Eat For You Dietitian

I’ve recently started a new Specialist Eating Disorders Dietitian role within an adult community service focusing on outpatients and day care treatment, primarily treating anorexia nervosa. Today I sat in one of the groups with the day care unit and one of the topics that came up was the ongoing ‘diet talk’ from family members going on around them at home. 

The majority of the time we think of the things we wish we said in the moment to protect ourselves or what we will say next time. However, in that moment we stay silent. How can we use our voice and speak up? I’ll speak from my own experiences and from what I have learnt. 

1. Family members asking for your weight or clothes size. Why? 

My response: I don’t check my weight. I don’t think it’s relevant or important for me. 

I choose clothes that fit me. It doesn’t matter what size it is as long as I feel comfortable. This could range from a size 10 to a size 14, or from small to an X-large. 

2. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, try to find a suitable time to tell that person. 

My response: I don’t like talking about restrictive diets. I like to focus on a balanced diet, including all foods. 

In another context, I have asked different people to not ask me when I’m going to have a baby. Ever since I got married almost 2 years ago various people have found it a suitable question to ask this question. It did take me a few times in receiving this question until I could confidently confront this.

My response now: My fertility plans are my business only so please don’t ask this question again. 

3. Reframe our mindset. We may not be able to change people’s opinions or views, however, we can change how we react to them. 

4. Begin with at least 3 positives about your body. 

We are quick to focus on our dislikes or negatives about our body, especially when we are looking in the mirror. 

For example, my arms allow me to hug my loved ones or my legs carry me around each day to have adventures. 

5. Try body neutrality. Read more here.

We don’t need to love our body to have a better body image. I choose body neutrality for me as I am now respecting my body and my health. This for me means food freedom and intuitive movement. I found being body positive was too much pressure for me, and body neutrality works better for me.