Eating disorders are experienced across a spectrum; not everyone's experiences are the same. However, a common trait seen across various eating disorders is restrictive eating. Two common categories within food restriction are “safe foods” and “forbidden foods.”
Safe foods are used to refer to a select few foods that those with eating disorders are comfortable with eating. Usually, these foods are considered to be “healthy” or “clean” by diet culture. These can vary for everyone with eating disorders, but some common examples include certain fruits, vegetables, and low-calorie options. However, if we limit ourselves to only a select few foods, we could become less in-tune with our bodies and hunger cues.
Diet culture promotes these safe foods as healthier options, helping you to maintain or lose weight. Yes, these can be nutritious, but they are not sufficient on their own. By solely sticking to only these foods, you won’t be receiving all the nutrients your body needs. Food is also fuel, it provides us with energy throughout the day. Thus, it’s important to incorporate a variety of foods, to not only receive the nutrients and vitamins your body requires, but to also satisfy your mind. When we limit ourselves, we are in turn depriving ourselves of foods that our body truly desires.
Here at Empowered RX, we want to educate and encourage an “all foods fit” mentality. We want to treat our body with nourishment, respect, and joy, and different types of foods can fulfill that. While everyone’s wellness lifestyle guidelines will look different from one another, there should always be room to incorporate foods that bring each individual joy. No foods should be considered “unsafe” or “forbidden” because all foods are safe. 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 ourselves. Incorporating foods that may have been previously seen as “unsafe” may be intimidating at first, but you are not alone in this recovery process. Everyone’s road to recovery will look different, and it may not be linear. Just remember that regardless, you are on the right path, 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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