Intuitive Eating Creates a Better Relationship with Food—Here's How

As a society, we’re doing a much better job at stepping away from diet culture and unrealistic lifestyles. But, we have to acknowledge that there are still so many people who don’t have a healthy relationship with food, and that’s okay. One method that helps create a healthier and overall better relationship with food is intuitive eating, and that’s because it’s not a diet, it’s more-so a rule of thumb to stick by and a lifestyle. So, what on earth is intuitive eating anyway? We spoke to wellness expert, Arielle Lorre, who provides her audience no BS wellness tips and delicious recipes. Keep on reading for more on intuitive eating plus some of our favorite recipes created by Arielle.

What is Intuitive Eating?

“Everyone’s concept of intuitive eating varies a bit but for me, it means being attuned to myself to the point that I can trust my body’s cues and I can trust myself to make decisions around food that support my overall well-being,” she says. “Well-being includes my enjoyment of life so, while most of the time I eat things that I know will make me feel my best, I’m not saying no to pizza or dessert if I’m out with my husband or friends.” She adds that she’s done the “rigid” diets and followed “food rules,” and intuitive eating is far from both. “It’s flexible and as its name suggests, honors the fact that we do intuitively know how to nourish ourselves if we can slow down and listen.”

Practicing Intuitive Eating with Her Own Recipes

“I learned how to eat intuitively after a lot of trial and error and a lot of both dieting and binging,” she says. “Honestly, I was sick of obsessing over food and feeling like #%!? so I had to find a better way.” She often gets asked how she doesn’t eat an entire batch of her Instagram-famous cookies, and she won’t lie and say that she hasn’t! But, it doesn’t necessarily feel good. “I’ve been there, done that, and don’t want to feel that way again,” she explains. “I find that if I’m not restricting foods or food groups, I’m not having cravings or urges to binge or overeat.” She makes sure she’s eating well-balanced meals and healthy snacks throughout the day while staying hydrated. “When I’m recipe testing or baking I don’t go overboard and eat everything at once.”