What is intuitive eating?

The intuitive eating (IE) approach was invented in 1995 by two dietitians, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, who defined intuitive eating and its principles in their first book.^[1]

IE is a weight-neutral self-care framework that includes an approach to eating that focuses on becoming attuned to the body’s physical and emotional sensations, particularly related to hunger, fullness, and eating behaviors. IE is based on the idea that eating in alignment with the body’s needs and internal cues, rather than following restrictive diets or being overly cautious with food choices, will naturally lead to a healthier and positive relationship with food.^[1]

Tribole and Resch believe that diet culture, defined as a set of beliefs that prioritize achieving specific body shapes and sizes through rigid eating over physical and mental health, is detrimental to both the body (due to the constant yo-yo weight fluctuations between diets) and the mind (due to the feelings of guilt associated with eating certain foods), among other issues. They explain that the IE approach works by helping people become less strict and feel less guilty or anxious when making food choices.^[1]