Intuitive Eating: We Need a Community

Intuitive Eating: We Need a Community

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True confession: I am an extrovert. I get my energy from being with others. I know many others who are not like me and are introverts and need time alone. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is a need for community. 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has a few definitions of community: 

  • People with common interests.
  • Group of people with a common characteristic.
  • People with a common history.
  • People in a common location.
  • Social Activities where we have fellowship. 

Basically, people with something in common and who want to join together for a common reason.

Community and the Pandemic

The idea of community has expanded especially over the time of the pandemic. 

We were told to stay home, but what about community? 

How do we gather? 

It became tough to go out and even tougher to find places to go out to. 

As an extrovert, I found the isolation not as bad as I had thought. It gave me time to be quiet and introspective. My introverted friends were in heaven with the time alone. 

My gym started with posted workouts we could do at home alone. I was not too drawn to that. I go to the gym for the companionship/community and mostly motivation. To say I was excited when my gym decided to get us a physical workout in a safe way is an understatement. 

We had workouts in the rainy weather, in the cold mornings. 

We had meet ups in the park to do park workouts. 

We distanced at the gym and lots of other creative ways to workout in community. I found I needed my community. I cried when there were rumblings in our area that we would be on lock down again. I did not know how I could handle not being able to go to a workout. 

Everyone has stories showing the strong pull we have towards being in community. 

To be in community, we try to find: 

  1. People with a commonality to us.  
  2. People who will like us. 

Why do people join in community?

  1. To share new ideas, insights, suggestions, and lessons they’ve learned. 
  2. Brainstorm new ideas based on different information. 
  3. Ask and answer questions. 
  4. Collaborate, interact, and have conversations.  
  5. Learn from new people to the group/community. 
  6. Learn from people’s successes and failures.
  7. Get an idea or an answer. 
  8. Feel supported. To tell our story to others who can appreciate what we have been through. Talk to people who can empathize with what we have been through. 

Virtual vs In Person Community

Before the pandemic there were wonderings if we can be in real relationships when we are virtual. I think the pandemic showed we can be in community virtually and it can be satisfying. 

  1. Virtually you can target your areas of interest to find others like you.
  2. The other value to virtual you can find others at times that fit with your lifestyle. 
  3. In person there is the win of the physical connection. 

Overall, there are so many wins from being in community (virtual or in person).

  1. You get to determine your level of commitment and the more you are committed the more you can get back. 
  2. You meet new friends. 
  3. You learn new skills and get new ideas. 
  4. You get the support of the group.
  5. You join with like-minded people who are interested in the same things. 
  6. You get to speak up and be heard without judgment. 
  7. You contribute to the betterment of all. 
  8. Increase self-esteem- we are meant to be in community, in collaboration with others. 
  9. Can help you with difficult situations.  

When it comes to intuitive eating, we need a community.

In regular community there is a focus on weight loss, diet talk and fat shaming. With intuitive eating, we are looking for community focused on food peace and weight peace.  

I invite you to look at a community that supports eating intuitively, no focus on weight loss, no focus on the numbers on the scale and no focus on fat shaming. It is critical to be in a community that looks at you as a person not what you ate earlier. You need a place where like-minded people support you for you. 

How are you going to join in community?

I invite you to a few ways to get that support:

  1. Like the Feed Your Soul Community Facebook Group page. It is a free group of like-minded people who are focused on freedom with food. 
  2. Sign up for Emotional Eating Solutions where we have added a community component. You get to talk with others who are looking at food differently and feel that sense of community that we crave.
  3. Listen to my Feed Your Soul with Kim podcast for community inspiration.

Kim McLaughlin, MA is a Counselor, Speaker, Podcaster, and Inspirational Coach who specializes in working with people who suffer from binge eating and emotional eating. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the author of the book Feed Your Soul Nourish Your Life! A Six Step System to Peace with Food and the Amazon #1 Best Selling book Discovery Your Inspiration

You can find Kim on her podcast Feed Your Soul with Kim and you can find it on all podcast platforms. 

Wondering if you are an emotional eater? Sign up for the free Am I an Emotional Eater Quiz. 

Intuitive Eating

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Intuitive Eating is a concept written about by two Registered Dieticians: Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D. and Elyse Resch, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A. They found there were people that they worked with who could not follow a “healthy” eating plan and they realized that there was something deeper at work.

There were principles that when followed there is a freedom with food and weight no diet could achieve. Their ground breaking book “Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works” outlines their discoveries. Their ideas have been talked about by others, but they are dieticians who discovered a new way of looking at binge eating.

As a therapist, I work with many people who are compulsive/binge eaters. I have found using Intuitive Eating gets to the basics of putting food in its place as nourishment and nurturing as separate from food.

In our therapy sessions my clients and I focus on how they eat and what is eating at them. In this way we can get to the heart of the matter with their binge eating.

Ultimately, letting go of the emotional component with food and utilizing specific techniques to break through this problem many of them have had for most of their lives.

Here are the 10 core concepts of Intuitive Eating:

  1. Reject the Diet Mentality
  2. Honor your Hunger
  3. Make Peace with Food
  4. Challenge the Food Police
  5. Feel Your Fullness
  6. Discover the Satisfaction Factor
  7. Cope with Emotions without using Food
  8. Respect your Body
  9. Exercise- Feel the Difference
  10. Honor Your Health- Gentle Nutrition

I think these principles of Intuitive Eating are really a key component in helping someone who is a binge eater reconnect with their body and eat in a healthier manner. This is a process that takes time and effort, but the dividends are long lasting. No one can tell you how to do it for you. Sometimes it is necessary to have a safe trusted guide who can help you look at your emotional blocks, the history you have with food, the shame about your weight and your body. If you are suffering from binge eating, take the chance and reach out for help to get on the road to eating the way you were meant to eat without the emotional baggage.

Kim McLaughlin, LMFT, psychotherapist, speaker, author, and host of the Feed Your Soul with Kim podcast. Kim helps high-achieving women improve their mental health, overcome emotional eating and binge eating, reduce anxiety, and create more joy and fulfillment in their lives. She offers online therapy throughout California and in-person counseling in Roseville, CA.

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation here. https://kim-mclaughlin.clientsecure.me/

Release Holiday Food Stress: Be an Intuitive Eater this Thanksgiving

Release Holiday Food Stress: Be an Intuitive Eater this Thanksgiving

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Can You Really Be an Intuitive Eater at Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving and intuitive eating might seem like an unlikely pair. Thanksgiving is known for overflowing plates, endless choices, and the cultural expectation to overeat. Intuitive eating, however, is about listening to your body, honoring hunger and fullness, and approaching food with peace (not pressure).

But here’s the truth:
You can be an intuitive eater at Thanksgiving.
I’ve practiced intuitive eating for years, and I’ve supported clients who successfully enjoy the holiday without guilt, restriction, or bingeing.

If I can do it, so can you.

Why This Season Feels So Hard: The Holiday Trifecta

I call the stretch from October 1 to December 31 the Holiday Trifecta. It’s three full months of parties, sweets, special foods, and pressure to “let loose” with eating, paired with an equally strong expectation to diet/lose weight come January.

This is the binge-restrict cycle, and it isn’t a personal failure. It is a version of our culture that shames you for eating. The holidays amplify this message.

Here’s what happens…

Dieting and restricting throughout the year often lead to overeating during special occasions (any holiday). When we limit foods, they become more tempting. When they eventually show up again—like holiday meals—we naturally want more. This is not a lack of willpower. It’s the predictable backlash of restriction.

Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are one month after the other, which creates a lot of pressure around food. The pressure continues with social and familial expectations.

Intuitive eating offers a different path.

How to Be an Intuitive Eater at ThanksgivingTherapy and counseling for binge eating and eating disorders in california

Here are the practices that support me (and my clients) in feeling grounded, peaceful, and connected at holiday meals:

1. Spend part of the day with movement that feels good

This year I am going to a morning yoga class. Other years, my family participated in a local turkey trot or taking a long walk. It isn’t about earning food or burning calories, it’s simply enjoyable activities. Movement can be part of your holiday if it feels nourishing, not punishing.

I enjoy taking a walk after the Thanksgiving meal. It is a great way to get out of the house and get centered.

2. Eat regular meals all day and don’t “save up” for the Thanksgiving meal

One of the biggest mistakes I see people do is not eat all day, so they can “earn” a big meal later. This can lead you to feeling overly hungry, which is a set up for overeating.

On Thanksgiving day, I eat breakfast and lunch just like any other day. When I arrive at the Thanksgiving table, I’m neither starving nor planning to tightly control myself. I choose foods I genuinely want, serve a portion that feels satisfying, and remind myself I can always go back for more.

And you know what?

After years of intuitive eating, I usually find that my first plate is enough.

3. Tune into Hunger and Fullness

Before eating, I check in with my body:

  • Am I hungry and how hungry am I?
  • What sounds satisfying?
  • How will this food make me feel?

Pay attention to both hunger cues and satiety (fullness) cues. Stopping when I’m comfortably full—not stuffed, not deprived. Listening to my body is a skill, and Thanksgiving is a great time to practice.

I have learned that feeling stuffed afterwards is not an enjoyable physical feeling, so I do what I can to avoid it.

4. Care for your emotions

Food isn’t the only challenge at Thanksgiving. Emotions can run high: family dynamics, stress, overstimulation, or expectations can be overwhelming.Therapy and counseling for binge eating in california.

I always create a plan to address my emotions ahead of time. My plan often involves:

  • Taking a short walk
  • Switching conversations
  • Taking a few deep breaths
  • Stepping outside for quiet
  • Finding someone supportive to chat with

Emotional care helps prevent turning to food as the only coping tool.

Think about what you may need emotionally this year and give yourself permission to honor those needs.

Holiday Foods Aren’t Special-Unless We Make Them Special

A big driver of holiday overeating is the belief that certain foods are only available once a year. Marketers fuel this idea with seasonal items (hello, Pumpkin Spice Latte) that create a sense of scarcity.

But here’s the truth:
Most Thanksgiving foods are available year-round.
We could make turkey or pies in March if we wanted. I used to think that mashed potatoes are only available during the holidays. We began to have the more often, because we like them.

When we allow ourselves year-round access to the foods we love, something powerful happens:
habituation.

When we are freely offered food anytime of the year, it is not this irresistible food anymore. We are then less likely to overeat it.

This is why intuitive eating works so well during the holidays, food is never forbidden, and you’re not entering the season from a place of deprivation.

Societal  and Cultural Messages About Holiday Eating

These messages are everywhere at this time of year, and they keep us stuck in the binge/restrict cycle:

1. You must exercise to “earn” your meal.

How many times have you heard someone say, I’m going to the Turkey Trot this morning, so I can eat our Thanksgiving meal. This reinforces punishment-based movement and disconnects you from your body. A lot of people I work with do not exercise because it has been seen as punishment for eating.

2. Plan your plate by calories, points, or macros.

Diet culture tells us to pre-decide what we “should” eat. Intuitive eating allows you to choose what you want in the moment. I remember being on a diet where the instructor told us the week before to plan what we would eat on Thanksgiving. I found this was an impossible task. I now know that I go from an intuitive eating mindset and chose in the moment what will work for me.

Granted, there might be a certain style of eating that fuels your body better, do what fits you!

3. Restrict all week so you can indulge on Thanksgiving.

I used to hear this in from diet gurus who said we should eat less during the week so we can eat more at Thanksgiving. This is a setup for overeating, shame, guilt and binging. You deserve to have the right amount of food all week, regardless of what you eat at a holiday meal.

4. “Eat as much as you can—it’s the only time you get this food!”

Overeating is increased by the scarcity mindset. Truthfully, holiday foods are generally always available. In my area we can get foods at most times of the year OR we can freeze foods to eat later. Part of what makes holidays so special is the foods that taste so good and can remind us of our past.

5. Expect to feel physically sick afterward.

NO, it is not normal to expect to feel sick after you eat. I like to have what I want and tell myself; I can have more later. Planning to feel uncomfortable in your body (overfull) is not a loving way to treat yourself.
I encourage you to lean into honoring your bodies needs no matter what holiday it is.

6. Feel guilty because you ate too much.

Sometimes we eat too much for any number of reasons. This is the time to be kind to yourself and lean into more self-love. One of my core principles is to embrace more self-love.

7. Make low-fat or low-calorie versions of your favorite treat.

Ugh, on a holiday I do like the version that tastes the best- not the one that is the lowest calorie. We want to feel satisfied after the meal, which supports our body’s needs.

What If You Ate Intuitively All Year Long?

Eating on Thanksgiving is no different from eating later in the year. Intuitive eating can be the goal for each meal.

Your body doesn’t change its needs because it is a holiday.

Intuitive eating helps you approach every meal with the same mindset: centered, calm, and connected.

Here are some good Intuitive Eating questions to ask yourself…

  1. What would it feel like to eat intuitively 365 days a year?
  2. How can I drop the holiday panic and the January guilt?
  3. When do I trust my body to tell me what it needs?

If I can do this, you can do this. This is possible for you.

Consider what your next step could be?

Think about one way you could bring intuitive eating into your Thanksgiving this year.

It might be:

  • Eating breakfast
  • Serving yourself what you actually want
  • Stopping when you’re satisfied
  • Caring for your emotions
  • Taking a calming breath before you plate your food

You don’t have to overhaul everything all at once; just small shifts create big peace.

I wish you a holiday filled with food freedom, emotional ease, and deep connection with your body.

You deserve all of this and MORE!!!

Kim McLaughlin is a psychotherapist in california. Providing therapy services to high achieving women.Kim McLaughlin, LMFT, psychotherapist, speaker, author, and host of the Feed Your Soul with Kim podcast. Kim helps high-achieving women improve their mental health, overcome emotional eating and binge eating, reduce anxiety, and create more joy and fulfillment in their lives. She offers online therapy throughout California and in-person counseling in Roseville, CA.

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation here. https://kim-mclaughlin.clientsecure.me/

 

Beyond Confidence: How to Build True Inner Strength One Step at a Time

Beyond Confidence: How to Build True Inner Strength One Step at a Time

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When people think of confidence, they often imagine someone walking into a room with charisma, standing tall, speaking clearly, and seemingly not caring what others think. Truth is, confidence is much deeper and more personal than outward appearances.

In a recent episode of the Feed Your Soul with Kim podcast, I sat down again with my longtime friend and confidence coach Erin Sum. Erin was my very first podcast guest back in 2019 (Episode 24), and we had a powerful conversation then about how to build confidence. This time, we went even deeper, because confidence isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s an evolving, ever-expanding journey.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, or that inner voice telling you “you’re not good enough,” we got you.

From Shy to Confident: Erin’s Story

Erin shared a vulnerable and inspiring story about how her confidence journey began. As someone who once identified as extremely shy, she never imagined she would one day speak on stages or coach others to embrace their power.

Her turning point??? She joined Passion Parties — an in-home party company selling relationship-enhancing products. Erin had to speak in front of groups, lead events, and sell products that made most people blush. It was uncomfortable, bold, and totally transformative.

“That was a massive leap outside my comfort zone,” she said. “But I knew I was here to make a difference. I just didn’t know how to do it until I took that step.”

This leap set off a chain reaction that led her to discover life coaching, eventually becoming a full-time confidence transformation coach.

Isn’t Shyness and Confidence the Same Thing?

One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion was around the connection between shyness and confidence. Are they always linked?

Erin believes that, in many cases, they are linked.

“Shyness often means we’re shrinking ourselves, holding back from being who we really are,” she explained. “It’s not just about being quiet — it’s about hiding your light.”

That doesn’t mean every quiet person lacks confidence. But when shyness is rooted in fear of being seen or judged, it can be a signal to look inward and ask:

  • What am I holding back?
  • Why am I afraid to be fully seen?
  • What is the worst that could happen if I am seen?

5 Hidden Signs You Might Be Lacking Confidence

Low self-confidence can show up in sneaky ways. Erin and I discussed several phrases and habits that people don’t always associate with confidence, but which are clear signals:

  1. “I don’t deserve that.”
    Whether it’s a compliment, a raise, or a relationship, feeling unworthy is a hallmark of low confidence.
  2. Second-guessing yourself constantly.
    If you can’t decide without spinning your wheels, it’s often rooted in self-doubt.
  3. Putting things off because you fear failure or judgment? That’s confidence hiding in the shadows.
  4. The need to “get it right” before acting can paralyze you — more on that later.
  5. Not taking action.
    Inaction isn’t laziness! It’s often fear disguised as hesitation.

Confidence is a Practice, Not a Destination

One of the most empowering ideas Erin shared was this:

“The more confident you become, the more those limiting beliefs fade away. But they come back- just at a different level.”

There’s a saying: “New level, new devil.” Erin offered a twist: “New level, old devil,” because often, the same fears resurface, just in new disguises.

Maybe you’ve conquered public speaking in small groups, but now you’re afraid to speak at a conference. Or you’ve built a business, but now you’re scared to raise your rates.

That’s not failure. That’s growth.

Really, confidence work is never really “done.” It evolves with you.

Let’s Talk About Perfectionism

Oh, perfectionism: the enemy of creativity, progress, and peace of mind.

Both Erin and I admitted that we’ve fallen into the perfectionism trap. As a Virgo and an only child, Erin joked she was “triple-whammied” with the perfectionism gene.

“I used to spend so much time perfecting a web page or writing,” she said. “Eventually, I had to accept it was never going to be perfect.”

Her favorite mantra (which I now use regularly) is from our mutual mentor, Caterina Rando:

“Done is better than perfect.”

It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. Every time I remind myself of this, I can move forward even when things feel messy.

If you’ve ever held back because you couldn’t get something just right, you’re not alone and that’s perfectionism at work.

Haters are Helpful!!!

This might surprise you: one of the biggest confidence boosts Erin ever experienced came from getting her first “hater.”

Yep, someone in her community tore her down publicly. Instead of shrinking, Erin celebrated. She even made a video that night (in her hoodie, no makeup, 9 p.m.) and said:

“Getting a hater means I’ve made it. It means I’m standing for something.”

That video became her most-watched video ever.

Here’s why this matters: If you put yourself out there, people will criticize. Some might even try to tear you down. That’s not a sign to stop — it’s a sign that you’re being bold.

Truth bomb: The people who truly care about you don’t need you to be perfect. And the people who demand perfection? They’re not your people.

Small but Powerful Ways to Build Confidence

So how do we build confidence? Especially if we feel stuck, scared, or deeply self-critical?

Erin offered four simple but powerful steps:

 

  1. Ask yourself: What am I afraid of?

Often, naming the fear is enough to take away its power. We tend to exaggerate what might go wrong.

  1. What’s the worst-case scenario?

Be honest. If you speak up in a meeting, what’s the actual worst that could happen? Usually, it’s not nearly as bad as your brain makes it out to be.

  1. How would I act if I felt confident and bold?

Imagine your future self, the one who’s already living confidently. What would they do right now?

  1. Take one small step.

Not a leap. Just a step.

  • Send that email.
  • Make that call.
  • Speak one sentence

Confidence grows with action, not waiting.

Confidence in Real Life: What It Looks Like

Let me share a personal story: I recently had to attend a networking event. As someone who often helps others navigate fear and discomfort, people assume it’s easy for me. It’s not. I had to sit myself down and say:

“Kim, just go. Show up as you are. You’ll find your people there.”

I did and I had conversations that mattered.

The fear beforehand was real.

Leaning on my confidence tools helped just like they will for you.

Confidence doesn’t mean fear is gone. It means you show up anyway.

The Power of Community

One of the most underestimated parts of building confidence is community.

Erin and I both emphasized how important it is to surround yourself with people who:

  • Celebrate your growth
  • Encourage your bold steps
  • Support you when fear shows up

If you don’t have those people in your life yet, seek them out. Join a group. Hire a coach. Talk to a therapist. We are not meant to do this alone.

Self-Reflection: Confidence Check-In

Here are a few journal prompts to help you integrate what you’ve read:

  1. Where in your life are you currently holding back?
  2. What fear is underneath that hesitation?
  3. How would you act if you believed in yourself just 10% more?
  4. Who in your life encourages your confidence — and who drains it?
  5. What’s one bold (but manageable) action you can take this week?

Finally, You Deserve to Shine

Confidence isn’t about being loud, being “perfect,” or having it all figured out.

  • Trust yourself, even when you’re unsure.
  • Show up, even when you’re scared.
  • Act, even when you’re doubting.
  • Believe, even when you feel shaky.

If you’re struggling with low confidence right now, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t — it’s something you build. One small, brave action at a time.

Erin and I are living proof of that.

So today, ask yourself:

✨ What would I do if I trusted myself just a little more?

Now go do that.

Want more?
🎧 Listen to the full Feed Your Soul with Kim podcast episode #123 “Beyond Confidence” with Erin Sum.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/123-beyond-confidence/id1473042304?i=1000717437412

🌀 Subscribe to hear more stories, insights, and practical tools for emotional well-being, confidence, and empowerment. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed-your-soul-with-kim/id1473042304

You’ve got this — and we’ve got you.

Disclaimer: This blog is not a replacement for mental health counseling. If you are suffering, seek out a qualified mental health provider. You are worth it!!!

Kim McLaughlin, MA is a Psychotherapist, Speaker, Author, and Coach who helps people literally feel better in their lives.

 She specializes in providing therapy for people who suffer from binge eating and emotional eating. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the author of the best-selling book Feed Your Soul Nourish Your Life! A Six Step System to Peace with Food and the Amazon #1 Best Selling book Discovery Your Inspiration.

 You can find Kim on her podcast Feed Your Soul with Kim and you can find it on all podcast platforms.

 Wondering if you are an emotional eater? Sign up for the free Am I an Emotional Eater Quiz.

Erin Summ is a Confidence Coach. You can find out more about her on her website- https://erinsumm.com/

Check out her Bold Confident Speaker Series: https://erinsumm.com/empoweredwoman-speakerseries/

Embracing Body Acceptance: A Path to Peaceful Eating and Self-Love

Embracing Body Acceptance: A Path to Peaceful Eating and Self-Love

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Do you find yourself constantly judging your body? Are you tired of feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by societal expectations?

You are not alone.

Many women struggle with body judgment, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s explore some strategies to help you end body judgment and make peace with your body.

What is Body Judgment?

Body judgment is a learned behavior that stems from societal standards of beauty and perfection. From a young age, we are bombarded with messages about what our bodies should look like, leading us to internalize these ideals and constantly compare ourselves to them. This constant comparison fuels body judgment and creates a negative cycle that can be difficult to break.

The impact of Body Judgment is negative.

Body judgment takes a toll on you. Some ways body judgment shows up is:

  • Mental health (depression, anxiety)
  • Body (yo-yo dieting)
  • Self-esteem (feeling bad about yourself)
  • Overall well-being

Constantly criticizing and condemning your body leads to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even disordered eating patterns. It hinders your ability to fully be present in your life and prevents you from embracing your true self. It’s time to break free from this destructive mindset.

You must shift your mindset about body judgment.

  • Challenge societal standards. Recognize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Begin questioning the unrealistic ideals presented by the media and challenge their influence on your perception of yourself.
  • Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Remember that nobody is perfect, and it’s okay (and normal!) to have imperfections.
  • Focus on what your body can do: Instead of fixating on appearance, shift your attention towards what your body can achieve. Celebrate its strength, resilience, and the amazing things it allows you to do. Even if you have some limited physical abilities, I challenge you to see what your body can do.

Cultivate a Positive Body Image.

First, surround yourself with positive influences. Follow social media accounts that promote body positivity and diversity. Listening to uplifting messages can help reshape your perception of bodies and beauty.

Second, engage in self-care activities. Take care of your body by engaging in activities that make you feel good. This could include movement, getting enough sleep, drinking more water, and nourishing yourself with nutritious foods.

Third, practice gratitude. Shift your focus from what you dislike about your body to what you appreciate about it. Each day, write down three things you are grateful for about your body.

Embrace Intuitive Eating as a form of Body Positivity.

Intuitive eating is a practice that involves listening to your body’s cues and honoring its needs. By adopting this approach, you can develop a more functional relationship with food and ultimately end the cycle of dieting and restriction.

  1. Reject diet culture:Recognize that diets are unsustainable and can lead to disordered eating patterns. Instead, focus on nourishing your body with foods that make you feel good.
  2. Tune into hunger and fullness cues:Pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, allowing yourself to enjoy a variety of foods without guilt or judgment.
  3. Find joy in movement:Engage in physical activity that brings you joy rather than exercising to change your appearance. Choose activities that make you feel good both mentally and physically.

Seek assistance to move out of Body Judgment.

Ending body judgment is not an overnight process, and it can be challenging to do it alone. Consider seeking support from professionals who specialize in intuitive eating, positive psychology, or mental health. They can provide guidance and tools tailored to your specific needs.

In the end, it is time to break free from the vicious cycle of body judgment. By shifting our perspective, cultivating a positive body image, embracing intuitive eating, and seeking support when needed, we can make peace with our bodies and live a life free from constant criticism. Remember, you deserve love and acceptance exactly as you are. Embrace your uniqueness and let go of the judgment. You deserve to feel confident and at peace with your body.

Kim McLaughlin, MA is a Psychotherapist, Speaker, Author, and Coach who specializes in working with people who suffer from binge eating and emotional eating. She is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the author of the best-selling book Feed Your Soul Nourish Your Life! A Six Step System to Peace with Food and the Amazon #1 Best Selling book Discovery Your Inspiration.

You can find Kim on her podcast Feed Your Soul with Kim and you can find it on all podcast platforms.

Wondering if you are an emotional eater? Sign up for the free Am I an Emotional Eater Quiz.