Come As You Are
The last week of February is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. With every day and week being labeled a new national holiday or something corky to celebrate, it’s impossible to keep it all straight! The theme of this year is “Come As You Are” to highlight that ANYONE can struggle with an eating disorder regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, weight, income level, etc.
No matter where you are in your own recovery from an eating disorder or if you’re someone struggling with any of the concepts below, this week is a time for you to refocus and take note of a few simple things you can try:
Body Acceptance: if you look in the mirror and only see your “flaws” (which are not actually flaws by the way) try writing positive notes, quotes, pictures, on post it’s on your mirror as daily reminders to counteract the negative thoughts. Accepting your body is not about tolerating its current state but respecting all that your body does for you on a daily basis and embracing it as it changes through the years.
Balance: Although many of us strive for a daily balance of work, family, friends, hobbies, self care, activity, and health on a daily basis, having an even balance is not achievable in my opinion. Every day something has to give. Be mindful of what you may be focusing too much attention on and not enough of and be intentional on putting energy towards that the next day. There are only so many hours in the day and only so many hats we can wear in one day!
Intuitive Eating: Intuitive Eating is not a fad diet or quick change. It’s a lifestyle change and takes daily practice and mindfulness. Intuitive eating is about listening to what our body needs, eating a wide variety of foods we enjoy, and embracing the taste and experience of the food. Engage in activity that you brings you joy and move your body because you love and appreciate all that it does for you, instead of punishing it for not being perfect or for what you ate. Have that food you’re craving, enjoy every part of it, then go do something that’s good for your soul and brings you happiness.
You may be saying to yourself, “yeah right, that’s all too good to be true.” But it’s not! It takes time, practice, and patience with yourself to be intentional about how your thoughts are affecting your actions, and what things you can do every day to live into some of these practices.
Meeting with a Therapist and/or Dietitian who practices intuitive eating and has a passion for supporting those interested in living a life apart from the unrealistic expectations our culture pushes on us to be “enough” can be extremely worthwhile.
If you would like to take a free, confidential, online screening to see if it’s time to seek help, go to: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/screening-tool
Whitney Harken, LSCSW, CEDS
Individual & Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of Eating Disorders
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