intuitive eating >

It's been such an eye-opening experience combining intuitive eating with the 75 Soft challenge! When I first started, I worried if I could truly 'eat everything I want' while pushing myself physically, but it's proving to be the most sustainable way for me. My biggest takeaway so far is truly learning to listen to my body's signals – they're there for a reason, right? For example, on days with intense workouts, I've noticed my hunger goes through the roof. Instead of fighting it or feeling guilty, I honor it. Sometimes that means a hearty breakfast, like the two eggs, toast with strawberry jelly, and a potato I had. Other times, it's a satisfying and colorful lunch, maybe a big salad loaded with okra, peppers, olives, croutons, chicken, and sunflower seeds with some Italian dressing. The key is recognizing that increased activity often means increased energy needs, and it's okay to fuel your body appropriately. Intuitive eating isn't just about eating when you're hungry; it's also about eating what sounds good and what feels nourishing. This challenge has helped me realize that 'nourishing' doesn't always mean perfectly 'clean' or restrictive. It means finding a balance. One evening, after a particularly long day, my body was craving comfort and satisfaction, so I had not one, but two dinners! One was a delicious spicy ramen, and the other was shrimp fried rice with zucchini and a potsticker. These weren't 'cheat meals'; they were simply meeting my body where it was at, physically and emotionally. It's about letting go of the guilt often associated with certain foods. Another thing I've found helpful is being flexible with my meal structure. There's no strict 'three meals a day' rule. Sometimes I'll start my day with just a coffee, and then have a bigger brunch later. And if I feel like a sweet treat, like those homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, I enjoy them mindfully. This flexible approach prevents feelings of deprivation, which can often lead to overeating later. For anyone considering intuitive eating, especially alongside a fitness challenge, I'd say focus on these core principles: Honor Your Hunger: Don't let yourself get ravenously hungry. Eat when you feel the first signs of hunger. Feel Your Fullness: Pay attention to your body's signals of satisfaction. Stop when you're comfortably full, not stuffed. Respect Your Body: Accept your natural body shape and size. Focus on health behaviors, not numbers on a scale. Make Peace with Food: Give yourself unconditional permission to eat. No food is inherently 'good' or 'bad.' Challenge the Food Police: Reject the diet mentality that tells you what and how much you 'should' eat. Incorporating these principles into 75 Soft has transformed my relationship with food and exercise. It's not just about completing the challenge; it's about building sustainable habits and truly connecting with my body's wisdom. Give it a try, you might be surprised how much freedom and balance it brings!