As we get closer to our publication date, Karen is reviewing some of the most significant texts that we read over the past few years. In Stop Losing and Win, we discuss Intuitive Eating, a concept (and excellent book) by Tribole and Resch, both registered dieticians. The authors teach their readers how to tune into body sensations of hunger and fullness, recommending that they do not restrict food or diet, but that they reach detente with food by learning to eat more naturally.
We love Intuitive Eating and have learned a great deal from the book. However, our plan includes both tuning into the body AND controlling the environment, something that Tribole and Resch would not necessarily recommend.
Food shopping, preparation, and storage are rather mundane daily tasks that most of us give little conscious attention to, but a little extra care in executing these tasks can really pay off when it comes to weight management. Here are a few things I do to make it so much easier to get the nutrients I need (but not more than I need):
1. I grocery shop around the periphery of the store, concentrating on fresh foods that are bursting with good nutrition. As I shop, I consider snacks as well as main meals.
2. I make sure my fridge and pantry contain foods I can grab and go such as prepared fruits and vegetables, cheese sticks, hummus, olives, and leftovers. I can always find something nutritious and delicious whenever I need to eat.
When I am surrounded by excellent choices, my task of eating a high-quality diet is made much more straightforward. As I assess my current situation, I see that I can do two important things. One is to listen to my body. The other is to control my environment. Environmental controls are key to managing not just my weight over time, but my health as well.
Stop Losing and Win 