As someone who has struggled with food sensitivities, intolerances and a funky food relationship, I know firsthand the impact these can have on our bodies. Certain foods that I was sensitive or intolerant to would cause gut inflammation and dysregulation in my nervous system and hormones.
These effects were not only uncomfortable, but also affected my overall health and well-being. It’s frustrating to hear people preach about “All Foods Fit” and “Body Positivity” without acknowledging the impact that food can have on us.
It’s important to remember that every body is different, and what might work for one person may not work for another.
By listening to our bodies and understanding our unique needs, we can make informed choices about the foods we eat and find a balance that works for us.
Healthy at Every Size (HAES)
The Healthy at Every Size (HAES) movement was created to combat the damaging effects of society’s unrealistic beauty standards by promoting body acceptance and health regardless of weight or size.
While this is a noble goal, it can be argued that the HAES movement has done more harm than good for women. By ignoring their bodies’ communication about health risks and focusing only on size acceptance, the HAES movement could actually be putting women in danger.
The Connection Between Nervous System Regulation and Women’s Health
It is essential to acknowledge that many women’s health issues are not caused by the food they eat but by the “state” of their nervous system regulation.
Stress, trauma, anxiety, and other factors can cause a dysregulated nervous system, leading to physical and mental health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety disorders.
The HAES movement’s focus on body size and shape may overlook the importance of addressing underlying nervous system dysregulation and the need to prioritize mental health.
Individual Differences and Potential Risks
While the HAES movement may be empowering for some women, it may not be suitable for everyone. All bodies are unique, and while some people may be healthy at a higher weight, others may face significant health risks.
Disregarding individual differences and promoting the idea that health is achievable at any body size may lead women to ignore the specific health risks they face.
This may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Disordered Eating Habits
The HAES movement may also promote disordered eating habits, such as binge-eating and emotional eating, as a way to accept and love oneself.
The intuitive eating approach encourages individuals to eat what their body craves, but this approach may not be a healthy choice for those with emotional eating patterns.
Moreover, the movement’s emphasis on body positivity may cause some individuals to conflate self-love with overindulging in unhealthy foods, leading to weight gain and an unhealthy relationship with food.
The Healthy at Every Size movement has good intentions, but it may not be the panacea for women’s health and well-being issues. It is essential to acknowledge that all bodies are unique, and while body positivity is crucial, it should not come at the expense of health.
Disregarding individual differences, potential health risks, and promoting disordered eating habits may have unintended negative consequences for women’s (and men’s) health. It is crucial to prioritize both mental and physical health while promoting body positivity and self-love.
