The Honeymoon Period In Intuitive Eating

Are you planning to start practicing intuitive eating? Maybe you have heard that intuitive eating is the opposite of dieting, as it has no food restrictions, no forced exercises, and nothing that resembles a diet at all.

However, you are worried that if you follow your instinct, you could be eating your favorite pepperoni pizza for the whole week, and you know that’s not healthy. Just know that you shouldn’t be concerned about it too much because it is normal to feel that way at first!

This is a worry for most people and it is what is called the honeymoon period in intuitive eating.

Understanding the Honeymoon Period

When you change a habit, it’s not going to take effect right there and then. You go through different phases before you achieve your desired outcome, and that’s true with intuitive eating.

The honeymoon period is the initial phase you’ll go through when you start eating intuitively. Especially if you have been dieting for too long and you’ve been deprived of the food that you love, it’s normal to experience the honeymoon period as you go from restriction to permission.

At first, you’ll probably eat as much pizza as you want. However, take heart that over time, you’ll learn how to take a break and when you need to stop eating. That pizza that has been off-limits when you were dieting will lose its special label.

You will learn to trust your body and get in tune with it, where you don’t have to restrict your body from the food you enjoy. There will be no need to overeat today as if there will be none left for you tomorrow.

Things To Keep In Mind During The Honeymoon Period

You will have unconditional permission to eat what makes you feel good. As we said, this is the normal stage you’ll experience as you start with this non-diet approach. Everyone goes through the honeymoon phase, so it’s not just you who feels scared about losing control over food choices and overeating.

You have to unlearn the food rules that keep you on the hook with all the diet programs you may have tried before. Unlearning all the rules you have followed in the past doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s normal to feel doubtful and scared.

The honeymoon period is part of adhering to the principle of intuitive eating about making peace with your food. Another thing you can do is to be mindful of how you feel, especially when feeling how full you are.

If you like pizza so much, be mindful when you eat it during the honeymoon phase by eating slowly, savoring the taste, feeling the texture, and taking note of how your body feels. As you stay in the present, you can listen to your body more and know when it’s telling you that you need to stop because your stomach is now full.

The honeymoon period is just a phase, but how long it lasts varies from person to person. You will find everything falls into place if you allow time. You will recognize your hunger and fullness cues, learn what your desired ‘set weight’ is and feel good in your body. Be kind and patient with yourself.

In Summary

Like many changes we want to make in our life, there are phases we have to go through, and there are often no shortcuts. That’s true about the honeymoon period in intuitive eating. It is completely normal. You are not the only one feeling the way you do when you start, and remember, that doesn’t mean intuitive eating isn’t going to work for you.

Allow time to heal your relationship with food, and healing usually takes time with anything. Stay present by being mindful of your food consumption and keep your eyes on the goal. That is to develop healthy eating habits and become a healthier you, both mentally and physically.