Body Positivity is a Farce
All foods are not equal.
In today's episode, we delve into a crucial discussion about the evolving landscape of traditional eating disorder treatment.
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What comes to mind when you hear the term “body positivity”?
First off, it’s become a mainstream concept. Body neutrality, all foods fit, and body positivity are all terms to describe a phase of coming to terms with your body. However, we have to recognize that this approach may not resonate with everyone seeking help. While we shift towards inclusivity, we also inadvertently exclude individuals who may not be ready or comfortable with these concepts.
These individuals hear these terms and think “Nope, I want nothing to do with this” and run from treatment.
To understand true inclusion, we have to understand each person's unique needs and tailor treatment accordingly. Listen to the person who’s in front of you: What do they need? What do they want? What are they asking for?
In this episode, I'm diving into:
The importance of understanding the deeper meaning of one's relationship with food.
The evolution of traditional eating disorder treatment towards concepts like body neutrality, body positivity, and size inclusion.
The potential drawbacks of excluding individuals who may not resonate with or be ready for these approaches.
The need for inclusivity in treatment.
Exploring the semantics of body positivity and the possibility of alternatives like body acceptance.
The idea that not everyone may aim for body positivity, and different individuals may find resonance in various terms such as body neutrality.
The challenge of using nuanced language, especially on social media.
The role of flexibility in language.
The foundational concept of "all foods fit" and its translation into "all foods are equal".
The misconception that intuitive eating implies immediate acceptance of all foods at the beginning of the recovery journey.
The structured approach needed in the early stages of recovery.
The importance of addressing individual fears and concerns, fostering understanding, and creating a more inclusive conversation within the realm of eating disorder recovery language.
Tweetable Quotes
"I think it's really amazing the field has gotten to this place where we're like, yes, you can pursue health wherever you're at. You can get healthcare and we're incorporating size inclusion.” - Rachelle Heinemann
"Body positivity is incredible. If you can look in the mirror and be really loving your body and appreciative of your body, all that is really incredible." - Rachelle Heinemann
"Maybe one of the goals of eating disorder treatment is not body positivity for a lot of people. Maybe it is body acceptance.” - Rachelle Heinemann
“All foods are not equal.” - Rachelle Heinemann
“I don't believe anything that you say, because you're telling me that I can eat cake and salad in the same way, but it's not the same thing." - Rachelle Heinemann
"The beginning will not look like incorporating all this food. The beginning is going to look like a lot more structured." - Rachelle Heinemann
Resources
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Related Episodes
Episode 99. Intuition, Decisions, and Food
Episode 98. Body Stuff with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
Episode 94. Unraveling the Truth: It's Not About the Food
Episode 86. Medical Complications of Eating Disorders
Episode 81. What Do I Do About My Emotional Eating?
Episode 77. How to Accept Your Body
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Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
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