How dieting is a risk factor for disordered eating
Is the New Year’s diet really worth it? Dieting is a top risk factor for the development of disordered eating or a diagnosed eating disorder.
With the dawn of the New Year, it's not uncommon for diet plans to up their marketing ante and find new ways to draw consumers back into the dieting game. Add to this the plethora of nutrition/wellness noise all over social media (which is often just diet culture in disguise) and of course you might feel confused about how to prioritize your health. So whether you're personally wrestling with the diet noise right now, or you want to be more equipped to educate those in your life still on the diet rollercoaster, here's the #1 diet risk to be cautious of:
Dieting might seem like a harmless way to pursue health or weight goals, but research shows it can increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors. Restrictive eating, food rules, and the pressure to achieve an "ideal" body often lead to feelings of deprivation, guilt, and obsession with food. Over time, these patterns can escalate into binge eating, preoccupation with weight, or a cycle of yo-yo dieting, all of which are hallmarks of disordered eating.
Additionally, dieting disrupts the body's natural hunger and fullness cues, making it harder to trust and respond to internal signals. This disconnect can foster anxiety around food choices and diminish overall well-being.
Focusing on sustainable habits, intuitive eating, and fostering a positive relationship with food can help break free from the harmful effects of dieting and support long-term health—without the risks.
As Christians, I think it's especially important to recognize that dieting inherently strips us of the ability to honor the God-designed biological and psychological cues He's given the human body. AND dieting creates a substantial barrier to the enjoyment and pleasure that God intended for us to experience as we eat. Dieting takes us further away from God's good design for food and eating.
What if, instead of following diet culture’s playbook, we shifted the focus to resolutions that truly support the whole you?
Some non-diet resolutions to consider:
Build a balanced relationship with food
Practice gentle nutrition that supports your energy and mood
Focus on body respect and self-compassion
Engage in forms of movement that bring you joy
Develop a consistent grocery shopping and meal planning routine
Move towards a more kind relationship with your body
Whether you're beginning your recovery journey or looking to optimize your health without the obsession, now is the perfect time to connect with a Registered Dietitian. Together, we can create a plan that aligns with your goals and values!
We're in-network with all of the following insurance companies:
Anthem/BlueCross BlueShield
UnitedHealthcare
Aetna
Cigna
Plus we can submit for out-of-network benefits or provide a “superbill” for possible reimbursement from your insurance company
Did you know it’s not uncommon to have 100% coverage (AKA free) on nutrition sessions?!
Need some extra support this year? Ready to finally enter the new year by having peace with food and your body? My team helps Christian women heal their relationships with food and their bodies WITHOUT dieting or disordered eating.
Resources:
https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/disordered-eating-and-dieting
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4785871/