Intuitive Eating

[Brianna HardistyParticipant]

What is better for weight loss, eating until you are full (mindful/intuitive eating) or a certain diet such as Paleo or south Beach Diet?

[LibbyParticipant]

Perhaps the most important thing in losing or maintaining weight is having a good relationship with food. Research suggests that people who exercise self-restraint to follow a diet, such as the Paleo or South Beach diet, have less self control and self esteem (1). In addition, it appears that people who adhere to strict diets find less enjoyment in food (1). Self-regulating (intuitive eating) can be challenging- it requires constant attention to one’s body to prevent over and under eating and understanding. Popular diets, like the Paleo and South Beach diet, can provide a quick weight loss solution. But in the long run, intuitive eating may be better for weight maintenance and overall happiness.

1. Johnson F, Pratt M, Wardle J. Dietary restraint and self-regulation in eating behavior. International Journal Of Obesity [serial online]. May 2012;36(5):665-674. Available from: Academic Search Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 6, 2014

[Brianna HardistyParticipant]

I agree that having a good relationship with food is the most important thing in maintaining a healthy weight and having a positive self image. In a study that looked at 189 nurses that were “chronic dieters” found that those that continually disregarded hunger cues and were dieters were more likely to be over-weight over their lifetime or were not able to maintain their weight loss (1). This makes sense to me because it is hard to maintain diets that are so restrictive and many end up not being able to stick to the diet.

1)Outland L, Madanat H, Rust F. Intuative eating for a healthy weight. Primary Health Care. 2013;23(9):22-28

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