What is intuitive eating? Watch the video.

Intuitive eating is everywhere right now. It’s a way of thinking about food without self-judgment, explains dietitian Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, in the latest episode of Well+Good’s YouTube series You Versus Food. And while the concept is decidedly au courant, it’s been around for decades.

The term “intuitive eating” was coined in 1995 by dietitians Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN, and Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, explains Beckerman. But before it had a name, a similar concept was pioneered by Susie Orbach, PhD, with her 1978 book Fat is a Feminist Issue: The Anti-diet Guide for Women. And author Geneen Roth has been writing on the subject since 1982. That is to say, the idea isn’t brand spanking new. But Beckerman explains why it’s as relevant as ever. Think of intuitive eating as vintage rather than outdated.

“Through the process of intuitive eating, the goal is to understand the difference between physical hunger, the biological urge that tells us that we need an replenishment of nutrients, and emotional hunger, which is driven by hunger and emotional needs,” says Beckerman.

Intuitive eating means giving your body what it wants, Beckerman explains. To learn how to do it for yourself, watch the full video (and subscribe to our YouTube channel!).

If you missed our most recent episodes, here’s Beckerman explaining the healthiest pasta options, and the benefits of garlic (some of which are in the bedroom.)