Plenty of research has been done regarding the positive and negative impacts of different diet regimes, and the results have been mixed. There are many diets that actually benefit our body and improve our eating habits and health. However, the opposite results can be quite worrying. From failed attempts at losing weight to higher levels of cholesterol, poor body image, or even stress, the negative impact of a given diet could have severe consequences. Thus, a new approach to dieting, called intuitive eating, might be the answer for those who have had an unfavorable experience with diets.
Intuitive eating is an interesting nutrition philosophy, as it encourages those who practice it to pay attention to their bodies, learning how to read how it communicates. By rejecting the diet mentality, intuitive eaters can honor their hunger and respect their “fullness, instead of counting calories or discriminating against different foods. Paying attention to how our body reacts to certain foods we can develop healthier eating habits, according to intuitive eating.
Even when it sounds counterintuitive and potentially unhealthy, several studies have linked the effects of intuitive eating to a positive impact on nutritional and mental health. For example, the improvement of cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and markers of inflammation are all benefits that come from following this anti-diet diet. Besides, it is also associated with an improved body image, lower levels of depression, and enhanced self-esteem,
One of the great benefits of intuitive eating is that anyone can benefit from this approach without having to radically change their eating habits. Dietitians who specialize in this approach tell their patients that they need to actively listen to what their body is telling them. Whether it is before or after eating certain foods, or when experiencing food cravings, awareness is essential for intuitive eating. Taking the time to reflect on what causes our cravings, or how we feel after each meal will eventually lead us to a more mindful set of habits and patterns.
If we are interested in following or only trying out this nutritional approach, we should get in touch with a professional nutritionist. They are the experts in the field, and their guidance and assessment will help us achieve our goals, regardless of them is looking to lose weight or improve our eating habits. Otherwise, we could end up doing more harm than good to our bodies, and that is definitely not the point.
