Intuitive eating for a healthy balance

Intuitive or conscious eating is a new approach recommended by many dieticians and nutritionists. Doctor and nutritionist Karine Gravel is one of Quebec’s intuitive eating specialists.

The concept was developed by Americans Evelyne Tribole, a registered dietician based in the US, and Elise Tesch, an eating disorder therapist. Their goal was to advocate for a healthy relationship with food. Supported by scientific research, the intuitive eating method has ten basic principles:

• Reject the diet mentality that offers you false hope.

• Honour your hunger when it is moderate.

• Give yourself permission to eat whatever you want.

• Stop categorizing food as either “good” or “bad”.

• Listen for the body signals that tell you that you are no longer hungry.

• Discover the satisfaction and joy of eating.

• Honour your feelings without using food.

• Respect your body in the present moment.

• Be physically active to feel good, not to lose weight.

• Make food choices that honour your health and taste buds.

Source: Karine Gravel, RD

For some, intuitive or conscious eating might seem like a difficult or even impossible task. These principles go against many popular diets and weight loss plans. A nutritionist can help you start intuitive eating, one principle at a time.

To learn more about this approach, visit:

• karinegravel.com
• intuitiveeating.org