006 - Orthorexia with Emily Fonnesbeck, RD

We interviewed dietician, Emily Fonnesbeck, for this episode. We discussed with Emily all about the eating disorder orthorexia – what it is, how to prevent it, and what to do if you’re worried about your daughter:  What orthorexia is.  Orthorexia is not an official diagnosis, but is a new term to describe the growing obsession with perfect eating Defining orthorexia can help validate that the struggles someone is having are real and pathological, not normal Emily gives tips on how to talk about what this is with your teenage daughter.  How to prevent orthorexia.  Recognize that eating disorders are bio-psycho-social We don't have control over the biological aspect that can make our daughters more vulnerable to getting an eating disorder We can't prevent the psychological vulnerabilities - but we can help our daughters manage their psychological tendencies (such as perfectionism) We can help our daughters with the social pressures toward eating disorders by giving them a safe place where food and bodies are good and accepted What to do if you suspect your daughter might be struggling. Don’t hesitate to get professional help – do not try to replace a dietician and/or therapist Validate and reframe her struggles Pay attention to how mentally flexible and receptive she is RESOURCES: Emily Fonnesbeck Website: www.emilyfonnesbeck.com Eat Confident Collective Website: https://eatconfident.co/ Emily Fonnesbeck Instagram: @emilyfonnesbeck_rd Eat Confident Collective Instagram: @eatconfident.co Steven Bratman, www.orthorexia.com, “Health Food Junkies: Orthorexia Nervosa – the Health Food Eating Disorder” https://www.amazon.com/Health-Food-Junkies-Orthorexia-Disorder/dp/0767905857/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=orthorexia&qid=1592859585&sr=8-3