What Is Intuitive Eating?
At its core, Intuitive Eating is a philosophy that makes you the expert of your body and its hunger and satiety signals (aka pretty much the polar opposite of the traditional diet that dictates where, what and how much you “should” eat – insert shame here).
That’s why you may have heard some people (including me!) call it the “anti-diet.”
When I say “anti-diet” some folks might feel a wave of relief as they imagine their lives without all that counting, measuring, and obsession. But for many folks, the idea of releasing the rules can feel destabilizing. For many folks, being in driver’s seat again when it comes to what and how much to eat, leads to an initial gut reaction of fear.
“But if I don’t have a set of rules and portions to follow, how will I know what and how much to eat? I’m sure I’ll just overeat all the things (none of which will be good for my health!). And then my body will change (in size and/or health), and, and, and….Gahhhh!”
I get it.
Fear around the permission to eat any and all foods can feel a little scary. Which is why as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor I work with you to systematically and strategically build body trust and reclaim your food freedom! It’s not a light switch, but a practice (one that I will guide you through!).
Ultimately (with time and practice), you’ll come to find that you are the best person to guide your choices around your food, movement, and your body! Your body was born knowing what it needed – this practice is about coming home to your innate body wisdom!
And of course, along the way, we’ll explore you figure out integrating evidence-based knowledge around nutrition and movement so that you can take care of your body in a way that honours you – body, mind and spirit!
Intuitive Eating is a philosophy based on 10 guiding principles developed by two world-renowned Dietitian’s, that will help you regain body trust, discover satisfaction and truly make peace with food (and fitness). Through a process of personal inquiry and curiousity you’ll embrace the 10 Principles, and as a result, experience more freedom around food and rediscover the pleasures of eating (and moving) once again!
Once again? Yes! Once again. I repeat – you were born an intuitive eater! The practice of Intuitive Eating is about unravelling the influence of diet culture, weight bias and fat phobia (and all the rules and beliefs that go alongside) so you can naturally and peacefully live a healthy lifestyle by your design!
How does it work?
Intuitive Eating Counselling fits under the umbrella of Clinical Counselling, and my Counselling rate of $150 per hour applies. Some benefits plans may reimburse fees (RCC #22774).
Fee schedule: (note: services provided by RCCs in BC are now GST exempt) – Rates effective Jan 1, 2025
Individual Session – in person in Nanaimo* or Virtual (50-minutes): $150
*My in-person office is located in North Nanaimo and is accessible by bus, car, or active transport. Address is provided upon booking.
Want to learn more about my personal experience with Intuitive Eating and why I became a Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor? Check out this blog.
Looking for a more self-guided approach?
Check out these Blogs, Books and a Course to guide you!
Intuitive Eating Blogs:
The Revolutionary Anti-Diet: Intuitive Eating (background and overview of IE)
Ditch the labels and Discover Food Freedom
Anti-Diet is not Anti-Nutrition
It’s not binging it’s Primal Hunger (and it’s not your fault)
Stop Demonizing Emotional Eating (it’s your friend, not your foe)
How Bowls Encourage Intuitive Eating
The Strategy of S squared to make meals and snacks more sustainable
Sugar isn’t addictive or evil (an opposing viewpoint)
Intuitive Eating Books:
I also highly recommend these resources from the creators of the Intuitive Eating Framework (and my mentors) – see details below!
The Intuitive Eating Book (4th Edition) is your go to resource to explore the framework of Intuitive Eating. It includes the theory and research behind it. If you’re a person who likes more of the reasons behind, this book is the best place to start. If you’re the kind of person who simply wants to dive in, I’d recommend the workbook instead.
The Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resche (the creators of the Intuitive Eating Framework) is a fabulous resource if you wish to explore Intuitive Eating on your own. It includes everything you need to explore the framework including the basic theory behind each principle as well as fabulous exercises and questions to help you explore each of them.