People say, “I don’t have a problem with food”; “I like eating healthy”; or “I suck at dieting“-type statements. Yet, they do have a problem with food, can’t eat any other way, and don’t suck at dieting. Unbeknownst to them, they’ve developed problematic eating, disordered eating, or even an eating disorder—and aren’t aware of it.
I’m a therapist with 15 years of experience specializing in eating and body-image issues. I’m also someone who’s been around people with eating disorders for my entire life. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed this phenomenon often (even with people who pursued dietary restrictions or eliminations to improve their health).
Crossing the Line
As I explain in my book, MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight, & Body Image Issues, the difference between a person of any weight who’s “always on a diet” and has body dislike versus someone with an eating disorder can seem hair-fine. Even professionals may need time to tease it out. Here’s a quick and dirty tip to get you started, though: (Click for full article)
