Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Intuitive Eating Habits Improve Overall Health and Wellbeing

This literature review is an examination of how intuitive eating programs and interventions impact individuals mentally and physically. The growing interest in integrative and functional nutrition to help improve an individual holistically, has pushed researchers to dive deeper into discovering the benefits. Intuitive eating (IE) principles focus on empowerment of individuals to take control of their health without relying on dieting or restrictions. This practice encourages self-awareness of hunger and satiety and helps remove distractions that may prevent the awareness during eating. Research suggests that intuitive-eating programs can reduce eating disorder behaviors, improve negative body image, and improve individual body appreciation. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that these practices may also improve metabolic health. This area of study is important in that it highlights a non-traditional and self-compassionate approach to food and nutrition that is still evidence-based. Thus, the purpose of the literature review is to examine the effects of intuitive eating interventions on body weight, mental health, and food perspectives.