How to eat intuitively

Intuitive eating is a mindful approach to eating that focuses on tuning into your body's natural hunger and fullness cues to foster a healthy relationship with food. It encourages a balance between the physical and emotional aspects of eating, to enable you to make better dietary choices and listen to your hunger, fullness and satisfaction cues rather than living by strict rules.

Here's a guide on how to start eating intuitively.

Honor hunger and fullness

Pay attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're comfortably satisfied. This involves becoming attuned to the physical sensations of hunger, such as stomach growling or a feeling of emptiness.

Ditch the diet mentality

Intuitive eating rejects the concept of fad diets and excessive calorie restriction. Instead, it focuses on nourishing your body with a variety of delicious foods and removing judgment from your dietary choices. Avoid labeling foods as good or bad and allow yourself the freedom to enjoy a wide range of foods in moderation.

Engage your senses

When eating, be fully present in the moment and try to avoid distractions, such as your mobile phone or the television. Savor the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food to appreciate the experience as a whole. Adopting this approach to eating can improve your relationship with food and prevent you from overeating.

Understand your cravings

Pay attention to the various food cravings that you experience, including the physical and mental cravings. Recognizing them will improve your ability to make better food choices in the future that satisfy your cravings and desires, but also enable you to maintain a healthy mind and body.