Body Image Part 2

Best Wishes to You... Warmest Regards

Note:  If you haven’t read Body Image part 1, I encourage you to quickly read that article first… this article will make so much more sense!  

Some individuals are surprised to learn that I have struggled personally with body image issues myself.  Registered Dietitians are not immune to this challenge.  As I have repaired my own body image issues, I have enjoyed assisting clients work on body image and will participate in some of the activities with the clients so they don’t have to go at it alone.  One of my favorite activities to have clients complete is writing letters to a body part that they struggle with and then have the body part respond.  I have the client read the letters in session, and I will share my letters as well.  The purpose of this activity is to help the clients identify how harshly they are criticizing themselves and also identify something that they may appreciate about that specific body part.  To demonstrate, I am sharing my body part letters below.  I feel the need to preface this activity by saying that I am 5’0” and have struggled with my height my entire life.  I don’t remember a day in my teenage years where my stature was not remarked on in some way and comments have continued into my adulthood.  Although I have come to terms with my genetic blueprint for my height, there are days or moments that I can struggle and have to use healthy coping strategies to develop more positive thoughts.  Writing these letters really did help me dive deeper into my own thoughts and appreciations and helped process what was going through my own mind.  I hope you enjoy this example.

Dear Legs,

I’m writing to express my complete and utter disappointment in you.  You have caused me so much pain and embarrassment throughout my life.  When I look in the mirror and my eyes focus in on you, I can’t help but think about how much I hate you for so many reasons.  

1. You are so short.  Do you understand what it is like to never be able to reach things in my own kitchen or the top shelf at the grocery store?  It is ridiculous that I have to climb on the grocery store shelves to reach the top shelf.
2. You are the reason I can never find pants that fit just right… everything too long.
3. When I was young, everyone teased me because you just wouldn’t grow.  You are the reason I can never feel comfortable in pictures, always required to stand front and center, another highlight of just how short I am.
4. I have never been able to play sports that I love because I’m just not tall enough.  Even a coach agreed saying “Not my fault God made Amber short.”  I blame you legs!
5. You have NEVER had a thigh gap.  How DARE you do that to me. 

My life would be so much better if you would just be the way I want you to be.  Why can’t you be like all the other normal legs?

Best wishes to you,

Amber

Dear Amber,

Wow!  I know that you often give me disgruntled looks, but I guess I never understood how much I disgust you.  After all, I’m just like your Grandma’s legs so I assumed since you loved her, you loved me too.  It pains me to think how much you hate me after all that I have done for you.

1. I may not make you tall, but I do make you unique and if others fault you for that, it is more of a reflection of their character than of your appearance.  You should tell them:  “Hard Stop, Maureen!  Move along, find something else to talk about!”
2. I may not make you a great athlete, but I am functional, and I do provide you the ability to perform one of your favorite activities… running.  Running is your stress reliever.  Without me, where would you be?  Likely a big ball of anxiety.
3. Ok, I’m not sure what a thigh gap even is or who made up that term but it is completely ridiculous and not normal.  I am strong and well nourished and don’t want to be weak and gappy.  If you want to enjoy life, maybe it is better not to have a stupid thigh gap.  
4. “Normal”--not sure what that means or how it is measured, but I do know that normal is completely overrated. 
5. My functionality makes your life easier.  Frankly, I think you take me for granted everyday and I am saddened and disappointed in YOU for overlooking all of my unique and positive characteristics.  

I’m glad that we have gotten all of this out in the open so that maybe we can start healing our relationship.  I’ll keep doing my best for you and if you could just appreciate me even just a little bit, we’d both be so much happier.  

Warmest Regards, 

Legs

There are many other activities that we can do to promote a healthier body image and therapists and dietitians at Unbound Recovery enjoy working with clients on body positivity.  At Unbound Recovery, we have immediate openings for outpatient nutrition counseling services and therapy services. We specialize in working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders, disordered eating patterns, body image concerns, chronic dieting, self-esteem concerns, and more. Call us today at 785-510-3008 or email us at info@unboundmhk.com to get started. Currently, we are accepting new clients at both our Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS Locations!

References:

Marci Evans, MS, CED-S, LDN; Nutrition Counseling for Food and Body Image Healing; website:  Marci RD Nutrition | Food and Body Image Healers™

About the Author:

Amber Howells, PhD, RDN, LD
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Unbound Recovery in Manhattan, KS, Dr. Amber Howells enjoys working with individuals to restore their relationship with food, while helping them achieve overall health and wellness goals. She is a Kansas native and resides in Manhattan, KS with her husband and five children.