Podcast Summary: "What Is Intuitive Eating? Evelyn Tribole on Trusting Your Body"
We Can Do Hard Things Episode Released on January 16, 2025, features a profound conversation between host Glennon Doyle and Evelyn Tribole, a renowned author and pioneer in the Intuitive Eating movement. This episode delves deep into the principles of intuitive eating, personal recovery journeys, and the broader implications of trusting one’s body amidst societal pressures.
Introduction to Intuitive Eating
Glennon Doyle opens the discussion by introducing Evelyn Tribole, highlighting her extensive work, including co-authoring the bestselling Intuitive Eating. The conversation sets the stage for exploring intuitive eating as a framework that transcends mere dietary practices, aiming to rebuild the trust between individuals and their bodies.
Understanding Intuitive Eating
Evelyn Tribole defines intuitive eating as a self-regulation method where individuals listen to their body's internal cues to determine when, what, and how much to eat. She emphasizes the foundational concept of interoceptive awareness, which is the body's ability to send signals about hunger, fullness, and other physical states.
"Basically, you are in charge of your eating by listening to the messages of your body... People are at war with their bodies, and they don't trust the messenger."
— Evelyn Tribole [04:31]
Personal Journeys and Recovery
Glennon shares her personal struggles with eating disorders, detailing her transition from bulimia to anorexia and her ongoing recovery journey. She highlights the emotional turmoil associated with trusting her body's hunger signals.
"What I want to ask you about is that I've heard you call that a primal hunger... I feel that... I have a primal sadness... a primal anger."
— Glennon Doyle [07:35]
This vulnerability sets a compassionate tone, allowing listeners to connect with the real-life impacts of disordered eating and the healing process through intuitive eating.
The Impact of Childhood and Family Dynamics
A significant portion of the conversation explores how childhood experiences and family messaging contribute to the loss of trust in one's body. Evelyn introduces the concept of body lineage, examining how familial attitudes towards food and body image shape an individual's relationship with eating.
"One of the things I like to emphasize with parents... We don't disparage bodies, we don't disparage food... that's the safer space."
— Evelyn Tribole [16:00]
Glennon reflects on her own upbringing, recounting how her father's emphasis on waiting for fullness signals led her to freeze and stop eating, thereby externalizing control over her eating habits.
Overcoming Diet Culture and Societal Conditioning
The discussion delves into the pervasive influence of diet culture, emphasizing its roots in social conditioning, misogyny, and capitalist structures. Evelyn critiques the cycle of socialization that perpetuates fatphobia and unhealthy eating behaviors.
"It's a cultural neurosis that we have. It's global. I see it all over the place."
— Evelyn Tribole [32:59]
Glennon adds a poignant observation about societal expectations:
"Thinness has never been about beauty. It's always been about obedience."
— Glennon Doyle (referencing Naomi Wolf) [34:21]
Practical Steps and Challenges in Intuitive Eating
Evelyn outlines practical aspects of intuitive eating, such as aiming for satisfaction rather than following rigid dietary rules. She discusses the importance of habituation and making peace with food to prevent the "what the hell effect," where one transgression leads to a binge.
"Aiming for satisfaction gets you into balance. Balance and it's pleasure-based."
— Evelyn Tribole [46:16]
Amanda Doyle shares her struggles with sugar cravings, prompting Evelyn to differentiate between healthy desires and addictive behaviors. She emphasizes that intuition in eating is about honoring one's needs without succumbing to fear-driven eating patterns.
"The moment you start focusing about weight, that becomes external. The work needs to be really internal."
— Evelyn Tribole [46:16]
Broader Impacts on Self-Trust and Relationships
As listeners navigate their recovery, the conversation highlights how rebuilding trust in one’s body fosters greater self-trust and improves relationships. Glennon observes that healing from eating disorders can lead to increased presence and authenticity in interactions.
"When you learn to say yes to yourself, then you're a big yes, no machine. And then you're good and you're satisfied."
— Glennon Doyle [64:35]
Evelyn notes that intuitive eating not only transforms one’s relationship with food but also enhances overall life satisfaction by reducing self-absorption and fear.
"Intuitive eating is a path out of suffering. If you want out of that suffering, there's a way for you to do that. You don't have to suffer."
— Evelyn Tribole [62:28]
Addressing Complex Cases and the Need for Support
Acknowledging that intuitive eating may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, Evelyn emphasizes the importance of support systems for individuals dealing with trauma or severe eating disorders. She advocates for a phased approach, where those in the early stages of recovery receive structured support before embracing intuitive eating fully.
"You need support... to feel connected to the body, you need to be present and you need to feel safe."
— Evelyn Tribole [59:36]
Conclusion: Embracing Self-Compassion and Trust
The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the transformative power of intuitive eating. Evelyn and the hosts encourage listeners to cultivate self-compassion, trust their bodies, and reject the external pressures of diet culture.
"When you know better, you do better."
— Evelyn Tribole [46:16]
Glennon expresses deep gratitude to Evelyn for her enduring work and the hope it offers to those struggling with disordered eating.
"Evelyn, just thank you for doing this work for so many people for so long. We're just grateful for you."
— Glennon Doyle [64:48]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"I have a sense. In fact, I've got to tell you, you entered my heart during COVID..."
— Evelyn Tribole [03:44] -
"You are in charge of your eating by listening to the messages of your body."
— Evelyn Tribole [04:31] -
"We don't want it to hijack us, but we need to look, okay, what do I need to feel safe..."
— Evelyn Tribole [05:42] -
"It's a great message of hope for all your listeners out there who are struggling..."
— Evelyn Tribole [11:27] -
"It's the most primal coming home."
— Amanda Doyle [12:53] -
"I think it's normal to feel excited and anxious. Nothing wrong with you."
— Evelyn Tribole [38:38] -
"She's going to conform... and that makes it problematic."
— Evelyn Tribole [26:30] -
"You can have whatever you want. You can have it for the rest of your life."
— Evelyn Tribole [39:46] -
"If you're going through trauma, you might need more support."
— Evelyn Tribole [59:16]
This episode of We Can Do Hard Things offers a comprehensive exploration of intuitive eating, enriched by personal narratives and expert insights. It serves as a compassionate guide for individuals seeking to reclaim their relationship with food and, by extension, their overall well-being.