Intuitive Eating & Body Acceptance
- Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 22
How Intuitive Eating can help you escape comparison culture and achieve body acceptance
Written by Emily Edling & Cristina Luibil, MS, RD, LDN. Edited by Sabrina Stadelman.
I (Emily) recently had the chance to get away for a bit alone. It was a nice time to relax, free from my usual responsibilities. We are all pulled in so many directions; it's a luxury to step away for an afternoon or more. This was a simple solo vacation, where I spent my days studying with frequent hiking or coffee breaks- my kind of bliss.
At the end of my stay, I realized the place I was renting didn't have a mirror aside from a small one above the bathroom sink. During the week, I hadn't realized that my attention wasn't on my outward appearance. Looking back, it was refreshing to recognize that my thoughts were on more significant things (even daydreaming or enjoying watching a fluff show). I wasn't missing my bedroom full-length mirror one bit. There were no objectifying thoughts, such as wishing my body were different or that clothing fit differently. I was fully embodied in the sense that I was living in my body peacefully.
As far along as I may be in the Intuitive Eating journey, this tiny experience caused me to realize how much unpacking still needs to be done, and how diet culture's standards are ingrained in the back of my mind. It is normal in our society to want to have a smaller or different body. We are conditioned to think certain shapes are better than others. The principles of Intuitive Eating help us to ditch the diet mentality, to stop comparing ourselves, and to find more moments of rest in our bodies, both mentally and physically.
If you're curious about Intuitive Eating but still wish for a smaller body, you might be wondering if Intuitive Eating is for you. The answer is yes! It is totally normal for those who start an Intuitive Eating journey to still have somewhat of a diet mentality. It is part of the Intuitive Eating journey to work through that diet mentality and come out on the other side stronger and wiser. The fact of the matter is that we are not healthier if we diet and shrink our body size. With Intuitive Eating, we lean heavily on self-compassion to help us find a peaceful relationship with our here-and-now body.
With Intuitive Eating, we use emotion, instinct, and rational thought to guide us to a better relationship with food and our bodies. This definition of a "better relationship" is likely unique for each person. Intuitive Eating is so liberating from the pervasive sense of mental, emotional, and physical restriction. You will have such a sense of pride and self-love once you are on your own Intuitive Eating Journey.
Are you ready to feel at peace within your body?
Aterra Nutrition would love to help you on your journey toward a more peaceful relationship with food and body. If you would like to get in touch with us, check out the link below.
Our Intuitive Eating Membership, Nourish Your Life, is currently enrolling. Become a part of our community.
Nourishing Notes from Aterra Nutrition
Subscribe to our Substack newsletter for down-to-earth intuitive eating and body acceptance tips, nutrition resources, and offerings from our team of registered dietitians and interns.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. It may not be tailored to your specific health needs as it is written here. This content is not intended to replace personalized medical advice, nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy. Any recipes or suggestions provided are meant to inspire and should be used at your discretion. Always consult with your own registered dietitian, physician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your nutrition, lifestyle, or treatment plan. If you choose, Aterra Nutrition would be happy to help you in your own, individual nutrition and intuitive eating journey.
Comments