Written by Eden Davis, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and co-owner of Pearl Wellness Practice
Have you ever gone to the doctor and felt judged based on your weight? You may be seeing a provider for a headache and before you know it, you're being body-shamed and told the magical solution to all your issues is weight loss.
It can be extremely frustrating when this happens, leading to feelings of embarrassment, invalidation, and an unresolved health concern. Health At Every Size (HAES) was founded to put an end to weight discrimination while offering an inviting space for all bodies.
All Bodies Are Good Bodies
Our genetic inheritance influences bone structure, body size, shape, and weight differently! We're uniquely made and never were meant to look the same. An ideal body is a home that you feel most comfortable and energetic in, not one that fits society's views.
We understand that it can take time to love your body, but we're here to help you appreciate and respect it with time. Here at Pearl Wellness Practice, we offer various groups, E-courses, and 1:1 services to help find body acceptance and respect. Also, check out The Bulimia Project for ways to foster more diversity in your life!
Don't Settle For Less
It's important to find a provider who offers care without weight bias, weight stigma, or weight discrimination. Weight does not equal health, as several components go into overall wellness. This includes, but is not limited to psychical, emotional, social, spiritual, and economic well-being.
As the HAES Movement continues to grow, more clinicians are providing the weight-inclusive care you deserve. If you're looking for a HAES provider in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Florida, or California, feel free to reach out for assistance. To find a local or virtual HAES professional, click here!
Listen To Your Body
If you're currently in recovery from an Eating Disorder or have spent years dieting, it can be extremely difficult to listen to your body signals. Although you may hyper-focus on your body, it's very possible to be out of touch with it.
Working with your dietitian to understand hunger and fullness cues is a wonderful way to show yourself respect and appreciation. Being in tune with our needs may also include moving our bodies in mindful ways.
Joyful movement isn't a rigid workout routine that leaves you feeling exhausted and miserable. Instead, it has to do with finding activities that bring your body peace and enjoyment.
It's important to collaborate with your providers when integrating joyful movement into your routine. We strongly encourage you to explore this avenue with your treatment team!
The Health At Every Size Movement has opened doors for clients to feel respected, valued, and understood while working with healthcare providers. At Pearl Wellness, our clinicians work through a HAES approach to provide inclusive, client-focused care. To connect with our treatment team for weight-inclusive care, reach out today for a complimentary consultation call!
Looking to heal your relationship with mind, body, and soul through a Health at Every Size approach? Our treatment team has crafted a body image workbook to do just that! Redefining Confidence From Within allows participants the opportunity to explore their relationship with body image and make strives toward their healing journey.
With Pearls of Wisdom,
Eden Davis, RDN LDN
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