*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult your health care provider before making any adjustments to your exercise routine or diabetes management.

Living with type one diabetes can impact our relationship with food, how we see food and even impact our hunger cues. So in a world where we want to take an intuitive approach to eating, is it possible with T1D? Inside this blog post, we’re diving into the ins and outs of intuitive eating and how you can incorporate it into your lifestyle and blood sugars.

What is intuitive eating?

Intuitive eating takes the approach of listening to your body first and using that as information when making food decisions. This means that you make the choice and each choice can look different. Sometimes it may be eating vegan, other times it may be eating keto. Rather than following a specific diet, it’s incorporating your preferences, your values and your body. Food is used for more than just its nutritional value. Food has social, traditional and cultural value. Intuitive eating takes these into consideration.

What is the first step to becoming an intuitive eater?

Intuitive eating requires putting on the ‘curiosity goggles’, meaning it will require you to learn more about your body. What foods make you feel good? What foods keep you satiated? How do specific foods impact your energy levels and blood sugars? Understanding these pieces allow you to make intentional and mindful decisions around the foods in front of you. 

Utilize the tools in your back pocket.

Just like any other diet, intuitive eating requires you to utilize the strategy and tools you have in your back pocket. Nutritional pairing, pre-bolusing, and looking into the macronutrient make up of your meal are all useful pieces to consider that can help ease the impact of your meal on your blood sugars. This way, you can find a balance between enjoying the foods you love without sacrificing your blood sugars.

Use your blood sugars as data.

Just because something doesn’t work the first time doesn’t mean it never will! Instead of saying “the sushi didn’t work, I can’t eat it” shifting the question to “how can I reassess this meal for next time? What can I add to it? How can I adjust my bolus decision?” These questions allow us to take an empowered approach to our blood sugars and the troubleshooting process. 

Taking an intuitive approach to diabetes management puts your values, priorities and preferences at the forefront. We dive in deeper to an intuitive approach with Amanda Ciprich, AKA The T1D Nutritionist in Keeping it 100 Radio Episode 4: Filtering Through The Noise with T1D Nutritionist: Intuitive Eating & Shutting Out Diet Culture with Amanda Ciprich MS RD. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.