Focus on balanced eating, not clean eating.
While working with a client with a severe eating disorder, her pediatric endocrinologist asked me to emphasize the importance of eating a burger, fries, and a shake once or twice a week. I was initially surprised, as I had always promoted “clean” eating. The doctor explained that undernourished teenage girls need saturated fat to restore body fat for essential functions like hormone regulation and menstruation. They require more saturated fat than grown women, especially when malnourished. This insight has shaped my approach, helping me balance the needs of both overweight individuals and those with eating disorders. Preventing malnourishment starts with balanced and healthy eating messages.
Healthy eating messages are widespread, often encouraging the cutting down of sugary foods and categorizing them as “good” or “bad.” This can lead to overly restricting “fun foods” (like quick-digesting carbs such as candy) and unintentionally not providing enough fuel for the body, negatively affecting both physical and mental health at any age.
The Gymnast Nutritionist Christina Anderson, M.S., RDN, CSSD, CSP says, “So many people lose their minds when we say that it’s OK to give your gymnast their favorite candy—as they hear, ‘let them eat candy all the time in massive quantities.’ And that’s not it at all. It’s about balance.”
By providing sugary foods, a burger, shake, and fries regularly, and allowing them, we can make them emotionally neutral foods. This is one way we can prevent eating disorders and disordered eating habits. My philosophy is we have “sometimes” foods to enjoy and even serve a purpose for our body. Labeling and teaching foods as “good” and “bad” is a slippery slope. Let’s aim for balance.
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