Intuitive Eating Principle #5: Discover the Satisfaction Factor
For chronic dieters, prolonged dieting and the persistent fear of letting go of the diet mentality have led many down a path where the joy and satisfaction once found in the eating experience has been diminished. Over time, as diets impose restrictions and instill an atmosphere of restraint, the pleasure of nourishment is lost. The natural delight that arises from savoring flavors, textures, and the social aspects of dining have been replaced by anxiety and guilt. This loss of satisfaction can give way to an unsettling disconnect, leaving individuals yearning for a rekindling of the genuine pleasure and contentment they once derived from their meals.
What Would it Take to Feel Satisfied?
Eating when you are moderately hungry
Picking the right food for your taste buds
Feeling no guilt for your food choice
Feeling physically comfortable afterwards
Finding more satisfaction when you are comfortably full, not overfull or “stuffed”
Experiencing pleasure in eating
Creating a full mind and body experience while eating
How to Regain Your Pleasure in Eating
Step 1: Ask yourself what you really want to eat
Step 2: Discover the pleasure of the palate:
taste
texture
aroma
appearance
temperature
Step 3: Make your eating experience more enjoyable:
savor your food
eat when you are pleasantly hungry
eat in a pleasant environment (when possible)
avoid tension
provide variety
Step 4: Don’t settle!
Step 5: Check-in: does the food still taste good?
Reclaim Your Right to Pleasurable, Satisfying Eating
If years of dieting have been a significant part of your life, a dedicated commitment to rediscover the joy of eating is essential. You might have become conditioned to consume foods based on external cues, often lacking in taste and pleasure, leaving you uncertain about where to start in seeking satisfaction. Identifying your food preferences and embracing your right to enjoy meals are fundamental for a lasting, diet-free enjoyment of eating. Patience is key during this journey - it may have been several years ago when you lost the ability to truly enjoy eating, so it might take some time to re-discover that joy again.
