What is recommended for people who have lost touch with hunger due to prolonged dieting or binging?

The recommendation to purposely eat every three hours for individuals who have lost touch with hunger due to prolonged dieting or binging is rooted in the goal of reconnecting with bodily hunger cues. When someone has been on restrictive diets or experiences binge eating, it often disrupts their natural hunger signals and can lead to a cycle of overeating or undereating.

Eating at regular intervals, such as every three hours, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce extreme hunger, and create a consistent routine around food. This strategy encourages individuals to become more in tune with their body's hunger and fullness signals as they learn to listen to what their body needs rather than over-restricting or being overly controlled by rules around food.

In contrast, limiting fiber-rich foods, cutting out processed foods, or adhering to strict meal times like stopping food intake after 6 PM can create additional stress around eating and may perpetuate disconnection from natural hunger cues. These approaches often focus on restriction or set rigid guidelines, which can be counterproductive for someone trying to establish a healthier relationship with food. Thus, the regular eating schedule supports a more intuitive approach to eating that aligns with the principles of intuitive eating.