CONTENT WARNING: EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE DISCUSSED
Body Neutrality, Eating Disorders & Navigating the Holiday Season
By Johanna Kandel, Founder & CEO, National Alliance for Eating Disorders
AS SOMEONE WHO STRUGGLED with various eating disorders for over a decade, I am no stranger to dealing with body image issues. Even as someone who identifies as recovered, I am still a human that lives in our diet and weight obsessed world. We are constantly bombarded with messages about the newest fad diet and images of unrealistic (and often unattainable) body ideals. So how do we navigate this?
What is Body Neutrality?
There is a quote from my dear friend Bethany C. Meyers that I feel truly encompasses what body neutrality means: “...some days we feel good about our body, some days we feel bad about our body, but on all days, we can respect our body.” Body neutrality promotes accepting your body as is, and recognizing its remarkable abilities and non-physical characteristics, instead of physical appearance.
Body neutrality takes a “no judgment” approach, arguing that our bodies are neither good nor bad. As with many individuals who struggle with body image issues, I fell into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking. Everything was black or white, “healthy” or “unhealthy”—there was no in between. Body neutrality has allowed me to live in the gray. As uncomfortable as it was (and still can be sometimes), it gave me the permission to still take care of my body, even when I didn’t like it.
TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration—and it can also be a time filled with stress and overwhelm. Here are some of my favorite tips for navigating the holidays:
Set Boundaries
It wouldn’t be a holiday season without endless conversations about a family member’s new diet or weight loss adventure. You have every right to set boundaries around the diet, food, and body talk. Whether that involves asking your loved ones to change the subject, removing yourself from the conversation, or muting them on social media, you (& your well-being) are your number one priority.
Lean on Your Support System
You are not alone! Whenever you need to vent or need some distractions (please send all the funny memes), it can be helpful to identify your support people ahead of any festivities. Allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to reach out when you need it.
Stay Thankful
My most favorite tool is to ground myself in gratitude and focus on the deeper meaning of the day. When you wake up in the morning, try to write down 5 things you are thankful for.
And Remember, You Don't Have to Struggle Alone
If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, you are not alone. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders offers free, life-saving resources including a therapist-staffed helpline, comprehensive referral database (findEDhelp.com), and a variety of therapist-led support groups. For more information, please call The Alliance at 866-662-1235, email info@allianceforeatingdisorders.com, or visit allianceforeatingdisorders.com.
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Johanna Kandel is the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and the author of Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder. Since founding The Alliance in October 2000, after a decade-long battle with various eating disorders, Johanna has brought information and awareness about eating disorders to millions of individuals nationally and internationally. |
FLAMINGO X THE ALLIANCE
Flamingo is proud to partner with National Alliance for Eating Disorders on their work to provide referrals, education, and support to individuals experiencing eating disorders and their loved ones. With our support, The Alliance will add 2 new clinician-supported group therapy programs to expand access to effective, data-driven care: pro-recovery for 18-24 year olds and pro-recovery for the BIPOC community. As part of the partnership, The Alliance will also study the impact of these focus groups, ensuring there will be more robust data sets that shed light on this important issue going forward.
