Finding a flexible, healthy relationship with food and weight
Editor’s note: This column originally ran on Tuesday and included errors added during the editing process.
Each day, I work with students to promote healthy eating and optimal nutrition. Through nutrition counseling appointments, I see a wide variety of nutrition concerns.
Marissa Rudley |
UI Campus Dietitian
Somewhere along the path to a healthy lifestyle, the lines between a healthy diet and disordered eating become blurred.
When does concern for health turn into disruptive eating? How does self-worth become linked with a number on a scale?
In the U.S., eating disorders are often overlooked, undiagnosed and undertreated. Over 30 million people in the U.S. develop a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their life. In fact, 35 percent of “normal dieters” eventually progress to constant dieting and of those, 20-25 percent progress to partial or fully diagnosable eating disorders. In disordered eating, what may begin as good intentions to eat healthier and be more physically active can develop into disruptive thoughts and behaviors towards food, body image and weight. It is easy to categorize foods as good and bad, use food as a comforter or become fixated on calories. However, true health and well-being is based on eating in a flexible and nurturing way while also keeping your diet enjoyable and balanced. While nutrition labels provide important facts, your body has the innate ability to guide your food choices. Body acceptance and trust make it possible to be in-tune with your body and find a balanced eating pattern.
Eating in a balanced way involves making time for consistent meals and snacks throughout the day — including a variety of foods — and setting moderate and flexible goals for eating well. During this Eating Disorders Awareness Week, let us shift the focus away from attaining the “perfect body” and celebrate health and body acceptance at every size. If you or someone you care about is looking for support on campus, they should reach out to the resources available and contact the Counseling and Testing Center or the office of the campus dietitian.
Marissa Rudley is the Campus Dietition and is available for nutrition counseling with students.
She can be reached at [email protected]