redefining resolutions in eating disorder recovery
As we approach the New Year, it is natural to start looking ahead and contemplating your goals, resolutions, and intentions for the upcoming year. While the New Year provides us with a clean slate and a newfound determination to improve ourselves in the months to come, so often New Year’s resolutions are fueled by diet culture and are centered on dieting and weight loss. Consequently, those in eating disorder recovery may encounter a number of challenges when setting New Year’s resolutions.
Why This Time Of Year Is Challenging
This is the time of year where many reflect on the year that has passed and set new goals for the year ahead, starting once again anew. Many like to set New Year’s resolutions in order to make positive changes in the upcoming year. Throughout December, we are especially inundated with messages about weight loss, exercise, and making dramatic life changes. This pressure is unavoidable and difficult on everyone. Many New Year’s resolutions are made in January only to be abandoned a few weeks later. Behavior change is difficult and especially so when goals are not small and incremental. Furthermore, so few take the time to evaluate whether or not these changes are even appropriate or realistic for them as individuals. Many of these “stereotypical” resolutions need to be reevaluated because they have the potential to do more harm than good. This is particularly true for those with eating disorders.
Resolutions and Eating Disorders
The many diet and weight loss messages that pollute this time of year can be dangerous to those recovering from an eating disorder who are working to have a neutral relationship with food and body. In individuals who are predisposed (genetically or environmentally), restriction in the diet may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, such as anorexia (an obsessive desire to lose weight by severe food restriction) or orthorexia (an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy). Eating disorders can manifest in many ways, but the key underlying presentation is when the person’s relationship with food no longer supports a healthy, functioning, and full life.
Disordered eating may start from a harmless place like adopting a more “healthful” diet, but can develop into a serious eating disorder when food rules become increasingly rigid at the expense of a happy, fulfilling life. Warning signs of eating disorders include severe restriction in calories, eliminating whole food groups, an obsession with food and body image, engaging in frequent “detoxes/cleanses”, and excessive exercise. These behaviors are done under the premise of living “healthier,” but allow the eating disorder to thrive. Rather, food should have a positive and supportive role, nourishing us with the energy needed to live our lives, and serving as a source of pleasure and connection.
Maintaining Recovery At The Beginning Of The Year
During this time of year, it is especially important to keep the focus on recovery and maintaining recovery. It is incredibly challenging to be immersed in this culture that worships dieting and the pursuit of weight loss. Consider setting and implementing resolutions that are positive and supportive of recovery, such as practicing self-compassion and being open to reaching out for help. It may be helpful to set recovery-centered SMART goals.
SMART goals are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic/relevant, and time-bound. These goals consist of small, incremental changes that keep the focus on a one-day-at-a-time approach to recovery. An example could be practicing self-care, which during this time may involve avoiding conversations about weight loss and diets and choosing to surround yourself with voices from the body positivity movement. New Year’s resolutions can also focus on changes to the world around you. Try volunteering and giving your time to help others’. This kind of resolution enriches both you and the people you help.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, located in New York City, offers free consultation calls to help you explore next steps. We provide in-person programming seven days a week and are in-network with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Cigna, Emblem, and Oscar, with Aetna coverage coming soon. Support is available, and recovery is possible. Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team here and stay connected with BALANCE on Instagram here.
This post was written by BALANCE Dietetic Intern, Gabriella Hamann (she/her).
Gabriella is a graduate student pursuing her second Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences from Boston University School of Medicine. Previously, Gabriella has worked in medical research focused on modifiable risk factors associated with chronic disease. Through this work and life experience, she has developed a passion for evidence-based practice and helping others to lead more healthful lives. In the future, Gabriella hopes to continue learning and using science to provide current and informed support to individuals under her care.
