Intuitive Eating Series: Post 1

Reaction from FitBloggin’

Writing about my experiences with intuitive eating has been long over due. I spoke on a panel last May during FitBloggin’ and have been meaning to recap and expand upon my experiences since. Over the course of the next few weeks and months, you will start to see more posts about my intuitive eating experiences.

IE Me

Speaking at FitBloggin’ has made me much more comfortable talking about intuitive eating, hunger cues, and my personal story. The reaction our panel received was overwhelmingly amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for all their kind tweets, emails, and words over the course of that weekend. Here are some tweets from the day that I managed to snap up and save:

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What a supportive bunch! I hope by running this intuitive eating series on my blog, I may provide some of that same support I felt at FitBloggin’ to you. If you ever have questions or want me to answer any specific questions during the series, please feel free to email me!

For today’s first post about intuitive eating, I thought it would be best to keep things on the simpler side and provide some insight into what intuitive eating actually is.

Definition of Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating is about opening awareness to our food and our body, before, during, and after we eat. The awareness is the key to changing and learning how to become an intuitive eater, because awareness + changes in small behaviors = large changes over time.

What intuitive eating isn’t is anti-“fill in the blank.” It’s not anti-gluten free, anti-vegan, anti-vegetarian, etc. Intuitive eating can incorporate your health needs, so there is no need to worry.

More about what intuitive eating IS:

  • Learning to assess hunger before you eat, while you are eating, and after you eat.
  • Learning that if you are not hungry, it is okay to NOT eat.
  • Eating slowly and savoring each bite.
  • Finding ways to pause as you eat, such as putting your utensils down between bites.
  • Chewing your food thoroughly.
  • Becoming aware of the difference between “no longer hungry” and “full.”
  • Learning when you aren’t eating intuitively and accepting it.
  • Analyzing your emotions and triggers.
  • Giving yourself permission to seek pleasure in your eating.
  • Learning to make peace with food.
  • Respecting your body.

Have you tried intuitive eating?

Feel free to leave any questions you may have or specific topics about intuitive eating that you would like me to address during this series.

Comments

  1. 1

    Ohh I can’t wait to read this entire series from you! I’ve been working hard to get better at intuitive eating — as part of a larger goal to eventually get rid of the food log I’ve been using as a tool to shed a few pounds and now maintain that loss through healthy food choices. I’m getting ready to ditch the log but I’m still a little bit nervous about it, anxious even. I’m hoping this series will help me get ready to take the plunge towards going log-less,long-term.
    Thank you!!

  2. 2

    I love this and am looking forward to hearing more on this topic! I have been honing my ‘intuitive eating’ skills and it makes a huge difference. Ask yourself if you are really hungry,drink some water, re-evaluate. One of the first things I do!

  3. 3

    It’s like you were reading my mind! I was just thinking about last night how I have abandoned my Intuitive Eating Ways and haven’t been too happy about how that has made me feel. I am really excited to read more about your perspective and hope that it will get me back on track.

  4. 4

    I’m really looking forward to learning more about this. I’ve read a few articles on it…It has definitely caught my attention. Happy to hear you will be writing more on intuitive eating. Thanks! :)

  5. 5

    both great posts!! i am working really hard on intuitive eating right now and sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s hard. oddlly i had a post all started about this :) i will wait a while to put it up though and make sure i link to yours for those who need more info!

  6. 6

    I am so excited that you are doing this series. I could so use a refresher especially since I tired it for a bit after FitBloggin but with my emotional 6 months found it challenging to hold on to. I am looking forward to learning more about it and incorporating it into my life! :)

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