Our relationship to food can be complicated. Sometimes in our struggle to love, accept, and nourish our bodies, we end up in a crisis. The last week of February was declared National Eating Disorders Awareness Week to bring attention and love to those who struggle with body dissatisfaction and fixation on food or exercise.
National Eating Disorders Association website, opens a new window
Media depictions of what an “ideal body” should look like have affected many of us, myself included. When I don’t live up to these impossible standards, I feel more guilt and anxiety. My relatives and friends comment on my weight gains or losses and complain about their own changing bodies, adding to that guilt and anxiety. Our society is so focused on body size that the diet industry was a $78 billion dollar industry in 2019.
The number of eating disorders has increased during the pandemic. Stress can cause or exacerbate eating disorders and there has been no shortage of stress in the last couple of years.
There is no “bad food.” The important thing to remember is that food is for nourishment and strength. We need it to survive and thrive.
The growing movement to try to erase and prevent the shame and negativity that we feel about our bodies and eating is called the body positivity movement. Check out some of the books in our collection that share a message of positivity and acceptance of our bodies in all their many beautiful shapes.
We've also got plenty of books about self-love to round out this love-centric month.
Add a comment to: Food Obsessed: Resources for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week