ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Intuitive eating

Intuitive eating means listening to our body and eating what feels right and good for us. It's like having an inner voice that tells you when you're hungry and when you're full, like your tummy says, "I need food now!" or "Hey, I'm full, stop eating." Intuitive eating also means being mindful of our own feelings and emotions, and taking care of ourselves in a healthy way.

For example, imagine you're playing and having so much fun, but then you start feeling a little hungry. Your body is telling you that you need some food to keep up with your playtime. So, it's time to have a snack! You choose something that makes you feel happy and gives you energy, like an apple or a cheese stick. But sometimes, you might not feel like eating when you see your favorite food because your body is already full. So, listening to your body and eating only when you're hungry helps keep your body healthy and happy.

It's also important to be kind to ourselves and not feel guilty about what we eat. If you really want to eat some yummy ice cream, it's okay! But to make sure we're taking care of our bodies, we can eat a smaller portion or try to eat some healthy food before we have the ice cream.

Intuitive eating is all about being in tune with your body, honoring your hunger and fullness, and treating yourself with kindness and respect. And that's why intuitive eating is a great way to take care of yourself!
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