Intuitive Eating in Eating Disorder Treatment

#intuitiveeating

In the midst of meal plans, weigh-ins, and careful monitoring of caloric intake, where is intuitive eating in the realm of recovery from eating disorders? Intuitive eating is often seen as ditching the rules, and eating whatever one wants; at least, that’s what I thought when I first heard about intuitive eating. However, it goes much deeper than that. True intuitive eating involves fueling one’s body, and honoring bodily hunger. This still applies when hunger cues are absent, the body is tired, or rigid observation of meals occur.

During internship, through observing sessions with clients who have eating disorders, I have found that intuitive eating does have a place and should be the base for eating disorder recovery.

When first learning to ride a bike, one has training wheels and someone holding on to the back of the seat. If the student tried to ride by himself, he would topple over and crash into the concrete. Over time, the training wheels come off, and the guide lets go of the seat. The student can ride on his own without help. Sometimes accidents still happen, and people still fall. However, more experienced riders fall with less frequency.

Intuitive eating is like riding a bike. At first, some people need help. Some people learn more quickly than others, and that’s okay. In eating disorder recovery, the meal plan is like a hand on the shoulder or bike seat to keep the rider steady. It helps to guide someone struggling with restriction to a place where his or her body is adequately nourished. In this case the meal plan is a tool, a step towards food freedom.

For individuals struggling with binge eating, honoring their hunger can be a step towards freedom from their eating disorder as well. For example, eating a snack when one is moderately hungry can help prevent ravenous hunger and binge eating. In this way, with snacks and meals, one can nourish his or her body in a peaceful manner without feeling out of control.

Recovery is not linear. Individuals can have setbacks or strides forward. This is like the more experienced bike rider who occasionally has a personal best or falls down. It’s a journey toward intuitive eating and each person is unique in their path.