Furthering the Discussion on FAT: Fear Not
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study in 2012 on peoples’ dietary habits and overall energy expenditure. The study compared three diets—low fat, low GI (Glycemic Index*,) and low carbohydrate. A daily intake, respective to each diet, was distributed among calories derived from fat, protein and complex and simple carbohydrates. The […]
Recovery and Fulfillment in Loss and Longing:
When the symptoms of an eating disorder are a sufferer’s go to “healer,” little or nothing else will interfere with the snake oil elixir they provide. Psychological and relational distress are easily masked and relieved by the preoccupation with food, purging, restriction and the pursuit of the perfect body. Choosing to recover brings initial relief from the […]
Sexual Liberalism and Body Image Acceptance
Education and prevention efforts in eating disorders have influenced change in the public mindset regarding body image perceptions and promoting healthier standards of beauty. The roller coaster road of weight expectations and the ideal body size and shape over the past century is well documented in various journal and media outlets. Size 12 for women in the 1940’s […]
Eating Disorders: How Far We Have Come
In 20ll, I authored a book: When Food is Family: A loving guide to heal eating disorders. Among one of the very first professional comments I received on one significant eating disorder professional message board was from a local colleague. The criticism of my book was strong and accusations made that I was turning back the eating disorder […]
Consumption and Disposability
Disposable: designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up. (dictionary.com) America’s latest quick fix: disposable romantic relationships. Relationships are stressful. Sometimes the difficult periods or sporadic stressful event feel interminable for one or both in the relationship. To expect total satisfaction, perfection or being in constant ‘kindred spirit’ mode with your […]
Cornerstone of Eating Disorder Recovery
It is natural to stifle negative emotions. Why on earth would anyone choose to experience emotions that will likely make them feel bad?” The answer is simple and twofold. First, we feel emotions all the time whether we want to or not. If we accept the idea that we are driven by our core needs […]
Implementing Attachment Theory in Treating Eating Disorders
The current research in the treatment of eating disorders continues to shape and enhance our theoretical understanding and impacts how we approach treatment. Some clinicians and researchers assert that it does not matter how patients arrived at their disorder, but rather what is necessary to help them recover. Focusing on what caused a particular individual’s eating […]
PTSD and Its Relationship to Eating Disorders
Exposure to an extreme traumatic stressor involving direct personal experience of an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury or threat to one’s physical integrity is included in the description of the diagnosis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) Sexually traumatic events for children may include developmentally inappropriate sexual experiences without threat or actual violence or injury. Physical and/or sexual […]
A Valentine’s Day Message for Families with Eating Disorders
Relationships are important. Lots of reasons, unique and specific to my nature and how I was nurtured, led me to be a care giver, provider, nurturer. I have a high threshold for other peoples’ pain and generally tolerate a lot from an individual before I come to accept that I cannot do the work for […]
Recovery from an Eating Disorder is Possible
It is that time of year again. Time for Resolutions and lists for the New Year. Tricky for a person with an eating disorder since Resolutions and lists can feel like a bucket full of expectations, ‘shoulds,’ guilt, self-recrimination and ultimately self-defeat. If recovery from an eating disorder is on your New Year’s Resolution list then trust that […]