The glamourization of skinny waists, toned thighs, strong muscles and rounded hips have been thriving the toxic diet culture from decades. Almost every kind of diet is intended to restrict certain foods or food groups in order to achieve the determined body goals. While some people may find good results following a certain kind of diet, some people start hating their body more if they fail to find results or couldn’t keep up with the diet rules.
The exorbitant rise of social media platforms where celebrities and influencers showcase their perfect bodies has triggered body image issues even more, especially among the youth. Thanks to body positivity movements and increased awareness about the wellness of body and mind, the conversations about intuitive eating are growing, which is helping to promote a healthy attitude towards food.
So, we got in touch with Tanvee Tutlani, Celebrity Nutritionist, Dietician, and Corporate Health Educator to give us more information about what exactly is intuitive eating, and how to follow it. Here’s what she had to say:
What Is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive eating involves the consumption of foods that feel right to your body. Unlike traditional diets, intuitive eating actually helps to make peace with all kinds of food as one stops labeling items as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. However, intuitive eating does not imply eating whatever you want and whenever you want, instead it encourages one to tap into their natural ability to know when they are hungry or satisfied. You become the master of your food choices without feeling guilty about it. Feeding your brain with the food choices recommended by experts to look a certain way can lead you away from trusting your intuition and listening to your body. If you want to form a good relationship with food, then learn the basics of intuitive eating.
Don’t Ignore Hunger Signals
Eat when you feel hungry and stop when you are full. The biological urge to reach for food is our body’s way to replenish the lost nutrients to maintain optimal functioning of the body. Our bodies’ hunger and fullness signals can help gauge the right amount of meal to eat. So, all we need to do is, trust our intuition. Ignoring hunger for extreme lengths can lead us to eat more than we actually intend to, which isn’t healthy at all. Growling stomach, fatigue, irritability, and weakness are some of the physical signs of hunger that you shouldn’t ignore for long.
Love What You Eat
Certain food groups like carbohydrates or fats have earned a negative reputation among the health-conscious populations. However, research studies show that consuming diets with low carbohydrates induce depression since the brain is not able to produce chemicals such as serotonin and tryptophan, that promote the feeling of happiness and well-being. Additionally, intake of healthy fats is known to boost mood and reduce stress levels. Thus, resort to eating foods that taste good and make your eating experience more enjoyable.
Take A Flexible Approach To Nutrition
Intuitive eating is all about knowing what makes your body feel good from the inside. Binging on processed foods would not make you feel good after a while, instead, you are likely to feel bloated and constipated. Gentle nutrition is an essential part of intuitive eating that focuses upon making foods choices that promote health while also honouring your hunger and taste buds. Take a flexible approach to nutrition to maintain the wellness of the body and mind. For instance, having vegetables in your meal is great for your health, but skipping them should not make you feel guilty. And the most important thing is to ditch the dieting culture and not let other people food police you.
Some of the benefits of practicing intuitive eating include improved body image, higher self-esteem, more satisfaction with life, healthy eating habits, and lower triglycerides levels.
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