Christine McPhail MSc RD
301 Metcalfe St K2P 1R9 Ottawa, ON, Canada

Image Reads: Eating disorders can give you a sense of control but remember it is a false sense of control. It is a false sense of control because the eating disorder in its demands actually controls you. We know this to be true, when we try to challenge an eating disorder rule or reduce a behaviour and we feel more anxious or upset. An eating disorder serves as a coping mechanism and so when we challenge it, we often feel worse before we feel better. ... You can take a step towards recovery and that is a step towards having your autonomy back. Just remember you may need to add to your coping mechanisms as well. Note: eating disorder treatment funding is limited and there are many systemic factors that make seeking more support difficult for many. #dietitiansofinstagram #edrecovery #haesprovider #ottawa #ottawacommunity #ottawahealth #ottawafood

Image Reads: Repeat after me: You never need to earn food. Nourishment is a basic need. A lot of people perpetuate the idea that food needs to be earned, when in fact food and nourishment are basic needs for survival! We need food everyday, multiple times a day, regardless of what we ate yesterday, how much we have or haven't moved etc.... The concept of earning food implies that there are times when it is OK to eat certain foods and other times, where we should feel guilty. This is a futile and vicious cycle to be in with our minds and food. You deserve to eat without ever feeling guilty for doing so #dietitiansofinstagram #haesprovider #ottawa #recovery #dietculturerebel #edrecovery #allfoodsfit

Image reads: Recovery Tip: It is OK to use distraction techniques during a meal. Mindful eating may actually cause more distress. If you are in recovery and you find meals to be stressful or anxiety provoking, please know that is OK to distract yourself to get through it! You are doing the hard work of nourishing yourself, while being berated for doing so by your eating disorder. Eating can be the hardest thing mentally and even physically in recovery and you have to do i...t multiple times a day. That IS hard! Using distraction like watching a fun TV show, listening to a podcast, or even just having a friendly (no food or body talk) conversation can make eating a meal or snack a little bit easier on you. In time, you won't feel as overwhelmed and you may be able to be more present when eating but in the meantime, you need to eat and you can do what you need to do to feel more comfortable. #edrecovery #dietitiansofinstagram #haesprovider #recovery #ottawa