Well-Being Wednesday: Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating is all about creating a healthy relationship with food. As human beings, we all need food for fuel to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Being in touch with what your body is asking for is why is very important.

Intuitive eating is the anti-diet. It promotes healthy attitudes towards food and your body image and doesn’t put restrictions on food. The idea behind it is that you should eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full.

To do this, it is important to distinguish between the two types of hunger: physical and emotional.

Physical hunger is your body's biological urge that is telling you to replenish nutrients (this is important to listen to!!) Some signs are a growling stomach, fatigue, or irritability.

Emotional hunger is driven by your emotional needs, such as sadness, loneliness, and boredom. Although often you crave comfort foods, this type of eating can cause negative reactions such as guilt and self-hatred.

If you can become an expert at determining the difference between these two types of hunger, you are well on your path to intuitive eating. Some other tips to better intuitive eating are to honor your hunger, discover your satisfaction factor, and challenge the food police!

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Until next time, be well and thrive!