Intuitive Eating

Definition

Intuitive Eating is an approach that encourages listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues rather than following specific diets or eating patterns.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Intuitive Eating is a self-care eating framework, developed by dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, that integrates instinct, emotion, and rational thought. It focuses on the body's natural hunger signals instead of external diet rules to develop a healthy relationship with food.

Benefits

• Improves relationship with food by reducing guilt and anxiety associated with eating.
• May help in maintaining a healthy weight without restrictive dieting.
• Encourages body awareness and mindfulness during meals.
• Can lead to improved psychological wellbeing and self-esteem.

Examples

• Eating when you feel hungry and stopping when you’re full.
• Choosing foods that satisfy and nourish you physically and emotionally.
• Listening to your body's hunger signals rather than external rules.

Additional Information

• Importance: Intuitive Eating is important for promoting a healthy psychological relationship with food and improving overall wellbeing, by shifting the focus away from weight loss and towards physical and mental health.

Related Terms

• Mindful Eating
• Diet Culture
• Emotional Eating
• Health at Every Size

References

• Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works
• Intuitive Eating, 3rd Edition: A Review