Transforming Body Image through Nutrition Counseling in NYC

Jul 8

Introduction

When it comes to fostering positive body image, nutrition counseling can be a crucial component of the journey. Body image concerns may be directly tied to an individual’s relationship with food. Nourishing NY specializes in providing supportive and holistic nutrition counseling in NYC, with a focus on Health at Every Size (HAES) principles and intuitive eating. As a practice, we focus on a holistic approach that treats the whole person, not just one aspect.

Understanding Body Image

Body image is one’s perception of their own body, including thoughts and feelings regarding appearance and looks. Body image is very closely tied to mental as well as physical health. A preoccupation with one’s body, especially involving fixation on perceived flaws can start to hold us back in various areas of our lives. Individuals of any shape or size can struggle with negative body image and the implications it can have on everyday life.

While body image is made up of an individual’s perception of themselves, it can be influenced by a variety of outside factors. For example, social media, societal/cultural standards, personal experiences, and familial influence.

The Role of Nutrition Counseling in Body Image

Our HAES Nutritionists in NYC will work with you to cultivate body positivity and acceptance. Fostering appreciation and reconnecting with your true values can help enhance the areas of your life that are important to you, like family, friends, work and hobbies. Body acceptance builds upon appreciation for the functionality of our bodies, while acknowledging genetic determinants of size and shape.

HAES Principles and Body Image

The Health at Every Size (HAES) approach is a weight neutral paradigm that works to separate weight and health. The approach uses the following principles to individualize health regardless of size:

- Weight inclusivity

- Health enhancement

- Respectful care

- Eating for well-being

- Life-enhancing movement

Taking a weight-neutral, weight-inclusive approach to body image works to cultivate inner positivity and develop confidence that goes beyond physical appearance. Just as internalized fat phobia is learned, it also can be unlearned. As a HAES informed practice, our team of dietitians help clients of all sizes learn to take care of themselves with compassion, no matter why they are any given size.

Personalized Nutritional Counseling

Find an individualized approach to body image concerns with our personalized nutrition counseling in NYC. The same way some people are tall and short, some are naturally larger or smaller. Nourishing NY promotes and celebrates body diversity and individuality. We understand that health looks different for everyone, and exists on a continuum that varies with time and circumstance.

Challenging Diet Culture

While body image is defined as one’s own perception of their body, it can be influenced by a variety of outside factors. Negative body image can be influenced by cultural messaging, weight stigma and systemic oppression. Diet culture and the media promote standards of beauty that are not only unachievable but also extremely harmful. This learned hate and dissatisfaction can result in feeling like there is something wrong or our bodies need changing. Diet culture teaches us to be unhappy with our bodies as a tactic to fuel a multi-billion dollar industry. However, even if everyone ate and moved their bodies in exactly the same way, we would not all look alike. Instead of trying to change our bodies, we celebrate body diversity. HAES nutritionists at Nourishing NY work to challenge and dismantle diet culture through education and support.

Building a Positive Relationship with Food

Forming a healthy relationship with food and body go hand in hand. With our nutrition counselors at Nourishing NY, we will foster an environment of body acceptance and appreciation. This is done by reconnecting with your true values, exploring your individual goals and decentering food and body image from your life. Rebuilding your relationship with food can work to eliminate feelings of guilt or fear at mealtimes.

Mindful Eating and Self-Compassion

Enhance body awareness and self-compassion by utilizing tools such as mindful eating. Intuitive eating principles include the following:

- Reject the diet mentality

- Honor your hunger

- Make peace with food

- Challenge the food police

- Discover the satisfaction factor

- Full your fullness

- Cope with emotions with kindness

- Respect your body

- Movement-feel your difference

- Honor your health-gentle nutrition

Nutritional counseling at Nourishing NY incorporates mindful eating techniques to foster a healthier body image. By utilizing these principles, we will take a deeper look at the thoughts and feelings surrounding food and how it relates to body image. Start nourishing yourself in a way that is satisfying to you and allows for true permission to enjoy all foods.

Long-Term Support and Empowerment

Our team of HAES nutritionist NYC provide continuous guidance and empowerment to help clients maintain progress and build resilience. By tailoring sessions and care specifically to each individual client, we provide ongoing support in your journey toward positive body image.

Ready to embark on your body image healing journey through nutrition counseling in NYC?

References

1. Lampert, J. et al. Guidebook for Nutrition Treatment of Eating Disorders. Academy for Eating Disorders.
2. Association for Size Diversity and Health. The Health at Every Size Approach. https://asdah.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ASDAH-HAES-Principles.pdf
3. Rollin, J. Body Image Work for Patients Recovering from Eating Disorders. EDRD Pro Webinar.
4. Trible, E. Resch, E. Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach.