Day 1

This month for NourishU, we are learning more about Intuitive Eating. Intuitive Eating is a concept that was created in 1995. It is a “self-care eating framework” that is both evidence-based and weight-inclusive [1, 2]. Intuitive Eating follows 10 principles (remember: these are just guidelines, not rules!) that build upon each other, and we will discuss all of these over the span of the month. Hopefully throughout the month we can learn together and move towards a more diet-free, accepting culture. Nourishing yourself starts with a healthy relationship with food.

As we learn about different aspects of Intuitive Eating over the month, we want to acknowledge that folks may be coming to this journey with different levels of knowledge and experience. We encourage you to be open minded about the process. This is a self-reflective journey and one that is meant to help you kickstart a better relationship with food. We hope you will find an improved relationship with food and yourself by the end of this intuitive eating, non-diet journey AND we want you to know that this also takes ongoing practice beyond the month! It may be challenging at times and you may realize that you’d like to learn more or seek help. Supports are available through UBC and the wider community. Some helpful starting points:

· For students: Student Health and Wellbeing supports and services. AMS/GSS student health and dental plan covers dietitian services. Learn more about your coverage here.

· For staff: Worklife Services our Employee and Family Assistance Plan. UBC Extended Health plan supports faculty and staff to care for their health and wellbeing with coverage for a wide range of services from paramedical practitioners (e.g. registered counsellors, registered dietitians, etc.). Learn about your coverage for paramedical services.

BC resources available to you: BC dietitians network, Dietitians of Canada, or call/email HealthLink BC to speak to a dietitian for free in BC!
Check out our UBC-V Food Services Food and Nutrition Blog here and the UBC-O Food Services blog here.

*Disclaimer:This program is for informational purposes only and should not be considered nutrition therapy or medical care. The content is general and is not intended to treat or diagnose. Nutrition is complex and not one size fits all. This program is not a replacement for eating disorder treatment. If you suspect you have an eating disorder or if you’re worried about your relationship with food, please seek the advice of your doctor and dietitian. You are not alone. Help is available. Consider connecting with a dietitian with expertise on eating disorders and disordered eating. Some financial coverage is available through the Extended Health and Dental Plans for students (see specific coverage for UBC-Vancouver AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan and UBCSUO Extended Health & Dental Plan). For staff: Worklife Services our Employee and Family Assistance Plan offers dietitian counseling).

Intuitive eating is a privilege. We recognize that for many basic access to acceptable food is a challenge. For more information on Food Security including food access support and ways to take action to promote food security please visit UBC’s Food Hub.

Reflect: What are one or two things you hope to get out of this journey?

Enter your reflection here: NourishU Reflection

NourishU

by UBC NourishU Team