According to a 2006 study, which was a characteristic of students scoring high on the intuitive eating scale?

The characteristic of students scoring high on the intuitive eating scale who took more pleasure in eating is significant because intuitive eating emphasizes a healthy relationship with food and the enjoyment of eating. This approach encourages individuals to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues, and in doing so, fosters a more positive and enjoyable experience with food rather than a restrictive or diet-focused mindset. Research has shown that those who practice intuitive eating often report greater satisfaction and pleasure when eating, which aligns with the principles of mindfulness and self-acceptance that are central to intuitive eating.

In contrast, scoring high on the intuitive eating scale generally does not correlate with unhealthy behaviors like consuming a high proportion of junk food or having a less diverse diet, as these can be indicators of a disordered eating pattern rather than an intuitive approach. Additionally, a higher body mass index is not inherently linked to the practice of intuitive eating, as this method focuses on health at any size and the intrinsic enjoyment of food rather than weight or dietary restrictions. Thus, the positive aspect of taking pleasure in eating stands out as a key characteristic of those who score high on the intuitive eating scale.