Intuitive eating is not a new concept, but the term may be to some. Imagine never having to think about what you ate or worry about your weight; that is what intuitive eating is. Young children are perfect examples of this. They only eat when they are hungry; they only eat when they want; they only eat as much as they want. A study was conducted on children’s eating habits by Pennsylvania State University. They found that when children are given a wide variety of foods, and are given the option to eat whatever they like, they typically choose a balanced diet. Children instinctively self-regulate what and how much they eat. They know what their bodies need for growth, so they eat it.

Over the years, kids are told what they should and shouldn’t eat, so over the years this simple concept is forgotten. We need to reconnect with the wisdom of intuitive eating, which will take time, patience, and practice. This change will not be easy. Changing your entire eating behaviors or habits can be difficult. One client mentioned that it’s important to be in the moment and listen to the advice from your body. Once you do this, a transformation occurs and a lasting change will result.

Intuitive eaters can distinguish between “stomach” (physical) hunger and “symbolic” (emotional, psychological, or spiritual) hunger. An intuitive eater will know the first signs of stomach hunger and will eat what and how much the body is wanting and needing.

Another key element of intuitive eating is giving yourself full permission to eat whatever you want. Aside from what we’ve been taught about foods and diets, food is not morally good or bad, it’s just food. The frequency and amounts that we eat make it healthy or unhealthy, which is individual not universal. Judging and criticizing will be obstacles in intuitive eating and can lead you back down the path of unhealthy eating. Stay connected to your body and you will discover those “bad’ foods will lost their appeal and you won’t overeat then.

Your body will guide you to what it wants and what is right for you, no one else can direct you. Intuitive eating comes from self-discovery. So, best wishes on your journey.

Source: Birsinger, Barbara. “Intuitive Eating – The Magic of Knowing.” The Argus-Courier, January 27, 1998. http://www.barbarabirsinger.com/.