Nina Kaufmann

Intuitive eating is a self-care practice embodying instinct, emotion and rational thought. Although its main focus is, obviously, eating, it also teaches us a gentle, helpful approach to fitness, body image, and wellness in general.
In a world full of diets and diets disguising as “lifestyles”, intuitive eating is an antidote, offering a compassionate, flexible path to reconnect with our bodies, and nurture them in a way that feels good to us and fits in our unique lives.

In today’s article, I’m sharing with your my favorite books that explore the principles of intuitive eating and the science behind health at every size—weight neutral approach to health. These books will serve you well whether you’re just starting your intuitive eating journey or wanting to deepen your knowledge and take some practical steps toward more food freedom.

1. Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

Obviously, the first and most important book on intuitive eating is the original, written by the wonderful dietitians who developed the concept.
It will teach you all the essentials you’ve been wondering about when it comes to intuitive eating.
It introduces the 10 principles of intuitive eating and addresses how to overcome diet mentality. I love the fact that they keep on updating and revising the book so that you can get the latest science—as the world keeps moving, so does this amazing book.

It’s perfect for you if you’re looking for a well written, gentle and brilliant book to help you understand all the nuances of intuitive eating.

Get it here.

2. The Intuitive Eating Workbook by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

When you’ve read the book, you’ll want to dive straight into the workbook. I love how many incredibly powerful tools it offers, and use it all the time with my clients.
You’ll get many exercises that will help you apply intuitive eating in your everyday life, so if you want to actively engage with intuitive eating principles, you will absolutely love this workbook.

However, it doesn’t simply offer the exercises, it dives into each principle, helping you understand the details of it—and then gently holds your hand while you dip your toes, reconnecting with your body. You’ll learn how to recognize and honor your hunger, fullness, satisfaction. You’ll get the tools to cope with your emotions without food (just a note: it’s okay to eat emotionally sometimes, we all do it! Learn more about that in Peace with Food), and how to heal your relationship with working out so that moving your body feels joyful!

Get it here.

3. Just Eat It: How Intuitive Eating Can Help You Get Your Act Together Around Food by Laura Thomas, PhD

First things first, I’m in love with the cover of this book—if you’ll judge one book by its cover, let it be this one. As one could anticipate from the cover, the book is amazingly well written—it’s somehow packed with science, but also very captivating!

Laura Thomas, PhD does a wonderful job of breaking down the concept of intuitive eating with humor, clarity and lots of relatable stories, making it such an engaging read!
You’ll get a fresh perspective on nutrition and wellness while having a giggle. Definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a more balanced approach to nutrition and health.

Get it here.

4. Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight by Lindo Bacon

HAES is simply a classic that I believe every single person working in healthcare and caring about their health should read and absorb the important concepts. It does a perfect job of challenging conventional beliefs about weight and health, presenting scientific evidence that supports body diversity and holistic well-being.

When I first started my healing journey, I read this book with my jaw on the floor—it offers such a helpful, science backed perspective on health, self-care and how to honor your body’s unique needs in a weight neutral way.
If the only thing you remember from this book is the truth that healthy behaviors are healthy, no matter what weight you’re at, it’s done its job. Fully embracing that concept alone can completely transform the way you approach health!
How would you take care of yourself if it wasn’t all centered around weight loss, but around health?

Get it here.

5. Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand About Weight by Lindo Bacon, PhD and Lucy Aphramor, PhD

Naturally, this book is another winner by Dr. Lindo Bacon who is such a trailblazer, offering groundbreaking insights and paradigm-shifting research, and the amazing dietitian Dr. Lucy Aphramor, who brough weight neutral approach to UK.

Body Respect explores the science behind body diversity and health, crushing myths about weight and health. It will help you shift your focus from weight to actual health, once again teaching you that health is supported by healthy behaviors, not by reaching a certain number on the scale.
It advocates for respect and compassion toward all bodies, a message much needed in todays world.

Get it here.

Try Audible!

If you’re often on the move, but would still love to deepen your understanding on intuitive eating, try Audible! With Audible, you can enjoy all these books—and many more, hands free. I usually enjoy listening to Audible while cooking, cleaning the house, walking on a treadmill or while driving.
Sign up for a free month today, so you can start your journey toward food freedom with ease.

Click here to start listening for free!

Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Books

• Take Notes: Have a notebook or journal ready to jot down any reflections and important take-aways from these books—and there will be a lot. Treat these books as your best friends, highlight all the keypoints and colorful bookmark stickers so you can always come back to them when you need inspiration or a reminder on your journey of reconnecting with your body.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Remember, unlearning diet culture and embracing intuitive eating is a journey, and not a linear one. One day you might feel you got it all together, and the next day you might not know if you’re hungry or not. It’s all completely normal, and nothing about intuitive eating or weight neutral approach to health is binary—perfection is never needed.
• Share with Others: Discussing these books with friends or a support group can be really helpful, especially to share stories and understand you’re not alone. I always say it would be a miracle not to have a wonky relationship with food in todays world, where diets are everywhere, and so is the food. We’re surrounded by so many mixed messages, it can be really difficult to listen to our own bodies, and sharing your experiences with trusted group can make you feel understood.
• Seek Deeper Support: If you find yourself struggling to let go of the diet culture, allowing yourself to eat and include all of your favorite foods in your eating world, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Working with me (or someone else you trust) will help you stay on track with your intuitive eating journey. It’s much easier to reconnect with your body when you’re deeply supported by a professional who understand what you’re going through and can gently guide you through each obstacle. Learn more about working with me here.

Conclusion

Embracing intuitive eating is a powerful step toward reclaiming your relationship with food, your body and your health.

Books I’ve shared with you all offer invaluable insights and practical advice for anyone ready to embark on this journey. By reading and applying the lessons from these books, you can heal your relationship with food, reconnect with your body and take care of your health in a compassionate, gentle way that will have enourmous impact long term—without the food restrictions.

Have you read these or other books about intuitive eating? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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