Have you ever had a toddler lovingly cram a cookie into your mouth? My kids certainly did this and I’ve seen other kids do the same. They are so exhilarated at the concept of the cookie that they simply must share it with you. It’s startling and sometimes gross yet we laugh and love the enthusiasm toddlers have for food. Toddlers are the best intuitive eaters.

​I’ve recently gone back and read the book Intuitive Eating (IE) by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.  I say “gone back” because I felt as if I had already read it.  I’ve read many books that reference their work (such as Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison and The Eating Instinct by Virginia Sole -Smith). I’ve even done the workbook that accompanies the book but finally getting to read the book that is considered the reference for so many others was needed. It is an older book; written in originally in 1995 (though it has been updated many times).  So what is intuitive eating?
Read the book! Hahaha.  Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I’m not here to rehash the whole book for you but I did want to talk about some of the concepts in the book that have changed my life dramatically. I’d also like to share some simple ways that you can start eating intuitively although I will warn you. Intuitive eating isn’t one of those things you do a little bit. As the great Yoda said “Do or do not. There is no try.” (Ah, Yoda life lessons!!)
One of the big concepts of Intuitive Eating was one of the hardest for me.  It is “give yourself unconditional permission to eat.” 
Like ANYTHING. ANYTIME.

This is Samuel my walking partner, coworker and constant companion.

​The other day we were out walking and I thought about some things.  When I take Samuel for a walk, he doesn’t count steps.  He doesn’t worry about the distance we have gone or the time we have spent on our strides.  He does stop and smell the “roses” (or the duck poop, whichever he finds first).  He does notice the sights and sounds that surround him.  When we stop, he pauses to feel the breeze on his dark chocolate nose.  He says “hello” to every single person we pass by.  Samuel knows how to take a walk at a level I admire.  He savors every moment.  When the we return home, if he is tired, he rests.  If he wants more, he goes to the backyard and lays down in the sun and lets it bake into his skin like lemon cupcakes in the oven.