EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT ON YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY

The Eating Disorder Recovery Blog

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A question we are often asked is ‘when should I start working with an eating disorder recovery coach?’ At Natural Food Therapy, our coaches are essentially eating disorder specialists. Having trained in multiple disciplines from nutrition to counselling to eating disorders, and with a wealth of experience– our coaches are able to support you through several stages of your recovery.

When To Work With An Eating Disorder Recovery Coach 

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Your body is incredibly intelligent, constantly communicating through hunger and fullness signals to indicate the need for fuel. Ignoring these cues can lead to poor nourishment, energy depletion and disordered eating patterns. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of honouring your body’s needs and the power of embracing nourishment.

Hunger And Nourishment: It’s Time To Reconnect

Female honouring her hunger cues and eating intuitively.

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Your relationship with food begins to develop in childhood and encompasses your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours surrounding food. It’s influenced by various factors such as your upbringing, home environment, school, culture, and religion, as well as the meanings and associations attached to food. Here are six signs that you’re improving your relationship with food.

6 Signs Your Relationship With Food Is Improving

Food to represent the relationship with food.

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Sensory overload occurs when our sensory systems (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) get bombarded by too much stimulation from the environment. It’s like your brain goes, “Hold on, I can’t handle all of this input at once!”

Here are some common signs and symptoms of sensory overload and its link to eating disorders.

Sensory Overload: Signs & Symptoms

Woman using headphones to cancel out noise from sensory overload.

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If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, either by your own battle with bulimia or because a loved one is struggling. Although this journey may feel lonely and isolating, know that there is help available.

Treating Bulimia: Your Guide to Diagnosis & Recovery

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Orthorexia isn’t just about a preference for eating ‘healthy’ foods; it’s a complex condition that significantly influences an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours towards food and health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with orthorexia, we invite you to explore this blog.

Break Free From Orthorexia: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Orthorexia an obsession with healthy eating

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The truth is that there is no fixed timeline when it comes to recovery. For some, it can take months and for others, it can be years. Either way, the healing journey is an incredible journey of self-discovery that supports a happier and healthier future.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the length of your recovery process.

How Long Does Eating Disorder Recovery Take?

Clock representing the question: How long does eating disorder recovery take?

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The festive season is here, which can bring a whirlwind of emotions for those in recovery. If you’re navigating food and body image issues, you might be feeling worried about how you’re going to navigate the festivities. Her are 10 top tips to support you through.

Coping With An Eating Disorder At Christmas

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Anorexia nervosa is not simply a weight disorder or just about food. It’s a mental illness that profoundly affects an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Are you or a loved one battling anorexia? Discover the different types of anorexia, when to seek help, signs and symptoms, and available treatment options.

Anorexia: Treatment, Causes, Symptoms & Recovery

Anorexia treatment, causes and symptoms

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Are you struggling with an eating disorder and feel like you’ve tried everything without success? It can be disheartening to feel like you’ve exhausted all your options, especially when you haven’t found the type of support that has really helped.

Our approach to eating disorder treatment is different, and here’s why.

Eating Disorder Treatment: Why We’re Different

Female therapist supporting client through eating disorder treatment.

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Are you struggling with an eating disorder and need support tailored to your unique needs and goals? We offer personalised recovery days that take place in the comfort of your own home with an eating disorder specialist by your side.

Here are five reasons to book a recovery day.

What Is A Recovery Day?

A home environment represents the location of a recovery day experience.

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Approaches to nutrition for eating disorder recovery can vary depending on the type and stage of the eating disorder.

We believe in a gentle approach to nutrition that meets you where you are today. Our ethos involves empathy, education and empowerment.

Our Approach To Nutrition For Recovery

Dietitian demonstrating gentle nutrition for eating disorder recovery

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If you’re reading this, you or someone you love might be struggling with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It’s a tough road, filled with challenges that can seem overwhelming at times. We want you to know that it’s okay (and normal) to feel this way and that seeking education around this topic is a brave first step.

Binge Eating Recovery: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

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The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines atypical anorexia as meeting all of the criteria for anorexia nervosa except for the criterion of low body weight.

In this blog post we explore what atypical anorexia is, why the term can be unhelpful, and our approach to treatment.

What Is Atypical Anorexia?

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As Covid restrictions lifted, we were shocked that 100% of clients made the choice to continue with our new online format rather than going back to in-person support.

This is how it all began!

How Our Online Programme Began

Female accessing online eating disorder recovery programme via her laptop.

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Intuitive exercise, also known as intuitive movement, is a way of moving your body that focuses on listening to your body’s needs and signals rather than following regimented rules or schedules.

If you are new to intuitive exercise, understanding some of the key principles to follow can be a helpful starting point.

5 Principles Of Intuitive Exercise

Female crossing her legs and taking a deep breath, embracing intuitive exercise

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The month of February means Valentine’s Day, bringing our focus to the topic of love. Love can be a difficult topic when you are struggling with your relationship with food and body image.

Here we explore how recovery supports love and helps to create healthier and more meaningful relationships for years to come.

Love And Recovery

Finding love through eating disorder recovery

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Have you ever experienced feeling fat one day and not feeling comfortable in any of your clothes, then another day not having any of those feelings and fairly easily getting dressed? Maybe the way you feel about your body influences your eating behaviours, and you find yourself constantly yoyo-ing.

Here we unpack the common experience of ‘feeling fat’.

How To Cope With ‘Feeling Fat’

Woman comforting with a cup of hot tea, feeling fat and struggling with body image issues.

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Dieting can lead to a preoccupation with food and weight that, for some, can become obsessive and harmful.

Here we explore some of the problem with diets, before highlighting 5 reasons that dieting may lead to eating disorders.

Dieting And Eating Disorders

Female eating strawberries, representing dieting and eating disorders.

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Christmas can be a challenging time for those in eating disorder recovery. However, keeping aligned with your recovery goals and a little planning ahead can support a positive outcome.

Here are 5 top tips to support you or a loved one through this time.

5 Recovery Tips For Christmas Day

5 Recovery Tips For Christmas Day

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The festive period can be a difficult time for anyone suffering from an eating disorder. In this post, recovery warrior Isabella shares her personal experience of navigating Christmas day along with some wonderful festive tips.

Isabella’s Festive Recovery Tips

Female eating disorder recovery client sharing festive recovery tips

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Hazel’s experience of continuing her eating disorder recovery journey through our support group – The Community.

“Whilst we all have different stories to tell, we are united in our goals. To be truly free of this illness, to make peace with food and our bodies.”

Continuing Recovery With A Support Group

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Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can leave sufferers feeling incredibly lost. The question ‘who am I without my eating disorder’ is one that many ask themselves as they work through recovery.

In this article are some powerful reflective questions to support you with this aspect of your journey.

Who Am I Without My Eating Disorder?

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This month’s recovery focus is intuitive movement and body image, and our podcast is Train Happy by Tally Rye.

Tally is a personal trainer who helps people to create a healthy relationship with movement. In this post we share some highly recommended episodes and resources.

Recovery Podcast: Train Happy with Tally Rye

Iphone and ear pods playing our recovery podcast recommendations.

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In recent years there has been a large increase in the popularity of bodybuilding, and studies are now exploring the link between bodybuilding and eating disorders.

“I lost my personality, my partner, and my purpose in life. It was just gym, eat, repeat. There was literally no time or energy for anything else.”

Bodybuilding And Eating Disorders

Male bodybuilder with eating disorder lifting weights

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In today’s blog post, eating disorder recovery warrior Lydia discusses how she navigated her fears around body change and took powerful steps towards body acceptance. Sharing difficulties she faced and a recovery tool that she found particularly helpful throughout her recovery journey.

Body Acceptance: Lydia’s Story

Women smiling, finding body acceptance as she breaks free from her eating disorder.

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Using affirmations can be incredibly supportive of eating disorder recovery.

We asked our recovery group to share the affirmations that have supported them most through eating disorder recovery. Here are the top 20 they found most useful. We hope they inspire you too.

20 Affirmations for Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorder recovery affirmations on pink background.

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Lily shares her experience of navigating a lapse and stopping it from turning into a relapse. A powerful step in her bulimia recovery journey.

“I now realise that what could have been the start of a relapse was actually an important part of my recovery journey.”

Navigating Relapse: Lily’s Experience

Female sharing her story on navigating relapse through eating disorder recovery.

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An insight into client Tara’s journey towards intuitive movement.

“My relationship with exercise hasn’t always been easy. I used to view exercise as a type of punishment during my eating disorder, but it has also been a huge source of joy in my life too, especially during my recovery.”

Tara’s Relationship With Exercise

Female running sharing insights into her relationship with exercise.

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In today’s post a wonderful recovery client Abby, shares her recovery playlist and discusses how music has supported her through the highs and lows of this journey.

“When you feel isolated, it is incredible how a song can speak to you and make you feel less alone (Sam Smith nails this!)”

Abby’s Recovery Playlist

Eating disorder recovery playlist playing through headphones.

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Body image issues affect around 1 in 3 adults in the UK, and studies suggest this number is growing. An important part of building a healthy relationship with food is looking beyond the exterior, including when we compliment one another.

10 Things To Compliment Someone On Other Than Appearance

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Overwhelm for someone suffering from an eating disorder can be a distressing experience, often triggering increased eating disorder thoughts and leading to unhealthy behaviours, in an effort to cope.

Today, Ashley shares her birthday experience and how she was able to move from overwhelm to embracing her special day.

Tackling Overwhelm Through Recovery

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In this article we discuss weight stigma and what health really is.

“Your healthy weight is whatever weight you reach when you are nourishing your body intuitively. When you are not restricting food in any way or compensating for food eaten. When you are neither strictly controlling food nor feeling out of control with food.”

Weight Stigma And Eating Disorders

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If you find yourself turning to food for comfort or to manage emotions, you’re not alone. Emotional eating is a common experience that many of us face, often as a way to soothe, distract, or find pleasure during times of stress, sadness, or even boredom.

Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Eating

orthorexia an obsession with healthy eating

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In this post, recovery client Katie shares her experience of the powerful recovery tool– visualisation.

“I genuinely believe that visualisation has been one of the most helpful tools during my recovery. It improved my relationship with myself today and has also helped me see that my goals are not too far out of reach.”

How Visualisation Supported My Recovery

A painting in a bright room with a painting showing the power of visualisations through recovery

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Restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 staff are now permitted to display calories on menus, websites, and delivery platforms.

In this post we share our thoughts on this new legislation, as well as tips on how to navigate this change.

Calories On Menus: Harmful or Helpful?

Cafe with cakes and coffees now listing calories on menus

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This week’s post is written by one of our eating disorder recovery clients, who shares her journey to intuitive movement with us all.

An inspiring and supportive read for anyone who is working on improving their relationship with exercise.

Ella’s Intuitive Movement Journey

Calming yoga space embracing intuitive movement for eating disorder recovery

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NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming and is one of the forms of coaching we have incorporated into our eating disorder recovery programme. It is based on a powerful methodology that is full of practical tools and techniques. Our coaches use NLP tools in a unique way, adapting them to be highly supportive and safe for eating disorder recovery.

10 Principles Of NLP – Eating Disorder Recovery

Notebook of NLP for eating disorder recovery

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At Natural Food Therapy, we support each individual with the recovery tools needed to make lasting change. Your learning styles, strengths, passions and character traits can all be used to support your recovery journey. And something we champion for those who respond well to reflective tools is letter writing.

Body Healing: Jasmine’s Letter

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Have you ever listened to the little voice inside you that reminds you of your younger self? Regardless of how much we grow, we carry our younger selves with us through each day. Perhaps it’s the unheard 10-year-old self that shows up when we feel someone isn’t listening to us, or maybe it’s the heartbroken teen who shows up when we feel a lack of attention or care.

Inner Child Healing – Danielle’s Experience

Women running free on beach reflecting her inner child.

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This week we stand with Beat the UK’s eating disorder charity, in their campaign to introduce proper training for medical schools on eating disorders. We discuss the current statistics with GPs receiving less than 2 hours of training in this area. And we hear from our recovery client Lucy, who shares her personal experience of accessing support.

Lucy’s Appeal: Eating Disorders Training For GPs

Client writing her appeal on her laptop to medical schools to provide proper training for eating disorders.

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Today we hear from Abby, who recovered with us here at Natural Food Therapy. Abby shares her inspirational story through eating disorder recovery. A journey of inner strength and self-discovery.

“At 29 years old, I found the strength to get help for my eating disorder. And I believe it has been the best thing I have possibly ever done.”

Abby’s Story: Finding My Strength

Female looking at window reflecting on her story of strength through her battle with eating disorder recovery.

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Most people will experience a grieving process on their journey towards body acceptance. A powerful and necessary step that allows you to let go and grieve unrealistic expectations of what your body ‘should’ look like. Here are the five stages of body grief and some thoughts on how to navigate them.

Body Acceptance: The Process Of Letting Go

Woman in recovery from eating disorder, looking at her shadow, in her body acceptance journey.

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Today we hear from Sophie who recovered from her eating disorder with the support of our team and her family. Looking back on her journey, she shares her thoughts on how to be there for someone through recovery. A valuable and insightful article full of helpful tips from someone who’s been there.

Supporting Someone In Eating Disorder Recovery

A client who has recovered from her eating disorder, standing and reflecting in a field. Sharing insights on how to support a loved one through recovery.

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If you think you could be suffering from an eating disorder, reaching out for help can be full of worries and anxieties. With this in mind, we take care to promptly respond to each client query and offer a free informal assessment to those who we believe could be suited to our recovery programme. Here’s how we get to know you.

Your Eating Disorder Assessment

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At Natural Food Therapy, the natural progression from private support is to join our recovery group. And at the right time, we believe this can become a valuable part of your recovery journey. Today we hear from Amber, who shares her transition from private support into group therapy.

Amber’s Experience Of Group Therapy

Two friends smiling in group therapy for eating disorder recovery.

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Setting intentions is an important part of eating disorder recovery. By moving into each week, month and year with clarity around what you are working on, you create a powerful path. Here we share four crucial steps to setting intentions successfully through recovery.

Setting Intentions – Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorder recovery client setting intentions for the week.

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January is possibly the most challenging month for anyone suffering from an eating disorder. It can not only reinforce behaviours that you’ve been working so hard to change but can drive a depriving and punishing mentality with regards to food and exercise.

Coping With An Eating Disorder In January

Eating disorder sufferer pouring coffee in January.

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As we enter a new year, the traditions around setting resolutions and January diets can be full of difficulties for those suffering or at risk of an eating disorder. Today we hear from a sufferer who shares her recovery experience and some inspiring insights on how to approach this year differently.

Recovery And New Year’s Resolutions

Eating disorder recovery warrior setting new year's resolutions in her journal for 2022.

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The festivities may seem like an enjoyable time, but they can be filled with anxiety for someone in recovery from an eating disorder. The time spent eating, drinking, socialising with family and friends can cause stress and uncertainty. Our lead clinician Sasha Paul shares her top tips to support you with navigating the festive period.

8 Recovery Tips For The Festivities

Eating disorder specialist placing bauble on tree. Sharing tips for those suffering with recovery through the festivities.

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Eating disorders are mental illnesses that involve complex relationships with food, exercise and body image. They cause significant harm and are by no means a lifestyle choice or phase. Anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of age, gender, cultural or racial background. 

What are Eating Disorders: Types, Symptoms and Causes

Flower representing the unique nature of eating disorders

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Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those suffering with an eating disorder. The festivities are often centred around food with celebratory meals, changes to eating patterns, and social gatherings. All of which present their own challenges. In this post we hear from a sufferer who shares her experience of Christmas day.

An Eating Disorder At Christmas

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Dear Tiktok, I wanted to write to you to make you aware of some of the struggles I have come across on your platform, as an anorexia fighter and survivor. Firstly, I think your app can be such a positive and uplifting place. However, for those suffering with an eating disorder or for those at risk, there is a side to this app that can be extremely dangerous.

My Appeal To TikTok As An Anorexia Survivor

Anorexia sufferer in deep thought

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Through her passion for painting, a young adult in recovery from an eating disorder shares an inspiring piece of artwork. She talks about how she is re-connecting with her passions and using them to fuel her recovery. She also discusses her inspiration for the painting, and why we all deserve to flourish and blossom into the best versions of ourselves.

Recovery Painting: When You Grow A Flower

Recovery painting of a vibrant woman made from nature

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Instead of coming to an abrupt end in your programme, we believe that there must be a step in between. This way, you can continue to move forward by reducing the amount of hands-on treatment you receive, while still allowing you to feel supported. This is why we created The Natural Food Therapy Community. 

The Community – Your Next Step In Recovery

Eating disorder recovery group supporting each other.

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Diet culture can be tough to navigate when in recovery from an eating disorder. This week two of our recovery warriors have chosen to share their letters to diet culture with us all. As well as being thought-provoking and impactful, these are letters that deserve to be shared and celebrated.

Dear Diet Culture: Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorder survivor writing a recovery letter to diet culture

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Eating disorder coaching is revolutionising recovery and improving treatment outcomes. An eating disorder coach bridges the gap between therapists, doctors, dietitians and carers, and is frequently being titled the ‘missing piece of the puzzle’. Rather than purely in-session support or clinical sessions, an eating disorder coach offers you support every step of the way, when you need it most.

What Is An Eating Disorder Coach?

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Quasi recovery is possibly one of the more difficult parts of your eating disorder recovery journey, yet is not always spoken about. It is the part of recovery where you may have started to physically recover on the surface (this could include weight restoration and/or behaviours), yet you are not fully recovered mentally. 

Recognising ‘Quasi Recovery’ As Part Of Eating Disorder Recovery 

quasi recovery

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If you are currently looking for support and want to find an eating disorder therapist who can work safely with you through recovery, here are some of our top tips to consider. ⁣

How To Choose An Eating Disorder Specialist⁣ ⁣

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Dear Ed, I am writing to let you know that I have had enough. I am putting an end to this toxic friendship now! You have kept me trapped and isolated me, and made me believe that you were the only friend I could get. And that no one else liked me or wanted to be around me. You forced me into a life threatening relationship with exercise.

A Letter To My Eating Disorder

A letter to my eating disorder. This brave client gave us permission to share her beautiful and empowering letter to show you how possible it is to find yourself through recovery. The eating disorder voice can be loud and may at times feel like a friend. But when we start our recovery journey, we find a different type of friend within us. In this powerful farewell, this client shows that it is possible to challenge our persistent inner voice and to reconnect with our true selves and the world around us. She shows how transformative the process of breaking free from an eating disorder can be, and that her recovery is bringing forward a new friendship that stems from within.

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Eating disorders can take a great deal from the whole family, whatever the age of the sufferer. As parents it can feel heartbreaking to see your child finding themselves in such a difficult place, the illness taking hold and their lives pulled apart. Furthermore, those with eating disorders tend to socially withdraw and hide their pain, leaving parents at a distance feeling entirely helpless.

Helping A Young Adult Through An Eating Disorder

Advice to help a young adult through an eating disorder from a UK eating disorder specialist

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Muscle dysmorphia is a subtype of a mental health condition called body dysmorphic disorder, where a person spends a lot of time worrying about perceived flaws in their body. It is also associated with eating disorders, as it often leads to disordered eating behaviours.

Muscle Dysmorphia: The Hidden Illness Affecting 1 In 10 Gym Goers

Muscle dyspmorphia

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Intuitive movement supports both body and mind. Instead of exercising to reach a certain body size or shape, intuitive movement is about choosing ways to move the body that will help us to feel better.

Connecting Mind and Body With Intuitive Movement

Women exercising intuitively which is better than exercise. Especially for those suffering from an eating disorder. Intuitive movement reconnects the mind and body.

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Body-editing apps are the newest trend fuelling body image issues in both men and women. Instead of supporting us to accept that we are all different and embrace our individuality, editing apps encourage us to conform to society’s pressures and only share a sculpted ‘version’ of ourselves.

Body Editing Apps: The Trend Fuelling Body Image Issues

the rise of body editing apps, body dysmorphia, eating disorders and negative body issues.

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Many people think that it is simply about being on a diet, however diet culture is a belief system that worships thinness and values a socially constructed ideal of beauty over health and well-being. This is why diet culture has become so dangerous and is strongly implicated in the rise of eating disorders and body image issues.

What Is Diet Culture?

Read this blog from Natural Food Therapy which answers why diet culture is toxic and how we can combat diet culture. anti diet culture club | diet culture drop out | intuitive eating resources #makepeacewithfood

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When you’re armed with knowledge, change truly can take root. Our free resource library provides valuable information about eating disorders and the recovery process so you can start making progress in your own time.

The library gives you instant access to all of our resources in one place, including printable workbooks, digital resources, and new materials as they are added.

The Food freedom resource library

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