Eating disorders are experienced across a spectrum; everyone's experiences are different. However, a common trait across various eating disorders is restrictive eating. Two common categories within food restriction are “safe foods” and “forbidden foods.”
Forbidden foods are used to refer to foods, or food groups, that have been considered to be “off-limits.” Oftentimes, these foods are deemed to be “bad” or “unhealthy” by diet culture. However, by restricting ourselves, it could lead us to become less in-tune with our bodies and hunger cues.
One way to tackle these fear foods during recovery is exposure hierarchy. You’re asked to make a list of all the foods you consider “forbidden,” and categorize them as slightly, medium, and super scary. From there, you slowly incorporate these foods into your lifestyle. This process takes time so that you don't feel overwhelmed. Keeping track of how you feel (like journaling, for example) each time you encounter these foods is a great way to view your progress, and help regain that mind-body connection for intuitive eating.
Everyone’s road to recovery looks different, and it’s not always linear. But regardless, it’s always important to remember that you are on the right path.
Here at Empowered RX, we want to educate and encourage an “all foods fit” mentality. With this mindset, we believe that no food should be “forbidden.” We want to treat our body with nourishment, respect, and joy - which can be fulfilled by all different types of food. Diet culture has deemed certain foods we may enjoy as “bad,” and may even make us feel guilty for enjoying them. In reality, there’s absolutely no need to feel guilty for eating the food you love, so forget what diet culture has to say! Although everyone’s wellness lifestyle guidelines will look different from one another, there should always be room to incorporate foods that bring each individual joy. It’s all about finding balance, and intuitively listening to your body and mind, so that you can feel your best.
We want to empower and honor our bodies, and one way to do that is to not restrict things that make us happy. Facing these foods may be intimidating at first, but you are not alone in this recovery process, and we are here to support you!
If you or a loved one are experiencing disordered eating, book a free discovery call with a Coach to learn about what you can do to help start the road to recovery!
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