Intuitive Eating

Every person is a NATURAL "intuitive eater". If you watch very young children, you'll see this to be true. They let people know when they're hungry (physiologically), and they stop eating when they've had "just enough"... when they're satisfied.

The problem with older children and adults is that the "media" and other people have stepped in and "influenced" their ability to hear their own hunger cues. Now, instead of listening to their body, they are listening to outside sources that say what time is best to eat, what to eat, how much to eat, and what isn't allowed.

It's no wonder our signals get screwed up!

INTUITIVE EATING is about relearning to "listen" to your body's cues of "hunger" and "satisfaction".

You can eat whatever foods you love (barring doctor's restrictions for health issues), as long as you only eat when you're hungry, and you stop eating when you've had just enough to "refuel"... as that's all that food is... FUEL!

Of couse, you'll want to listen to your body tell you what foods it loves / hates to eat, too. By listening to your body, you'll be sure to get a balanced diet, as it will eventually call for more than just those "formerly forbidden" choices. ;)

The great part is, you NEVER again have to count or track anything! No counting calories, fat grams, or "points"... no tracking what you've eaten, etc. This is FREEDOM!

By listening to your internal cues, you'll shrink down to the weight you're designed to be, and you'll stay there for life (as long as you keep "listening").

Exercise isn't "required", but it is important to use common-sense... our bodies were designed for movement, so it's better to do some form of regular activity, to keep your heart healthy, and to keep your muscles toned & strong.

1. ONLY eat when you're physiologically hungry (when you're stomach is empty, you'll feel a hollow feeling just below your rib-cage, or maybe you'll get irritable & lightheaded -- that's going a bit too far past hunger! -- or maybe you'll feel a "growl"... everyone's different!)


2. When you ARE hungry, eat what your body says it wants.

3. Eat slowly, and savor every bite.

4. Stop when your body says it's had "just enough"... when you feel "politely full" -- not "stuffed".

5. Keep in touch with a support group!

6. Don't succumb to the "diet mentality" any longer! The media tries to brainwash us -- and even family & friends get in on this from time to time, unwittingly -- into believing we should eat what/when/how they tell us! Don't fall for it! Only your own body knows what you need, and what's BEST for YOU! ;)

7. Every person is different -- what works for one, won't work for another! So, relax, and be patient with yourself! Take this in BABY-STEPS! It'll get easier with time, and practice. ;-)