Cityscape Counseling has a number of amazing therapists who work with clients of all ages on eating disorder treatment and improving not only their relationship with their body, but also food. This work can take a long time but ultimately be rewarding and improve daily quality of life. 10 therapists answer what helps and what they would recommend to nurture your relationship with your body and food.
1. “Honor your hunger cues! Do not restrict your food intake or deprive yourself as that usually leads to loss or control type of eating later on.”
2. “Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. There was once a time when we were in tune with our bodies. If we learn to listen, our bodies will tell us what they need and what they like. Society and diet culture can definitely get in the way of that!”
3. “Deprivation is never the answer. I like to think of my body as a machine. My body needs all the different food groups to function, it needs sleep, water, rest, connection, compassion, etc. in order to do everything I ask it to on a daily basis.”
4. “Eat meals with loved ones, cook, engage in mindful movement.“
5. “Repetitive body gratitude practices, like “I am grateful for my arms as they allowed me to hug my partner today.” Honor your body cues, which looks like stepping back when you are burnt out, eating when you are hungry, and sleeping when you are tired. Showing your body respect for everything it does for you daily will create a positive relationship from the inside out..”
6. “I encourage clients to seek the opposite perspective of diet culture. Instead of being focused on weight, focus on behaviors and how the client feels. Rather than control your food intake, focus on intuitive eating and building trust with the body. Instead of having lists of “good” and “bad” foods, allow all foods.”
7. “Our bodies deserve so much love, care, and respect from us. Try making a point to offer one positive affirmation (related to body/body image) or gratitude offering per day. For example: My body/the body I am in allowed me to get up out of bed and commute to/from work today. It also allowed me to carry my groceries to/from my car which in turn fed my family a nourishing and delicious meal.”
8. “Detox your social media feeds. Read The Body is Not an Apology. Learn about intuitive eating and the pitfalls of diet culture. Move for joy!”
9. “Nurturing your relationship with your body by identifying small things to thank your body for. Thanking your body for the small things- everyday functioning, to the larger things- doing something you thought you may not have had the capacity to do- but your body did it/survived it/braved it/carried you through it..”
10. “Setting aside time to eat where I’m not rushing and able to enjoy the meal..”
