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Struggling with or recovering from an eating disorder can feel like an overwhelming mystery. Here at BALANCE, we believe knowledge is power. The BALANCE Blog is a place to find value, education, and inspiration for recovery wherever you are on your journey.

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Tips for Navigating Stress In Eating Disorder Recovery

The World Health Organization defines stress as “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Stress is a normal part of everyday life and can be caused by various things. By: Dawn Lundin Everyone experiences some amount of stress, but what makes the difference is how we respond to it. Responding to stress in ways that impact our food choices and movement habits can cause disordered eating patterns and, eventually, eating disorders. April is National Stress Awareness Month. Its focus is to bring awareness to how stress can negatively impact our lives. Regardless of age,

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The Relationship Between Dating Apps and Body Image

Dating apps have transformed the way people meet and connect, but with their rise comes a host of challenges, particularly concerning body image and self-esteem. Spending significant time assessing one’s appearance and comparing it to others on these platforms can lead to heightened body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. By: Susanna Montgomery  The History of Dating Apps Dating apps are a relatively new way of meeting people in our society. 1995 was the year of the world’s first-ever online dating website, Match.com. The early 2000s were the years of the first social media platforms, Facebook and MySpace, with the

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Overcoming the Challenge of Dining Out In Eating Disorder Recovery

You are not alone if the prospect of dining out with others feels overwhelming. While some may find enjoyment in dining out, it can pose significant challenges for individuals in eating disorder recovery. By: Sheila Zarfati Restaurants serve as popular social venues and offer convenience for those who prefer not to cook. Navigating restaurants as part of a social scene becomes a crucial aspect of recovery and can even mark a significant milestone for some. The act of eating in the presence of others is a major source of anxiety for those dealing with eating disorders, making dining out

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The Role of a Dietitian In Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorder treatment and recovery can look different for every individual, and it is important to remember that recovery is not meant to happen alone. For many, treating an eating disorder requires the efforts of many other professionals on an interdisciplinary team, including general practitioners, therapists, psychiatrists, and dietitians. By: Susanna Montgomery Understanding the role of each of these professionals can make the process much more comprehensive when considering eating disorder treatment. So, what exactly is the role of a registered dietitian (RD) in eating disorder treatment and recovery? What Is A Registered Dietitian?  Registered dietitians are health professionals

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The Relationship Between College Drinking and Eating Disorders

College is a new stage of life, full of new beginnings. It is a time to discover who you want to be and where you want to end up—a time to make new, lifelong friendships. For many people, this is a time full of change. By: Tori Barkosky Along with the stress of academics, relationships, work, and discovering your path comes the pressure of making new friends and fitting in. And to do so, many students believe it requires a particular body type or shape. Similarly, there is often an unspoken expectation that students should go out with friends

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Sports and Eating Disorders

Sports, like football and soccer, are prevalent among individuals worldwide. We praise athletes for their talent and strength, with research demonstrating the physical and mental benefits of participating in sports. However, due to the intense pressures athletes face in playing a sport, both men and women are at risk of developing an eating disorder. By: Regina Colie LeBron James, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, and Simone Biles are famous athletes who have risen to popularity for their talent, determination, hard work, and success. Athletes endure years of training from their early school days to their time in college to become

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Accepting Your Recovered Body in Eating Disorder Recovery

In eating disorder recovery, a common challenge arises when you’ve restored your weight but are still working on healing your relationship with your body, food, and movement. Continuing the recovery journey through these challenges can be daunting. By: Tori Barkosky A significant hurdle is learning to accept your recovered body and not fixate on your eating disorder body. While this may sound straightforward, for those with eating disorders, it often feels like an unachievable goal. This blog post will explore strategies to support body acceptance, delving into what this process entails. Fact Check Beauty Ideals When did you start

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9 Books To Read On Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Organizations are advancing education and awareness about the severity of eating disorders by spreading their message across various social media platforms. As such, doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, and other professionals work to share their knowledge and advice through publications such as books and journal articles. By: Regina Colie Here are some books on eating disorder awareness, the anti-diet movement, practicing intuitive eating, and more. Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating By: Christy Harrison, MPH, RD Synopsis: “In Anti-Diet, Christy Harrison, a registered dietitian nutritionist, takes on diet culture

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Overcoming Body Image Concerns as an Adult

A person’s body image can change over the course of a lifetime due to several different factors. As adults, we face more complex challenges that affect our body image concerns. It is necessary to acknowledge what our body has supported us through and develop an appreciation for the uniqueness of our bodies. By: Shuchen Hu Why Is Overcoming Body Image Concerns Important for Adults? Body image, or feelings or thoughts about one’s body and how we perceive ourselves,  can vary across the developmental pathway. It is a perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and physical experience influenced by external and internal factors.

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Taking Time Off From School or Work for Eating Disorder Recovery

​​Recovering from an eating disorder demands a significant investment of time, energy, and mental fortitude. Prioritizing this recovery is vital and should be recognized as such in both academic and professional environments. By: Tori Barkosky Often, stepping back from responsibilities like school or work is necessary to accelerate healing and rediscover purpose. Post-recovery, individuals can engage more fully and effectively in their educational or professional pursuits. However, it’s important to acknowledge the privilege inherent in being able to take time off for recovery. Not everyone can access treatment centers, financial means, supportive networks, or understanding employers. These factors can

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