By Shruti Menon Seeboo
The relentless pursuit of the “perfect” diet has become a hallmark of modern life, often leaving individuals trapped in a cycle of restriction and disappointment. Yet, amidst the cacophony of fad diets and rigid meal plans, a quieter, more compassionate approach to eating is gaining momentum: intuitive eating.
This philosophy, rooted in self-trust and body awareness, offers a refreshing alternative to the restrictive regimens that dominate the wellness landscape. To delve into the nuances of this approach, we spoke with Darshana Sooknundun, an AHPC Registered Dietitian at LetsBe, who provided invaluable insights into the transformative power of intuitive eating, particularly within the Mauritian context.
“Intuitive eating is a non-diet approach that fosters a healthy relationship with food by focusing on internal hunger and fullness cues rather than external rules,” Darshana explained. This fundamental principle challenges the conventional wisdom that dictates what, when, and how much we should eat. Unlike traditional diets, which often lead to feelings of deprivation and guilt, intuitive eating encourages “”food freedom, satisfaction, and body respect”. It’s about dismantling the rigid structures that dictate our eating habits and rediscovering the innate wisdom of our bodies. By allowing all foods without labelling them as “good” or “bad,” intuitive eating supports a balanced lifestyle, enhancing mental health, reducing stress, and shifting the focus from weight to overall well-being. This approach, Darshana emphasised, is a sustainable path to nourishment, a journey that transcends the fleeting promises of fad diets.
In Mauritius, where traditional diet plans like calorie-counting and meal restrictions are deeply ingrained, intuitive eating is still in its nascent stages. “Intuitive eating in Mauritius is still emerging as a wellness approach,” Darshana acknowledged. Many Mauritians are accustomed to structured diets, influenced by weight loss trends and cultural beliefs around food.
However, there is a palpable shift, a growing interest in holistic wellness and self-care. “As awareness about mindful eating and body positivity spreads, more individuals are beginning to embrace the idea of listening to their bodies and focusing on internal cues, though traditional methods still remain more popular.” This gradual acceptance reflects a broader societal shift towards recognising the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health.
For professionals navigating the demands of a high-stress corporate environment, intuitive eating offers a lifeline. “Intuitive eating can significantly improve long-term physical and mental well-being, especially in a high-stress corporate environment,” Darshana asserted. By tuning into their body’s hunger and fullness cues, individuals can mitigate emotional eating and stress-driven food choices. She says, “This approach encourages mindfulness, which can alleviate stress and improve focus and productivity.” It promotes balanced nutrition without the mental burden of constant food restrictions, enhancing self-esteem and stabilising energy levels. In essence, intuitive eating provides a sustainable, stress-free approach to managing both physical health and mental clarity in a demanding work environment.
Many professionals grapple with emotional eating, stress-related snacking, or skipping meals due to busy schedules. Darshana offered practical advice on how intuitive eating can help them cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
She said, “Intuitive eating can help professionals develop a healthier relationship with food by encouraging them to listen to their body’s natural hunger and fullness cues, rather than relying on external stressors or schedules.” It promotes mindful eating, helping individuals recognise emotional triggers and avoid stress-related snacking. By eliminating rigid rules around food, intuitive eating reduces guilt and encourages self-compassion. It also helps professionals understand the importance of regular meals, preventing them from skipping meals due to busy schedules. She adds, “Over time, this approach encourages a balanced, non-restrictive mindset toward food, supporting both physical health and emotional well-being amidst a hectic lifestyle.”
Incorporating intuitive eating into daily routines doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Darshana shared some simple, practical strategies for busy professionals. She explained, “Busy professionals can start incorporating intuitive eating into their daily routines with a few simple strategies. First, aim to eat mindfully by sitting down and enjoying meals without distractions. This helps you tune into your body’s hunger cues. Eat when you’re physically hungry, not out of boredom or stress, and stop when you’re satisfied, not overly full. Keep healthy snacks, such as fruit, nuts, or yogurt, handy to avoid mindless snacking. Instead of skipping meals, try having smaller, balanced meals throughout the day to maintain consistent energy. Lastly, practice self-compassion by avoiding guilt after eating and focusing on how food makes you feel.”
In a workplace culture that often promotes weight loss challenges and quick-fix wellness programs, organisations have a responsibility to foster a more mindful, intuitive approach to eating. Darshana notes, “To promote a more mindful, intuitive approach to eating, organisations can shift the focus from weight loss challenges to overall well-being.” Instead of quick-fix programs, they can offer educational resources on the benefits of intuitive eating and mindfulness, with dietitians leading the way in providing expert guidance. Providing nutritious snacks and meals, encouraging regular meal breaks, and creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable making mindful choices can help. “Additionally, fostering a workplace culture that values self-care, body diversity, and mental health over appearance can reduce the pressure of dieting and encourage a more balanced, sustainable approach to wellness.”
If intuitive eating isn’t about short-term results or weight loss, how should individuals measure progress and success in their journey toward a healthier relationship with food? “In intuitive eating, success is not measured by weight loss or short-term goals but by the development of a healthier, more balanced relationship with food,” Darshana clarified. Individuals can measure their progress by observing how they respond to hunger cues, experience fewer cravings, and feel more in tune with what their body needs. Success is also reflected in their ability to eat without feeling guilty or anxious, focusing on nourishment rather than restriction. She said, “Over time, intuitive eaters notice improvements in emotional well-being, energy levels, and a sense of freedom from food-related stress, leading to a more sustainable, positive approach to eating.”
Is intuitive eating truly for everyone? “Intuitive eating is a flexible, inclusive approach that can benefit many people, but individual needs vary,” Darshana acknowledged. Some may struggle with recognising hunger and fullness cues due to past dieting, medical conditions, or emotional eating patterns. Consulting a nutritionist or dietitian can help tailor intuitive eating to an individual’s specific needs, ensuring it aligns with their health goals, medical conditions, or lifestyle. She concludes saying, “Professional guidance can provide support in unlearning restrictive habits, addressing nutritional concerns, and creating a balanced approach. While intuitive eating is generally beneficial, personalised advice ensures a sustainable and effective transition toward a healthier relationship with food.” By embracing the principles of intuitive eating, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating a more compassionate and nourishing relationship with food and, ultimately, with ourselves.
