Summer of Self-Love
Body Image, RecoveryWe’ve reached the time of year when, even more so than usual, we’re bombarded with messages saying our bodies aren’t good enough as is; and that to feel confident and have a wonderful summer we need to look a certain way or weigh X pounds.…
Recovery Doesn’t Just Happen
Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, Body Image, Bulimia, RecoveryRecovery doesn’t just happen. It’s also not some cliché buzzword tossed around to “inspire” you. Recovery is real. It’s not a luck-of-the-draw deal where you put your name in a hat and hope to be chosen. It’s a grueling, relentless,…
A Work-in-Progress: Living My Best #FitLife Post Eating Disorder
Anorexia, Athletes, Binge Eating Disorder, Body Image, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Recovery, Social Media, Special Topics, Understanding Eating DisordersIf you ask my friends in NYC to describe me, you’ll be painted a picture of a boss lady taking on the city as a full-time professor, writer, and consultant, in addition to being a fitness influencer. They’ll also tell you I’m a people…
Eating Disorder Traits as Strengths in Recovery
Anorexia, Athletes, Body Image, Recovery, Research, Understanding Eating DisordersThe focus in the eating disorders field is usually on diagnoses, symptoms, and related impairment. There has been little research, or even discussion, about negative traits that were present during the illness, which can be positive during and…
Becca McCharen-Tran of Chromat on Receiving the NEDA Inspires Award
Activism, Body Image, News & Culture, Special TopicsAt the NEDA Annual Gala on May 16th, 2018 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, Becca McCharen Tran of CHROMAT accepted the NEDA Inspires Seal of Approval Award. Her remarks that evening were powerful and we'd like to share them with you here...Thank…
7 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Easter Weekend
Body Image, RecoveryWith Easter can come some inevitable holiday stress. Whether it be interacting with difficult family members or remaining calm around the dinner table, managing self-love can be difficult for many. Here are seven ways to reduce stress and sit…
Dealing With Body Image Concerns During Spring Break
Body ImageThe first time I learned about “spring break diets,” I was 15 years old. One of my best friends, who was a few years older, was going to a music festival in Florida for spring break. In the weeks leading up to her trip, she started exercising…
7 Ways to Spread Positivity This International Day of Happiness
Body ImageAs International Day of Happiness trends across social media, remember that you don’t have to wear a smile all the time. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, there are simple ways to make the world a kinder place. Here are seven…
Here’s Why I’ll Never Compliment Someone’s Weight Loss
Body Image, Weight StigmaLet me start off by saying that I genuinely love giving people compliments. I love spreading kindness and when it comes to compliments, I don’t hold back. With that being said, I will not compliment someone’s weight loss and I don’t think…
Dear KJ: How Can I Get My Trainer at the Gym to Stop Making Body-Shaming Comments?
Athletes, Body Image, Weight Stigma"Dear KJ" is a monthly advice column by Dr. Kjerstin "KJ" Gruys, sociologist, author, and body image activist. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology with a focus on the politics of appearance and is the author of Mirror Mirror Off the Wall: How I Learned…