What is 'Normal' Eating?

Janet Carr

What is normal behavior to one person is not necessarily normal to
another. However, there is such a thing as ‘normal’ eating, which truly
does apply to everyone. In Ellyn Satter’s book How To Get Your Children To Eat, But Not Too Much,
normal eating is defined as being able to eat when you are hungry and
stop when you’re full. This is also called intuitive eating. This
should be the goal of everyone who is either trying to maintain their weight or lose a few pounds.

The important piece of intuitive eating is that it puts you back in touch with your body, with normal feelings of hunger and fullness. You, like many others, might like diets because it means you don’t have to think ‘ think about what to eat or how much to eat. But what you may not realize is that by following a host of rules and guidelines, you are then cut off from your bodies individual needs. With intuitive eating, you listen to your body and pay attention to its needs. Yes, you may have to think a little more, but ultimately, you will be set free from the rigidity imposed by most diets.

Remember to eat only when hungry and consume a variety of foods in moderation. Eat slowly. Meal time should last at least 20 minutes, keeping in mind that it takes a full 15 minutes for your brain to register fullness.

Listen to your body; trust your body. It knows what it needs.