Making Friends with Food

Ahhh, food.

What a problem it can cause for so many people.

From clinically diagnosed eating disorders to disordered eating, issues surrounding food can take on many forms for us. I personally have dealt with disordered eating patterns and am still working through some of them. This topic is one that is near and dear to my heart, which is why I am so excited about today’s post.

What is Disordered Eating?

Before we dive in, I want to explain what disordered eating is, as it’s a term that many people may have heard before but may not understand what it means. It’s important not to confuse disordered eating with clinically diagnosed eating disorders.

According to Eating Disorders Victoria in Australia,

Disordered eating refers to a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours, many of which are shared with diagnosed eating disorders. The main thing differentiating disordered eating from an eating disorder is the level of severity and frequency of behaviours.

Disordered eating can have a negative impact on a person’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing. It may lead to fatigue, malnutrition or poor concentration. It can affect someone’s social life (when socialising is restricted due to anxiety around food/eating), and can lead to anxiety and depression.

There really can be a wide range of eating behaviors and attitudes surrounding food for those who are suffering from disordered eating patterns. Some may include:

• Chronic dieting
• Binge eating
• Overeating
• Obsession with certain foods, calories, fat, etc.
• Compulsively skipping meals
• Basing self-worth on what their weight, shape, or size is
• Chronic fasting or extended restrained eating
• Misusing certain supplements or medications
• Feeling chained to food
• Removing themselves from social circles due to fears around what to eat or how much they may eat
• And more

When it comes to disordered eating, each person’s patterns are uniquely their own, yet there are always going to be common similarities between everyone dealing with this issue.

For people struggling with disordered eating in any capacity, food often becomes the enemy. This is a really exhausting place for someone to be in. We have to eat to live, but when food becomes the enemy, surviving is about all we can manage.

My Experience with Disordered Eating

Disordered eating is an area that has become quite fascinating to me over the last year as I work through my own issues with food. I think on some level, I always knew I had some issues with food and some disordered eating patterns. But, it was not until the fall of 2015 that it REALLY hit me that I had some issues that needed to be addressed.

It has been quite the journey, full of ups and downs, full of incredible new knowledge, and also it has led me in a direction that I had no idea I was so passionate about, which is the psychology of eating. WHY do we do the things we do when it comes to food. It goes FAR beyond willpower. As a matter of fact, when I hear the word “willpower” used when it comes to someone describing themselves (or others), I get frustrated.

Willpower is not the issue here.

Disordered patterns around food and eating can be caused by a variety of different things, many of which are deeply rooted in our past experiences. 99.9% of the time, it is NOT a willpower issue.

I plan on doing some other, more in-depth posts on disordered eating in the future, so for this post, I won’t go into more detail. Regardless of what issues you may facing when it comes to food, there are two REALLY important things I want to say to you if you are struggling with food in any way:

1. You are NOT alone!

2. There is NOTHING wrong with you!

Those are really the two most common areas that people struggle with when they realize they are dealing with issues surrounding food. We may feel completely alone and afraid that no one will understand.

And, what’s even worse, is that we may fall into a really negative spin cycle of “what’s wrong with me?” You feel broken. You feel ashamed. This can create so many issues emotionally and mentally. I’ve been there. It hurts. And it feels terrible.

My heart goes out to anyone who has been dealing with food issues, because I have dealt with food issues and it’s been one of the hardest struggles of my life.

That’s why I am really excited and beyond honored to be included in an upcoming online summit (completely free) all about making friends with food.

The Making Friends With Food Summit

Imagine a world where you can freely eat without worry, without stress.

One where you don’t have to hide or closet eat.

One where you feel relaxed and comfortable around food.

One where food simply becomes an enjoyable part of your day, and not the focus of every minute you are awake.

Sounds kinda nice, eh?

Well, I want to tell you that you CAN make friends with food and life the delicious life you have always wanted, full of love, passion, and freedom and the Make Friends with Food Summit will help get your on your way!

During this free, online event you will hear from a powerful group of people who will teach you from their heart on topics such as:

• Why you are overweight and overwhelmed
• How to win the diet war, once and for all
• How to truly love who you see in the mirror
• How to nourish yourself with self-love and self-care
• How to finally break free from yo-yo dieting
• How to finally feel amazing and confident in your skin
• And so much more

Can you relate to any of these?

• Constantly yo-yo dieting or worrying about what the “right” diet is for you?
• Always struggling with what you eat, from dealing with cravings to binging to overeating?
• Constantly feeling like you are chained to food and thoughts of food and are never free to live your life the way your heart truly desires?
• Routinely feeling stuck with food, from not knowing what kind of food you should eat, how much you should eat, when you should eat, etc.?

If so, then you really must come join us at the Making Friends With Food video summit!

Host, Ana Milne has gathered together a beautiful group of souls who are going to show everyone how to embrace themselves and their relationship with food, so
that they can truly enjoy their life in the most delicious and vibrant way possible. I was so thrilled when Ana reached out to me and asked if I would like to participate in this event. To be included in this amazing group of thought leaders and healers is truly and honor! Speakers include:

• Jillian Warwick
• Austin F. Cooper
• Dr. Nina Savelle-Rocklin
• Laura Fenamore
• Samantha Skelly
• Katie O’Brien
• Catherine Gowan
• And so many more!

I am truly privileged to be one of the distinguished guests to be interviewed for the summit and I cannot wait to share my experiences with you. So, I hope you will join me at the video summit. It starts July 25th and runs through August 8th. It’s totally free and open to everyone, no matter where you are in your journey! Save your spot here!