What is Intuitive Eating? (And My Intuitive Eating Journey)

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What is Intuitive Eating? (And My Intuitive Eating Journey)

By Megan Roup

Megan holds a BFA in Dance from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is a certified fitness instructor. She danced professionally with the NBA’s Brooklynettes. Megan has been recognized by top publications like Vogue, Goop, Shape and WWD, and has worked with world-renowned brands such as Chanel and New Balance. Learn more about Megan

Ever wished you could have a simpler relationship with food? For years, what I ate was linked to my self-esteem. Between restrictive diets, binge eating, and calorie counting, constantly thinking about food was exhausting. I wasn’t nourishing my body or allowing myself to truly enjoy food. Until I discovered intuitive eating—an approach to nutrition and wellness that emphasizes creating a healthy relationship with food, encouraging you to listen to your body’s hunger cues and fullness cues. It changed my entire philosophy around food.

The principles behind intuitive eating are designed to help you develop a healthier relationship with food—with an emphasis on honoring + respecting your body, listening to your hunger cues, and becoming more attuned to which foods make you feel good. Asking yourself questions like “Am I hungry or not?” “What am I craving right now?” “Which foods help give me more energy?” “Which foods make me crash?” Leaning into a gentler way of speaking to myself, treating my body with love and care, and eating what I’m craving (without beating myself up for it) has helped me quit that obsessive cycle of dieting—and finally make peace with food. None of this happened overnight…it took work and practice, but eventually I was able to heal my relationship with food and really enjoy eating again.

How intuitive eating changed my life

In my early twenties, I tried every fad diet and fell into the trap of yo-yo dieting. I struggled with restricting foods, calorie counting, binge eating, and constantly thinking about food, which was exhausting. I felt so burned out by diet culture. I also felt like I had to work out really hard to see results. (If you’re feeling similarly, you may want to contact a medical professional or reach out for help—please scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of resources.)

Finally, I tried intuitive eating, which would become a major self-care tool for me. I no longer believe in having rules around food—my food philosophy is all about balance. These days, I eat for both nourishment and enjoyment. I try to eat real, non-processed foods, but I also listen to my body and pay attention to hunger cues. I’ll wake up and ask myself if I’m hungry or not, then go from there with either a lighter snack or a bigger breakfast. I’ll also eat what I’m craving.

I try to eat in a way that isn’t restrictive, so although I do avoid packaged foods in general, I won’t say no to Doritos or a slice of confetti cake. But for the most part, I try to eat in a way that fuels my workouts and nourishes my body. If I eat foods that don’t make me feel great afterwards, that’s something to pay attention to (without judgment). 

But food is food, so nothing is off limits. What I love most about intuitive eating is that it’s relaxed and not rigorous. To me, food freedom simply means not restricting my diet in any way, and not labeling certain foods as good or bad. It’s about listening to what my body really needs—and the same philosophy applies to workouts.

The benefits of intuitive eating

There’s a lot to love about this practice, including…

Honoring your body. I’ve become much more attuned to what my body needs. Sometimes it’s protein and veggies, sometimes something snackier. The same goes for workouts—some days I can’t wait to dive into a 45 minute advanced class; other times, it’s a short restorative yoga session.

A healthier relationship with food. Nothing is good, bad, or off limits. I enjoy eating, and I’m empowered to make the right food choices for me.

Better mental health overall. I’ve let go of the stress and shame associated with diet culture.

A more balanced approach to eating. I indulge when I want to indulge, without beating myself up afterwards.

More food freedom. You won’t be thinking about food all the time. This is #1 for me.

Intuitive eating has helped me break the cycle of yo-yo dieting, binge eating, and obsessive exercise. It’s taught me to listen to my body and it’s stopped me from feeling deprived. My food philosophy also informs my exercise philosophy—committing to less (no restrictive diets, no overly punishing workouts) to show up more for myself. Finding balance with my eating habits was a life-changing shift for me, and I’d recommend intuitive eating to anyone. 

Please note: This post should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Intuitive eating is a supportive approach, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. If you (or someone you know) are struggling with an eating disorder (ED) or related mental health issue, seek help from a qualified healthcare professional— whether that’s your primary care doctor, a registered dietician or nutritionist, or counselor.

Sources:

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What is Intuitive Eating? (And My Intuitive Eating Journey)

What is Intuitive Eating? (And My Intuitive Eating Journey)

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Comment

  • Thank you so much for posting about intuitive eating! As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and disordered eating survivor, I can 100% speak from experience that that principles (NOT rules!) have changed my life. I no longer obsess about every calorie or every bite of food, and I no longer feel guilty about my food choices. I listen to my body and nourish it based on my physical state. It’s amazing that when you remove the food rules and restrictions, you find that your body craves more whole foods. Do I still have chocolate? Yes! But because I’ve removed the “bad” label, it no longer holds as much power over me so a small amount is all I need to feel satisfied.

    And exercise is so much more enjoyable when I’m not focused on burning calories or making up for last night’s dinner. I move my body because it feels good!

    Food freedom is the BEST!!!! ♥️

    Cindy on

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