Improving Your Relationship with Food
Improving Your Relationship with Food
Food is so much more than fuel, it’s nourishment, connection, and can be a fun way to express creativity! But for many of us, our relationship with food feels complicated. Between cultural pressures, past traumas, and confusing health advice, it’s easy to fall into disordered patterns.
What Is Disordered Eating vs. a Clinical Eating Disorder?
Disordered eating refers to unhealthy behaviors around food that don’t always meet the criteria for a clinical eating disorder but still impact your physical and mental health. They could be restrictive, compulsive, irregular, or inflexible. This can include:
Obsessing over calories or “clean eating”
Feeling guilt or shame after eating certain foods
Restricting food or bingeing (fasting, skipping meals)
Inducing vomiting, using laxatives, etc.
A Clinical Eating Disorder is defined as: “Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances in a person’s eating behaviors. Although many people may be concerned about their health, weight, or appearance on occasion, some become fixated or obsessed with weight loss, body weight or shape, and controlling their food intake. These may be signs of an eating disorder.” (According to the NIH)
Whether it’s a clinical diagnosis or subtle patterns, healing is possible, and it’s so important.
Changing the Narrative
There’s a growing fear of “dieting” today, but eating healthy doesn’t mean you have an eating disorder. When you focus on nourishing your body instead of punishing it, you can transform how you think about food.
Fuel your body: Prioritize balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and carbs
Address deficiencies: Many disordered patterns are rooted in nutrient imbalances that impact your mood and energy
Honor your needs: Food is a tool for healing, not control
How Trauma Impacts Eating Habits
For many, disordered eating stems from trauma or unmet emotional needs. It’s not just about food, it’s about reclaiming your relationship with yourself. Some people have developed these eating disorders in childhood as a way to exert some control over their lives. It is possible to undo these habits and to develop new ones with the help of a professional.
Support Is Key
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Our nutritionist, Amy Soudek, specializes in helping clients heal their relationship with food, address deficiencies, and create a sustainable, balanced approach to eating.
Book with Amy today and take the first step toward food freedom. Your body and mind deserve it!
