3 STEPS TO REGAIN TRUST IN YOUR BODY AND LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFE

Restoring trust in your body is necessary if you’re trying to develop a better relationship with your wellbeing. Consider these 3 steps to do just that.


BY: EMILY FONNESBECK, RD, CD, CLT

Do you doubt your diet and health choices in life? Fortunately, and unfortunately, you’re not alone.

And if you are embarking on the path from diets and rules to Intuitive Eating, you are essentially relearning how to trust yourself to make decisions in your best interest.  

It’s about how strongly you believe in your own ability to choose, and acknowledge that there is always a choice. To walk the path from self-doubt and fear of food, to one of confidence, trust, and faith in your ability to take care of yourself.

Ultimately, what you will learn is that the power of your choices matter.

That’s because Intuitive Eating is about honoring the thoughts, impressions and “gut reactions” that come as you turn down the volume on diets, rules and “shoulds”.  It’s about being thoughtful, mindful and proactive rather than impulsive, anxious or reactive.

Would this mean that you could honor the craving for chocolate or a hamburger?  Absolutely.

Does this mean that a big salad will hit the spot at certain times?  Sure will.

In fact, the very act of practicing Intuitive Eating, where no food is off the table, is what will allow you to make decisions in your best interest rather than out of fear, deprivation, or restriction.  

The goal, in fact, is not about becoming super-healthy eaters, but rather confident eaters who are built on a foundation of trust. A vital ingredient in this process is about committing and owning your choice.

There is no room for second-guessing, cynicism, or doubting yourself, but it can be difficult to know what it means to actually trust yourself.  Let’s break down a few simple steps to make the process easier to relate to:

1. Be aware of your hunger cues.

Notice you are hungry. Take a moment to pause and identify what would adequately satisfy, fuel and energize you.

2. Know what judgment and reactivity looks like.

Notice any judgmental thoughts about what you “should” have done, and recognize them as a result of the diet mentality or food fear.  These are not reality, nor are they drawing on your innate wisdom, which is what you want to cultivate.

Also notice any chaotic thoughts about not needing to care at all. Remember, Intuitive Eating is about honoring you and your needs, not about disregarding them.  While no food is off limits, if the food or amount of food isn’t what your body is asking for, then you are still making decisions that are impulsive and reactive, vs. thoughtful and proactive.

3. Own your balance.

When you find balance between rigidity and chaos, you know you have made a choice you can feel good about.  This is wisdom, this is what we want to cultivate. In fact, you are only able to tap into intuition when you find this balance.

And once you do, fully commit to owning it.  Avoid the temptation to hem, haw, and feed the doubt.  You did the work, so stand by your choice and move on. It is the only way for you to learn to trust yourself, have faith that you did the right thing, and trust that it will work for your benefit.  

Thoughts that are rigid or chaotic will influence behaviors to be a similar way.  That is why changing the way you think about food will not only affect your food behaviors; it will likely teach you to be more mindful and intuitive with relationships, your professional life, and other forms of self-care.

By continuing to walk through this process, you will only strengthen that muscle of trust. It only gets stronger as you continually practice, ultimately leading to confidence and freedom from any power that food may hold over you.  

And when the choices you make are the result of thoughtful considerations that are integrated, functional, and healthy,

You can be confident that you’ve made the choice that’s best for you.  

Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: NEVEN KRCMAREK

Emily Fonnesbeck, RD, CD, CLT is a Utah-based private practice Registered Dietitian. Instead of creating unnecessary restrictions, Emily focuses on helping individuals become confident and in charge of their own well-being through Intuitive Eating and Mindful Living. She is a strong believer and advocate for helping people become capable individuals who are confident in taking care of themselves.  Make a visit and read more from Emily.