Why Summer Often Intensifies Body Image Struggles
The transition from spring to summer can be exciting. Warmer weather, longer days, and more socializing. While all of these can be something to look forward to, it may also increase body awareness and body image concerns. As the weather warms, we start to swap out sweaters and jeans for t-shirts and shorts, which can increase body exposure and awareness of our own bodies. In addition, the “summer body” messaging that’s all over social media can create pressure to look a certain way. More people begin to post on social media, especially when they’re on vacation, which can increase comparison. This can all lead to an increase in eating disorder symptoms.
While eating disorder and disordered eating triggers are individual, comparison and pressure to look a certain way, especially in the summer months, can be challenging for many. An eating disorder nutritionist NYC can support you in identifying your individual challenges, defining what body neutrality means to you, and identifying ways to navigate those challenges and nourish your body adequately.
Signs You May Benefit From an Eating Disorder Nutritionist NYC
If you’re experiencing any of the below, you may benefit from working with a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders:
- Restricting before vacations or events: If you notice urges to restrict calories or skip meals or snacks before a vacation or plans, you may benefit from nutrition counseling. An eating disorder nutritionist NYC can guide you in identifying why the urge is coming up, how to challenge it, and find meals and snacks that both nourish and satisfy you. An eating disorder dietitian can also provide education around why variety in diet is important – both from a nutritional standpoint and satiety.
- Increased anxiety around eating in public: Anxiety, stress, and avoidance of eating in public can cause one to isolate or avoid socializing with loved ones. An eating disorder dietitian, along with a therapist, can support you in navigating this challenge. For example, an RD can help you identify a food that feels most comfortable to order and ensure you eat before and after the event.
- Obsessive thoughts about exercise or body changes: With the warmer weather, there’s more pressure for the “summer body.” A registered dietitian can support you in identifying intentions for movement outside of body changes and strategies to incorporate movement in a healthy, supportive way.
- Feeling out of control around summer foods: The summer can involve foods that diet culture deems as “bad.” An eating disorder nutritionist NYC can provide nutrition education to challenge food myths and support you in achieving consistent nourishment throughout the day.
How Nutrition Counseling in NYC Supports Eating Disorder Recovery
Nutrition counseling in NYC with a dietitian specializing in eating disorders is an integral part of recovery. An RD can support you in building a flexible meal structure to accommodate for routine changes that occur in the summer. This can support any vacations, travel, or spontaneous social eating. Oftentimes there can be guilt around seasonal summer foods because of diet culture; an eating disorder nutritionist NYC can provide nutrition education to fact check disordered eating thoughts around these foods. A dietitian can also guide you in identifying your food values and what food means to you. For example, ice cream may provide energy through carbs and fat, but it can also provide enjoyment, cooling off on a hot summer day, and memories with loved ones. Overall, a registered dietitian will support you in finding sustainable tools for recovery and healing your relationship with food, body, and movement.
What Makes a Registered Dietitian in NYC Different From General Nutrition Advice
Guidance from a registered dietitian is different from general nutrition advice from social media. A registered dietitian credential requires clinical training, which includes a graduate degree, a 1,200-hour internship, and passing of the Registered Dietitian exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. After passing the exam, a registered dietitian must provide evidence of continuing education every 5 years to keep their credential.
Not all registered dietitians specialize in eating disorders, so it’s important to look out for specific credentials or keywords on their website or social media. The dietitians at Nourishing NY provide weight-neutral, evidence-based nutrition counseling to support you in your eating disorder recovery. Alongside nutrition counseling, our dietitians value a collaborative approach and will connect with other members of your team, including but not limited to therapists, psychiatrists, doctors, and other supports.
Finding Eating Disorder Dietitians in NYC
If you’re interested in working with an eating disorder dietitian in NYC, it’s important to search for the following credentials:
- Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RD/RDN)
- CIEC: Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor
- CEDS: Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
It’s also important to know that even if an RD does not have a CEDS or CIEC credential, they may still specialize in eating disorders and disordered eating. Language that signals this could be weight inclusive, anti-diet, body neutrality, intuitive eating, gentle nutrition, or weight neutral.
At Nourishing NY, all our dietitians specialize in eating disorders and disordered eating. We provide both virtual and in-person care to accommodate busy schedules and accessibility. Some questions to ask before scheduling an initial nutrition session could be:
- What experience do you have treating eating disorders?
- How do you approach weight and body image?
- Do you collaborate with therapists or doctors?
- How do you approach management of co-occurring diagnoses, such as diabetes, PMOS, or high cholesterol?
- What does a typical session look like?
- How long do clients usually work with you?
We understand finances can be a barrier to accessing specialized care. That’s why at Nourishing NY we accept most major insurance companies: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Healthfirst, United Healthcare, and some Medicaid plans. Our team will complete an insurance benefits check for you, so you know your benefits ahead of time. Click here to learn more about next steps.