When something is going wrong, your body gives you cues, it could be a physical reaction, or a feeling. These are signs that you should either change what you’re doing or abandon it. However, how does this apply to the food you eat? Many people believe that you can lose weight only on strict diets, with rigorous workout sessions. While these can help you a lot, having a strict regime is not everybody’s cup of tea, that’s why many people follow intuitive eating- instead of following a strict diet, eating when you are hungry, it is important to understand your body’s cues like knowing for example when you feel full and are eating properly. How Does Intuitive Eating Help? Intuitive eating is about enjoying a meal without guilt and listening to your body. Experts say it's more about health than weight. People must stop thinking of food as "good" or "bad" instead, should focus on a balanced approach, where all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle helping people have a better relationship with food. Studies have shown how these eating habits have been proven helpful for people who suffer with eating disorders. In a 2020 study done by the International Journal of Eating Disorders revealed that intuitive eating had a positive effect on people who had anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Many people use food as a coping mechanism which is unhealthy and unfit for your mental health, causing weight gain and other issues. As intuitive eating helps you build a healthier relationship with food, it can also help you lose weight in the following ways: Rejecting Diet Mentality By stopping restrictive dieting, you reduce the cycle of bingeing and deprivation. This can stabilize eating patterns, leading to more consistent food intake and potentially helping your body find its natural weight. When you remove the stress of "diet rules" your body is better able to tell you its true hunger signals. Honoring Your Hunger Eating when truly hungry prevents overeating later. By listening to your body, you avoid extreme hunger that leads to poor food choices and larger portions. This helps regulate your calorie intake naturally, which can support healthy weight management. Feel Your Fullness Paying attention to fullness cues prevents overeating. Stopping when satisfied, not stuffed, helps regulate calorie intake. This awareness promotes mindful eating, which can lead to natural weight management over time. Challenge the Food Police Eliminating guilt and shame around food leads to healthier choices. When you stop labeling foods as "good" or "bad," you make decisions based on your body's needs, not emotional restrictions. This mindset supports better food choices long term. Discover the Satisfaction Eat foods that make you happy and feel good. If you don't like what you're eating, choose something else. Food should be satisfying. Enjoy the taste and texture. Eating should be a pleasure, not a chore. Cope with Your Emotions with Kindness Finding non-food ways to manage emotions reduces emotional eating. Addressing the root of emotional eating can lead to healthier food choices and potentially support weight management. This method helps to separate true hunger from emotional urges. Make Peace with Food Removing "forbidden" foods reduces cravings and binge eating. When all foods are allowed, you're less likely to overconsume them. This balanced approach to food can help in maintaining a healthy weight without extreme restriction. Respect Your Body Accepting your body as it reduces stress and promotes healthy habits. When you focus on well-being rather than weight, you're more likely to make positive choices for your health. This can lead to a healthy weight for your body.