Let’s Talk About: Intuitive Eating
What Is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive Eating is an approach to food and eating that focuses on listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals—rather than following external diet rules or restrictions.
It’s about trusting yourself to make food choices based on what your body truly needs and wants, instead of dieting or trying to control eating through strict rules.
The Core Principles of Intuitive Eating
Developed by dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, intuitive eating is built on 10 key principles, including:
Reject the diet mentality: Let go of dieting rules, “good” vs. “bad” foods, and weight loss as the goal.
Honor your hunger: Eat when you’re hungry to nourish your body.
Make peace with food: Allow yourself to eat what you want without guilt or shame.
Challenge the food police: Silence the inner critic that judges your food choices.
Respect your fullness: Notice when you’re comfortably full and stop eating.
Discover the satisfaction factor: Enjoy your food fully and savor the experience.
Honor your feelings without using food: Find ways to cope with emotions other than eating.
Respect your body: Accept your natural body shape and size.
Exercise for enjoyment: Move your body in ways that feel good, not as punishment.
Honor your health with gentle nutrition: Make food choices that honor your health and taste buds while feeling good.
Why Is Intuitive Eating Different from Dieting?
No food is off-limits — no forbidden foods, no calorie counting.
It’s not about weight loss; it’s about building a healthy relationship with food and body.
It helps reduce stress, guilt, and shame around eating.
Supports healing from disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.
Encourages mindfulness and self-compassion.
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone who’s tired of dieting, struggling with food rules, or wanting to reconnect with their body’s natural signals can benefit from intuitive eating. It’s especially helpful for people recovering from eating disorders or chronic dieting. Check out the Intuitive Eating website to learn more!
