Intuitive Eating
Intuitive eating is the idea that if you listen to yourself you will find balance. You will eat in a way connected to you and what your real needs are. Each of us intuitively knows deep down what we need. This goes for food as well, and what we eat can be a reflection of our body’s true desires. Do you ever crave something deeply without knowing why? This kind of craving doesn’t necessary linger for it is not picked up by the mind and obsessed over. It is not a thought of what you would like to eat, what you deserve or want. Instead it is your body sending you clues of what it needs, a flash of a message. These can be easy to overlook if we are not accustomed to listening.
It can be very easy to think our body is sending us a message to eat cake. But remember this is a thought being processed not an instinct. To listen to your instincts, to allow yourself to be guided in this way, start by asking yourself with an open mind what you need. It can be quick and easy, no thoughts, no overriding desires, just a quick response. Your body knows what it needs; it doesn’t really want to be buried by the things we obsess about.
Give your body the chance to be heard before you start eating, before you go shopping or have a snack. Be aware of your impulses and before you react, ask yourself what you need. For that moment it could simply be a glass of water. You will find by listening you can nourish your body in a whole new way. By feeding yourself this way you will find unhealthy desires falling away, because your body’s needs are being fulfilled and because you are listening. It can be easy, by practicing this method before you eat, before you make a meal. Open the fridge or cupboard and let yourself intuitively guide your choices. See yourself as capable of knowing what you truly need. Open up and really listen, you will become a far healthier you.