Eating Disorder Recovery Tools ~ Nutrition
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Featured Event ~ Orthorexia Nervosa: Healthy Eating Gone Awry...free online webinar!
Orthorexia Nervosa: Healthy Eating Gone 
Awry
Presented by Juliet Zuercher, RD, Nutrition Coordinator of Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Recorded: September 21, 2011
Cost: Free
Eating a healthy diet today can be challenging for many people, given the fast food choices available in our country and often contradictory information online and in the media. Certain individuals, in pursuit of health, can become lost in the maze of nutrition information and inadvertently turn healthy nutrition into a harmful obsession. Those who develop a pathological obsession with healthy eating are described as having “orthorexia nervosa.” This presentation will describe the etiology of orthorexia as well as common causes. Various treatment approaches will be discussed including common pitfalls that professionals can experience when working with this population.
Food is to the human body what gasoline is to a vehicle: fuel. Without gas a car simply won't run; it will sputter and choke, then eventually die right there in the middle of the street. Unfortunately, the human body is far more resilient and expertly constructed than a vehicle. This is regrettable because a body will continue to function and perform even when provided poor nutrition. Often the extremely negative consequences remain hidden, giving an individual a very false sense of health security. Those suffering from bulimia, anorexia and binge eating disorder have increased risk of inadequate nutrition.
The truth is, people must eat to live. They must consume adequate calories each day to maintain energy, cell growth and general health. Poor nutrition, a diet lacking in sufficient protein, carbohydrates, fat and other nutrients, can render immediate and highly visible results: dry skin and hair, sallow complexion, gauntness; to say nothing of lack of energy, depression and impaired cognitive function. Sustained malnutrition can result in serious, and even life-threatening, diseases or disorders such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Conversely, good nutrition across the life span can alleviate or prevent many common health problems.
Although grocery stores and local markets may be bursting with food items, it is not always clear what a well-rounded diet should consist of; indeed, so many myths surrounding calories, fat, and diets are perpetuated throughout our country, it's no wonder people are confused. This is precisely why the field of nutrition and dietetics exists. Nutritionists and registered dieticians have studied food, diets, human anatomy and physiology. In other words: they know. These highly trained health professionals possess very real and critical knowledge, even extending to topics such as meal planning and food preparation.
Remember ...Your body is a top-of-the-line vehicle given to you by God. Whether a late model or a classic, it must have quality fuel to remain in excellent running condition. Perhaps of even greater import, this is the only one you get – there are no rentals, no trade-ins and no amount of money can purchase a new one.
Discover more about this important topic by checking out the following articles. This is the only body you will ever have; there are no rentals. Maintain your health and live your life well and meaningfully. Eating Disorder Treatment may help you improve your nutrition, your health and your life. Nutritionists and Dieticians can be of tremendous help in your recovery.
Articles
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Food and Our Bodies
Honoring Appetite
Deborah Russo, Psy.D., Christine Engstrom, RD, LD, Laura Maloch, RD, LD. @ Remuda Ranch
Healthy infants come into the world completely skilled in detecting their body's signals for hunger and fullness. Yet, as professionals we meet so many people who have not only lost sight of this simple process but also describe fear, shame and disconnection from being able to "honor their appetites." For many, understanding real hunger not only means understanding the physical needs of their body, but also learning to trust and balance their true emotional needs as well...finish reading article
Using the Non-Diet Approach for Treating Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
By Robyn Goldberg, RD
Many of us are familiar with the terms Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia, but the eating disorder, which is in the younger stages, is called Binge Eating Disorder (BED). This article will discuss the diagnostic features of BED and treatment using the non-diet approach... Read More
Eating Disorders and MyPyramid.gov: A Useful Tool for Recovery
@ Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, Founder and Director of Eating Disorder Hope and Debra Cooper, Expert Writer on eating disorders.
Tools play an important role in many aspects of life. A carpenter without a hammer cannot drive nails into a wall. An artist without a paintbrush is destined to stare at a blank canvas. In order for many tasks to be completed correctly, the right tools must be utilized.
Similarly, a variety of tools are critical to successful recovery from an eating disorder. Treatment, either outpatient or inpatient, is arguably the most important tool. A skilled treatment team can help a woman or girl understand the complex factors that may have contributed to the advent of her eating disorder. These include certain personality traits, a genetic predisposition, trauma, and such environmental factors as media influence, peer pressure and family dynamics...Read More
Unhealthy Food Relationships
By Rader Programs
For individuals who suffer from eating disorders, their relationship with food often takes the reverse path from healthy nourishment to unhealthy obsession. Food no longer is a way of fueling the body, but in eating disordered behavior becomes a way of dealing with other issues and feelings. ... Read More
Non-Diet Approach to Health and Weight Management
by Stephanie Brooks, MS, RD
The premise of the non-diet approach to health and weight management is to honor the body's internal hunger and fullness signals. Being mindful of when our bodies are hungry, satisfied and overfull, as well as responding accordingly, will allow our bodies to migrate to its natural weight. The results of incorporating mindfulness to eating include ... Read More
Resources
Eating Disorder HopeTM has partnered with MyPyramid.gov, United States Department of Agriculture, to bring health enhancing tools to college students suffering from disordered eating.
"The purpose of 'Partnering with MyPyramid' is to equip consumers with the information that they need to make smart decisions about eating more healthfully and being more physically active," said Dr. Rajen Anand, Executive Director of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and sponsor of Partnering with MyPyramid. "Eating Disorder HopeTM is proud to play a role in bringing that vision to reality, "said Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC, founder of Eating Disorder Hope.
American Dietetic Association : A nationwide referral service that links consumers with nutrition practitioners.
US Government 2010 Nutrition Guidelines : The Dietary Guidelines are jointly issued and updated every 5 years by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. They provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
nutrition, dietician, food nutrition: Find nutrionists/dieticians/doctors and other experts available to consult with you by telephone regarding your dietary needs.
Steps To A Healthier You : One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid offers personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help you plan and assess your food choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
American Society for Nutrition : The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together the world's top researchers, clinical nutritionists and industry to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition for the sake of humans and animals.
