You may be wondering what it means when I refer to myself as an anti-diet, health at every size, intuitive eating dietitian and have an ACSM credential called “Exercise is Medicine.” These all tie into my philosophy as a healthcare professional and I will explain each in the following paragraphs.

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Anti-Diet

The term “anti-diet” refers to a methodology developed in opposition of diet culture, which is loosely defined as a pervasive set of beliefs that values thinness, appearance, and the shape of a person above their well-being. There is a heavy emphasis on perfectionism in eating patterns, restriction of calories, normalized negative self-talk, and narrowly defining foods as “good” or “bad.” The anti-diet movement pushes back on this by aiming to balance physical and emotional well-being through flexibility, self-compassion, and avoidance of all-or-nothing thinking. It helps people embrace how they’ve been designed and optimistically make the most of the life and body they’ve been given. It promotes incremental lifestyle change rather than quick fixes, intentionally incorporating stress management and sustainable eating habits as well.

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Health At Every Size

Similarly, the “Health at Every Size” or HAES movement aims to recognize that each person’s genetic inheritance influences their bone structure, body size, shape and weight in a unique way. Research is showing that well-being and healthy habits are more influential than the number on the scale or the BMI chart. Your body can be healthy across a wide range of weights and your “ideal” body weight is one that enables you to feel energized and strong as you work toward leading a full life. Our differences should be appreciated and every body should be treated with respect.

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Exercise Is Medicine

The messaging “exercise-” or “food is medicine” is a bit controversial depending on who you talk to. When we define medicine as the practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease, both food and exercise can be used as tools in this process. However, food and exercise are far more than simply medicine. In the same vein, food and exercise alone cannot treat all health conditions. Routines incorporating balanced nutrition and movement can promote health, but they are not the end-all to it. Food is more than just fuel and nutrients for our physical body; it is also culture, celebration, community, and love.

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Intuitive Eating

Intuitive eating is the fourth layer to my philosophy that in many ways, ties it all together. This 10-step framework is meant to be a lifelong practice that aims to address the rigid, narrow, perfectionist way we often approach food and well-being (largely caused by long-term diet culture messaging). Just as we are each unique on many levels in our physical makeup and preferences, we have the freedom to be unique in our eating as well. Intuitive eating aims to honor all aspects of the individual—from hunger/fullness cues, self-image, taste preferences, food culture, accessibility, exercise routine, etc. It takes into consideration the mind-body connection that has often become so overlooked in our fast-paced lifestyles and focuses on re-establishing trust and intuition through attunement to both body and mind signals.

 

Because of this, I rarely assign food journaling, meal plans, or calorie and macronutrient goals to my clients. Although these can be appropriate tools for short-term use and structure, they eventually become limiting and don’t help people understand the deeper principles of nutrition that enable them to think critically and flexibly in their eating. As I get to know you, we look for that balance of flexible structure together. My goal in this is not to simply dispense a cookie cutter meal plan that dictates what to eat. I want to take it much deeper than this and equip you with the principles that enable you to know how to eat. It is this practice that promotes quality of life and emotional well-being, especially as it relates to food. This way of eating helps us intentionally create space to pause and be present in responding to our body’s needs throughout the day. As a fast-paced society largely valuing productivity, this is a long-lost skill for most of us that powerfully ties into our well-being and leads to much deeper success in the process of nurturing the body and the mind.

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Exercise is no exception. While there is great benefit in pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones through challenging workouts, examining the "why" behind our physical activity routines is incredibly important. It is easy to fall into the mentality of exercise as a way to burn off the treats we consumed or to punish our bodies in some way. Often, we set our sights far too high with exercise, choosing activities we think we "should" do for good health rather than ones we enjoy doing. The best form of movement is the kind you enjoy, because it will lead to more consistency and lower stress. Variety in movement is valuable as well. You don't have to go push yourself to the max on the treadmill or in the weight room to meet your goals. What might it look like for you to move your body to feel good, strong, relaxed, and refreshed? Maybe that involves hiking your favorite trail, doing some gardening, joining a yoga class, or even getting some house work done. Consider what you are wired to appreciate most in your physical movement and don't hesitate to think outside the box--it will contribute to greater well-being in the end. 

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You are your own scientist

I’ve found great satisfaction in approaching eating and exercise with an “attitude of exploration”—one that embraces curiosity, intentionality, and creativity as we care for our bodies and our minds in balance with the rest of life. Setting realistic expectations and patiently recognizing the opportunity for growth in missing the mark we create for ourselves contributes powerfully to quality of life as well. This looks different for each individual, and it takes time to discover. If you’re curious about how this approach can play out in your own life, contact me to continue the conversation!