As a naturopathic doctor, I believe that food is medicine and that it has many healing properties. However, I do not believe that obsessively focusing on nutritional content and micro-managing biochemical attributes of each ingredient is mentally or physically healthy.
The therapeutic properties of eating are much broader than calories and phytonutrients. There are social, cultural, and pleasurable aspects that are just as healing. This is why I adhere to teaching nutrition, lifestyle practices, and self-care solutions to promote well-being. I focus on all aspects of holistic health and view wellness from a weight-neutral and a mind-body-spirit perspective. I believe that all bodies are beautiful and can thrive when treated with dignity and respect. These concepts are why I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) practitioner.
In preceding articles, I have discussed the detrimental messages of our weight- obsessed society. I also detailed the dangers of dishonoring body diversity, food shaming, and how healthcare has been misled by flawed “obesity research.” These prejudices and practices are resulting in stigma and suboptimal care of larger bodies. They are causing more harm than good for everyone, of all sizes.
In my conclusion to this series, I provide resources that help one to learn to focus on health without fixating on the scale. Highlights include topics on:
- holistic health
- body resiliency
- intuitive eating
- making peace with food
- body image
Learn more and access these resources here.
You are so much more than your weight, appearance, and biometric measurements. This year, it is my hope that you give yourself the gift of making peace with food, your body, and your life.
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This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)
According to experts and the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no approved standard of care treatment, cure, or preventative for COVID-19. Supportive measures and containment are in full force as a result. Please see the CDC website and your state’s website for more information and updates. They also state when to contact your physician related to symptoms and travel history, exposures. Please read my more detailed article on this subject here.
Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.
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