Some basic facts about nutrition and links to eating distress
Two threads run through the therapeutic work with people with eating distress. One thread is to do with food and the relationship with food, eating, their body and exercise. People with eating distress avidly study information about food and nutrition, yet lack knowledge of basic facts. They often have misconceptions which they believe to be facts. Some education is useful - giving factual information, addressing myths and ascertaining the client's with food. This could be done by a dietician or nutrition consultant. It could also be offered by a counsellor with appropriate knowledge and experience (if the wish for information arises from the client in the relationship).
Follow these links for some useful information:
- Normal eating and healthy eating.
- Glycaemic index of foods - how foods affect blood sugar levels.
- Insulin rollercoaster.
- The effect of food, eating and nutrition on behaviour, mood and choices ( information about neurotransmitters).
- Effects of starvation:Ancel Keys study - University of Minnesota 1944.
- Overeating - Sims study 1968
- Dietary restraint- physical effects
- Maintenance of health and weight- choosing foods for healthy balance at each meal.
- Some myths about eating, food and diet - and some facts.
- Information about some popular 'diets'
- Some information about obesity
- Some factors which can lead to binge-eating and obesity.
- Helping clients with eating distress toward a healthy eating plan.
