54. When Intuitive Eating Isn't the Answer with Laura Pumillo MA, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-S

Intuitive Eating is a highly popular framework that seems perfect on the surface… but is it always the right fit for those struggling with eating disorders?    Laura Pumillo is the owner of Nutrition for Every-Body, a nutrition practice in Manhattan. Laura has over 25 years of experience working with people suffering from eating disorders. Right now, she treats every type of eating disorder: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating… everything.    Laura is really good at what she does. When someone comes to her, she looks at them as an individual. She has a knack for putting all the pieces of their unique experience and situation together and helping people work toward whatever recovery means to them.  I love the way Laura’s brain works. It is her understanding that the people who come to her know a lot, but her work is trying to bridge the gap between what people know and behavior change. She wants everyone she works with to cultivate a positive relationship with food and their body, and to feel comfortable in their body.    Both of us really appreciate and subscribe to intuitive eating. But part of what’s been going on currently is a very boxed way of thinking – meaning, for example, that intuitive eating is the only way to live and if you’re not eating intuitively, then you’re on a diet and have a messed up relationship with food.  Keep in mind that this conversation is based on nuance. We have to understand that every person is an individual, and intuitive eating is a framework. It will look entirely different for each person. We’re not saying it’s bad or good. We’re saying to be honest with yourself and use it in a way that works for you.    Disclaimer: this episode is very generalized. Please understand that when we talk about some of the limitations of intuitive eating, this is not to say that intuitive eating does not work; it’s just to say intuitive eating might not be the answer for every single person out there.    I am SO excited for this conversation. So, let’s dive in!    Tweetable Quotes “We’ve got early data – but compelling data – about the fact that it is very related to the reward system in the brain. People who meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa have a brain reward system that is actually rewarded by the absence of food.” – Laura Pumillo   “Many, many, many people [in the US] never have intuitive eating skills. Were they born with them? Yes, most likely. But science shows that they can lose them by the age of 4.” – Laura Pumillo    “It’s going to be an individualized process. Anything you hear on a podcast or read in a book – any generalized information might not fit your personal life. So really looking at your situation and what makes sense for recovery at that point is going to be the only way to go.” – Rachelle Heinemann  Resources:  Nutrition for Every-Body, Laura’s practice LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me, Rachelle Heinemann on Instagram, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]