Me, on the other hand... I don't know. I don't want to be a psychologist, of course, but the same concept can be applied to the field of Dietetics. Do I want to be a dietician to solve my own problems?
Could be.
I have alot of really bad eating days. I no longer beat myself up quite the way I used to, but I still question myself sometimes. Why do I do this to myself? It's a question I ask alot. Mostly, I don't know. It's strange to think of binge eating as a means of control. It's a completely out of control sort of thing, but I understand that is what it is, or so "they" say. Whoever they are.
Maybe the bigger question is: Can I help others with their eating issues, even as I struggle with my own? I have no reason to think that just because I get a piece of paper that says I'm a dietician that I'll suddenly stop fighting this battle. It stands to reason, I will still deal with these issues. Perhaps now and always.
I don't know. I still feel like my experiences arm me with something to offer, and I definitely love nutrition and foods. What do you think? Can a dietician battle with eating issues and still be a good and effective dietician? I'd really like to know your thoughts on this, especially if you're a dietician (or on your way, like me).
Anywho... On to more fun matters. A smattering of random foods:
Yesterday's lunch:
Veggie Burger with spinach and 1/2 slice pepperjack on a whole wheat english muffin. W/a yummy watermelon yogurt.
Last night was bookclub. It was my pick (The Story of Forgetting by Stefan Block - I give it a C+) and I decided to have the meeting at BJs, hubby's favorite restaurant. I tried something new: Honey-Crisp Chicken Salad. I never get breaded anything, so it was a treat.
Breakfast this morning was an english muffin w/hummus and scrambie eggs.
I've eaten a ton of popsicles and frozen things today (over 100 outside, about 98 in the house), so lunch was light.
Hoping you have a great Friday night! We have no plans yet!
xoxo
-Mrs. Myers
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That's a good question. I know a lot of dietitians or nutritionists go into that field because they have had eating disorders or issues with food themselves. It doesn't mean that hinders them from being good at their job though. In fact, as someone who had anorexia, I was extremely well informed about eating disorders and food in general. Come to think of it, I think I'd make a darn good nutritionist! lol
ReplyDeleteI think a dietician who also struggles will only seem more real and believable than those who seem too perfect, if you know what I mean. No matter what, people want someone they can relate to, and trust someone who is a REAL and genuine human being.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be honest here, but please don't be offended, this is just how I feel and the last thing I want to do is hurt your feelings at all.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, when choosing a dietitian, I would rather choose someone who's got their eating habits under control. Of course they're going to be human, and they'll mess up every once in a while by eating a whole pint of ice cream in from of the tv, but if they did that every week, I probably wouldn't want them helping me.
I guess it goes with that "you have to help yourself before you help others" saying.
I do think that knowing they struggled in the past would make them more approachable and relateable.
Anyway, that's just my humble opinion. You really are such an inspiration to me. You've worked so hard to get where you are, and that's very admirable :)
i haven't tried that watermelon flavor, but it does sound good! :) that honey crisp sandwich looks delicious, and certainly sounds like a great treat! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post! I had a Nutrition professor who told us that you are basically screwed either way: if you are overweight the client won't think you know what you are doing and if you are thin then they will think you have never struggled and don't know what it is like.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it all depends on what you end up doing...I think that really only applies for weight management counseling. Certainly if you are working in a hospital you will be dealing with a lot of other issues other than weight...
Those are my thoughts on the issue :)
Great question!
ReplyDeleteI think this question could definitely be argued by both sides.
As a dietitian who has very little true "food issues" (but, you know, we all have some!) - but I've never really struggled with an eating disorder.
I have, however, been on the verge of being 20 pounds over my ideal weight and I've learned what works for me when it comes to fitness and intuitive eating to maintain a healthy weight....
I think the bottom line is...
1. knowing the science
2. being trained in behavior modification
3. being authentic to your patients/clients (without giving too much information on your personal battles) - but sharing relavent personal issues with them- it seems to help.
I do think, especially if you work in weight management/wellness - it is important that the patient sees the dietitian authentically practicing what they preach. They aren't looking to us to be perfect - they're looking at us to show that healthy eating/exercise is a journey that isn't always easy every day, but is worth it!
I think that you'd have a unique persective that someone who never had an issues with food/eating would be able to offer. I also think that your interests would help you become more passionate about what you teach and learn. Above all, I think that all of us need to follow our guts about doing what we love! Our pasts are our pasts, and that's what shapes our future, ya know?
ReplyDeleteHey gorgeous! Just getting around to commenting on this post. By the way, i hope you are doing okay and have been sending positive thoughts in your direction! Whether a dietician battling with eating issues can still be a good and effective dietician...absolutely in my p.o.v. I think when we're young and idealistic we think that people in their professions or niches of study know everything and have reached a level of perfection in their field that grants them the authority to instruct others. This is both true and false and becomes especially obscure in the fields dealing with psychology. While I would expect my Russian lit professor to be an expert in his field, his personal life and experiences really don't play much of a role in how well he may instruct me. When it comes to a dietician, however, this is a subject that one may be fully expert in, fully accredited, etc., but still suffer from abnormal behaviors related to it. We all know there is a huge disjuncture between what we know is best and what we practice. You could very well be a practicing dietician who does very well in counseling her patients, but who still suffers from an eating disorder. just as you could be a practicing dietician who has never battled an eating disorder and not be very good at counseling her patients. I think if you have a passion for this, you will do exceedingly well at it. i think that that's what it comes down to.
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