Well, I'm not sure I can add too much insight, but I'll see what i can do. I am an apple, so I have always had fat around my middle! I just turned 40 this summer, but I really haven't noticed much change in my physically, except that I've gained weight since I was 30.
And I definitely don't have as much energy as when I was younger.
I have not done intuitive eating, at least not formally. I am not currently following any specific plan, but I have been trying to pay more attention to what I'm eating, when I'm eating and how much I'm eating. I try to remember to log everything I eat everyday, it's a real eye-opener! I've found that I don't want to eat something that I can't easily count the calories or other nutrition info for!