INTUITIVE EATING FOR MIDLIFE WELLNESS
Navigating the journey of midlife has brought me face-to-face with the challenges of body positivity and acceptance. This is hard to admit, but as a woman who has spent years working diligently and consistently at maintaining my weight, I have struggled with body acceptance. I had such control over it all up until I turned 60. Now I’m noticing less energy, a thicker middle, harder to maintain my weight, and different skin texture.
While watching Good Things Utah (my local talk show) a couple of weeks ago, I heard a girl Julie Newbry, discussing intuitive eating. I was instantly interested in what she had to say. Her insights on tuning into our body’s natural cues and embracing a more balanced and mindful approach to food resonated deeply with me.
Julie’s perspective on our health was just what I needed to hear. I knew I needed to connect with her and share her empowering message with all of you. Her approach felt like a refreshing and much-needed shift from the sometimes restrictive diets and food rules many of us have struggled with. I see it all over in my social circles, and in my work as an influencer. It’s a real thing!
IN JULIE’S WORDS…..
Julie Newbury is a certified personal trainer, and is now working on her Masters to further her education. This is more from Julie in her own words…
“From a young age I was given the message that the most important thing about a girl is her appearance.
I was put on my first diet at age eight and learned food was something to be controlled and feared, my weight was something I needed to always monitor, and exercise was something to do to my body as a punishment.
These messages and beliefs overtook my life. I developed an eating disorder that I battled for almost two decades, and was consumed with trying to control my weight and appearance. All of this had lead to concerning health problems, and I I hit rock bottom. I knew I couldn’t go one more day like this. I sought treatment and began to heal.
As I unlearned the negative beliefs about my body, I learned that there was a different way of thinking about my body. Now I’m blessed to help other women see their bodies in a new way.
Our bodies are designed to guide and direct us on how to take care of them and what they need. When we ask ourselves “How do I want to feel?” Rather than “How do I want to look?” We are much more open to hearing our bodies and working with them rather than against them. If it feels overwhelming to love your hear and now body, start with respecting it. You can meet its needs simply because you respect what your body does for you, and slowly begin to see it as your ally not your enemy.
When your intention is to feel your best you will find the right balance with food and exercise for your body. Seeing all foods as neutral and not shameful will help break out of any restrictive form of eating. Your body will guide you in the right amounts to eat and varity of foods that work best for you. Eating and with atunement to how you are feeling takes out any need for restrictive rules.
Try and approach exercising as a way of supporting, strengthening, and taking care of your body. Used as a punishment it makes it very difficult to have a healthy balanced practice. It can lead to burnout, injury, shame, and it will never be enough. It’s a self care tool for you to use to amplify your life and feel empowered in your body.
Speak kinder to yourself. You will find it easier to care for and embrace your here and now body. That body is worthy and deserving of respect right now. Stay true to what you value in life. What legacy do you want to leave? Are you happy with how you relate to your body? If not, believe in your ability to change that. Have hope, and know there’s a peaceful and loving way to be with your body.”
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HOW I’VE EMBRACED BODY POSITIVITY
While I do check my weight daily, it’s more about how I FEEL really, than the number itself. I’m working on this however. I’m learning that health encompasses much more than physical appearance….. it’s emotional and mental well-being too. Learning how to focus on HOW I FEEL, rather than the number on the scale has all happened since turning sixty.
For me, maintaining a daily workout routine (every day but Sunday) has become a cornerstone of my well-being. It’s my way of managing anxiety and finding happiness. No matter what, I choose to prioritize exercise because it brings balance and joy to my life. It’s all about CHOOSING “MY HARD”….. whether it’s the discipline of avoiding a cookie or the discomfort of feeling sluggish the next morning. I CHOOSE.
This journey of mine has led me to really grasp the idea of intuitive eating…. a concept so beautifully supported and taught by Julie. EVERY food has its place. I enjoy all foods in moderation, without guilt or restriction. Being methodical about what I eat has allowed me to enjoy family and friend gatherings and vacations, while still honoring my body’s needs.
In midlife, it’s easy to focus on what we perceive as losses…. energy, agility, and the shape we once had. But I’ve found that true health and happiness come from a deeper appreciation for my body, exactly as it is. It does so much for me! Still a work in progress…… but I’m moving forward in a positive way. Intuitive eating for midlife wellness has been incredibly helpful on my personal journey of aging gracefully.
TO CONTACT JULIE YOU CAN FIND HER HERE or on Instagram HERE.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
CLICK HERE TO WATCH JULIE’S SEGMENT ON GOOD THINGS UTAH
Hi Shauna, excellent message in that post. Thank you for sharing Julie’s story and philosophy. I agree, the 60s are a challenge! It’s not realistic to expect our bodies to stay the same weight and shape. But that’s okay. It’s all part of life, including getting older. And I say better. Let’s relax and be comfortable in our own skin.
Health is everything my dad used to say. If you’ve got your health you can really conquer anything else.
Have a fun rest of the week. You’ve inspired me to hop on the exercise bike for a ride. Thanks!
Cheers! Pam
Pam…. THANK YOU for your input. I remember hearing the phrase, “AGING GRACEFULLY”, I guess not really understanding what that meant. But I’m sure learning fast! It’s amazing to me, at how much there still is to learn about myself! Life is certainly a journey and I’m learning more and more that it’s about my HEALTH as opposed to my size. And your daddy was right!!!! 🙂 Thanks again for stopping by, and enjoy your week! XO
Hi Shauna,
I really enjoyed reading your post about Julie’s journey into better health and living choices. Life is not always easy at times and it can derail us into bad decisions that lead to bad outcomes. I had two friends that were both
anorexic and bulimic. In both cases both of these ladies were over achievers and strived for perfection in their lives. They shared both of their life stories with me. One was my running buddy, that I trained with to do two full marathons and an ultramarathon. The sad thing she became sick again with both mental health issues. It was sad because at such a young age and with three beautiful children she had to go away to seek professional help. Sadly she moved out of state, and I have no idea how she is to this day. I do think about her when I drive past her home just around the corner where she used to live.
I’m a recovering perfectionist and it’s not an easy thing to live with. We all have our frailties and that is what makes us human. I relate to your story. I used to exercise daily like you, now I can’t. Life can throw you some unexpected curve balls, it sure did me in the physical department. What is left is how you respond right?
I love your colorful blouse. I have one that might be like yours, is it a Dolce & Gabbana by change. I love mine.
Katherine, THANK YOU for stopping by. I love your input here. LIFE is a lifelong journey of figuring ourselves out I think. My daddy used to say that “Getting old wasn’t for sissies!” I believe him now, and I’m only in my 60’s! It sounds like you’ve been a real inspiration to your friends. It’s hard to accept aging sometimes, but if we’re moving forward and not backward, we’re ahead of the game! Take care and come back again soon!!!! XOXOXO
Thank you for this post. I’m almost 63, and recently had hip replacement surgery. While it was definitely a very concrete reminder that I’m getting older, I’m also beyond grateful that this surgery was very successful and has allowed me to get back to the physical activities that I love. I have several friends who are currently going through some very serious illnesses, and this reiterates my belief that we have to take care of our bodies the best that we can, especially as we age. I always appreciate your enthusiastic and balanced approach to life and continue to enjoy your blog and social media accounts. Have a fabulous week!
Kay THANK YOU so much for reaching out. That means a lot to me. So glad that all went well with your surgery. I’ve always had the mindset of preventative health! What we do NOW will definitely affect how much we can do LATER. I think it just starts to feel so real when you get to your sixties….. at least that’s what I’ve felt! I also think that if we are doing all we can TODAY to stay healthy and even if we don’t feel as vibrant as we did ten years ago, we at least know that we did what we could do TODAY to help us feel our best. That alone will be better than if we sit back and do nothing! BEST WISHES to you Kay, and thanks again! Come back again soon! XO