When it comes to diets, there are plenty to choose from. In recent years, however, a new approach to eating has been gaining popularity in scientific circles.

Intuitive eating is a diet that emphasizes listening to your body’s hunger cues and eating what you want, when you want it.

What is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive eating is a philosophy that was developed by registered dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in 1995.

The idea is that everyone is born with the ability to eat intuitively, but as we grow up, we are influenced by outside forces that tell us what to eat and when to eat it. This can lead to unhealthy relationships with food and our bodies.

Intuitive eating is based on ten principles:.

Reject the diet mentality
Honor your hunger
Make peace with food
Challenge the food police
Respect your fullness
Discover the satisfaction factor
Honor your feelings without using food
Respect your body
Exercise–feel the difference
Honor your health with gentle nutrition

Why Is Intuitive Eating Becoming So Popular?

Intuitive eating is becoming more popular because it offers a more sustainable approach to eating. It’s not about restricting certain foods or counting calories.

Instead, it’s about listening to your body and eating what you want in moderation. This can be a game-changer for people who have struggled with diets in the past.

Studies have shown that intuitive eating can improve people’s relationships with food and their bodies.

For example, a study published in the journal Eating Behaviors found that people who practice intuitive eating have higher levels of body satisfaction and self-esteem, and lower levels of anxiety and depression.

How Does Intuitive Eating Work?

Intuitive eating involves a few key steps:.

Reject the diet mentality. This means letting go of restrictive or excessive eating habits, and instead focusing on nourishing your body.
Honor your hunger. This means listening to your body and eating when you are hungry.
Make peace with food. This means allowing yourself to eat the foods you enjoy without guilt or shame.
Respect your fullness. This means paying attention to your body’s signals and stopping eating when you are full.
Discover the satisfaction factor. This means enjoying the foods you eat and savoring every bite.
Honor your feelings without using food. This means finding other ways to cope with negative emotions instead of turning to food.
Respect your body. This means appreciating your body for what it can do rather than criticizing it for how it looks.
Exercise–feel the difference. This means moving your body in a way that feels good, without focusing on burning calories or losing weight.
Honor your health with gentle nutrition. This means eating a variety of foods that nourish your body, without obsessing over every calorie or macro.

What Are the Benefits of Intuitive Eating?

There are many benefits of intuitive eating, including:.

Improved body image
Reduced stress and anxiety around food
Lower risk of disordered eating behaviors
Greater satisfaction with life in general
Better physical health markers, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Is Intuitive Eating Right for You?

Intuitive eating isn’t for everyone, and it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.

However, if you struggle with diets and are looking for a more sustainable approach to eating, intuitive eating may be worth exploring.

Remember that intuitive eating isn’t about perfection. It’s about making peace with food and your body, and finding a way of eating that feels good for you.

The Bottom Line

Intuitive eating is a sustainable approach to eating that emphasizes listening to your body’s hunger cues and eating what you want in moderation.

It can lead to improved body image, reduced stress and anxiety around food, and better physical health markers. If you’re interested in trying intuitive eating, consult with a healthcare professional to see if it’s right for you.