Do you listen to your body?

If you sit with my family and I at the dinner table, chances are you might hear  my 7 or 8 year old say, "I'm full. I can't eat another bite. I"m listening to my body!"

How many of you listen to your body when you are eating? I know many of us grow up being taught to finish what is on our plate.  Or when visiting a family member or friend, it is only polite to have seconds or even thirds.

How about when we go out to eat and we are given that huge plate of pasta? Do we feel obligated to eat it all?

I am reading a fantastic book called "Intuitive Eating" by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, both in the nutrition field.

In this book, they list 10 principles, such as Honor Your Hunger, Feel Your Fullness and Challenge the Food Police.

Intuitive Eating basically means trusting your body in regards to food.   If it is telling you to stop eating, then stop.  If you are hungry, don't ignore  your hunger because you feel you are not supposed to eat at that particular time.

Really stop and think, "why am I craving this food?"  Is this something my body is telling me to eat?

Next time you sit down with your meal, stop half way through and really feel what you are feeling.  Assess your hunger level from 1-5.  Five would be completely stuffed and 1 would  be ravenous.  I would suggest eating until you are about a 3 or 4.

Is this something you are aware of when you eat?  Do you feel like you "listen to your body?"

I welcome all comments! Let's hear from YOU!

Kellie McGarry, Certified Health Coach
www.nourishedandnew.com