Intuitive eating, the anti-diet revolution
Perhaps it is time to follow your intuition? Eating what you want and when you feel the need to do so, that is what intuitive eating is all about. An anti-diet approach with a positive outlook on the body that is also good for one's morale.
It was a surprising idea from the two dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. They conceived the concept of intuitive eating in 1995. It involves a health approach that encourages a positive view of your body, nutrition, and eating and exercise habits.1,2
Intuitive eating, a surprising approach
This innovative approach is quite surprising! Is this acceptable in a world where overweight and obesity are beginning to reach pandemic proportions? This perspective is based on 10 principles, which can be reduced to three major pillars:1,2
- It is absolutely allowed to eat foods you feel like having when you are hungry. No more categorizing food into ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods, because the frustrating feeling of denying yourself something can lead to a tendency toward bulimia. Eating should give you a feeling of satisfaction, not guilt. Moreover, exercise should be a source of well-being rather than a means to burn calories with the goal of weight loss.
- You should eat to satisfy your hunger. Those who eat intuitively, eat until the feeling of hunger is gone.
- Those who eat intuitively are aware of internal hunger and satiety signals and base their eating behavior on them.
Eating should give you a feeling of satisfaction, not guilt
Scientifically proven health benefits
- A lower risk of overweight: various studies have shown that those who primarily eat intuitively generally have a better body mass index (BMI).1,3,4,5
- A better lipid profile: a lower total cholesterol level and a lower LDL value (low-density lipoprotein).1
- Lower blood pressure.1
- A lower risk of eating disorders and distorted body image: a study has shown that intuitive eating is associated with a reduction in eating disorders and weight-loss dieting among women. Furthermore, this nutritional approach in women is also linked to a more positive body image and positive emotional functioning. However, the authors emphasize that additional research based on a diverse sample of adult women is needed to confirm these results.6
Intuitive eating against obesity
＜p＞Obesity and overweight are a persistent concern. These conditions are risk factors for the worsening of other diseases such as, for example, COVID-19. Strategies are needed to combat and prevent these conditions. In that context, intuitive eating offers long-term perspectives similar to other classic strategies for managing body weight. However, additional research is necessary.＜/p＞
Scientific references
Product mentioned in this article
Prodia breakfast biscuits pure chocolate 144g
Pure chocolate breakfast tablets, no added sugars – sweetened with maltitol. Delicious with coffee, on a sandwich, or in desserts.
View product
Related articles
