A Guide to Intuitive Eating and Why it Works
Ads promoting the next dieting craze are all over TV and the internet, and sometimes it feels like weight loss programs dominate our culture. It can be tough to know what works and what doesn't, especially when experts (and self-proclaimed experts) have different opinions on each new nutrition trend.
Intuitive eating is different, though. There are no strict rules on what you can eat and when, and this lifestyle switch is all about learning how to fuel your body with foods that make you feel good. As you explore intuitive eating, here are a couple of things you need to know.
Why strict dieting is bad for your body and mind
Diets tell you what to eat, when to eat and sometimes how to feel about food. This can create a lot of pressure and anxiety. It can be tough to stick to a weight-loss schedule and restrict yourself to only certain foods, so it's not surprising that many diets fail and can result in disordered eating .
Additionally, diets are short-term programs. Most people can't maintain a strict diet indefinitely, and once the diet is over, you still need to learn how to maintain a healthy weight. This can be just as challenging as cutting carbs and counting calories.
Intuitive eating is not dieting
Intuitive eating is all about how you eat, not what you eat. It doesn't set guidelines for when to eat or which foods you should avoid. However, it's also not a free pass to give up on a healthy lifestyle .
Intuitive eating is all about making peace with food and accepting that it's healthy to enjoy eating. A big part of that is learning to listen to your body. Intuitive eating suggests that you should be in tune with your cravings and understand what your body is trying to tell you, because, you have those cravings for a reason. By embracing intuitive eating rather than dieting, you can end your war with food and give your body the respect it deserves, which can improve your confidence and lower your stress levels.
Unlike diets, intuitive eating fits into your lifestyle. Modern life is hectic and busy. It's not always easy to eat well or prepare nutritious meals when you're juggling work, family, friends, hobbies and other obligations. So, indulge in your favorite foods every once in a while — but don't forget to work on new habits to help you eat healthy, even with a busy schedule ,
Your mentality matters
Dieting can harm your mental health , and that's especially true if you've been trying diet after diet without getting the weight loss results you want.
Intuitive eating is a great way to develop a healthier relationship with food. It isn't linked to weight loss , but it is linked to weight control and self-love. When combined with other healthy lifestyle choices, like exercising regularly, the mindset you develop through intuitive eating can lead to weight loss later on. Regardless of weight loss, many people who learn how to eat intuitively find that they have a healthier body image and improved self-esteem.
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