Some people have a strained relationship with food. A workshop series at Northern Illinois University is helping students develop “intuitive” eating habits.
A recent virtual workshop asked participants to be mindful about their eating habits. For example, taking a moment to take in the texture and composition of a piece of food. There are also food logging apps. Bella Fleps is a graduate assistant in Nutrition and Dietetics at NIU. She says intuitive eating has many definitions.
“Personally to me," Fleps said. "I like to think about food in a way that is allowing yourself to make peace with food, listening to your hunger and fullness cues, honoring your hunger, and eating what you are actually craving.”
Fleps says intuitive eating is not the same as dieting, but is a journey. It can lead to greater body appreciation and self-esteem.
There will be another session this semester and more planned for the spring.
Spring 2022 Dates
Aged 17-25 group: Wednesdays, Feb. 9-Apr. 20 (skip Mar. 16), 5-6 p.m.
Aged 26+ group: Wednesdays, Feb. 9-Apr. 20 (skip Mar. 16), 7-8 p.m.
Not sure if Intuitive Eating is for you?
Learn more about it at their free fall mini-workshop - "Food Fight: Win Your Inner Battle with Intuitive Eating."
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 5-6 p.m.