Intuitive Eating for Nervous System Health

In our quest for well-being, intuitive eating can be a powerful tool. We are what we assimilate, and this practice extends beyond what we eat and delves into our relationship with food. By embracing intuitive eating, we can cultivate a deeper connection between body, mind, and nervous system, promoting overall wellness in a holistic manner.

What Is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive eating is a philosophy that was developed by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in the 1990s. It is founded on 10 principles that guide individuals toward a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

The word intellect comes from the Latin term for binding ourselves to thoughts; the word intuition comes from the Latin for the knowledge within. As we align our food choices with the body’s requests for nourishment, we cultivate our knowledge within more and more. Food comes from the earth and connects us deeply with the earth every time we eat. When we eat foods that help the body thrive in a calm and relaxed way, we restore our connection to the earth and to our intuition.

Intuitive eating revolves around listening to our body's innate cues regarding hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. It encourages us to trust our body's wisdom rather than adhering strictly to external diet rules or societal pressures. This approach empowers us to make food choices based on internal signals, fostering a harmonious relationship with food and ultimately promoting wellness in all aspects of life.

The Benefits of Intuitive Eating

Adopting an intuitive eating approach can have numerous positive effects on both physical and mental health. Here are some of the benefits of intuitive eating.

Improved relationship with food: By ditching restrictive diets and embracing food freedom, individuals can develop a healthier, more balanced relationship with eating.

Enhanced body image: Intuitive eating encourages self-acceptance and appreciation for one's body, promoting a non-judgmental body image.

Sustainable lifestyle: Unlike short-term diets, intuitive eating is a sustainable lifestyle that promotes long-term health and well-being.

Reduced stress around food: Eliminating food rules and guilt associated with eating can significantly reduce stress and anxiety related to food choices.

Better physical health: Research suggests that intuitive eating may lead to improved metabolic health, better digestion, and a more balanced nervous system.

The Crucial Role of Intuitive Eating in Nervous System Health

Intuitive eating is about reconnecting with the body's innate wisdom, trusting yourself to make food choices that support your well-being, and embracing a balanced and flexible approach to nutrition. By fostering a mindful and compassionate relationship with food, individuals can experience profound transformations in health and happiness.

Mind-Body-Nervous System Connection

Intuitive eating acknowledges the intricate link between our mind, body, and nervous system. It recognizes that our eating behaviors and responses are interconnected with our nervous system's state. By adopting intuitive eating practices, we can positively influence the nervous system, leading to reduced stress and improved overall well-being. We are part of nature, as is food. Nourishment can help us reconnect with our environment and notice whether the nervous system is activated or relaxed while eating.

Stress Alleviation

By recognizing and addressing any stressors related to food and eating habits, we can mitigate the impact of stress on the nervous system. Many of our stress and relaxation hormones are secreted in the gut via the enteric nervous system. By tuning into our intuition through something as simple as taking a deep breath before eating, we can cultivate a more relaxed and mindful eating environment, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Improved Digestion and Regulation

Intuitive eating emphasizes tuning into the body's signals of hunger and fullness, fostering a better understanding of one's individual needs. By being in tune with these cues, individuals can regulate their eating patterns, leading to improved digestion and a more balanced relationship with food. This mindful approach supports the nervous system's regulation and overall health.

Cultivating an Intuitive Eating Practice

Practicing intuitive eating during a meal can become a ritual that involves being mindful of your body's signals, honoring hunger and fullness, and truly savoring the pleasure of eating. Author Tony Schwartz writes that rituals are “routines we give importance to.” The word ritual comes from the Latin rituo, meaning to do again. Rituals are ideally simple, repeatable, and allow us to get lost in their acts. How can mealtime become a ritual? Can you light a candle, take a breath, or offer gratitude to your food before eating? Create a ritual that is meaningful to you and brings you into the present moment, into your body and your connection with the earth.

Then, you can try this process for incorporating intuitive eating into your meals.

Check In with Your Hunger

Before you start eating, pause and check in with your body. Ask yourself how hungry you are on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being extremely hungry, 10 being uncomfortably full). Aim to eat when you're at a moderate level of hunger (around 3-4).

Savor Each Bite

Sit down at a table without distractions (e.g. phones, TV). Take a moment to appreciate the food in front of you. Engage your senses by noticing the colors, aromas, and presentation of the meal.

Take smaller bites and chew your food slowly. Pay attention to the taste, texture, and sensations as you eat. Put your utensils down between bites to give yourself time to fully experience the food.

Take Pause During the Meal

Pause periodically during the meal to assess your hunger and fullness levels. Ask yourself how satisfied you feel. Aim to eat until you're comfortably full, not overly stuffed. Notice the state of your nervous system. Do you feel activated or settled? Stressed or relaxed?

Listen to Your Body

Tune in to your body's cues. Notice when you start feeling satisfied or when your hunger begins to diminish. This might include changes in stomach sensations or a decrease in the intensity of hunger.

Be Aware of Emotional Eating

Pay attention to any emotional triggers or reasons behind eating. If you notice emotions influencing your eating (like stress or boredom), acknowledge them without judgment and consider alternative ways to address these emotions.

Respect Fullness Signals

Honor your body's fullness signals. Stop eating when you feel comfortably satisfied, even if there is food remaining on your plate. Trust that you can eat later if you become hungry again.

Practice Gratitude and Enjoyment

Express gratitude for the meal and the nourishment it provides. Cultivate a positive and enjoyable experience around eating, focusing on the pleasure of the meal rather than guilt or judgment. Your body will hear you and appreciate you for tending to it with such care.

After finishing your meal, reflect on how you feel physically and emotionally. Note any learnings or observations about your hunger, fullness, and satisfaction levels during the meal.

Notice how your nervous system feels after practicing intuitive eating. Do you feel calmer or more grounded?

Final Thoughts on Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating allows us to listen to the body’s requests for nourishment. It creates space for cravings to be instructive and guide us to better understand why we might crave something crunchy (stress relief) or something sweet (dehydration). Be gentle with yourself as you practice these steps during meals and gradually integrate intuitive eating into your days.

Support your intuitive eating practice with these 16 affirmations for mindful eating.