Food, Body Image, and The Global Pandemic
In these times of uncertainty, many people are feeling anxious about food and weight. This global pandemic can impact our access to food, can lead to fears of (or actual) food shortages, can change our eating routine, can limit our ability to exercise, and can have us turning to food for comfort. These changes can be incredibly triggering for many, not just those struggling with eating disorders.
I’m saying this for whoever needs to hear it.
It’s okay if your eating looks different right now. It’s okay if you’re eating different foods, in different amounts, for different reasons. It’s okay if you’re eating for comfort, or boredom, or just because. It’s okay if set mealtimes have gone completely out the window, if your meals and snacks aren’t balanced and if you’re eating more and moving less. No matter what you’re doing, it’s okay.
In the midst of this crisis, we all need to practice self compassion around what we are doing to get through this. Do what you need to do to get your needs met. Be gentle with yourself if that looks different than it usually does. Be gentle with yourself if that includes eating in ways that you don’t usually eat.We are all impacted in different ways, and whatever way that is showing up is okay. We are all human.
Let’s shift the focus from fixing our eating to taking better care of ourselves.
“Here’s a little secret—putting your energy into stabilizing your nervous system, as opposed to your weight, is a far faster and more effective way to feel better. And what is regulating to your nervous system may be different than what is regulating to my nervous system. But here are a few ideas: music, connection, sensory stimulation (think self-massage, fresh air, candles), tea, movement or stillness, deep breathing, crafting, creative expression.”- Marci Evans, RD
Be kind to yourselves and be well!
More Resources
How Social Distancing Triggers Disordered Eating, According To Eating Disorder Experts
Let Us Eat Cake Podcast – Episode 26: the one about coronavirus — Non diet Dietitians Hannah and Ali get together for a bonus episode to tackle the questions coming up about food, nutrition and health during this pandemic