WHAT IS INTUITIVE EATING?

by | Aug 28, 2018 | healthy eating, suggestions

salad

Have you ever craved a giant salad or a delicious juicy piece of red fruit? Your body may be trying to tell you something. When your body is craving certain things it usually means you will find yourself attracted to a specific item that contains the vitamins it needs. Before the age of processed food and refined sugars we were a little better at listening to what our bodies were telling us, but don’t worry the tools are still there. Intuitive eating is a modern and forward thinking idea that is sweeping our nation! Allow us to shed some light on the art of eating intuitively.

An intuitive eater is one that makes food choices based on what their body is telling them they need. It feels like you’re simply following your body’s cravings. However, if you’re in the habit of resorting to less nutritious food items during cravings, such as chips or sugary foods, it may take some practice to get back into the swing of your body’s inner knowledge. However, with a little effort, you’ll be speaking your body’s language in no time.  Here are a few ways to get started:

  1. Trust your body and remember that you have the freedom to make your own food choices. Following a diet is not always best for everyone. Individualize your relationship with food and create a lifestyle around eating to nourish yourself.
  2. Ask yourself what it is that you really want.
  3. Listen to what your hunger is telling you. Oftentimes we eat at a certain time of day out of habit or around a schedule. Try taking a moment to listen to what your body really needs.
  4. Honor your food and take time with your meal. Savor the food that you chose and allow it to have the time it needs to nourish your body. Remember that portions are also apart of intuitive eating. Often in social situations or times of stress, we may eat more than our fill. Taking time to eat, instead of rushing, will make it easier to ingest the amount that our body actually needs.

Pay close attention to how your body responds to the food choices you make. Do you feel energized after your meal or do you feel lethargic and tired? Make note of these findings and tailor food decisions in the future, based on your previous experience.