Myth: Intuitive Eating Means I Can Eat Junk Food Every Day
Do you often feel guilt when you eat what’s commonly known as “junk food”? Nowadays, intuitive eating can really sound like the best of both worlds ─ we can eat what we want, when we want it, and it’s a lifestyle that is recommended by most health professionals. While that may be the essentials concepts of intuitive eating, there are a few layers of complexity to also consider.
Let’s answer some popular questions about intuitive eating!
1. What is intuitive eating?
Intuitive eating requires a lot of practice. It stems from the idea that your body will let you know what it needs and wants, and the trick is in understanding exactly what it needs. To do so, proponents of intuitive eating argue that it is imperative to remain present and in tune with your emotions, feelings and cravings. For example, when you feel stuffed, your body may be sending you cues to stop eating, even if there is still food left on your plate.
2. If my body is craving junk food all the time, does that mean I should eat junk food all the time?
Trial and error is the key. Intuitive eating is all about anticipating our body’s reactions to the decisions that we make. For instance, some people may simply not feel hungry in the morning. However, they come to learn that from listening to their bodies, if they do not eat breakfast before leaving for work, they’ll eventually feel lightheaded on their commute. Another example is that for some, when their body is craving sugar, eating a treat will make them feel low on energy. Alternatively, if they eat a fruit instead, they may feel energized and more satisfied.
Intuitive eating is about learning to feed these feelings and cravings with food our body actually wants.
3. How can I start eating intuitively?
Over the years, dietitians have founded these 10 principles of intuitive eating that can help guide you towards adopting a more intuitive eating lifestyle.
1. Reject the diet mentality — Remember that diets are not realistic in the long term, and that your health should always be at the center of your goals.
2. Honour your hunger — Eating when you are hungry means that you are less likely to overeat if you don’t.
3. Make peace with food — Food is fuel. Drop the ‘good vs bad’ labels we attach to certain foods.
4. Challenge the food police — Fight the guilt and enjoy that delicious cookie.
5. Discover the satisfaction factor — Find pleasure in eating, and eat foods that make you feel satisfied.
6. Feel your fullness — Honour your fullness and, if you need to, save your leftovers for later.
7. Cope with your emotions with kindness — Food doesn’t always fix our emotions. Try finding the root of the problem.
8. Respect your body — Accept yourself as you are and reject any unrealistic social norms.
9. Exercise and feel the difference — Move your body because it makes you feel good, not because you ‘need to’.
10. Honour your health — Make food choices that taste and make you feel the best.
Remember, everybody is different.
All things considered, intuitive eating is just about listening to your body. While it does require some openness and mindfulness, intuitive eating is linked to many health benefits, such as improving your quality of life, improving your body image perceptions and reducing the amount of added sugars in your diet. Why not have a go at it?
Follow your intuition!
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