Will eating intuitively cause weight loss?

by Rachel
(California)

Hi Stefanie,

I have tried to really listen to my hunger cues today, after watching some of your videos yesterday (thank you so much for making them!), and have been very surprised at how little I had noticed whether I was actually hungry before. So after a day of attempts at intuitive eating, I feel like my stomach is significantly smaller than it was yesterday (when I overate).

Tonight, however, I watched some more of your videos, and saw that you mentioned that if a person were to simply eat intuitively, but still eat some processed foods, that the weight will probably just maintain. After hearing that, I feel slightly discouraged because I am afraid that even if I do eat intuitively, I will not lose weight. I'm kind of worried that tomorrow, I will feel the urge to binge because I feel that since I won't lose weight eating intuitively, I might as well binge.

Sorry if that doesn't really make sense. But I guess my question is, if I eat intuitively, but still eat some processed foods (like today I had some frozen yogurt and ate at Souplantation for dinner), can I still lose weight?

Thanks.



ANSWER


Hi Rachel,

Yes you can loose weight while eating intuitively! It is actually the BEST way to maintain weight loss; even while eating some processed foods.

Diets work... they can work rather quickly but only short term. They eventually end; usually followed by compensatory eating. Which leads to weight re-gain.

Don't feel guilty about eating processed foods. The key is moderation. It sounds like you are doing that. Just keep going; and don't be discouraged by setbacks.

The trick to eating intuitively is to eat before you get overly hungry and stop when you are about 80% full. Staying within this range helps to level out blood glucose levels (a very good thing!) and boost your metabolism.

Use your intuition... follow your gut. YOU are more powerful than you know. You can do this. I believe in you.

Make sure you get in touch with me again; I would love to help any way that I can.

All my Best,

Stefanie