If you’ve ever found yourself in a cycle of overeating, you might be surprised to hear that one of the most effective ways to break this pattern is by actually eating more. I remember very well when this concept first clicked for me, it felt like a revelation that went against everything diet culture had taught me. But the truth is, nourishing your body consistently throughout the day can help you regain control over your eating habits and helping to build a healthier relationship with food. Let’s dive into why this is the case.
- Preventing restriction
When you’re constantly restricting your food intake, whether this is by skipping meals or eating less than your body needs (consciously or unconsciously), you’re likely to feel deprived. This sense of deprivation can trigger intense cravings and lead to overeating, and a sense not being able to stop eating once you have started. By eating more regularly and ensuring your body is getting enough nourishment throughout the day, you can prevent the deprivation that often leads to overeating.
I wanted to highlight something important here: episodes of overeating or feeling out of control around food due to deprivation are actually a normal response from your body. Your body is always on your side, working hard to keep you safe and balanced. When it senses restriction, it naturally responds by sending out strong urges to make up for what it’s been missing. This is a clear sign that your body is doing exactly what it’s designed to do. So let’s take a moment to appreciate how incredibly smart our bodies are 😊.
- Stabilizing blood sugar levels
Skipping meals or not eating enough can cause your blood sugar levels to drop, leading to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and intense hunger. When your blood sugar levels are low, you’re more likely to reach for quick fixes – often high-sugar or high-fat foods – (again a normal response from your body) that can temporarily boost your energy. By eating more regularly and including balanced meals with protein, fats, and carbohydrates, you can stabilize your blood sugar levels, reducing the likelihood of overeating later.
- Rebuilding trust with your body
One of the most important aspects of eating intuitively is learning to trust your body again. When you eat more and respond to your body’s hunger signals, you begin to rebuild that trust. Your body starts to learn that food is always available and that it doesn’t need to go into ‘survival mode’ by overeating when food is finally available. This trust is crucial for breaking the cycle of overeating and for developing a healthier, more intuitive relationship with food.
- Building a positive relationship with food
When you’re not constantly thinking about how little you can eat, you start to enjoy food for what it is – nourishment, pleasure, and a way to connect with others. Eating more can help you move away from a scarcity mindset and reduce the anxiety that often surrounds food choices, when restricting your food intake. This shift in perspective can lead to a more positive and relaxed relationship with food, where you’re free to enjoy eating without fear of overeating and you can confidently stop eating when you’re satisfied.
- Supporting your body’s natural weight
When you consistently eat enough, your body is more likely to settle at its natural weight – a weight that is sustainable and comfortable for you, without the need for restriction or overeating. Remembering this principle has been crucial for me in my journey towards a happier, more positive relationship with food. It’s about allowing your body to find its balance without trying to control or manipulate it through extreme dieting and restriction.
By eating enough, you’re honouring your body’s needs, stabilizing your energy levels, and building a healthier relationship with food. It might feel counterintuitive at first, but I can assure you that this approach can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling way of eating.
If you’re experiencing regular episodes of overeating and would like support in overcoming this, I’m here to help. Feel free to book in for a free discovering call with me here and I’d be happy to discuss how I can help you ❤️.
To your health and happiness,
Áine x
