Navigating Intuitive Eating During COVID-19
COVID-19 has been likened to the freshman year of college – stressful, overwhelming, and all too easy to gain extra weight! Many of us, confined to our homes and grappling with stress over the past 4-5 months, have experienced a decline in our eating habits.
So, how can we address this?
With many still under lockdown and facing pandemic-related fear and stress, attempting to adhere to strict diets may not be the solution. Strict diets often fail, especially during stressful times.
A more effective approach is embracing intuitive eating.
What is Intuitive Eating Exactly?
Intuitive Eating is an evidence-based, mind-body nutritional approach that encourages individuals to honor their body and health. By attuning to the body's signals and meeting its nutritional needs, individuals can address both physical and psychological needs.
Let's clarify what intuitive eating is NOT.
It is NOT a diet or specific food plan. It does not involve food restriction, calorie counting, or macro tracking. Diets and food restrictions are typically unsustainable in the long run.
However, intuitive eating IS sustainable. It fosters self-awareness, self-love, and self-care, offering a new way to approach eating habits.
How Does it Work?
Unlike diets that categorize foods as "good" or "bad," intuitive eating encourages viewing all food as inherently neutral. It empowers individuals to eat according to their body's signals, trusting it to guide food choices. Tuning into oneself rather than external influences promotes balance and optimal health.
Getting Started
Here are some steps to initiate intuitive eating:
Start Listening:
Begin tuning into your own inner voice. Check in with yourself throughout the day to understand your feelings and thoughts better.
Drop Judgments:
Reevaluate preconceived notions about "good" and "bad" foods. Let your body determine what is right for you.
Eat More:
If you're accustomed to restrictive eating, experiment with eating more and observe how your body responds. Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues.
Intuitive eating is effective and can assist in managing stress eating during COVID-19. If you need guidance or support in adopting this lifestyle, don't hesitate to reach out to discuss eating disorder therapy as an option.
Sources:
https://www.intuitiveeating.org/what-is-intuitive-eating-tribole/
https://www.houseofwellness.com.au/health/dieting/intuitive-eating-and-weight-loss
https://gastricbypassgal.com/does-intuitive-eating-work/