In this episode, we explore our personal journeys into intuitive eating, particularly as expats. We discuss the differences between diet culture and intuitive eating, highlighting the latter's focus on internal cues and overall well-being. Sharing our own stories, we touch on the challenges of adapting to new cultural and dietary environments and the impact of stress eating. We offer practical tips for incorporating intuitive eating into daily life, such as exploring local cuisines, adapting to new environments, practicing self-compassion, and seeking support. Join us as we embark on this ongoing journey towards a healthier relationship with food and self-acceptance.
Show notes:
Understanding Intuitive Eating
- Discussion on the drawbacks of today’s diet culture, emphasizing the negative impact of calorie counting and food restrictions.
- Introduction to intuitive eating as a healthier alternative that focuses on listening to the body’s internal cues and promoting overall well-being.
Benefits of Intuitive Eating
- Highlighting how intuitive eating fosters self-acceptance and body neutrality, encouraging a healthier relationship with food.
- Emphasis on the importance of mental and physical health over achieving a specific body type.
Personal Journeys
- Sharing personal journeys into intuitive eating, explaining that it's an ongoing process without a definitive end.
- Discussion on struggles with diet culture and how intuitive eating transformed lives during the pandemic.
- Importance of self-acceptance and the impact of intuitive eating on overall happiness and well-being.
Combining Professional and Personal Experiences
- Integration of intuitive eating into professional life as therapists and coaches, and how it benefits clients with anxiety and depression.
- Influence of healthcare research background on the approach to intuitive eating.
Challenges as Expats
- Cultural and dietary adjustments when moving to a new country, such as different meal times and food availability.
- Impact of stress eating due to the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
Adapting to New Environments
- Experience of starting intuitive eating in the Netherlands and overcoming cultural and food-related challenges.
- Importance of making peace with cultural foods and reconnecting with body signals of hunger and fullness.
Benefits of Intuitive Eating in a Foreign Country
- Exposure to new foods and increased flexibility in dietary choices.
- Importance of adapting to the local environment and the benefits of a diverse diet.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Intuitive Eating
- Exploring Local Cuisines Mindfully: Experiment with new flavors and ingredients, paying attention to physical and emotional responses.
- Adapt to Your Environment: Embrace local foods to nourish and sustain yourself in a new environment.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself throughout the process, understanding that it’s a journey with ups and downs.
- Seek Support: Recognize when to seek help and join communities or groups that share the same values.
Connect with us on Instagram @Away Yet Close Podcast
Mandy's Instagram @intuyemx
Lamia's Instagram @lamiascoaching
Email awayyetclose@gmail.com
