Jumpstart Your Healthy Weight Loss Journey!
Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which begins the last week of February each year, is an important event to recognize and spread awareness about the dangers of eating disorders. While diet and exercise are two important components to maintaining a healthy weight, it can be hard for those struggling with an eating disorder to properly nourish their bodies in a safe way.
With Soza Weight Loss, individuals can achieve their health goals without turning to unhealthy habits like bingeing, purging, or restrictive dieting. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). If you struggle with any of these disorders, we can help you achieve your goals in a way that is healthy and not triggering.
To learn more about how our team can help you safely reach your weight loss goals, contact Soza Weight Loss at (504) 475-9817 today.
Knowing the Signs of Eating Disorders
Millions of Americans struggle with eating disorders each year, including children, adolescents, and adults. In fact, 1 in 10 people will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives. The first step in recognizing an eating disorder in yourself or a loved one is knowing what signs and symptoms to look for.
Common signs of eating disorders may include, but are not limited to:
- Binge eating
- Over-exercising
- Restricting caloric intake
- Purging (inducing vomiting/taking laxatives)
- Body dysphoria (seeing oneself in ways that are untrue)
- Phobias regarding one’s weight
- Compulsively checking nutrition labels
- Restricting or refusing to eat certain food groups
- Sudden, significant weight loss
- Recurrent fluctuations in weight
- Making excuses to avoid meals
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Fainting due to lack of sustenance
- Refusing to eat with others around
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
The goal of Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to make sure everyone affected by an eating disorder has access to the tools needed to heal. It’s also a way to illustrate the prevalence of eating disorders and reduce stigmas associated with them.
By raising awareness of potential causes and effects of eating disorders, and inspiring people to take action and live healthier lifestyles, together, we can help reduce the number of individuals struggling with these types of disorders. That’s why Soza Weight Loss is dedicated to helping those looking to lose weight by providing specialized healthy living programs.
Making a commitment to healthy living is essential for achieving long-term weight loss success. This means forming healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and eating well-balanced meals. Sticking to a balanced diet includes adding more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your daily meals, while avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks.
Exercise is just as important in helping maintain your weight loss goals. Incorporating 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day can help improve your overall health and wellness. Other tips such as managing stress with relaxation methods or seeking support from family and friends can also help you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Our team is here to help you recognize what lifestyle changes you may need to make to reach your goals in a safe and healthy way.
Start your journey toward better health with the following tips:
- Track what you eat to get an idea of where you currently stand with your eating habits.
- Set realistic goals that are achievable in the short-term and gradually increase them as you gain confidence in your abilities.
- Identify meals and activities that you enjoy and make time for them as part of your daily routine.
- Incorporate healthy snacks into your diet.
- Seek support from people who encourage you and understand your needs.
Nutrition & Weight Loss
Many people who struggle with eating disorders are deficient of several nutritional elements. Nutrition is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle, and eating a balanced diet that consists of the right proportions of macronutrients and micronutrients can help provide energy and give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Getting enough nutrition can also help support physical activity, metabolic performance, and growth.
Adequate nutrition helps reduce your risk for disease and increases your life expectancy. Eating various nutritious foods will ensure that you are receiving all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health, and help you reach any fitness goals that you set for yourself. Making sure to consume adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water is key for maintaining proper nutrition.
Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a great way to promote healthy eating habits. It involves being aware of your body’s physical cues and emotional needs that drive food-related decisions.
Here are some tips to help you incorporate mindful eating into your lifestyle:
- Practice eating slowly – Take time to savor each bite, allowing yourself to fully enjoy the experience and nourish your body.
- Pay attention to hunger signals – Eat when you feel moderately hungry, stopping when you feel full or satisfied.
- Notice how food makes you feel – Observe any cravings or emotional responses that may be related to a certain food item and why it does or does not appeal to you.
- Utilize distraction-free dining – Eliminate distractions (like phones and TV) while eating so you can fully focus on the meal and be present.
- Choose nutritious options – Select healthy foods that will help provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.
- Be mindful of portion sizes – Appropriate portions are important for helping with weight management goals and avoiding overeating, as well as consuming too few nutrients.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone. To learn how you can manage your weight in a safe and healthy way, contact our team at (504) 475-9817 today. We’re here to help you live healthy.