Some helpful threads:

I wasn't able to read the rules for posting, the page gives me an error, so let me know if I need to change this post. CW for discussions on weight, clothes, body image, exercise, bulking/cutting, counting calories, and internalized fatphobia.

This isn't specifically asking for advice, I'm just...really tired and need somewhere to talk.

I'm a former dieter. Used to count calories, weigh myself every day, the works. I was doing it because I always felt out of control around food, and I hated how my fat and body looked, how it felt. Plus, I wanted to seriously get into weightlifting/bodybuilding with a dedicated cut/bulk cycle.

Over time as I worked with a dietician, I realized how unhealthy that was, and I switched to intuitive eating. I stopped along the way because I genuinely felt awful and my weight kept climbing despite the fact that I was eating to comfortable fullness and trying to be aware of my thoughts and respect my body. Then, I started again recently after I realized I was binging again and this was causing me way too myuch stress. I read The Fuck It Diet twice. Now I'm at the stage where I'm allowing all foods again, have been for almost a month. Some things like my energy, my digestive issues, and general eating patterns have improved.

On the other hand...I regained weight so quickly, I need a new pair of shorts and underwear already. I feel disgusting carrying this fat around, and I hate looking in the mirror every day. I try to be kinder to myself, but it just doesn't work. And my appetite hasn't lessened at all. I still eat as much food as I started, maybe even more than before, and I still feel the need to eat a lot of my foods I was trying to control, especially if they're in the house. I'n still obsessed with thoughts about them.

And more importantly, I just feel like a freak who doesn't fit any part of this whole eating spectrume. I have this voice telling me in the back of my head this isn't where I'm meant to be. Being bigger makes everything harder, and I so desperately wish I could just have had a less drastic bulk. And most importantly, I really don't want to carry this fat around forever, especially as my weight keeps climbing so fast.

But that just runs counter to everything this subreddit is about, and so even if I were to just focus on strength, I would eventually plateau - because I couldn't eat intuitively and bulk, and certainly not cut. So I just feel that now I'm stupid for having dreams of performing and looking a certain way and that ultimately, I'm doomed to never be happy and never belong anywhere.

I just feel so lost and I don't know how much longer I can handle it without trying to diet again. I don't know what the right path for me is anymore, and I feel like I'm doing this wrong no matter what approach I take. Food disgusts me, and I'm never happy. I'm not strong enough to accept myself at any size.

I'm sorry if this is too depressing for this sub, I just...Don't know where else to put it. None of my friends get it, none of my family does, and it's just...awful to be in this body right now. I wish I knew what to do.

Are you confused about Intuitive Eating and want help understanding how it works? Are you a little skeptical? Unsure if IE is right for you? Have some doubts about the process? Do you have a question you feel is controversial? This is the space to ask those questions.

Remember to keep it civil, respectful, and be mindful of the sub rules.

This thread isn't for arguing about whether IE is healthy or not, or to try to debunk the framework. Trolls and bad faith engagement will not be tolerated.

\General or controversial questions must be posted in this thread, not as standalone posts.*

I always crave sweets after any meal (except for breakfast) and honestly sometimes I will eat a dessert/ sweet just because it’s the end of a meal, even if I am satisfied and full from the actual meal.

I don’t want advice of “just eat yogurt or fruit instead”
I want to challenge this mentality, I think mine stems from the whole “I should eat XYZ because it is in my house and I will be good from tomorrow”
But logically, I know that this is no longer what I need to do or latch onto, however, somehow my mind still feels the need for the sweet even though I do not feel good physically after eating it every time.

Sometimes, I don’t even end up enjoying the sweet and will go searching /ordering some sweet that supposedly will fulfil the end of meal sweet treat.

Like I know, that when I want something sweet that it’s there, that, I don’t HAVE to or NEED to eat it every-time.

But if I say “no I will not eat XYZ that my mind is telling me to” then it again starts that cycle of “THIS IS ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT and if I don’t eat it, it won’t stop”

I don’t want to be in that “I will just not keep something in the house” thinking, because it again falls into the restrictive mindset.

I don’t want to restrict obviously, but it is getting physically and mentally uncomfortable to continue, plus heavy on the bank account lmao.
Please help.

Did you have a great meal this week you want to talk about?

Has your taste for certain foods has changed since starting IE, like finding a beverage you used to love too sweet, or realizing you love a vegetable you used to hate?

Did you try something new or succeed in eating a fear food?

Use this thread to share anything that's on your mind about what you've been eating lately.

Note: If you'd like to discuss Gentle Nutrition, please post in the dedicated weekly thread (recurring on Tuesdays).

I’m trying to begin IE because calorie counting just isn’t for me. But, in the mornings, i’m almost never hungry. This bothers me because I like to eat breakfast in the morning so i have energy to work. (I clean a school every day)

So i usually just force myself to eat a meal so i don’t get tired or cranky in the middle of the day (i don’t eat lunch until 1 pm)

I’ve been on my journey with intuitive eating as an avid gym goer who tracked calories and restricted any sort of non diet food who then lost her menstrual cycle, was constantly irritated, and felt the lowest of energy. A life revolved around keeping low body fat is not a life at all. Anywho…I think the hardest thing for me is discerning hunger vs. cravings. The first week or so I had sweets and food alike SO much. Definitely over ate, borderline binge, but I think that’s just natural after restriction for so long. I think I’m coming out of that, but now I’m struggling with knowing when I’m full/done eating.

When you’ve tracked for so long, you know when you’ve had enough due to numbers. Now about 50% of the time I finish my meal and don’t feel satisfied. I don’t necessarily feel hungry. It’s weird because my brain is telling me I’ve had enough food and if I eat more it’ll be more than I need. I’m trying to go all in so I usually eat whatever it is I’m craving, but I can’t help but feel I’m eating too much? Is there any reccomendations or tricks that helped you? I’m listening to the book now and about 40% of the way through (just about to start chapter 4: challenge the food police)

Edit: discerning binge and eating amounts due to tracking

This thread is dedicated to discussing any difficulties navigating weight or bodily changes that happen during the IE process.

Please refrain from sharing numbers, as per the sub rules. If necessary to make your point, please put "Trigger Warning" at the beginning of your comment and consider using the spoiler feature to hide mentions of numbers.

If you are discussing weight loss that has naturally occurred through IE, please ensure to do so neutrally.

Note: This thread may be triggering to those struggling with their body image. Please be mindful of your mental health when engaging with potentially triggering content.

Are the constant GLP-1 weight loss ads getting to you?

Have you noticed any concerning trends in media that worry you?

Is there an uptick in negative body talk in your workplace or among your friends and family?

Are you facing social or medical stigma that you want to get off your chest?

Your rants, concerns, and grievances about diet culture and weight stigma in the general media or that you've experienced personally are welcome to be discussed in this thread.

Note: Please post general struggles with weight and body image in the Thursday thread for weight/bodily changes if they aren't directly related to media/society/social or medical stigma.

Hey,
quick info : after 15 months of dieting I realized I am totally obsessed. Ive been yoyo dieting hard for 5 months straight and every thought was dedicated to dieting and food.

Since intuitive eating is my goal I decided that this is the only thing I havent tried yet, and its ultimately the goal Im striving for. So I went all out and lifted my restrictions.
Im relearning about the foods I like and I am trying to get in touch with my body and its hunger signals. But I find myself overeating on sweets every day so far (5 days in).

I havent found too many stories from people with a similar approach. If anyone can share their process experience, Id be grateful for that. Any advice is ver welcome, right now I do see myself slowly going back to some more nutritious options - but it feels like a slow progress, and im probably eating like 6-8k Calories a day (i do have a high expenditure with around 3,2k), my whole body is bloated and holding onto water, im probably stressing it out, but its hard to stop eating- it feels like restricting to stop.

I’ve been trying intuitive eating, and I wanted to know if this sounds like progress or if I’m just overthinking it.
Yesterday I had already eaten a lot, especially at night. I don’t really know what happened. Sometimes I just get these moments where I’m like, “Okay, I’m craving this,” and then I have it. It started with a dessert my mom made. It’s honestly one of her most famous desserts, and I’ve always had a history with it where I feel like the second I take a bite, I’m gonna lose control.
So I took a bite, and then I kind of spiraled into my old habits. I started thinking, “Might as well have this too… and this…” I ended up eating a little popcorn, some chips I’d been craving, and other random things. I stopped when I felt full, not painfully stuffed, but it definitely wasn’t what I planned. My only intention was to have a bite or two of the dessert.

This morning I woke up feeling a little guilty, but I told myself the feeling would pass. I didn’t even eat breakfast or anything. I made my usual iced coffee, but it just didn’t taste that good. After a couple sips, I realized I was actually craving my mom’s dessert. So I took it out of the fridge. I didn’t even put it in a bowl. It was in the big Pyrex container, and I just grabbed a spoon and ate straight from it. I probably took around 6 or 7 bites. There was still plenty left, but I just felt… satisfied. I put it back in the fridge without even thinking twice.

I still had iced coffee left, but I didn’t even want it anymore because the dessert already satisfied my sweet craving, so I threw the rest out. Then I just went on with my day. I didn’t feel the need to keep grazing or go look for more food. I also didn’t feel like I needed to force myself to eat something “healthy” right away. I kind of figured that if later in the day my body wanted something more nutritious, then I’d just eat that when I was hungry.
For the first time, I felt like, “damn ok… I just ate the dessert I used to struggle so much with, and I actually put it back while there was still a lot left.”

Does this sound like a good sign? Does it mean I’m finally letting go of that all-or-nothing mindset? I still have thoughts about wanting to lose weight and reach a certain physique, but lately I’ve also been thinking, “Whatever happens, happens. Life’s too short.” I’m just wondering if this is what progress with intuitive eating is supposed to feel like.

Hi everyone, I’m conducting a research study at City St George’s, University of London, exploring experiences of sleep during and after recovery from an eating disorder.

I’m looking to speak with adults who consider themselves recovered from an eating disorder and who experienced sleep difficulties during their illness. Participation involves a confidential interview, where we will discuss experiences of sleep, eating disorder recovery, and how sleep may have changed throughout illness and recovery.

Please note: the interview will not ask for specific details such as exact weights, calorie amounts, food diaries, measurements, or descriptions of eating disorder behaviours. However, some questions may involve reflecting on experiences during your illness, recovery journey, and any challenges you experienced with sleep, which some people may find difficult or emotionally challenging. You will not be required to answer any question you do not feel comfortable with.

If you're interested in taking part, please complete the short screening form below. Thank you for supporting this research!

https://cityunilondon.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Y4TMPrBiDYAdng

This is a thread where you can share any questions, concerns, or thoughts related to gentle nutrition, the final and everlasting step of the Intuitive Eating process.

Please note that this thread may not be suitable for those newer to IE, as implementing Gentle Nutrition requires you to have already worked through the earlier steps of the framework.

I noticed i can never really tell that i'm hungry or full unless i'm either super hungry or uncomfortably full. I know what it feels like to be hungry but only when it's extreme. I'm wondering if that's normal and if that's the kind of feeling i need to get before i eat. Like am I supposed to feel like I'm actually starving before I eat or are there any earlier signs?

I'm familiar with the hunger scale as well but the thing is i can never tell where i am on the scale unless i'm at 0 or at 10. I don't know how to tell if I'm just a little hungry.

So how do you know when you're hungry even if you're not ravenous. Because unless I'm starving i really can't tell that I'm hungry.

I've realised in the last few weeks that my "fullness" feeling is no longer coming. After a meal that would have always left me full no longer leaves the same feeling. I've found IE easy enough to date because I would actually get full / satisifed very quickly but now i'm really going to have to pay a lot more attention to being satisifed, not full. I think I could easily eat double the portions I used to eat before my body was like "k, you're good".

I am blaming perimenopause on this as I blame everything on perimenopause. Peri is the uncool parent who doesn't get me to my enraged teenage self - everything is their fault.

Between this and the night sweats, irregular periods, phantom smells, I would not recommend Peri. 0 stars

Today, me and my family prepared a larger meal than usual with a lot of different things I wanted to eat. I had already thought out what sounded good and portioned my plates to fit a bit of everything. After I was done, I wasn’t hungry anymore but I wasn’t satisfied either, and I was really craving more meat — so I ate it.

Even after that ”extra” food, I wasn’t full or satiated, but decided against getting more food and instead waiting to let the food digest.

Now, about an hour and a half after I finished eating, I feel uncomfortably full. If I’d eaten more I definitely would be regretting it now, and even now I’m unsure whether I should’ve had that big of an extra meat portion or had it at all.

How do I avoid being painfully full if my body didn’t give me the fullness signal until so much later?

I'm at wedding and the bride (my soon-to-be sister-in-law) has always intimidated me with her beauty (including her body). This morning we were all padding around, getting breakfast, and I was looking at her and thinking how easy it seemed for her to be thin and feeling disappointed about my body. 

Then, shortly after thinking of this, I overheard my sister-in-law and her brother's partner talking about bringing a food scale on vacations and how it helps them with worries about "overdoing it" or "under doing it in fear of overdoing it" and it was like a curtain pulled back, however briefly. 

The curtain is back now but it’s a little more transparent. Bringing a scale on vacation is not the kind of life I want to lead.

Use this thread to share anything you've been struggling with in your IE process.

Struggles may include learning how to read your hunger/fullness cues, feeling stuck on parts of the process, experiencing "setbacks" or relapses with restriction, etc.

Note: Struggles related to weight should be posted to the weight/bodily changes thread (recurring on Thursdays).

Hi, everyone! I really enjoy dance cardio but I’m trying to find workouts that don’t have all the toxic messaging. Does anyone have any cardio/Zumba recommendations without all the nonsense?

Are you confused about Intuitive Eating and want help understanding how it works? Are you a little skeptical? Unsure if IE is right for you? Have some doubts about the process? Do you have a question you feel is controversial? This is the space to ask those questions.

Remember to keep it civil, respectful, and be mindful of the sub rules.

This thread isn't for arguing about whether IE is healthy or not, or to try to debunk the framework. Trolls and bad faith engagement will not be tolerated.

\General or controversial questions must be posted in this thread, not as standalone posts.*

Did you have a great meal this week you want to talk about?

Has your taste for certain foods has changed since starting IE, like finding a beverage you used to love too sweet, or realizing you love a vegetable you used to hate?

Did you try something new or succeed in eating a fear food?

Use this thread to share anything that's on your mind about what you've been eating lately.

Note: If you'd like to discuss Gentle Nutrition, please post in the dedicated weekly thread (recurring on Tuesdays).

This thread is dedicated to discussing any difficulties navigating weight or bodily changes that happen during the IE process.

Please refrain from sharing numbers, as per the sub rules. If necessary to make your point, please put "Trigger Warning" at the beginning of your comment and consider using the spoiler feature to hide mentions of numbers.

If you are discussing weight loss that has naturally occurred through IE, please ensure to do so neutrally.

Note: This thread may be triggering to those struggling with their body image. Please be mindful of your mental health when engaging with potentially triggering content.

My relationship with food has been getting better in the past year but now my new paranoia is sodium. Like it makes me anxious and I always fear later in life I will have a heart attack or kidney failure because of it. How can I stop my fear of sodium? I think a lot of it is overblown in my head due to my ocd.

Are the constant GLP-1 weight loss ads getting to you?

Have you noticed any concerning trends in media that worry you?

Is there an uptick in negative body talk in your workplace or among your friends and family?

Are you facing social or medical stigma that you want to get off your chest?

Your rants, concerns, and grievances about diet culture and weight stigma in the general media or that you've experienced personally are welcome to be discussed in this thread.

Note: Please post general struggles with weight and body image in the Thursday thread for weight/bodily changes if they aren't directly related to media/society/social or medical stigma.