By Annie Schwartz, MS, RDN, LDN
Typically, New Year’s resolutions revolve around a renewed resolve to embark on a new diet or exercise regimen, but as the reality of our busy lives sets in, our resolve inevitably breaks down over time, and we’re back to our old habits.
In contrast, embarking on a journey to become an intuitive eater offers a more sustainable and rewarding alternative.
“Intuitive eating” actually tells us to let go of restrictive food rules and the dieting mentality and in-stead focus on our body’s internal hunger and satiety signals. It is important to remember, however, that this is not the hunger and fullness diet.
Intuitive eating is rooted in self-care rather than self-control, and encourages us to give ourselves unconditional permission to eat all foods, with particular attention to those foods we deem forbidden or off limits. While we may feel like we are overindulging in our favorite forbidden foods in the be-ginning of our journey, unconditional permission to eat all foods actually makes those foods less desirable over time. Once we know we can have access to them whenever we want them, we eventually find balance.
You might be asking yourself right about now, “but how could this possibly be healthy?” Intuitive eating has actually been around for over two decades now, and there is a wonderfully robust set of literature that shows intuitive eating is associated with a host of positive health markers, including improved blood pressure, blood lipids, and glycemic control. Intuitive eaters also have higher self-esteem, a greater sense of well-being and optimism, increased body acceptance and appreciation and life satisfaction.
Annie Schwartz
Interested in learning more? We recommend Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition, by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S and Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, FAND.
If you are looking for support while embarking on your journey to become an intuitive eater, inquire about scheduling an appointment with a member of the CHP Nutrition Team.
Annie Schwartz is a CHP nutrition counselor.