The Mindfulness Group

The goal here is intuitive eating. Eating intuitively means eating like a child. Like a child, you say? Why yes! I do! If any of you have any children or have ever observed any children eating, you'll notice that they know what they want and can control how much they want. For example, they can fully enjoy an ice-cream cone, but not finish it. Eating intuitively is a healthful way of eating when you are hungry and being able to stop when you are satisfied. I bring up the child example to assure you of this fact: intuitive eating is instinctive, it is absolutely possible for us to listen to our bodies and eat the correct and healthy amount to maintain an ideal (healthy ideal, not underweight standards ideal) weight. So, if you've ever felt like you can't have a treat once in a while because you feel as though you'll overeat or not control yourself, know that it is possible, it's human nature for it to be possible to listen to your body and eat a healthy amount. For example, if a food has a high fat content, it will not make you "fat", rather, it will keep your body full and satisfied for a much longer amount of time as it takes longer to digest. So, listen to your bodies, because strict diets and reprimanding yourself for eating a sweet really won't work for long-term eating habits.

My son is an intuitive eater. He chews his food mindfully and stops eating when he is full. I made an effort to teach him that the Clean Plate Club is a lie. Due to his mindfulness, he is thin.

Unfortunately, I am still learning how to eat like my son. I am a compulsive overeater with a very real food addiction. I have no OFF button when it comes to food. Slowly, I am learning.