 

Intuitive eating doesn’t mean giving up a regime that works for you. If you feel that your routine is working for you but you feel tired or unsatisfied, try to incorporate health supplements into your regime to help your body feel good. 

What Not To Do

Here are some helpful don’ts when it comes to starting your intuitive eating routine!

DON’T:

• Go cold turkey. If you follow a pretty unhealthy eating regime, either living entirely on processed food, or a lack of regime, you will find this new routine difficult. Take it easy. The first few weeks will require tuning into your body’s needs. 

• Quit before it feels good. Your body will initially beg for more sugar and processed food; once you get past this stage and begin eating fresh food, your body will crave those things instead. Like any lifestyle change, the initial feeling might be a negative one. Push through, and your body will thank you for it. 

• Focus on weight loss. Intuitive eating isn’t about achieving a perfect body or a low weight. Intuitive eating is about creating a healthier lifestyle. If you switch to fresh food and more reasonable portion sizes which fulfill your body’s needs, the result might be weight-loss - but it may not be. Regardless of your size, your body will feel healthier when practicing intuitive eating. 

• Cut out entire food groups. Unless you have any allergies or ethical preferences such as veganism, do not cut out certain foods. Instead, eat all food groups in moderation. Intuitive eating is not about punishment!