Will Intuitive Eating Lower my Set Point Weight? How to Exercise Intuitively (and Actually Like It)

[@sarosen5731]

I feel like I’m unlearning so much internalized diet culture with your videos, it blows my mind how much happier I am without constantly feeling like I need to lose weight

[@AbbeysKitchen]

I'm so glad!

[@ik7357]

fr i think abbey has helped me heal like three decades worth of food and exercise-related trauma with her videos alone 😭

[@shireenm.a.4622]

I’m skinny and I exercise regularly for how good it makes me feel. It really bothers me when I’m out for a run and someone comes up and asks why I’m running if I’m “already skinny” as if the only purpose of exercising is to lose weight 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@zoetranter6594]

thats INSANE. That's like walking up to me and being like WHY AREN'T YOU RUNNING YOUR ARE FAT START RUNNING. People need to mind their own business!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

😫I'm glad you enjoy running!

[@alisaishere]

I'm overweight and many times when I've been out running people have called me fat-ass. What in the world should I do? Stop exercising and pray the pounds away? People are just dumb!

[@kdonor]

That's really awful. I love running and it has literally saved my life as it has been the biggest thing to get me out of serious depression. To put weight as the reason is insulting to me.

[@shireenm.a.4622]

Alisaishere that’s disgusting! Honestly people will find a way to criticize what you do anyway so you do you and keep it up! 👍🏻

[@PromisedJubilee]

I have a motto in life that I feel really works for exercise: "SOME is always better than NONE." So in anything, even if you didn't meet your goals, YOU DID SOMETHING. Celebrate the SOME that you did, and try again another time.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

For sure!

[@ik7357]

this! in my teens i had a therapist shame me for my lack of commitment and tell me that if i was only going to be working out two or three times a week i might as well not bother at all and i internalized that for well over a decade, which basically translated to me just… not bothering at all. for years. the realization that movement can be gentle and enjoyable and intuitive (and that i can take days off at a time without conditions!) has been revolutionary for me, and i’m moving my body now more than i have in well over a decade in a way that’s actually sustainable and pleasurable for me.

[@vickishang6675]

Sometimes self care is not to exercise. So true! I used to think what a waste of a day if i don’t exercise. How silly i was 🙃.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that part was helpful

[@rababkamal1930]

I love this content , this is how I lost more than 90 pounds , eating healthy with no deprivation , eating complex carbs and dietary fat , exercising intuitively. I focused more on nutrients rather than following fad diets . it did take 4 years but the transformation happened gradually and I am still maintaining, got rid of the yoyo dieting , the positive impact is not just body weight, but it also improved my psychological wellbeing , no peer pressure because I am competing with no one , just a desire to be in better health .... the bottom line is " enjoy the journey, enjoy the food and enjoy exercise without torturing yourself " ... ... cheers

[@martao817]

HOMEWORK: 1. Yoga makes my back not hurt that much or on some days not hurt at all🧘🏼‍♀️ 2. After good cardio session I sleep better 🛌 3. Dance makes me soooo happy! 😁

[@AbbeysKitchen]

That's great!

[@maja__5047]

Those are my 3 favorite types of exercise as well

[@flamencoaddict]

As the lockdown hit, I started walking every day. It is the first time I exercise for feeling good. In fact, it has been the highlight of my day. Then I realized how much I enjoy moving my body and being outside in nature. I think this is what I was missing all those years trying to do the exercise thing. I appreciate this video right now with this knowledge. Thanks Abbey!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that works for you. And I'm glad it was helpful!

[@somebodypiano6191]

Me too! I finally figured out why I "hated" exercise. I didn't hate it. I hated staring at a wall while moving my legs. Exercise is fun when you have trees to look at and birds to listen to. It's also fun when you gradually work your way up to harder exercises and train your heart muscles to be comfortable, instead of just jumping in at the hardest level and feeling guilty because you couldn't do much. I have never been so healthy, physically fit, and active in my life as I am now.

[@bianca5375]

To me, exercise refers to any type of active movement. This can include working out, playing sports, walking, mowing the lawn, etc. My attitude towards it depends on the type of exercise. If I'm playing a sport, it's usually for enjoyment and the social aspect. If I'm just working out, I kind of see it like a chore - but not necessarily in a bad way. For example, I don't see my daily dental hygiene routine as burden - I like maintaining my teeth (esp. after years of braces 😂) and there's a certain satisfaction that comes after brushing and flossing. I see exercise the same way. Although I'm not always looking forward to it, I always feel satisfied after I do it. And similar to how I'd feel kinda icky if I didn't brush my teeth, I feel kinda icky when I go days without exercising 😂.

[@lynncrf]

It's the same for me. I had a very active job, and during lockdown I realised that I need that activity for my mental health. So I purposely walk 7-9 km a few times a week. It is a bit of a chore, but I do it for my mental health.

[@lexicalgap5191]

That's a great way to think about chores in general!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you for sharing your perspective!

[@bianca5375]

@@AbbeysKitchen No problem! Love your videos

[@trishna_6815]

yes! I think it's much better to talk about movement, rather than exercise. Whether it's salsa dancing, jumping around the loungeroom dancing to 80s music, rock climbing, team sports, yoga, vigorous gardening/yard work, or running & playing with kids, these are all good movements. I love Katy Bowman's "Nutritious Movement" approach :)

[@ivanaaduarte11]

Ever since I stopped exercising with the only purpose of losing weight, I finally got stronger and happier. And didn't need to lose weight. At all. I pretty much look the same but now I can lift heavy weights and do intensive trainings while being in a "bigger body". It's incredibly liberating.

[@jlh5310]

Exercise always makes me gain weight and go up in sizes no matter how hard I work or how I change my diet. It’s just life in a “bigger body.” Letting go of the number on the scale and my clothing size is still a struggle but I feel like a superhero when I can do things that I couldn’t do before. 🏋️‍♂️

[@AbbeysKitchen]

That's great!

[@shaolinhabibi]

@@AbbeysKitchen I thought lifting heavy weights, intensive training and good diet makes you "shredded" or healthy and that's "Ugh" right. I'll show myself out.

[@ivanaaduarte11]

@@shaolinhabibi totally not! You'll feel empowered by your own body. It's incredible, really!

[@ivanaaduarte11]

@@jlh5310 yes!!!

[@sarapaek699]

Abbey, I was wondering if you could ever make a video about life after an eating disorder? I went through a period of a few years where I thought I was eating a "healthy" diet although if I do the math I was probably getting 5-800 calories a day for about 4 years and doing hours of pilates a week while walking up to 9 miles a day. I ended up in the ER with intense chest pain, erratic heart rate, dizziness, weakness, a protein deficiency. Now 5 years later, I have gained about 60 pounds and while my heart is better, I can't exercise without extreme fatigue, and I am a size 14/16, large or extra large. I know I am healthier but I feel uncomfortable in my body. It has been really helpful to watch your videos, especially the ones with Stephanie Buttermore, to realize that demonizing food and depriving ones body is just not the way to go. But i haven't really seen a lot of resources about what are normal expectations after that level of deprivation. Is it typically expected for people to not be able to work out as much after something like this, and to just accept a higher set point? Maybe the goal is just to be grateful for surviving, rather than fitting into a certain jean size ever again.

[@lexicalgap5191]

I am thankful that you are doing better than before and think it's awesome that you are continuing to improve.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@chnphillips]

I'm glad you're doing better. I'm also in a larger body after ED treatment and feel physically uncomfortable, as well as feel concerns over my poor family history of diabetes and heart disease. I would like to know how I can at least stop gaining.

[@BloomingLisa]

I relate to this comment so much! I’ve also gained about the same amount as you, I’m larger but my energy and mental function are still very impaired from years of malnutrition/energy deficit. I really hoped that by this point in recovery I would’ve been able to be more productive/functional tbh. I think life after an ED is so different for everyone - depends on length of disorder, severity, other comorbid conditions, metabolism etc. I’m aware personally that my metabolic rate is still quite low because I never ate large amounts in recovery and gained the majority of my weight on relatively low cals. As I said, recovery and life after recovery is so individual to each person... I feel your frustration. I hope someday my energy and ability to function increases, only time will tell. Kindness and compassion being sent your way. 🦋🌈

[@sarapaek699]

@@chnphillips I understand the concerns about heart disease. I have high cholesterol, ( before gaining as well though so I think there is a genetic component) like my mother and her mother, and I know a standard recommendation is to modify ones diet and increase exercise, but at this point I really don't see how to make that work so that it is working for my overall health and not just improving one aspect while diminishing the whole. If that makes sense.

[@kristalcampbell3650]

I need this today I've "missed" 3 days of exercising in months and on those days I still go on long walks. I really needed this permission to rest.

[@R41nb0wb1t3s]

Thank you for posting this video! I have currently been working on rewiring my brain to have a healthier relationship with exercise and it's been rough! I sometimes feel like I am just making excuses to be lazy but this video really helps validate a lot of what I have been thinking and feeling. Thank you again!!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

I'm so glad it is helpful!

[@auntpurl5325]

Yep. I started walking daily, and it improved my mood dramatically. I got hooked. It made me enjoy movement. Didn't lose a pound, but that's not why I keep doing it. I was enjoying moving for the first time. I started to want to do more. Now I strength train at home 3-5 times a week, 20-40 minutes. Now I'm training for a 5k. Still haven't lost a pound, and I've decided I no longer care. My depression is 95% gone. I'm enjoying combining intuitive eating principles and daily movement. I love it! I used to chase getting rid of the last 10 pounds, but now I think maybe my body needs those extra bits to be able to exercise. I finally accept that exercise is not for weight management, but for joy. Energy, lower stress, and sunshine. I'm 53. I'm dreaming of taking grandkids for hikes and playgrounds and Disneyland trips, not bikinis or scale numbers. Walk, move, smile, every day. My husband figured all this out 30 years ago. Wish I had.

[@alisa.maks26]

This is so refreshing to hear! I screwed up my joints really badly from exercising with a trainer, who would fat shame me when I was at a completely normal weight, for gaining a kilo or so. As a result, from all the exhaustion, I couldn't sleep well and gained weight from that and carb cravings to replenish energy. It's super sad how so many people see exercise as a necessary punishment, even when they're super underweight :(

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@chickadeefoot]

My favorite thing about having a movement practice is the way it helps with my mental health, especially mood, anxiety, and concentration. It really feels like it helps me process my feelings, find new ways to think about things, feel more balanced and connected to my body and less like an anxiety-machine. The best part is unlike shredded abs or a buff booty these benefits ARE evidence based and work immediately, even after one day! So I know if I "fall off the bandwagon" it doesn't feel "hopeless/not worth it", it always feels great to come back to it!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@7ScarletRoses]

That's such a great way to view exercises, I'll remember this perspective :)

[@designerproductions]

Hard agree with everything! Eating healthy & exercise did more for my mental health than 3 years of therapy. Not that therapy didn't work, it's just that Lagree endorphins & balanced blood sugar are the key to happiness.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that works for you!

[@sunny-zh1wr]

Thank you so much for making these kinds of videos

[@lexicalgap5191]

I agree! And between internet strangers I think you're doing a great job!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

I'm so glad they are helpful!

[@missylee3022]

Today is the first day of my period and my intuition is telling me not to do shit lol. And I'm going to listen. I'll enjoy moving soon.

[@wednesdaygreenleaf9578]

fun fact from a neuroscientist: exercise does increase neurogenesis....but only when it is voluntary! When exercise is forced, neurogenesis actually decreases. So choose something you actually love to do :D

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you for sharing!

[@user-zh6gv2mh9l]

I suffer from binge eating. I had 2 major weight loss (almost 90lb both times). Once with yoyo dieting and gained all the weight back and once by IFYM approach. Gained all the weight twice. I have reached a point of stability after 2 years of no counting calories but still need to work on hunger cues. Now how can I lose my excess weight without dieting? Life was much better and I felt much more confident when I was lean.

[@SamElle]

Your videos have been a GREAT resource!!! One of my friends doesn't believe in intuitive eating (he's also male) and I just think that diet culture may have skewed more female so he doesn't see an issue with diets. He is starting to understand when I send him your videos!!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

So glad they are helpful!

[@melody4cello]

One of my favorite influencers, Mike Foster, calls it "joyful movement". This has been such a helpful paradigm shift for me. I appreciate you emphasizing all the ways movement can look. I walk a mile to and from work most days. I used to think that didn't count for "real" exercise. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that was helpful!

[@k10nn10th]

What has helped me is to treat exercise as an activity of daily living such as brushing/flossing my teeth, taking a shower, eating, etc.

[@sabgrand96]

Approach exercise with an intuitive approach, just like eating! Over exercise can have seriously damaging impacts on your health. MOVE your body a few times a week in a way that makes your body feel GOOD (if you have the ability to). Find something you love so you enjoy it. Engage in movement activities for strength and health NOT aesthetic ❤️ too busy? Go for a 20 minute walk to clear your mind (walking is so underrated). Ditch the scale and get rid of the negative self talk/punishment of “missing a workout”. And of course, fuel your body with good food and tons of sleep 😇

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you for sharing!

[@hannahpink8263]

So if I’m understanding correctly, it’s easier to raise your set point than to lower it? (If people who lose a lot of weight tend to gain it back rather than adjust to a new set point, that seems to be the case?)

[@dancingpixie74sb]

I love to walk! But it’s becoming a negative obsession ☹️. I do have OCD as well as disordered eating😢I feel like if I don’t walk? I can’t eat normal that’s my battle! Plus I do feel mentally better if I just stretch! I just want to be healthy! Why is it so hard!???🤦🏻‍♀️😢🙏🏼

[@Kelly-tg2lb]

Thanks Abbey! Because of you I am seeing a Registered Dietician this month to handle all my food/health issues! Thank for helping the public, seriously appreciated!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

So glad it's helpful!

[@Sandreline]

Hey Abbey, just so you know there's an updated 4th edition of Intuitive Eating that was published this year (2020). I'm not sure how different it is, but the one you have linked is from 2012.

[@marianneshepherd6286]

I've started doing a quick two minute meditation after exercise where I go round different parts of my body and thanking it for the job it does. If I can't think of anything I just focus on my heart and breath and thank them x x x

[@AbbeysKitchen]

😊👍

[@eao1978]

I did Intermittent Fasting to lower my set point weight since it's higher than it's ever been. Unfortunately, I lost like 14 pounds doing IF and I've basically gained it all back. I'm trying this intuitive eating because I'm tired of constantly dieting to no avail. I'm hoping this will help free my mind, soul, etc.

[@AChickandaDuck]

I’ve been there too! Intuitive eating is so wonderful, though a hard journey sometimes to get to freedom. Hugs to you. ❤️

[@Pannenkoekenplantje]

I have a question. I am a small woman with a fit bodytype, but I have really low hunger cues and I feel full after half a small plate. I've tried intiutive eating while working at home, but I noticed I really undereat when eating intuitively. I tested this by putting in the macros the day after and the figures came back between 1200 and 1400 kcal a day, while I need at least 1800 on a day I'm not excersizing and about 2000-2100 on the days that I do. I'm worried that I will lose muscle. Should I go back to forcing myself to eat the required amount or will intuitive eating somehow fix this at some point?

[@sheenagolucky4860]

I've been eating intuitively for a little over a year and it has been a magical experience for my wellbeing. Regardless, when the idea of working out comes up, I freeze. I'm anxious all over again about the version of me that was so heavily reliant on diet culture. So, I went back to the principals and found this video. And I quickly learned that I've BEEN incorporating movement into my life! I could potentially set aside time and do more if I wanted to but I've already begun movement 😂😂 THANK YOU ABBY for helping me realize this and all that you do and continue to do 🥰🥰 I am very grateful.

[@lizwilliams586]

I love strength-focussed exercise, but whenever I have a day off, I look forward to doing more exercise than I can usually fit it, & usually something more mindful - long walks in a beautiful setting, pacing the lap pool, yoga/pilates or something stretch & breathing-focussed. It is such a privilege to be able to move & enjoy it! Also, I understand that there is evidence that bone density loss can occur as early as in the 30s!

[@stephanievillalobos1111]

Abbey: No I'm not saying to quit ur job.... Me: *Getting ready to quit my job* Ahhhhh..... :(

[@AbbeysKitchen]

😫

[@cherrytomato7711]

i thought i hated exercise for the longest time in my life. then i stopped restricting, and it's a really big difference. i go for a run whenever i feel like my body craves it, which is usually between 1-3 times a week. it's helped my mood and confidence levels a ton. running feels amazing to me now. the difference for running because i wanted to burn calories and running because i wanted to improve my (mental) health is really big.

[@Amyjwashere]

I am a huge fan of daily walks and yoga 2-3x a week!!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Love that!

[@anifish84]

I’ve experienced this in the last few weeks. I took for granted how much physical activity I got at my job compared to working from home and really neglected my physical fitness. I was very depressed and stressed to the point I was barely getting by. I started walking 10 minutes every morning, and it was definitely more of a hobble. Now I can go 15 minutes. It’s only been a few weeks but already I sleep better, I eat better, I have more energy, and I’m less stressed. It’s been amazing how fast I’ve seen results. In the past when I exercised regularly it was always to lose weight, and this time I did it for my sanity.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that is working for you!

[@AskBobnFran]

Excellent video! We are in our 80's and feel better than ever! Still work for a strong body and a calm mind. Doing some research for our tiny new healthy-aging advice channel. Learned a lot. Keep it going!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad it is helpful!

[@Isabella-vm3ir]

YES WHAT A GREAT TOPIC!!!!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

😊

[@Amanda-rv5hz]

I only do training I like such as horse riding, long walks, yoga and dance. I hate going to the gym and running so why force myself to do so.. I¨ll last a week and then never do it again, not really good long term lol

[@el3ashuae8]

Sometime, I feel tired and my body pushes me to not workout.. but I tell myself to just do 10 minutes exercise. Then, I start to feel energetic so I continue to do more movements. In my opinion exercising intuitively should happen during the movements 😁. Thank you for the informative video 😍.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thepilot3156]

Welp, I realized I've been over-exercising because my body just stopped getting stronger and actually got weaker. Here's to a couple rest days y'all.

[@rcro6675]

Spot on. But I almost went past this video because it started with diet and I wanted her ideas on movement.

[@NinaStudios]

Video suggestion: eating healthy intuitively. I’ve been working on eating intuitively and think I’m in a pretty good place with that, but know my body would probably feel better if I ate healthier (more balanced, less sweets).

[@lilliearizona]

My junior high and high school gym teachers would use running as punishment. And yes as an adult I hate running. They actually killed any desire to want to work out. I really wish teachers could try to make exercise fun instead of ruining it. I once got punished and forced to sprint for not asking for permission to get water from the water fountain in the gym. From that day on I never liked gym or her.

[@bunkertons]

What a terrible thing to do to a kid!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@kstadlerova]

i must say that if i learnt one valuable thing in 2020, it was to love exercise and that was thanks to Cassey Ho aka Blogilates. I truly enjoy the pilates workouts, wheter it´s a low impact routine, a bodyweight focused on one muscle group, or the crazy hiit and hiit style workouts.

[@GBC1025]

I just got a Peloton, and the classes are so much fun! Also I don’t have to worry about getting Covid during a workout!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that works for you!

[@ChandaurRoshini]

You haven’t addressed the major criticism of IE: buy doing this, you can gain weight and increase your set point average, and this can make it much harder to loose weight for any reason.

[@jlh5310]

I think the benefits of IE outweigh the risks. And there’s not much risk in gaining some or a little weight.

[@emmabeckett6451]

Is that true though? Can that really happen? Do you have studies to support this? (I hope this comes across as a genuine question and not condescending)

[@ChandaurRoshini]

Emma Beckett Yes, it’s a fairly well understood fact. There are studies. I’ll find them and link them in an additional comment. My concern with intuitive eating is just this: someone who is 300lbs starts this journey and gains 50lbs. They are 50lbs closer to potential immobility. If their set point has changed, it will be that much harder for them to loose the weight. And I understand that weight loss is not something Abbey ever wants to talk about, but it’s a necessity for many, many people. I have PCOS. If I weight 1 lb above 190, I don’t menstruate any more. I want more kids. For me to do this in the best health possible with the least side effects, I have to loose my current baby weight. I don’t hate myself and I’m not under the effect of diet culture. I just want to have my PCOS under control.

[@jlh5310]

ChandaurRoshini I give you credit that know what you absolutely must do for you and your health and there’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t intuitively eat right now because I’m on a very restrictive diet from my doctor. I’m living on fruit, 1/2 cup rice, dark meat chicken, salmon, zucchini, seeds, and root vegetables. I can’t enjoy food at this point in my life, but finally, my digestion is actually much better than it was prior to this strict diet. It would be nice to wake up and just be happy with what I’m eating and how I’m exercising. But diseases don’t allow that all the time. My friends/family with cancer don’t want to wake up and go to chemotherapy appointments, but know they need it. We’re different than the average person.

[@emmabeckett6451]

@@ChandaurRoshini Thanks! And yeah, I can see how that would make sense for you and why it would be hard for you.

[@bookish_and_wilde]

Thanks, Abbey! You've helped me so much with my relationship with food! Can't thank you enough!

[@samh7206]

I love lifting weights and muscle training! Also thai boxing (also walks

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thanks for sharing your experience. So glad it is helpful!

[@softenbysam]

I used to be so full of energy. I could go without food for 36 hours, and then go run a half marathon with like no issue; and then I also generally would run 5-13 miles everyday, spending 1 1/2-3 hours at the park running and jogging, or at least 6 days out of the week, and would always have so much energy to do exactly that. But nowadays I'm always so fatigued, regardless of how well balanced, how much or how often I eat. With this crash of fatigue has also come really bad emotional problems.

[@nightbird5317]

Abby this is the best video I’ve ever seen 🙏🏼. THANK YOU 🙏🏼 I LEARNED MORE TODAY . From this Video . Then I thought I ever could . You BLEW MY MIND 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼. CONGRATS ON BABY 👶 ( O) Simply 😇. Namaste 🦋

[@yaeltieleman322]

My personal way of prioritising comfort: going to the woods. I wear two ugly sweaters, the baggiest jeans I own, a stupid looking hat and those very unsexy hiking shoes and just walk for hours. Who's going to tell me I look bad? A squirrel? :)

[@selinanachtmann2705]

I enjoy exercise so so much but that wasnt always the case I used to hate it, but I took about 6 month off of eyercise because I really didn't want to and then I started again but with a different focus. I'm celebrating what my body can do and don't punish it anymore, I focus on how my body changes strength wise, not looks-wise. Now I look forward to my workouts, but if I really dont feel like working out on a day (for example when I didn't sleep well) I go for a light stretch and switch days around in my plan.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that is working for you!

[@CarisaRae]

I like walking, push ups and intuitive eating, BUT I DO have to pay attention to calories or I will put 500 calories of butter on my potato 😆

[@jennifermarea8011]

Tbh I feel best working out at least 2 hours a day 6 days a week. But I don’t do really hard exercises or go to the gym. I just am 22 and still live with my family so sometimes they’re loud and I go to the community center to swim, do yoga in the backyard, or go on really long walks for some peace and to give myself time to stop being irritated. The recommended 30 minutes a day 5 days a week would make me feel antsy and bored. It’s kind of weird to me that you see 60 minutes is extreme but maybe it’s just because I’m a lot younger idk

[@lizbethgarcia.4002]

Don´t want this series to end!!!! :´(

[@AbbeysKitchen]

There will be more!

[@leighbee13]

I can highly recommend ring fit as a fun regular bit of a workout for those with gym trauma. If you find it hard to hoist your body into any kind of movement, combining it with fighting a gym bro asshole dragon makes it a lot more palatable. It’s just enough interactivity to hold you accountable, but doesn’t require you to go and see fit people in the gym.

[@SeiraVonKarma]

Love this. I'm from Italy and dietitians here 100% still promote diet culture, and it's so sad.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

I'm sorry 🙁

[@KittySnicker]

We used to exercise to grow crops and take care of livestock. But modern life is much more sedentary - hence purposeful exercise.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

For sure

[@kierstencampbell3765]

Lol I always hate running when I start but it feels so good near the end and after when the endorphins kick in.

[@beckyreese3988]

Yesss super excited for this video

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Hope it is helpful!

[@pegasusdancing]

Thank you! I have found over the last several months that by stop focusing “exercising” and focusing more on dancing (I’m a dance instructor and choreographer), I feel better about myself and my clothes fit better. While my weight isn’t really budging, my clothes fit better, so something must be changing. This is some great information. And, congratulations!

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you! And thanks for sharing

[@amyclark7373]

Oh, I hated gym class! I was the fat girl that couldn't do a sit up and was afraid of doing gymnastics. I love exercise now! But I do what I like to do that makes me feel good!

[@pitaa-breaddd]

hi do you have any suggestions?

[@baboubaco]

Thank you. Just a thousand thank you Abbey 🌈

[@misslovesweaters2783]

Exercise for me is stress management

[@bettyhannah5916]

Please do NOT turn to instagram for fitness advice. Most people on there don't really know what they're doing, we just assume they do because they look a certain way. Also, they are probaby trying to sell you something. I'm sorry Abbey, I've wanted a video on exactly this topic for ages and for the most part I agree with what you say but knowing that you fall for exercise myths just like others fall for diet myths means I can't take your advice on this seriously.

[@nooberbutter]

What do you mean by falling for exercise myths? What myths?

[@bettyhannah5916]

@@nooberbutter Myths such as hurting it equals working it, high reps low weight will "tone" or "sculpt" a muscle,, being able to target certain parts of a muscle etc. In her recent Q&A Abbey recommended fitness youtube channel that seems to perpetuate all those things. Feeling a burning sensation in your muscles isn't necessarily making them stronger, you cannot tone a muscle and just like you can't spot reduce fat, you can't isolate the "underbutt" from the rest of the glutes. In the best case scenario, following that channel will just make you look stupid but it can also lead to injury and perpetuate the unhealthy relationship with exercise you want to avoid in the first place.

[@bettyhannah5916]

@@nooberbutter Effectively, what bothers me is that Abbey is so great at pointing out diet myths on her channel but whenever it comes to exercise she seems to have only positive words, even when there's just as much misleading and potentially dangerous advice being put out by influencers as there is for diets. To me the "do a million donkey kicks to grow your ass" is just as harmful as things like "drink lemon water to boost your metabolism"

[@nooberbutter]

@@bettyhannah5916 good points, I agree with you

[@soph340]

hi i just want to say abbey, that you have helped me SO MUCH in having a healthy relationship with food and love watching you!

[@Rachel_2112]

Which podcasts do you like most?😘😘

[@katherinetorregrosa7262]

I have a question , I work evenings and I’m always really hungry when I get out of work which is around 9-10 and I wanted to know if it is a bad idea to eat at that time before I go to sleep. I usually eat before my shift because I work at a restaurant and I don’t want to eat the frozen and unhealthy foods but I’m just always hungry no matter what

[@raulgamboa3974]

Hi Katherine! I'm not a dietitian, just a person fixing my relationship with food and my body, but I have read the Intuitive Eating book, as well as many others similar materials from anti-diet dietitians. The answer is NO, it's not a bad idea to eat before you go to sleep around 10 pm or later, it's actually a great idea, specially if you're always hungry. Of course, dietitians and people who promote or support diet culture will tell you it's a bad idea, because you will gain weight, but that's not true. Actually, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch use a GREAT analogy to adress this topic in the Intuitive Eating book: eating, they say, is a biological function, just like peeing. If you're peeing at 11 pm, you would never say "Oh, I can't pee, it's too late. I'll have to go in the morning". No, right? If your body needs to pee it needs to pee, it's the same with food. If you're hungry you're hungry, and you should eat, no matter what time it is. I hope this helps you. :)

[@Patriot1789]

Before menopause I had no problem eating intuitively. After menopause my appetite regulation went out the window. I found that often I could eat a little and be satisfied or I could sit down to a proper meal and never get to satiation. It has been horrible with or without exercise. Plus, as you get older you lose muscle, so even when you exercise you aren’t burning the same calories you used to and maybe worse - and fat is metabolically active - so it sends out chemical messages that work against keeping the weight within reason. Hateful but it beats the alternative . . . .(that’s death in case you aren’t into old age jokes.)

[@annefitzgerald1744]

Yes, me too! No one seems to understand the metabolic hijacking that goes on during menopause and how depressing it is. What woman wants to get fat because of declining hormones? Both my obgyn and regular doctor said do NOT gain weight during menopause, because it increases heart disease and diabetes risk. So now, I find I really have to track the amount of food I eat regardless of hunger, because like you, my hunger cues are not normal anymore depending on how my hormones are fluctuating. Exercise does seem help squash the erratic hunger I get sometimes.

[@Patriot1789]

@@annefitzgerald1744 A real bummer, isn’t it? On the other hand, I have noticed that even those actresses like Jane Fonda who were naturally thin all their lives have developed a “thickness” around the middle, shall we say? Everything conspires against us as we age. Life is very short and unless I were grossly obese and physically sick because of it, I don’t see the point of obsessing about staying thin if hunger and I become Bffs. In the end we all die . . . thin or fat. You do what you can.

[@annefitzgerald1744]

@@Patriot1789 True words! :)

[@maybewise]

My laborious job made me realize that being active with a purpose is really rewarding, and keeps you from centering your health around food. Because when youre happy and active, you cant HELP but to just eat what you know will support that lifestyle. Because food shouldnt BE your lifestyle, just the support, if youre lucky enough to be able-bodied. So after my term is over, I definitely plan on being active by taking my nieces to parks, doing some hiking, and teaching them to get in touch with nature, as well as doing other activities with them. And the only rule I have about food is to drink green tea often, and incorporate green veggies everyday. But Im not afraid of pizza or ice cream, if thats how Im feeling.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad that works for you!

[@natashawest5174]

Why are you so amazing!! Seriously I love you!! ❤

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

Omg people -- play Just Dance. This has legit been the only exercise I've ever done regularly because it's fun, I can do it at home and at my own pace. My only complaint is that they don't have warm up songs, but I just use the easier songs as a warm up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2q6hqBphtt7gZI A lot of the older games are also pretty inexpensive. And you can even just put the songs from KZbin on the TV and dance along if you can't buy the game or a console w/ a motion controller.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Thank you for sharing!

[@nikksterr0902]

Can you clarify your inclusion of Dorling et al? At the top of the video you say that exercise isn’t a helpful weight loss tool because it can spike your hunger and then include an article that says that exercise facilitates weight control.

[@abigailfitzgerald724]

This is typical for Abbey. She throws out a bunch of references, but doesn’t refer to them in her video. In many cases, they contradict her claims.

[@MsRainingDays]

Is weight loss and weight control the same thing?

[@santhyav7923]

Helpful and healthy tips, thank you 🙏

[@rebecaazofeifasolano3448]

Oh girl!! I have all the red flags crying

[@bettyhannah5916]

You make it sound like we need some sort of system to trick us into exercising/moving (gym buddy, setting specific time etc) but isn't that the opposite of intuitive? Also, what if we set a time for a workout and when the time comes, we don't feel well physically or emotionally? Surely making exercise an "appointment with yourself" kind of thing just results in feelings of guilt when cancelling, even when you have legitimate reasons to do so.

[@lexicalgap5191]

I see it more as structure to support us in our movement. If we have to miss an appointment with ourselves, it also allows us an opportunity to reflect and connect with our bodies to see what we need.

[@MyssMaggie]

Sometimes we have to do things 'on purpose' in order for things to become intuitive, and our attitudes about those things can get in the way of being motivated or validating of the work put in. She talks about the importance of not feeling guilty and noticing if your body is not up for intensive activity. It's about going with the flow... there may be days where i don't feel like doing 25 minutes on a bike full intensity... 20 minutes moderate is just as useful.

[@juish1984]

"I can exercise tomorrow" LOVE this... After many surgeries I sometimes try to exercise like I used to and just can't so need more rest days and I like this mantra!

[@NadiraJamal]

The two things I would add are: - Try new things. I never thought I would enjoy boxing, but I fell in love with it a few years ago when my gym did a series of short sampler classes. - Making a consistent time for your movement helps a lot. I make time for a 10-15 minute home workout every weekday morning. I started this habit for dance practice back when I was a professional belly dancer, and now that I’m retired, I use the same guideline for exercise: as long as I show up, absolutely anything counts. Sometimes it’s super high intensity, and sometimes it’s just stretching. Just show up at the right time and place (and for me, the right outfit helps too!) and do something nice for your body, and it’s a success.

[@erikamt4633]

Thank you for your video, Abbey. I learned a lot. I would also be interested in seeing the impact of overexercising in our bodies and minds. I am coming out of ED and one of my biggest challenges at the moment is overcoming my obsessive relationship with movement.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

So glad it was helpful

[@halfofmyheart3167]

My set point weight range has been underweight, according to my BMI, since high school. The only time my weight was normal, as per the BMI, was when I was pregnant with my little girl. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@emilyj660]

Hi Abbey! I actually have low cortisol... combine this with low iron, B12, D, zinc, reactive hypoglycaemia, Hashimoto’s, coeliac disease, and PCOS, I’m fatigued a lot of the time. Even gentle exercise can cause me to have issues. How do I break this vicious cycle? I’m trying to stay moderately low carb to avoid the blood sugar spikes and crashes, I avoid caffeine and gluten, and I follow the circadian T3 method for my thyroid medication. Do you have any tips for someone like me? What kind of exercise can I do without feeling like my body needs time to recover for days afterwards?

[@hamburgerhe1pme]

ur saving me from my ed, thank u sm ♥

[@emmagrove6041]

Could you please do a video on post-workout snack/meal inspo? I know you reference a 3:1 carbs to protein ratio but I'm not good at visualizing what that looks like and I'm terrible about under-eating carbs (years of restriction is hard to de-program). Thanks!

[@yourbffnat3602]

I feel my healthiest, most energized, at a lower weight. Wanting to lose weight isn't just for vanity for me, when i am obese my period goes away, my hormones go awry, and i get sleep apnea. If i ate intuitively I would want to eat pizza, and sweets 3 times a day, sure I stop when full, but my body craves crap because that's what I grew up on and what I crave. I also crave just being lazy and sitting around. So, i have to make changes that will be uncomfortable before i start actually enjoying it. I'm not talking about crash dieting, but being more balanced and eating fruit and vegetables with each meal, and going walking. By my nature I am a lazy glutton lol. I could not rely on intuitive eating. I have to face the facts, if I want to be healthy and lose weight I will have to be ok with being uncomfortable.

[@naomiweiss122]

Kind of crazy, I'm on my journey to get out of my head that I need to exercise to lose weight (I'm a healthy bodyweight and have "body image days"), and what flipped my outlook like a switch was getting pregnant 🥰

[@anitafoss1937]

Again I'm late to the party but totally appreciate your efforts. Uhmmm, I'm just going to say, for some of us, starting small and simply moving a little more can add up and not increase stress. I'm talking about very little things like, sort out your bureau drawers, buy whole veggies and cut them yourself, you'll save $ and move more than you would from buying pre-cut. I guess that was my interpretation of gentle movements and months later I'm taking on bigger tasks that have actually helped me cut stress, at no added cost, give me pleasure to see my accomplishments and increase my movement. The little things can add up and maybe improve the quality of life. I've definitely learned from watching your videos I need to do what works for me, and for me, I can get a lot of little things done, save money and feel awesome. My knees feel better, many days I wake up before my alarm, my house is more tidy, but most importantly, I'm happier, I feel better, and I smile more. I'm not working out, or excercising, I'm just "moving" a bit more than I used to and the 7-9 months since I've been watching your videos, the little changes I've made have added up and I know that I haven't felt as healthy and happy as I do now since I was pregnant with my babies! I thank you again for all the great information you share!!!

[@arielle4313]

I’ve watched all of your videos on intuitive eating and I’m still too afraid to actually try it. Eating like this and constantly thinking about food is exhausting but I’m afraid to relinquish the rigid control I have over what I eat.

[@bunkertons]

When you finally let go of that, "control" we think we have, you can find true freedom. You'll get there and I hope you have a gentle journey ahead. ❤️

[@sydneyheath9609]

I totally understand that fear. I was scared too and began intuitive eating very gradually in recovery for a binge eating disorder. But now that I have achieved food freedom, I have literally never in my life been happier about my relationship to food. Intuitive Eating works, and it is so worth it!! Everyone can do it! I promise you it will be worth it.

[@xilovekayyx]

Recovering from an ED and doing an all in similar to Stephanie’s. Not sure if I feel better or just bigger. About 6 months in and it’s been a struggle mentally and physically. Thanks for the great video and helping me stay positive!

[@switchvzeitweise7448]

You make me realise so many thinks, that I thought were normal or the "right thing to do", but I actually hated. I will never join a gym for weightloss again. But I realised how much I enjoy going for long walks and working heavily in my garden for hours. I was never so happy.

[@adriennamccarthy2193]

What an amazing video backed by actual research....this should be mandatory watch for all influencers and instagymbunnies 😌

[@AbbeysKitchen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SMFortissimo]

Don't forget things like dance, horseback riding, parkour. There are plenty of movement activities you might not have tried (and that you might not think of right away) that have nothing to do with sports. I personally HATE participating in sports. Brings me back to being picked last in gym class. Never have had the coordination or fitness required to be an asset to any team. I much prefer group activities that aren't competition based. Let me know if you can think of any other activities like that. I love trying out new things!

[@samantha9164]

i’m trying to get my period back from HA. i have decreased my exercise and cut out cardio and high intensity. i just do pilates 4x a week and i feel really sedentary!! i want to reap the benefits of excediste but i also want my period back 😭

[@straightedgeveganbel2453]

Just hang in there and make sure you're eating enough, it will come back and you will be able to get back to more cardio...as long as you eat the calories you need in order to do it. You got this👏

[@jessicawalker3240]

Been here! Dw just eat enough and give it time - I reintroduced weights (in a much more chill fashion) and walks - good luck!

[@Eysh2009]

At home workouts >>> . Love it! Abbey, this video is great; as matter as fact, all of your videos are very informative and great material for everyone! I always send them to people on whatsapp so they can pay attention to themselves and take care of their health

[@AbbeysKitchen]

So glad they are helpful!

[@tessbuitenhuis3523]

I love all your thoughts on how diet culture has it so wrong sometimes, but if all of that is wrong, what tips do work for weightless? as a fashionmodel I have to meet certain body standards, what tips could help to lose fat if I'm already eating 90% whole foods and exercise, will smaller portions help since that might not keep me full. are there any tips that work for everyone?

[@smileandnod7]

This gave me so many lightbulb moments. Thank you, this really helped to shift my mindset.

[@AbbeysKitchen]

So glad it was helpful!

[@melchen5448]

Is it safe to do a heart- raising exercise if you already have tachycardia? I want to train my heart rate to be lower, but I want to do it safely. Who would I talk to about this? My doctors have given me mixed answers. I do take medication if that helps.

[@CarisaRae]

Great video

[@AlishaPeisha]

I think the foundation to intuitive eating and exercise is listening. We are learning to listen to our needs. Something I am working on is not overdoing it when I don't sleep well. I have young kids and when I try to be super mom I end up getting mad at my kids. It has helped me a lot to rest when I need it!