*This content discusses body image and eating habits, which may be sensitive topics for some readers.*

How many times have you looked in the mirror and wished you had a different body? Lost weight? Looked leaner? 

How many times did that leave you feeling down? 

How many times did that make you want to limit your food types or intake, to the point of feeling deprived, starving, and/or binge eating?

I’ve been there too🙋‍♀️

I did that into my early 20s more times than I can count, feeling down and picking out things I wished I could change. It wasn’t until I had experiences like not having any food – I’m talking eating packets of mac and cheese or those mi goreng noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – to the point my big-hearted roomie surprised me with groceries in the fridge, and I started to get more physically active, that I began to have a new appreciation for food and my body. It wasn’t until I was 29 that I could say I loved my body.

It taught me to stop depriving myself to match images in pictures, understand how different each body is, and how fortunate many of us have access to food. I learned how to eat in a way that sustained my daily activities, gave me energy, and moved away from the idea of diet culture.

A New Mindset to Enjoy Intuitive Eating

Reframing how I saw eating, food, and my body resulted in feeling better in my body. I started being able to love my features, appreciate my shape, and that energy radiated to attract more like-minded friendships. Exercise stopped feeling like a chore and became something I wanted to do because of how good I felt afterward. I learned to feel confident in my own skin and receive compliments fully. I loved growing during my pregnancy and didn’t feel bummed about weight gain and stretch marks. Some of the thoughts I shifted to that supported this new way of being:

• Recognizing that, especially in the Western world, we’re blessed to have access to grocery stores and an abundance of food.
• Viewing our bodies as an amazing vessel – like a ship taking us through all stages of life, made to go the distance. This ship needs to be maintained with the right fuel to power up and support internal systems that keep it moving forward. It’s not going to run well if we constantly throw junk in the propellers, it’ll struggle to turn. We need to be the captain of this ship, overriding the noise of any passengers (your ego) telling you how you should look or act. Filtering through the many ways others want us to run it and making the best decision for all. 
• Work with your vessel in a way that doesn’t feel exhausting or competitive, so you can keep up with aspects like your career, social life, and relationships.
• See your body as beautiful and recognize that anyone or any ads telling you otherwise aren’t the keepers of your ship. You’re with you 24/7, and you get to decide how you feel and what you consume. They aren’t your soul, the one here to use this vessel to enjoy what the world has to offer. You’re here to feel good in your body so you can go be, do, and have all that you want to experience in this lifetime.

What is Intuitive Eating?

This approach focuses on listening to your body’s natural cues and fostering a positive relationship with food. It enhances your overall well-being, practicing self-acceptance and body positivity.

Principles of Intuitive Eating:

1. Listen to Your Hunger Cues: Tune into your body’s signals to understand when you’re truly hungry and when you’re satisfied.
2. Honor Your Cravings: Allow yourself to enjoy a variety of foods without guilt, focusing on what truly satisfies you. Sunday roasts, pies, fairy bread – you can still have those childhood foods that you associate with happy memories.
3. Practice Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor each bite, paying attention to the flavors and textures of your food. Sitting at a table or, if you don’t have one, on the couch is fine – keep the TV off. Focus on enjoying your food.
4. Reject Food Rules: Let go of restrictive diets and embrace a more flexible approach to eating that suits your lifestyle. Enjoy treats in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. It’s about savoring life’s moments without guilt.
5. Cultivate Body Respect: Appreciate your body for its strength and capabilities, rather than focusing solely on appearance. Look in the mirror and, instead of judging your body, practice thanking your body for being with you – to hold your kids, walk with a friend, see all parts of a new day.
6. Building a Supportive Environment: Connect with like-minded women who support intuitive eating and body positivity. This will be invaluable.
7. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider working with a nutritionist or coach who specializes in intuitive eating to guide your journey or support the new lifestyle you want to have, if it feels overwhelming or lonely in the start.
8. Move Your Body: In a way that feels best and right for you, being flexible with the time and practice you choose. Your body was made to move – focus on how you feel dancing, walking, cycling, or swimming. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, it’s not about counting calories, just about how in touch you feel in your body.
9. Be Aware of Your Emotions and Behaviors: If you find it hard to enjoy food or catch yourself feeling fatigued after binge eating, ask yourself: Did I notice if I’m eating out of boredom or stress? Are there certain situations that when I feel (stressed/worried) that I eat (this way/specific food) way? What is it? – You can use this as a journal prompt. 

Embracing intuitive eating is a powerful step towards feeling good in your body and fostering a healthier relationship with food and yourself. By listening to your body’s needs and practicing self-compassion, you can achieve your desired balance and optimal well-being.

Disclaimer: This blog is based on my expertise as a certified Holistic Health Coach and Integrative Nutrition Practitioner. It is intended for informational purposes and to support your wellness journey. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you have specific health concerns, particularly related to mental health, please consult a healthcare professional.

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