Intuitive Eating - How Do You Measure The Success? My Story.
Hey there! I’m Sara.
Like many of you, I've been on that rollercoaster of diets and weight worries. You know the drill – hopping from one diet to the next, always chasing that elusive goal of the 'perfect' body. But here’s the twist in my story: I discovered something life-changing – intuitive eating.
For those who don't know me well, I used to be caught up in the world of on/off dieting. It was an all-or-nothing game that left me feeling drained, both physically and emotionally. But then, something clicked. I realised that this wasn't the way to treat my body. That’s when I embraced the non diet approach and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer!
In this post, I'm peeling back the layers of my journey. From the days of chronic overeating and hating to share food, to learning how to manage my health without it being overwhelming. I'm talking about the real stuff – the ups, the downs, and everything in between.
So, grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together. It's about more than just food; it's about finding a way to live in harmony with our bodies and our minds. Ready? Let's go!
The Turning Point
There was a moment in my journey that changed everything. Amidst the endless cycle of dieting, a realisation hit me – this wasn't the way to true health or happiness. I was tired of the restrictive diets, the guilt, and the constant battle with food. I was stuck in an endless cycle of restriction and bingeing, neither of which was serving my health goals. From the outside, it looked like I was looking after myself, my body and my health but actually I felt more unhealthy than ever. If an activity wouldn’t push me closer to my goals then I wouldn’t do it, if I thought a food was bad, I would avoid it. My life had become very small - even though my body had got smaller and looked ‘better’ to society - my mental health was worse than ever.
That's when I discovered the non diet approach and intuitive eating, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive eating is a radical shift from traditional dieting methods. It's a non diet approach that encourages listening to and trusting your body's hunger and fullness cues, rather than following external diet rules or restrictions.
Unlike traditional diets that focus on weight loss, calorie counting, and rigid eating rules, intuitive eating promotes a healthier relationship with food. It's about eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, recognising and respecting your body's needs, and finding joy in eating. This approach leads to body and food congruence, where eating habits align with your body's needs and desires - both physical and emotional.
This journey into intuitive eating taught me to trust my body, to eat without guilt, and to embrace food as a source of nourishment and pleasure. It's a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and ultimately, liberation from the dieting mindset. But, to truly be an intuitive eater you have to disconnect your worth from the number on those scales. Without seeing that number going down or your measurements reducing, how exactly do you measure your own success?
Before & After Comparison
On/Off Dieting
Before: My life was ruled by dieting, I was always looking forward to the next diet, my life and worthiness being controlled by the number on those scales. I would watch TV diet shows, read magazines, do online research to find new and exciting ways to lose the weight, it was exhausting. I have done Weight Watchers, keto, no sugar, no fat, Joe Wicks and everything in-between. I would lose a few pounds and then immediately put it back on again - often with some additional weight on top. None of them made me any happier either.
I was stuck in a mindset where food was the enemy, and my self-worth was tied to how well I could adhere to the latest diet trends. It was a never-ending cycle of restriction, deprivation, and occasional binging, leaving me feeling drained and defeated.
After: The shift to intuitive eating was like turning on a light in a room that had been dark for too long. It allowed me to break free from the exhausting cycle of yo-yo dieting. Intuitive eating taught me to trust my body again, to listen to its cues, and to eat in a way that felt right for me, not based on external diet rules.
Embracing this approach led to a more sustainable way of eating. It wasn't about restricting certain foods or following a strict regimen. Instead, it was about balance, listening to my hunger and fullness, and making peace with food. This new relationship with food brought a sense of calm and stability. It was no longer a source of stress but a joyful part of my life.
The most significant change was in my mental health. The guilt and shame that used to accompany eating dissipated. I found a new sense of freedom and self-acceptance. My physical health also improved as I began to nourish my body in a more balanced and kind way.
The journey hasn’t been perfect, and there are some bumps in the road but I can safely say, I no longer look for the next diet - I am genuinely happy with my body.
All or Nothing Mindset
Before: My journey with food, before discovering intuitive eating, was marked by an all-or-nothing approach, particularly evident in my experience with the ketogenic diet. This diet, where I cut out practically all carbohydrates, did lead to significant weight loss – about 4 stone. However, it came at a cost. This rigid way of eating instilled in me a deep-seated fear of carbohydrates. Suddenly, foods that were once a normal part of my diet became my enemies, and this drastically affected not just my eating habits but also my social life. I found myself avoiding social gatherings or feeling anxious at the thought of meals that didn’t fit into my strict dietary framework. This extreme approach left me feeling isolated and fearful, turning eating into a source of stress rather than enjoyment.
After: Transitioning to intuitive eating was a breath of fresh air after the restrictiveness of my ketogenic phase. This approach brought with it a sense of balance and a more forgiving mindset towards food. Intuitive eating helped me understand that no single food group is inherently 'bad' and that all foods can have a place in a balanced diet. It allowed me to let go of the fear and guilt associated with eating certain foods, particularly carbs, and learn to trust my body's wisdom in guiding my food choices.
By listening to my body's hunger and fullness signals, and eating in a way that felt physically satisfying, I found a sense of peace with food. It was no longer about adhering to strict rules but about understanding and respecting my body's needs. This shift not only improved my relationship with food but also helped me reconnect with the social joys of eating. I could once again enjoy meals with friends and family without the looming anxiety over carbs.
Chronic Bingeing
Before: My journey before intuitive eating was a constant battle between my body's natural needs and my mind's restrictive rules. The more I restricted, the more my body craved nourishment, leading to a cycle of overeating that felt beyond my control. Chocolates, crisps, cakes, sweets – you name it, if it was deemed 'bad' in my diet book, I binged on it. I reached a point where I couldn't even keep these foods at home, fearing I would consume an entire chocolate bar in one go. It was a distressing cycle, fuelled by deprivation and a deep-rooted fear of certain foods. The physical need to eat battled against the mental barriers I had built, leaving me in a perpetual state of anxiety around food.
After: Embracing the non diet, intuitive eating approach was a challenging yet transformative journey. The first step was allowing all foods back into my diet, which, after years of restriction, felt like a daunting task. However, as I began to include a variety of foods and eat proper, nourishing meals, something incredible happened – the urge to binge started to diminish.
I learned that often, bingeing was a response to not honouring my hunger. By paying attention to my body's cues and allowing myself to enjoy foods like chocolate in moderation, I found a sense of balance. Now, a small piece of chocolate after lunch isn't a trigger for overeating; it's a delightful experience that satisfies my taste buds. The fear of losing control has faded away, replaced by a confident understanding of my body's needs.
This shift wasn't just about changing my eating habits; it was about relearning to trust my body. It taught me that occasional indulgences are part of a healthy diet and that listening to my body is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
Managing Health
Before: In my earlier attempts to manage my health, I was under a significant misconception. I believed that dieting and exercising in the traditional sense were the only paths to health. Diet culture, my own upbringing and my own insecurities had convinced me that only being skinny equated to being healthy, and that became my goal. However, this approach turned into a self-deprecating journey. It was a cycle of telling myself I wasn't good enough, attempting to hate myself into a version of 'good health.' I was caught in a detrimental mindset, believing that self-criticism and restriction were necessary for health. Looking back, I realise how flawed this perspective was; hating oneself is never a pathway to true health or happiness.
After: Adopting the non diet approach revolutionised my understanding of health. It taught me that health isn't just physical; it's a combination of mental, physical, and social well-being. Embracing intuitive eating was part of learning to love and respect my body and mind. This approach allowed me to see health as a holistic concept, not just a physical state to be achieved.
This shift in perspective made managing my health feel more natural and far less overwhelming. It was no longer about punishing my body but about caring for it. I learned to listen to what my body truly needs – sometimes it's a hearty salad, other times it's a piece of cake with friends. Exercise transformed from a chore into an activity I enjoy, one that makes me feel good, rather than a punishment for what I ate.
Now, I find myself naturally craving nutritious foods, not out of obligation but because my body genuinely wants them. Social gatherings and meals with friends are no longer a source of anxiety but joyous occasions to connect and share. Health management has become a journey of self-love and respect, encompassing all aspects of my well-being.
The Results
Switching to intuitive eating brought about transformative changes in my life, both mentally and physically. It wasn't just about changing my diet; it was about reshaping my entire approach to health and well-being.
Physical and Emotional Eating: I learned to differentiate between eating for physical hunger and emotional reasons. This understanding helped me develop healthier eating patterns and a more fulfilling relationship with food.
Listening to My Body: Tuning into my body's cues became second nature. I started eating when hungry and stopping when satisfied, leading to a more balanced and enjoyable eating experience.
Body/Food Congruence: Achieving harmony between my body and the foods I eat was a game-changer. This congruence meant no more battling food guilt or body shaming. I learned to respect my body's needs and enjoy food without stress or judgment.
Mental Well-being: The biggest win has been in my mental health. Freed from the dieting mindset, I've found a sense of peace and self-acceptance that I never thought possible.
Physical Health: My physical health improved not because I followed a strict diet, but because I started caring for my body in a more holistic and loving way.
Intuitive eating taught me that health isn't just about what we eat or how much we exercise. It's about how we feel, how we treat ourselves, and how we find balance in our lives. It's been an incredible journey, one that's led to a happier, healthier me.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of my journey, I want to invite you to consider exploring intuitive eating as a path to a healthier, more joyful relationship with food. If my story resonates with you, if you've felt trapped in a cycle of dieting, guilt, and dissatisfaction, know that there is another way.
Intuitive eating is more than a diet; it's a shift in mindset. It's about breaking free from the rules and restrictions that have long governed our eating habits and learning to trust our bodies again. This approach isn't just about physical health; it's about finding peace with food and with yourself.
If you're tired of the endless dieting cycle, if you long for a way of eating that feels natural and fulfilling, I encourage you to explore intuitive eating. It's a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and ultimately, self-love. And it's a journey well worth taking.
For anyone interested in exploring the non-diet approach and intuitive eating, I'm here to offer my support and guidance. As someone who has walked this path, I understand the challenges and rewards that come with changing your relationship with food and your body.
As part of my services, I offer personalised sessions where we can dive into intuitive eating, discussing how it can fit into your life and address your unique needs.
If you're curious about how intuitive eating can transform your life or if you're ready to start your journey towards a healthier, more joyful relationship with food, please reach out. You can find more information on my coaching services here.