What should therapists avoid doing during family meals to support intuitive eating?

During family meals aimed at supporting intuitive eating, it is essential for therapists to create a positive and non-threatening atmosphere that encourages mindful eating and open communication. Interrogating a teen would be counterproductive in this setting as it can lead to feelings of anxiety, shame, or defensiveness regarding food choices and eating habits. Instead of fostering a healthy relationship with food, such an approach can create stress and inhibit the principles of intuitive eating, which emphasize listening to one's body and making food choices based on hunger and fullness cues.

Encouraging discussion about social media may not directly contribute to the goals of intuitive eating; it can often lead to comparisons and pressures that detract from the focus on personal hunger and satisfaction. Providing dessert options is contrary to the notion of restriction inherent in dieting culture, but it can also promote an unhealthy preoccupation with "good" and "bad" foods if not approached carefully. Asking about food preferences can be part of encouraging autonomy and self-efficacy in making food choices, which are important aspects of intuitive eating. Therefore, avoiding interrogation creates a supportive environment conducive to building a positive relationship with food.