Ending the Diet Cycle with Intuitive Eating

Synopsis

Intuitive eating has generated significant research attention in recent years with promising findings in relation to better weight management and positive psychological outcomes. Improvements in body image and self-esteem, as well as enhanced general wellbeing, have been cited among the many far-reaching benefits of this dietary approach.

Despite this increased interest in this field of research, for many individuals the concept of intuitive eating may be relatively new and unfamiliar. While definitions vary, some fundamental principles of intuitive eating have been described as eating only when hungry no longer eating when full and not restricting the types of food eaten unless for medical reasons.This understanding can further be expanded to encompass components of mindfulness – such as minimising distractions, savouring the experience of consuming food, observing mental activity and directing focus towards gratitude and appreciation.

Mindful eating is associated with less impulsive eating, reduced calorie consumption, and healthier snack choices, and an overall natural preference for healthier foods in general. Mounting evidence suggests that intuitive and mindfulness-based strategies have ancillary benefits for encouraging healthier eating behaviour and may greatly assist individuals who have struggled with weight management through more traditional dietary interventions, such as calorie restriction or altering macro nutrient ratios.

Outcomes

• Understand the core principles of intuitive and mindful eating
• Learn simple strategies to begin integrating this dietary approach
• Explore supportive techniques to enhance personal intuitive eating capabilities

Suitable for

In this session we deep dive into this subject and highlight some simple ways to cultivate this approach to dietary behaviour, as well as complimentary skills to develop in order to successfully sustain the changes.