|
|
|
|
Hindsight is 20/20:
Lessons Learned in Recovery
|
|
It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness week and this year’s theme is Come As You Are: Hindsight is 20/20. Come As You Are emphasizes that wherever you are in your journey of recovery, and regardless of your body shape, weight, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, your story and experience matters.
Hindsight is 20/20 encourages everyone to reflect on the positive steps taken towards healing your relationship with food and your body, including the progress that may have grown from a challenge or setback.
In the spirit of Hindsight is 20/20, we’re sharing 5 things that many of our clients wish they knew before starting their recovery journey.
1. Carbohydrates are not the enemy.
Your body needs carbohydrates (aka carbs). Carbs are broken down into glucose, which is the primary source of fuel for your brain and muscles. When carb intake is restricted, you can break down fat and protein into energy. However, because this isn't the preferred fuel type, your brain and body won’t function optimally.
2. The best way to get rid of food cravings is to honor food cravings.
If you label a food as off-limits or put conditions on eating certain things (eg, I only allow myself a cookie on my “cheat” day or if I’ve “earned” it), your thoughts about these forbidden foods and your desire for them increase. Deprivation, whether true or perceived, can make you feel out of control when you finally give in to your craving, which often leads to overeating. Working towards unconditional permission to eat the foods you crave is a much more effective and enjoyable way to handle food cravings.
3. BMI is not an indicator of health.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by the square of height (in meters). If BMI sounds like a math equation, that’s because it is! BMI was developed by a mathematician in the early 19th century as a way to categorize the population for statistical purposes. BMI was not meant to determine the health status or health risks of individuals, and using it for these purposes is problematic and harmful.
4. Digestive issues may be related to what you’re not eating, rather than what you are eating.
Diet culture often uses faulty science to encourage and promote food elimination as a cure for digestive issues. Even a normal digestive symptom like occasional bloating gets blamed on gluten, dairy, or the food villain du jour. Occasional digestive discomfort is not an indication that you need to cut things out of your diet. In fact, restriction can actually cause and worsen digestive issues. Food restriction causes stress and stress affects digestion. In addition, minimal food variety can alter the composition of your gut microbiome.
5. Dieting is dangerous
Dieting is one of the most common and preventable precursors to developing an eating disorder. We actually consider dieting to be a form of disordered eating in and of itself. Dieting is associated with lower self-esteem, worse body image, and weight gain. And although most people go on a diet because they think it will make them feel better, dieting is much more likely to make you feel worse physically and mentally.
For more info on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and how to get involved, click here.
|
|
News and Updates
Caitie is now an in-network provider with Oxford Freedom and most UHC plans. She offers individual nutrition counseling and meal support. If you are interested in scheduling a session with Caitie or would like to learn more, contact us.
Monika is now booking Head to Pointe® Workshops for summer and fall. These workshops include nutrition and self-care talks for dancers, as well as trainings for teachers, staff, parents, and healthcare professionals on eating disorder awareness & prevention.
Don't miss out on this essential education for dancers and those involved in their training and care. The Head to Pointe® Workshops make a great addition to summer intensives. Click here to learn more or contact Monika to book now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
