Raising Resilient Kids in a Fat Shaming World
We want our kids to grow up feeling strong and confident in their bodies. We’ve learned a lot about what to do—and what not to do—to promote a positive body image. We know better than to comment on other people’s weight and engage in diet talk in front of our kids. We model self-care behaviors […]
5 Inspirational Challenges That Will Actually Make You Feel Good About Yourself
Fitness and fad diet challenges be damned! Here are five challenges that will actually make you feel good about who you are. 1. Every time you bash yourself, say something nice to yourself in return. Everyone has heard the saying, “You’re always your own worst critic.” Now it’s time to do something about it. Every […]
The Uniquely Dangerous Eating Disorder Symptom in Type 1 Diabetes
Content note: Please note that this blog discusses one perspective and doesn’t capture all eating disorder representations. Eating disorders in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are rarely understood or recognized outside the T1DM patient and medical community. In fact, there is still a lack of awareness even inside of the world of T1DM. Despite this reality, […]
The Problem with #FoodPorn
At their core, eating disorders are all about obsession. Your illness is the voice that never quiets, whispering incessantly about the size of your thighs, the pounds you still think you need to lose, and most of all, food. It whispers about the food you “can’t” eat, the food that’s “safe,” the calories, carbs and […]
NEDA Thanks Kesha for Lending Her Voice to #NEDAwareness Week
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) thanks singer-songwriter Kesha for sharing her powerful story of recovery and lending her voice to the cause! We know that Kesha’s words will inspire others to seek the help they deserve. Although 30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives, these potentially-deadly […]
9 International Women’s Day Messages from the NEDA Community
It’s 2017 and women continue to live in a world that constantly devalues them and pressures them to meet unrealistic ideals. This International Women’s Day, get inspired by these powerful messages from nine NEDA community members. “Be a woman who, by striving to be the best version of yourself, may strive to help and support […]
On The Importance of Community in the Path Toward Self-Acceptance and Recovery
Often, stories related to recovery and self-acceptance, whether it is about eating disorder recovery, dealing with trauma, or body acceptance, focus on the individual. These stories often celebrate the individual actions and decisions a person has made in their journey. While recognizing individuals for their actions is important, I believe that these stories often erase […]
Dear KJ: How Can My Partner Help Me During a Relapse?
“Dear KJ” is a monthly advice column by Dr. Kjerstin “KJ” Gruys, sociologist, author and body image activist. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology with a focus on the politics of appearance and is the author of Mirror Mirror Off the Wall: How I Learned to Love My Body By Not Looking at It for […]
How to Help a Loved One
If you are worried about your friend’s eating behaviors or attitudes, it is important to express your concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is also necessary to discuss your worries early on, rather than waiting until your friend has endured many of the damaging physical and emotional effects of eating disorders. In a […]
Beyond Body Image
“What is health when we don’t have access to humanity and safety in our own bodies?” — Ashleigh Shackelford In the work that I do in the world, I have a lot of opportunities to talk about body image. And I have to tell you, right now it bores me. It’s not that it doesn’t […]
