Make Peace with Food (Intuitive Eating Principle 3)

Introduction

In a world where diets and food rules dominate, the 3rd principle of intuitive eating - "make peace with food" - might sound radical. However, it's a central principle of intuitive eating, a philosophy that encourages individuals to break free from restrictive eating patterns and reconnect with their bodies. The third principle of intuitive eating, "Make Peace with Food," is all about liberating ourselves from the guilt, fear, and moral judgments often associated with eating. In this article, we'll delve into what this principle means and how it can transform your relationship with food.

The Basics of Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating is a revolutionary approach to nourishing your body, developed by registered dieticians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in the 1990s. It consists of ten principles designed to help individuals regain control over their eating habits and establish a healthier relationship with food. "Making Peace with Food" is one of these fundamental principles.

Understanding "Making Peace with Food"

"Making Peace with Food" involves freeing yourself from the constraints of good and bad foods and eliminating the feelings of guilt and shame that often accompany eating choices. It encourages individuals to reframe their thinking about food, removing the notion of morality from what they consume. This principle allows you to take back the power over your food choices, instead of letting them control you.

Key Aspects of Making Peace with Food

1. Abolish Food Rules:

   This principle challenges the idea of categorising foods as "forbidden" or "sinful." Instead, it promotes the notion that all foods can fit into a healthy, balanced diet.

2. Eliminate Guilt and Shame:

   Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating certain foods is a common occurrence for many people. Making peace with food is about acknowledging that these emotions serve no purpose and should be let go of.

3. Embrace All Foods:

   From kale to chocolate cake, intuitive eating encourages you to approach all foods without judgment. This inclusive perspective allows you to enjoy the wide variety of foods available without guilt or anxiety.

4. Trust Your Body:

   By removing food judgments, you're better equipped to listen to your body's internal cues. Trusting your body to guide your food choices is a fundamental aspect of intuitive eating.

Benefits of Making Peace with Food

1. Improved Emotional Well-being:

   Letting go of food-related guilt and shame is liberating. It allows you to enjoy eating without the emotional burden, leading to a happier and more relaxed relationship with food.

2. Enhanced Nutritional Variety:

   When you don't restrict or label foods as "bad," you're more likely to consume a broader range of nutrients, promoting better overall health.

3. Reduced Binge Eating:

   The absence of forbidden foods reduces the allure of binge eating. When you can eat all foods without restriction, you're less likely to overindulge in response to cravings.

4. Greater Long-Term Success:

   Making peace with food is a sustainable approach to eating. Instead of relying on temporary diets, this principle fosters a lifelong strategy for a healthier relationship with food.

Conclusion

The third principle of intuitive eating, "Make Peace with Food," is a powerful tool for reshaping your relationship with eating. It invites you to discard food rules, eliminate guilt and shame, embrace all foods without judgment, and trust your body's cues. In a world that often attaches moral values to what we eat, intuitive eating encourages a shift in perspective, promoting self-compassion and a more fulfilling approach to food. By making peace with food, you can foster a harmonious and healthy relationship with what you consume, leading to greater overall well-being and satisfaction in your life.

More Help

If making peace with food seems like the craziest thing you've evern heard for some trying to eat less, but you want to know it works, give Alison a call at The Appetite Club now.