Laura Thomas Nutrition

Module 1: Introduction to Intuitive Eating and the Non-Diet Approach

Learn how dieting and weight focussed interventions may be causing more harm than good and how to help your clients move from weight loss towards Intuitive Eating using non-diet tools and principles. In this module we will critically reflect on how we position ourselves as weight-inclusive practitioners, who may benefit from this type of work, and where the limitations of this approach to nutrition and dietetic work lie. You’ll discover how to structure sessions with clients, including using clinical assessment tools such as the IES-2.

Module 2: Unconditional Permission to Eat

In this module we’ll learn how to support clients to understand the function and impact of food restriction and rules. We will learn how to create safety when reintroducing previously off-limits or forbidden foods using collaborative and client-centered care. During this module you’ll be able to articulate the principles of habituation theory and the differences between restrained, flexible, and attuned eating. There will also be analysis around who 'unconditional' permission is available to, and how we can disrupt the unspoken assumptions inherent in the IE model.

Module 3: Reliance on Hunger and Satiety Cues

We will explore the barriers to connecting with hunger and fullness cues, and help guide clients to find more attunement in their experience. We will also explore ways of supporting and scaffolding eating in clients where interoceptive awareness may be low or hard to connect with. We will critically examine the ‘mindful eating’ paradigm and explore how this approach can be both helpful and where it might not be a good fit for some.

Module 4: Eating for Physical Rather Than Emotional Reasons + Embodiment

Help clients understand the function and purpose of so-called ‘emotional’ or ‘stress’ eating and what that may be offering them. Where it is supportive, we can help our clients find new ways of caring for themselves, while holding space for the complexity of using food as a tool of self-care. We will also explore the construct of embodiment and how we can help clients find comfort and freedom in their bodies, while acknowledging the social and structural forces that shape their experiences of embodiment.

Module 5: Body Food Choice Congruence + Movement

Here we will cover the concept of gentle nutrition to help clients guide caring for themselves with flexibility and attunement. We’ll also unpack the idea of ‘intuitive movement’ and how we can support clients with movement where that concept may be less accessible. 

Module 6: Putting it All Together

Live Q+A to troubleshoot queries and applications to specialist areas of nutrition and dietetics (or other aspects of healthcare), present case studies and discuss the strengths and limitations of the approach. You can watch a prerecorded live session from a previous cohort, and attend a live session on 10th July 2024 (or send your questions to watch back later).