Our bodies are naturally designed to signal when they need fuel—but in today’s world, stress, habits, and societal pressures have turned eating into more of a pastime than a response to hunger. Learning to listen to your body again can transform your relationship with food and help you enjoy meals without guilt or anxiety.
Evelyn Tribole explored this idea in her 1995 book Intuitive Eating, encouraging readers to wait to eat until their body gives them a true cue. Building on this, Your Tango offers a simple set of principles to help guide you toward eating only when you’re genuinely hungry:
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Reject the diet mentality – Step away from restrictive rules and focus on what your body truly needs.
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Remove shame and guilt from your food choices – No food is “bad,” and no choice should make you feel ashamed.
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Challenge the food police – Question the external pressures or internal voices that dictate what or when you “should” eat.
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Know when you’re satisfied – Pause during meals and check in with your body. Are you full, or are you eating out of habit or emotion?
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Feel your fullness – Learn to recognize the subtle cues that signal your body has had enough.
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Find healthier ways to deal with emotions – Instead of turning to food for comfort, explore alternatives like journaling, walking, or talking to a friend.
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Exercise for enjoyment, not calories – Move your body because it feels good and strengthens you, not just to burn off food.
By applying these principles, you can start to reconnect with your body’s natural hunger signals and cultivate a more mindful, intuitive relationship with food. Eating when you’re truly hungry isn’t about restriction—it’s about respect for your body and its needs.
Source: Your Tango
