Has anyone read Intuitive Eating?

jill5280
jill5280 Posts: 117 Member
edited September 27 in Introduce Yourself
This book was recommended to me and I am reading through it and trying to have an open mind and not throw it out before finishing the book. I have to say that it is scaring me more than a little and confusing me even more.

The premise to these registered dietician process is to listen to your hunger cues and then eat what you want in the quantities that you want and that your body will self regulate. They say that the diet mentality of mandating certain foods as good and other foods as "bad" will lead us down the road to eventual crash and binge.

They say that this mentality is why most people end up being unsuccessful and dieting over and over again.

I would love to hear thoughts from anyone who has read the book and if they have been brave enough to give these people's plan a chance.

Replies

  • Jessi9598
    Jessi9598 Posts: 26 Member
    I just completed an Intuitive Eating 9 week class that is based on the book and it has changed the way I eat completely!! And I'm down 23 lbs since starting it 12 weeks ago so I think it's working ;) I have been recommending it to friends!
  • jill5280
    jill5280 Posts: 117 Member
    Wow....where did you find such a class? From what I am reading we shouldn't even be measuring "success" by how many pounds we are losing. I allow myself to eat whatever I want that day, but regulate the quantities and "listen" to my body cues. I work out because I love it and I ride my bike for 30 to 50 miles at a time because it gives me a soul stirring satisfaction. BUT, I want to lose weight because I WANT to be slimmer, more energetic and HEALTHY. I can't seem to let go of that.
  • Jessi9598
    Jessi9598 Posts: 26 Member
    I know, it is hard to not think that way! And technically if I was really an intuitive eater I wouldn't be logging my calories every day on MFP but I'm not there yet! I think I'm on my way and maybe after I get closer to a healthy weight I could be an intuitive eater and not be so focused on my calories! :)
  • Jessi9598
    Jessi9598 Posts: 26 Member
    I think my instructor said you can find classes through their website www.intuitiveeating.org ...I signed up through a Biggest Loser competition that I'm in.
  • jill5280
    jill5280 Posts: 117 Member
    Thanks for the information. I didn't know that they had a website. I was telling my husband about the book and he sort of said what you said...that he may be interested in using that sort of approach once he (we) have lost our weight as a way to develop a healthy attitude toward food and exercise. I appreciate the information.
  • FluttershySweetie
    FluttershySweetie Posts: 216 Member
    I would just be scared to do it because of health issues.... our bodies need certain things to function properly... a certain amount of proteins from different sources for example.... in order to get all the right amounts of amino acids our cells need.... If I listened to what my body wanted I probably would never have another drink of milk or have any yogurt or even any meats at all.... nor ever any greens... or water... I never have that feeling of thirst.... I`ve gone over 1 week without a single think to drink... my body never told me I was thirsty... but I was very dehydrated, so my bodys intuition might not be so great. And personaly to me thats not healthy.... In my opinion, A healthy diet is a balaced diet or carbs, proteins, fats and water... doesnt matter from which source as long as theyre a natural and not overly processed food. But it doesnt work for everyone, like the saying 'different strokes for different folks'. I think weight loss should be based on health and ultimately how you feel. If you feel miserable with what your doing but your seeing results.... maybe it might not be worth it.... try something else that will make you feel better and still get you results.... I plan on seeing my doctor for some blood work in about 6-8 months to see where my values are.... it would be a good indication as to how your diet is jiving with your body..... if your values are good or improved, then keep doing what your doing, if worst, then maybe talk to your doctor or a nutritionist/ dietician to see what you could do a bit differently to help.
    I am currently taking classes on animal nutrition ( I know it`s not human) but it`s opened my eyes as to how important carbs, proteins and fats are for the cells in our body to function properly in regards to digestion, the liver, kidneys and absorption of vitamins and minerals.


    Chantal
  • jill5280
    jill5280 Posts: 117 Member
    Thanks for that Chantel. I agree that the body requires a balance of nutrition and that is what I am struggling with. The book tries to set you up for that by talking about real hunger and listening to the cues that the body gives that says it is ENOUGH...to stop eating (or stopping eating whatever you are eating at the moment.) The theory is that when you give yourself permission to eat anything, and listen to your body, your body will guide you.

    Well, I am 54 years old and been driving my body for awhile. I agree with the previous poster that this may be a way to move into a maintenance process once the weight is gone and you have established a healthy relationship with food and exercise, but right now I still have about 50 or more pounds to lose. I can't put my toe over that line right now.
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