Intuitive Eating | Is IE a healthier path forward?

As a therapist, I often encounter individuals struggling with their relationship with food. It's becoming increasingly apparent with the help of recent research that traditional dieting methods may not be sustainable in the long run. This is where intuitive eating, a concept beautifully explained by Kerri-Ann Jennings in her article "A Quick Guide to Intuitive Eating", comes into play.

Intuitive eating is a philosophy that encourages a healthy attitude towards food and body image. It promotes the idea of eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full, rather than following a restrictive diet plan. This approach can lead to a more sustainable, positive relationship with food and can help individuals listen to and understand their body's needs better.

In contrast, traditional diets often focus on restriction and rules, which can create an unhealthy and stressful relationship with food. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of dieting, overeating, and guilt, which is not conducive to long-term health and wellbeing.

In conclusion, intuitive eating offers a refreshing, compassionate alternative to traditional dieting. It encourages individuals to tune into their own body, embrace their needs, and foster a healthier relationship with food. As a therapist, I encourage everyone to explore intuitive eating as a potential path towards a healthier, happier relationship with food.

I also want to note a variety of cultures employ food as a means of cultural exchange and comfort, IE recognizes traditional diets have failed to take into account cultural and socio-economic factors and an intersectional approach to the issue is crucial. People with certain diagnosis and co-occurring conditions, can face special additional challenges with eating.  For example, if you have ADHD, you have a whole host of other complex dynamics that can make it difficult to maintain healthy nutrition and habits.  If you are autistic or have other sensory needs and sensitivities, this can complicate simple nutrition ideas. Some medical and developmental diagnoses may make intuitive eating a confusing solution for you.

Please know with the help of a clinician who is educated in these areas, these principles will still work for you, but please discuss with a clinician, nutritionist or other coach who is fully educated on these issues to help you incorporate intuitive eating in the healthiest way for you, taking into account your individual biology, individual complex needs, as well as cultural considerations. This is not medical advice and should never be used to put off seeking proper medical guidance.