People often think of registered dietitians (RDs) as “the Food Police” or perfect eaters who never eat dessert. I’m neither of those things. Most dietitians I know went into this field because they overcame a struggle with eating which sparked an interest in nutrition. We RD’s are taught not to be judgmental about our clients’ food choices, and most of us aren’t because we know how hard it can be.

My struggles with eating started around puberty. I didn’t like how my changing body and I developed a disordered eating pattern of restricting and bingeing. As a teen, I had a short “success” with Weight Watchers, but once I stopped, I regained the weight I lost and then some. Instead of learning healthy eating habits, the message I got was some foods are “good” and some foods are “bad.” This way of thinking did nothing for the guilt and shame I felt when I overate and made poor food choices – in fact, it amplified it. My negative body image and disordered eating continued through college, during which time my weight climbed even higher despite regular physical activity and attempts to control my eating.

During my first nutrition class, I heard a lecture by Terry Garrison, author of the book Fed Up. Terry talked about getting away from the diet mentality through size acceptance. Though it took me a few years to really internalize this message, I never forgot it during my years of study.

The concept of size acceptance was what finally helped me break the cycle of disordered eating and start enjoying food without guilt. Armed with the knowledge of nutrition I gained in college, I worked on developing healthy eating habits that made sense to me and allowed for treats as frequently as I wanted to prevent that feeling of restriction. Now I love food as much as I always have, and I enjoy it more!

I am by no means a perfect eater (whatever that means), but the difference now is how I handle indiscretions, poor choices, and weight changes. I’m no longer obsessed with the number on the scale or the parts of my body I like the least. Instead, I choose to focus on what I like the most, and that motivates me to take care of my body by staying active and making healthy choices most of the time (and being ok with it when I don’t do either of those things).

My transformation from disordered eating, weight-obsession, and negative body image to a healthy lifestyle, positive body image, and freedom from guilt about food is something I don't take for granted. I worked hard to put food in its proper place in my life, and I wish for the same for everyone suffering the way I did. I'm so lucky to be in a position to help others!

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