A Different Approach /

Intuitive eating allows you to individualise your diet with your lifestyle and who you are. Listen to your body rather than something external to tell you what to eat. Trust yourself, it could be no simpler than that. Kate Davidson explains.

Understanding intuitive eating

There are so many different diets out there proclaiming miraculous results. Think the Keto diet, the plant-based diet, the paleo-friendly diet, the low-carb, high-protein diet. The diet industry makes a lot of money playing on our emotions and insecurities. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us what we should and should not be eating. Let’s simplify this with intuitive eating.

The philosophy came to life in

1995 when two nutrition experts published their book Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works. Science has since decided this approach to eating deserves credit.

It is based on 10 key principles which rely on the body’s innate wisdom and the interplay between thought and emotion to know the foods to eat for health and wellbeing. Emphasis is placed on satiety and knowing when one is full.

Consider these to reconnect your thoughts and emotions with instinct:

There is no such word as “diet”

The diet industry is constantly telling us what diet we should be on. Society has its own food rules and restrictions. Ignore these and focus on your health and feeling good instead.

Know when you are hungry

We have lost this natural ability and need to reconnect with signs of hunger such as a rumbling stomach, weakness or irritability.

There are no good or bad foods

This creates restrictions which in turn generate cravings which can lead to overeating. Allow yourself to eat all foods.

Challenge your thoughts

These can impose food rules and restrictions resulting in feelings of shame and guilt. Mindfully decide if these thoughts are true and helpful. Let go of judging.

Know when you are full

Notice when you feel full when eating food. Tap into cues that you are no longer hungry.

Eat what you enjoy

We eat not only for nutrition but also for pleasure.

Feel your emotions

Eating to avoid our emotions won’t make us feel any better.

Accept your body

There is no ideal body shape. Embrace your own unique body.

Feel good when you move

Move your body in ways you enjoy rather than out of punishment or obligation or to change your body.

Be kind to yourself

Curiosity and self-compassion are key elements when choosing to eat food you love, and which also makes you feel good.

Kate Davidson has a Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Sciences majoring in Human Nutrition, a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning majoring in Home Economics and Health Education, and a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her life’s purpose is helping people improve their health and wellbeing so they can live their best lives. She currently practises Chinese medicine, creativeacupuncture.com Medical Disclaimer: This column is not intended as medical advice but rather to provide information for educational purposes. Consult with your GP or other medical professional regarding the applicability of any of the information provided. If you are working with a nutrition professional one-on-one the above information is not applicable.