My Personal Dietitian

03/08/2023

11/02/2023

Back to basics: an introduction to continuous glucose monitoring & time in range for the generalist

10/02/2023

10/02/2023

19/01/2023

15/12/2022

Little ears are listening. Little eyes are watching. If we are serious about interrupting the trans-generational impact of diet culture (which includes putting the brakes on appearance-related conversations) then let's start local. It's completely understandable that we greet people starting with their appearance - we mean well & this is how we've been socialised. AND we can't ignore that it sends strong messages to younger people about "how to greet people." Do we see younger kids doing it? Nope. And let's leave it like that as long as possible.

What to do/say instead:
There are a million other more interesting and kind ways to greet & speak with people that have nothing to do with appearance. One question I am often asked if when others - sometimes grandparents or families-in-law - comment on us, or our child's appearance. Comparisons are often the worst, particularly from sibling to sibling, or cousin to cousin (my clients tell me ALL THE TIME that this deeply impacted them as children so please try not to do this). If it's your in-laws, you might think about putting your partner to work in having the conversation with their family, awkward as that may be. Asking people ahead of time stops those heart-in-the-mouth moments where we might find ourselves either been too syrupy-sweet or a little too harsh. And let's just start with ourselves. Notice the urge to comment - on yourself or others. And either spread the shush, or consider what else to say....

And as for food? Please can we just enjoy it, and make our own choices rather than labelling it. Someone at the table will thank you.

13/11/2021

Today on we highlight the importance of being kind and caring towards oneself. We often hear from those living with an eating disorder that it can be difficult to offer oneself compassion.

We often do not offer ourselves the same level of compassion we would a friend or family member. We want to remind you that to be kind and care for oneself is one of the hardest things you can do. How might it feel to take some time for yourself today?

Our body image website links to self compassion resources here: https://www.bodywhysbodyimage.ie/resources/4useful-links-and-resources

20/10/2021

I was asked to answer a few questions for the local Press and Journal newspaper on the topic of “protein”. Please see a link to the website below.

Find yourself reaching for protein shakes to improve your performance and recovery after a workout? But what if you found out all you really need is a

13/09/2021

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9982679/Bridget-Malcolm-says-Victorias-Secret-exploitative-quest-super-skinny.html

Describing the pressure she felt to lose weight, the 29-year-old recalled a time when she was so malnourished it took her '10 minutes to climb a flight of stairs'

27/08/2021

I adore my colleagues & friends in mental health. I know it often comes as a surprise when I tell you that for years now in the eating disorders space, Dietitians have been sidelined, notably in "evidence-based treatment (EBT) models" in favour of single-therapist models that has led us to feel obsolete, unwelcome & an "optional add-on." Those of you who value our input and work in true multi-disciplinary care team (MDT) style are shocked at how this has come to be. And that is a long story to investigate another time.....

So my question is - if you are not including a Dietitian, particularly an ED-specific specialist Dietitian - in your care team where a bulk of the behaviours show up in the form of food and eating, then why is this? What is it that you understand that we do, and don't do? I want to be clear that I'm less interested in discussing EBT model outcomes (which are not awesome) than I am about discussing the impact on Dietitians, GP's and other very valuable members of the MDT when we are sidelined from care, or when Dietitians are brought on board only in *particular* circumstances. We have a huge set of valuable skills to offer the team, including a core skill set in food and eating-related behaviour change, & for more seasoned practitioners, a TON more.

What I'm asking:
💥Please advocate for us with your colleagues, especially in EBT models. Why we are sidelined leaves me totally confused, & honestly, as a collective, it's really hurtful. We deserve better.
💥 Please include us in your communications
💥 Get to know the Dietitians you are working with, ask lots of questions!
💥 ED Dietitians are - usually - very psychologically oriented and VERY keen to learn. Including us in conversations and treatment planning is a valuable way we can divide up the tasks. You don't have to do it all!

Yes, we have been feeling like this for a while but here's the funny thing about being excluded, it's harder to use your voice.