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Founder of Gratefully Nourished, follower of Jesus, new mom and registered dietitian. I provide resources and coaching to women and moms who are looking to eat healthy without obsession–and without sacrificing their relationship with food.
I have the privilege of working with some wonderful people and once we’re finished, I have them fill out a form to reflect on their experience and provide feedback for what I can do better. I have to say I am always humbled by the feedback and so grateful to do this work. Katie came to work with me because she was preoccupied by her food choices and very limited in what she allowed herself to eat. Over the course of several months, we were able to decrease her food anxiety, eat a variety of foods, maintain a healthy and stable weight that was unique to her and cultivate a life outside of her food and body size.
I wanted to share this testimonial from my graduated client Katie because she crafted this beautiful response to my question, “What is your relationship with food and body image like now?” Here is Katie’s response.
“My new definition of health:
Today, I will listen to my body when it tells me that it’s hungry. In fact, I will eat at mealtimes even when I’m not hungry. I will fuel my body with foods that I like because I know that I can trust my body. I will eat a variety of foods – sweet, fresh, creamy, salty, raw, & fried – because I know that each food has nutritional value.
Today, I will go on the spontaneous dinner date with friends & then go out for ice cream because fearing food will not hold me back from deepening my relationships. I will walk past the mirror without sucking in my stomach or reaching for my measuring tape because I know that the size of my waist does not dictate my worth. I will schedule my day to ensure I have adequate time to eat because neglecting meals and snacks will only negatively impact my day. I will not compulsively exercise if a meal makes me bloated because instead, I will only be grateful that I have food to satisfy my hunger.
Today, I will not always feel in control. I will not always love the size & shape of my body. I will not always be able to easily dismiss the judgments & comments of others. But today, I will reach for healthier ways of coping. I will continue to give my body the nutrients it needs to run & laugh & learn & explore & focus on the best parts of life. I will admit when seasons are challenging, and I will continue to fight for recovery.
Today, I will no longer let my eating disorder define me. Today, I choose freedom. Today, I choose health.”
Cue the happy tears. This is what it’s all about my friends.
Take care of yourself today,
Alyssa
