If you’re interested in Intuitive Eating, you may have heard that it’s not compatible with your weight loss goals. You may be wondering why that is, and what Intuitive Eating is all about. Well, let’s dive in and explore why weight loss and Intuitive Eating may not be the best combination. 

What is Intuitive eating?

Let’s talk about what Intuitive Eating is. Intuitive Eating is a non-diet approach to eating that focuses on listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. It encourages individuals to reject traditional diets and to read rely on their internal cues to guide their eating habits. The goal of Intuitive Eating is not weight loss, but rather, fostering a positive relationship with food and our bodies. It’s about listening to your body and honouring its needs, rather than trying to force it into a specific mold.

Why Intuitive Eating and weight loss can clash

So, why is weight loss not compatible with Intuitive Eating? There are a few reasons why:

  1. Diets can lead to disordered eating behaviours. Many people who try to lose weight through restrictive diets end up developing disordered eating behaviours. These behaviours can include binge eating, purging, and a preoccupation with food and weight. Diets also create a sense of deprivation, which can lead to overeating and an unhealthy relationship with food. Intuitive Eating, on the other hand, encourages individuals to make peace with food and listen to their body’s natural cues. It emphasises self-care and promotes a positive body image, rather than focusing on weight loss.
  2. Intuitive Eating is about overall health, not just weight loss. Intuitive Eating is based on the principles of self-care and nourishing your body with a variety of foods. It’s about focusing on overall health. When you listen to your body and honour its needs, you are more likely to make choices that benefit your overall health. This can look like eating a balanced diet or engaging in physical activity that you enjoy. Weight loss, on the other hand, can be a narrow focus that ignores the other important aspects of health, such as mental health and social well-being.
  3. Weight is not always an accurate measure of health. It’s important to remember that weight is not always an accurate measure of health. People come in all shapes and sizes, and just because someone weighs more does not mean that they are unhealthy. Studies have shown that weight stigma and discrimination can be more harmful to a person’s health than being at a higher weight. Intuitive Eating promotes body acceptance and encourages individuals to respect their bodies, regardless of their size or shape.
  4. Intuitive Eating can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes. Research has shown that Intuitive Eating can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes. This includes improved self-esteem, body image, and psychological well-being. It can also lead to a healthier relationship with food and a more positive attitude toward eating. When you can listen to your body and honour its needs, you are more likely to feel satisfied and content with your eating habits. 

Moving beyond weight-centric goals

What does this mean for someone who wants to lose weight? It means that weight loss should not be the sole focus of your health journey. Instead, focus on overall health and well-being, and trust that your body will find its natural, healthy weight. When you focus on nourishing your body with a variety of foods and engaging in physical activity that you enjoy, you are more likely to experience positive changes in your health, regardless of whether or not weight loss occurs.

In conclusion, Intuitive Eating is a non-diet approach to eating that focuses on listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. It promotes a positive relationship with food and body and encourages individuals to make choices that benefit their overall health and Well being. Contact us now to embark on this empowering path toward self-discovery and wellness.