The Benefits of Intuitive Eating: Moving Beyond Numbers and Body Size
For many people, dieting and weight loss seem like the only path to better health and well-being. But what if there was another way? Intuitive eating offers an alternative approach to food and movement that puts the focus on cultivating a positive relationship with your body rather than achieving a certain weight or size.
One of the biggest benefits of intuitive eating is that it can help us break free from the cycle of dieting and weight loss. When we stop focusing on numbers and body size as measures of success, we can start to appreciate the other ways that our bodies serve us daily. Here are a few non-scale measures of progress to consider:
Improved body image: Intuitive eating encourages us to accept and appreciate our bodies as they are, rather than constantly striving for a certain size or shape. As we learn to trust our bodies and their signals, we may find that we feel more confident and comfortable in our own skin.
Greater food flexibility: Diets often restrict certain foods or food groups, leading to feelings of deprivation and restriction. Intuitive eating, on the other hand, allows us to eat a wide variety of foods without judgment or guilt. As we become more comfortable with all types of foods, we may find that our diets become more varied and enjoyable. We are also able to participate in more normal, fun eating experiences like going out to dinner with friends, getting popcorn at the movies, or spontaneous trips out for ice cream on a hot day.
Enhanced mental health: Following strict diet rules increases stress, anxiety, and negative preoccupation with the body. Intuitive eating encourages us to be more mindful and present in our eating habits, and also teaches us that we have unconditional permission to eat without fear, guilt, or shame. Feeling more at ease in your eating choices and more confident in nourishing yourself are a big part of letting go of dieting.
Incorporating these non-scale measures of progress can be a helpful way to track your intuitive eating journey, and it's important to remember that there's no one "right" way to do intuitive eating. Your goals and priorities are unique to you, and the most important thing is to cultivate a positive and compassionate relationship with your body and your food.