3 Intuitive Eating Tips for a Fresh Start this Fall
Many people have started new diets this year in hopes of having a healthier 2018. With hundreds of different diets out there, from keto to gluten free, low glycemic to Mediterranean, how does a person pick out the right one for them? Diets come in all shapes and sizes, and different eating patterns are best for different people. When it comes down to it, the diet that you will be most successful at is not a diet at all. It is a pattern of eating that nourishes and satisfies you.
The tenants of Intuitive Eating and Competent Eating allow for individualized nutrition. Just as people around the world have thrived on a variety of different diets for thousands of years, a variety of eating patterns can certainly satisfy both nutrient needs and appetite. So here are three tips on how to eat intuitively!
1. Pick foods you LIKE!
No matter how healthy a food is, there is no reason you should eat it if you don’t like it! That said, it is important to eat a wide variety of foods. Start by making a list of foods you like, dislike, and maybe like. It usually takes many exposures to a new food to come to like it, so get adventurous this fall and try (and retry) some foods!
2. Pay attention while you eat.
When you have foods that you like in front of you, it is much easier to pay attention while eating. Of course, this is difficult if distractions are present. Shut off the TV, take your lunch break away from your desk, and put your phone on silent during meals. Spend your time eating as a time to take care of yourself. It’s a break from the busy world we live in and a chance to tune in to your body. Listen to the signals it is giving you to know how much food will satisfy you. Everyone has different experiences of satisfaction when eating. Some signs your body is satisfied might include: losing interest in the food, the food not tasting as good, not feeling physically hungry (our body takes more time to feel full than it does to eat enough, so stopping before a sensation of physical fullness will often be enough).
3. ENJOY your food!
Taking time to enjoy food is more than just a break from your day. Enjoying the foods you eat will help you pay attention while eating. You may realize that a smaller portion of a food is enough to satisfy your appetite. By tuning into your appetite, you will find that sometimes you crave the freshness of fruits and vegetables, and other times you will desire foods that are considered less healthy. It is okay to enjoy all of the foods you like! By listening to your appetite and paying attention while eating, you will pick a variety of foods that satisfy your nutritional needs.
Of course, if you have questions about special diet needs or just want help with healthy eating, find a Registered Dietitian in your area. Search for an expert in your area here.
http://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert
Eat Well,
Emily
If you’re interested in learning more about Intuitive Eating or Competent Eating, check out the resources below!
