Written by: Alizah Qadri
New diets and trending weight loss products, viral exercise plans, constantly evolving and unrealistic body standards alongside familial expectations on eating; These ideas keep us in a chain that continues a cycle of emotional and mental turmoil. Unfortunately, it is these very things that can trigger disordered eating, negative body image, and episodes of restriction and binges.
Counting calories, working out, and choosing between “healthy” and “junk” food can be exhausting and take a toll on us. Intuitive eating is an anti-diet approach that promotes listening to your body and strengthening your connection to food (Turner, 2021). Intuitive eating takes away the judgment or influence caused by diet culture and societal body standards. Rather, it encourages trusting your body and its ability to make food choices that not only feel good to you, but it may be what you need at that time (Turner, 2021).
The term intuitive eating, created by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, follows 10 basic principles (The Original Intuitive Eating Pro, n.d.).
- Reject the diet mentality
- Honor your hunger
- Make peace with food
- Challenge the food police
- Discover the satisfaction factor
- Feel your fullness
- Cope with your emotions with kindness
- Respect your body
- Movement – feel the difference
- Honor your health – gentle nutrition
Food is so much more than a transactional relationship for feeding your body. It is a part of cultures all over the world and has emotional meaning in our lives. It may have even been in the most memorable moments in your life like your birthday or perhaps even your wedding.
With the understanding of the 10 principles of intuitive eating and processing thoughts and feelings in therapy, we begin to get in touch with our body and it’s senses. We can develop an appreciation for all the things our body has to offer to us.
Creating a positive relationship with food and our bodies can be impactful to our overall well-being, including our mental health. Taking the time to process emotional stressors and trauma with a therapist can be the starting point for working on your intuitive eating journey and gaining an understanding of how you may perceive food when stressors and trauma arise.
Alizah Qadri is a pre-licensed psychotherapist at NWC and is accepting clients. She has immediate daytime and evening availability. Contact Alizah at aqadri@napervillewellnessandcounseling.com or call 630-614-1164 x 3 to schedule an appointment today.
Reference
The Original Intuitive Eating Pro. (n.d.). 10 principles of intuitive eating. https://www.intuitiveeating.org/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/.
Turner, R. (2021, March 8). What is intuitive eating? A nutritionist explains. Cedars Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/what-is-intuitive-eating.html.
