Bye diet culture, hello intuitive eating: Why it’s time to fix our relationship with food

Cycles of health fads and the global obsession with diet culture have spoiled our relationship with food. Now, an eating style called intuitive eating is making waves for its positive messaging.

Coined by dieticians in the 1995 book Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Diet Approach, the practice of intuitive eating asks people to listen to their bodies and eat what feels right for them.

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Some even say that this practice, which can also be dubbed emotional eating, has been around for much longer.

No matter where the concept originated, everyone agrees on some common principles that help you tap into your body’s ability to tell when you’re hungry or satisfied.

Goodbye “diets”

For intuitive eaters, there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ food. There are no strict rules about how and what you should eat. The goal is to reject the diet mentality you see all around.

Listen to your hunger

Do not restrict or avoid your hunger pangs as they will make you overeat later. Eat balanced meals rich in carbs, protein and fat, to keep your tummy full.

The fullness factor

While eating, pause frequently to check how your body feels. Pay attention to your meal, how it tastes and your hunger levels. This will help you recognise your hunger levels and you’ll know you’ve had enough.

Don’t make food ‘villains’

When you deprive yourself of so-called unhealthy foods, it may cause cravings and even trigger binge-eating. Be intuitive about choosing foods that you make your body and mind feel better. Moderate indulgence can be great.

Careful with emotions

Tapping into your emotions about food doesn’t mean eating away your emotional troubles. If you’re often using food to deal with challenging emotions, talk to a therapist to get to the root of your distress.

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