This post is all about Intuitive Eating Coaching – what it is, who it’s for, expected results, etc.
What is Intuitive Eating?
Intuitive Eating is an evidenced-based, anti-diet approach to nutrition and health. Intuitive Eating is a book that was written by two Registered Dietitians, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, originally published in 1995. It is now on its 4th edition.
Intuitive Eating is comprised of 10 principles but it is NOT a 10-step program. It is a personal process for honoring your health by listening to and responding to your body’s cues, wants, and needs.
It is a compassionate, self-care eating framework that treats all bodies with dignity and respect. It is a weight-neutral model, meaning the focus is not on body shape or size, and does not promise any weight changes. Rather, it focuses on health-promoting behaviors and accepting that body diversity is natural and should be celebrated.
Intuitive Eating is a journey of self-discovery and connection the needs of your mind and body. Ultimately, Intuitive Eating is an empowerment tool because YOU are the one and only expert of you.
What is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor?
A Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor is a healthcare professional who has gone through the Intuitive Eating counselor training program by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, the authors of the book, Intuitive Eating.
The Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor program requires the healthcare professional to complete an online Intuitive Eating course, complete Evelyn Tribole’s 6-session Intuitive Eating PRO Webinar Series, 4.5 hours of supervision with Evelyn or Elyse, and passing an online exam.
After initial certified as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, each healthcare professional must maintain supervision hours, which involves completing the 4.5 hours of supervision every five years.
You can find a list of trained and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselors on the Intuitive Eating Counselor Directory page. You can search for someone local to your area or someone who works with clients and patients virtually.
You may also look for the Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor logo on healthcare providers websites or bios.
What is Intuitive Eating Coaching?
Intuitive Eating Coaching is when one works with a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Registered Dietitian or therapist to help you put the Principles and concepts of Intuitive Eating into practice in your everyday life.
Your Intuitive Eating Coach may have a framework for working together that includes going in order of the Intuitive Eating Principles. Or they may take a more flexible, individualized approach and jump around the content, choosing topics and homework assignments depending on your individual needs, preferences, and interests.
You can also find Intuitive Eating Coaching in group format or in online courses or self-study format. For example, I offer an online 12-week Intuitive Eating Support Group for Women that runs once per quarter.
Who Can Benefit from Intuitive Eating Coaching?
In my humble opinion, just about everyone can benefit from Intuitive Eating Coaching. But especially anyone who has dieted in the past, struggles with food or body image concerns, has a history of disordered eating or an eating disorder, and anyone who wants to make peace with food and their body for good.
Results of Intuitive Eating Coaching
The results of Intuitive Eating Coaching are going to be highly individualized. There are over 100 studies on Intuitive Eating that show benefits such as greater body appreciation and body satisfaction; a more diverse diet and nutritional intake; better self-esteem, greater motivation to move one’s body in ways that feel good; and reduced eating disorder symptoms.
Here is what some of my previous individual Intuitive Eating coaching clients and my Intuitive Eating group coaching clients have said about their experience with Intuitive Eating and Intuitive Eating Coaching:
- “Since I’ve started Intuitive Eating, I have honestly never felt more free, yet more in control of my eating habits! It feels like getting out a toxic relationship.” – Erica B.
- “My favorite part has been the confidence I gained and the better mindset I have developed around food.” – Raven M.
- “It is getting easier to eat whatever foods I like and not feel guilty.” – Natasha M.
- “I no longer think of myself as a “sugar addict” and my relationship to food has gone from one of constant battling to one of joyful neutrality. I could never have imagined the peace I have found from following the Intuitive Eating teachings.” – Jane F.
- “This is the first time in the past three decades where I gave myself permission to set down the anxiety, shame, and guilt around food and my body and just be … without judgment or a rush to change. Undoing the pervasiveness of diet culture will certainly be an ongoing process, but I am coming out of the group with the knowledge and tools to help me do this. For this first time in a really, really long time I feel hopeful for the future me and the relationship I will have with food and with my body.” – Casey M.
Reflection Questions:
- How much time do I spend per day or per week thinking about food and/or my body?
- {If you’ve dieted in the past} What was the diet experience like? How did you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically? How long were you able to follow the diet?
- What fear(s) do you have about giving up dieting and embracing Intuitive Eating?
For More Intuitive Eating Coaching Resources
Download my FREE Guide – 5 Steps to Stop Obsessing About Food and Your Body
Individual Nutrition Coaching – if you’re looking for more individualized support, check out my options for working together one on one.
Intuitive Eating Support Group for Women – if you’re interested in learning more about Intuitive Eating in a supportive, small group environment, this is the group for you!
