On a daily basis, you are flooded with information
about what foods you should and shouldn't be eating to achieve the body you SHOULD have. The message that you have to be rigid in your food choices in order to achieve this “ideal” outward appearance harms your relationship with food and your body. It causes you to become disconnected from your intrinsic wisdom -
your body knows what you need better than any diet does.
A few practices that are helpful when nurturing your relationship with food and body are
curiosity, acceptance, and connection
First, ask yourself if you are curious about the possibility of feeling more positive and confident in your own skin. If you aren’t in a space where you are open to the idea of change, it’s not the right time, and that’s okay. Once you feel ready to wonder about the thought of something new and different, you can start experimenting with making change.
Next, work toward accepting yourself for where you are with your relationship to food and self. This means letting go of judgments, negative or positive, about your food choices and appearance. Acceptance may fluctuate from day-to-day, and that’s normal. This step takes time and possibly support from a registered dietitian and/or therapist. Acceptance is life changing; you won’t regret it.
Curiosity and acceptance provide a solid foundation for connection.
With the help of a registered dietitian specialized in intuitive eating, you will begin reconnecting with your internal cues that tell you exactly what you need as far as food, movement, and self-care. When your internal cues are connected with your outward actions, you become the most authentic version of yourself, and that will feel so rewarding.
No two experiences to achieve this healthy relationship with food and self will look the same. There may be struggles along the way; it’s all a part of the process.
You're beautiful for who you are, exactly where you're at in this very moment.
Bio: Amrie DeFrates, RD is a San Diego based private practice registered dietitian committed to providing an environment in which her clients can explore their relationship with food and their body without judgment or criticism. Her specialties include eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting, body image, mindful eating, and intuitive eating. Amrie believes in nourishing those you love — including yourself!
Website: defratesnutrition.com
Blog: defratesnutrition.com/blog
Facebook: facebook.com/defratesnutrition
Twitter: @amriew
Instagram: @defratesnutrition
Pinterest: @amriedefratesrd
A Special thanks to Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center for inviting us to their gorgeous garden grounds. Olivewood’s mission is to empower students and families from diverse backgrounds to be healthy and active citizens through organic gardening, environmental stewardship, and nutrition education. Olivewood offers free educational programs for students and families in National City, as well as free and low-cost programming to the greater San Diego community. Through interactive lessons, they teach the full cycle of food – from planting a seed, caring for it, harvesting its fruit, preparing it, eating – and enjoying it – and finally, returning it back to the earth through composting. Olivewood’s programs include the Children’s Garden and Nutrition Education Program, Cooking for SaludTM parent education series, Teacher Training Academies, Gardening 101 classes, gardening and cooking programs for families, as well as large community events. These lessons empower children and families to make changes at home and inspire them to educate others on the importance of health in fostering a vibrant community.
For more information:
Olivewoodgardens.org
info@olivewoodgardens.org
619-434-4281