Due to the pressure to be the best, meet a certain weight or achieve a certain level of body fat, athletes are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders. Whether or not an eating disorder develops is dependent on many things. However, a coach often plays a leading role in this process: in a way that can either encourage or discourage an eating disorder. Are you a coach concerned about creating a culture of restrictive eating and unsafe dieting practices? Being aware of this potential is an important first step. Here are some tips to prevent eating disorders in the athletes you work with every day.
1. First it is important to recognize that eating disorder behaviors are serious. The leading causes of death for people with eating disorders are cardiac arrest and suicide, so observing unsafe behaviors is not something to be ignored.
Showing posts with label eating disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eating disorder. Show all posts
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Olympic Dreams Help Cycler Conquer Eating Disorder
Please enjoy my intern Maggie's last blog - inspired by the Olympics!
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
In this second
week of competition, the 30th Olympiad has not lacked in exciting
match-ups and captivating competitions. The fiercest competitors have battled to the
finish line to make their country proud, and unlikely hopefuls have earned gold
metals. These athletes have undoubtedly touched our hearts with their tireless
effort and amazing spirit, making that extra mile on the treadmill a little
more bearable. We know these athletes
have endured hours of training to become both physically and mentally prepared.
What we many not know about are the obstacles that some athletes have had to
overcome in order to make it to London. Many athletes knew they were meant to
compete when they played a sport for the first time as a young child or when
they watched past Olympians on TV. However, not every competitor’s Olympic
aspirations has been a journey from childhood, for some it has been the
destination.
U.S. cyclist,
Dotsie Bausch’s road to London has been just that. For her cycling is more than
just a sport - it was been an outlet of hope that saved her from a life-threatening
battle with an eating disorder. During
her senior year of college, Dotsie began modeling in New York City. She found
herself turning to anorexia and bulimia to cope with the pressure to be thin.
Her 5-foot 9 frame shrunk from 139 pounds to a mere 90, and after a failed
suicide attempt, Dostie hit rock bottom. It wasn’t until her therapist
suggested she try cycling as a different way to channel her energy that she
began to break the cycle that nearly took her life. After her first ride she found not only a new
form of recovery but that she had an uncommon talent and an insatiable desire
to compete.
Four years later
and with her health and weight back on track, Dotsie was recruited by the U.S.
national team and went on to become a two-time Pam Am Championship gold medal
winner. And now, in her 12th year as a bike racer she can add silver
medalist to her list of achievements.
Along with her team of Sarah Hammer and Lauren Tammyo, the cyclists
competed in the 3-kilometer race, which lead to an amazing finish for team USA.
Achieving what
most of us can only dream of, Dotsie’s medal will undoubtedly serve as a symbol
of strength and personal healing for her and an inspiration to many others who
have battled eating disorders. Through her journey, Dotsie has visited Canada
and Ecuador to help develop centers that assist people with eating disorders. One
of her personal passions is to extend emotional support through motivational speaking
to men and women who struggle with anorexia and bulimia. For Dotsie and many other athletes, the sport in
which they compete is not just a competition to achieve international
greatness, but a celebration of their personal journey to the finish line. It is
truly amazing to witness Olympians’ unrelenting bravery and an inspiration to many.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Nutrition for Gold-Winning Gymnastics!
What an exciting day yesterday at the Olympics: A great performance by the swimmers capped with a gold medal win for the women's gymnastics team - the first since 1996! For a gymnast to progress to this level, it requires extensive training of up to 30 hrs per week, often consisting of two training sessions of 2-3 hrs per day. So how do these elite gymnasts keep their body's going day after day? A huge component is proper fueling and recovery with well-planned sports nutrition. Here are some tips for aspiring female gymnasts (and their parents)....
1. Eat regularly to get adequate energy and nutrients.
As female gymnasts progress in the sport, weight and body fat is often measured in order to make sure they are growing lean and strong. Unfortunately this practice often results in gymnasts consistently consuming diets low in energy, placing them at risk for inadequate intake of nutrients such as carbohydrate, calcium, and iron. Gymnasts should eat nutrient-rich meals and snacks at least every 2-3 hrs to meet their needs. High-saturated fat and high-sugar options should be considered occasional foods, as they lack essential vitamins and minerals needed for recovery.
2. Make snacks count.
With up to 6 hours of training daily, there isn't much time for snacking. That means snacks must be quick, easy, and travel well. In addition, choosing snacks rich in both carbohydrate and protein will assure proper recovery between training sessions, as well help meet the body's daily needs. A few great options include trail mix (dried fruit & nuts), fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, low-fat Greek yogurt, Kashi bars, Nature Valley bars, lean deli meat sandwiches, and string cheese with pretzels.
3. Mind your calcium.
Weight-bearing activity, daily calcium intake, menstrual status, and overall caloric intake all play a role in determining bone mineral development in female athletes. Dietary calcium intake plays a crucial role in the promotion of optimal bone mineral development. Female gymnasts should include calcium-rich foods at both meals and snacks. This includes all dairy-food sources as well as chickpeas, salmon, almonds, tofu, hummus, green leafy veggies, and fortified soy milk - to name a few.
4. Fluid matters.
While gymnasts typically do not have large fluid losses through sweat, fluid intake throughout training is still important. Even slight dehydration can affect focus, concentration, and technique. Sip consistently throughout the day and during practice to achieve lemonade-colored or lighter urine.
5. The pressures of appearance.
Due to the pressure to remain lean and the nature of the aesthetic judging of the sport, female gymnasts are one of the top groups of athletes considered at risk for developing an eating disorder. As gymnasts grow, it is important to have a multi-discplinary team committed to assuring gymnasts mature normally through adolescence. This should include a doctor and sports dietitian, as well as a therapist if needed - plus the gymnast's coach. All individuals need to be on the same page with respect to comments made or not made about gymnasts' appearance, weight, and eating habits.
Be Extraordinary!
RDKate
1. Eat regularly to get adequate energy and nutrients.
As female gymnasts progress in the sport, weight and body fat is often measured in order to make sure they are growing lean and strong. Unfortunately this practice often results in gymnasts consistently consuming diets low in energy, placing them at risk for inadequate intake of nutrients such as carbohydrate, calcium, and iron. Gymnasts should eat nutrient-rich meals and snacks at least every 2-3 hrs to meet their needs. High-saturated fat and high-sugar options should be considered occasional foods, as they lack essential vitamins and minerals needed for recovery.
2. Make snacks count.
With up to 6 hours of training daily, there isn't much time for snacking. That means snacks must be quick, easy, and travel well. In addition, choosing snacks rich in both carbohydrate and protein will assure proper recovery between training sessions, as well help meet the body's daily needs. A few great options include trail mix (dried fruit & nuts), fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, low-fat Greek yogurt, Kashi bars, Nature Valley bars, lean deli meat sandwiches, and string cheese with pretzels.
3. Mind your calcium.
Weight-bearing activity, daily calcium intake, menstrual status, and overall caloric intake all play a role in determining bone mineral development in female athletes. Dietary calcium intake plays a crucial role in the promotion of optimal bone mineral development. Female gymnasts should include calcium-rich foods at both meals and snacks. This includes all dairy-food sources as well as chickpeas, salmon, almonds, tofu, hummus, green leafy veggies, and fortified soy milk - to name a few.
4. Fluid matters.
While gymnasts typically do not have large fluid losses through sweat, fluid intake throughout training is still important. Even slight dehydration can affect focus, concentration, and technique. Sip consistently throughout the day and during practice to achieve lemonade-colored or lighter urine.
5. The pressures of appearance.
Due to the pressure to remain lean and the nature of the aesthetic judging of the sport, female gymnasts are one of the top groups of athletes considered at risk for developing an eating disorder. As gymnasts grow, it is important to have a multi-discplinary team committed to assuring gymnasts mature normally through adolescence. This should include a doctor and sports dietitian, as well as a therapist if needed - plus the gymnast's coach. All individuals need to be on the same page with respect to comments made or not made about gymnasts' appearance, weight, and eating habits.
Be Extraordinary!
RDKate
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Two Nutrition Groups Starting April 12th!
I wanted to take the opportunity this week to introduce two nutrition groups that will be starting Thursday, April 12th at my Lakeview office at The Awakening Center (northwest downtown Chicago). Should you be interested in participating, please contact me at (773) 929-6262 x 24 or email me at YourRDKate@gmail.com to learn more. Have a great week!
Mindful Eating: A Group for Meal Support, Thursdays 6-7:15pm
Eating regular and healthy meals can be very difficult for those who struggle with issues such as Anorexia, Bulimia, or Emotional Binge Eating. The Mindful Eating Group is a safe place to be with others who share similar struggles with food. The group provides a supportive accepting atmosphere to explore ways to cope with life’s stresses and traumas without resorting to abusing food, as well as ways to change one’s relationship with food.
Mindful Eating: A Group for Meal Support, Thursdays 6-7:15pm
Eating regular and healthy meals can be very difficult for those who struggle with issues such as Anorexia, Bulimia, or Emotional Binge Eating. The Mindful Eating Group is a safe place to be with others who share similar struggles with food. The group provides a supportive accepting atmosphere to explore ways to cope with life’s stresses and traumas without resorting to abusing food, as well as ways to change one’s relationship with food.
During the group, participants will learn to eat mindfully, increase awareness of bodily and emotional signals, become more present while eating, listen to the “underlying lesson” below every struggle, while also learning beneficial ways to cope with the stresses in everyday situations. Mindfulness exercises and group activities will be included along with sharing a meal together. Participants will also set their own goals and will progress at their own pace. They will bring their own food based on their goals and level of comfort.
Nutrition Counseling Group; Thursdays 7:30-8:45pm
This group is for individuals to struggle to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with food. In a safe and supportive environment, discuss your nutrition questions and concerns, begin to challenge your food thoughts, beliefs and fears, and gain an understanding of how to meet your nutrition needs each day.
Each meeting will have a specific focus, and members are encourage to ask questions and explore their feelings surrounding food and nourishing their bodies.
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
Thursday, March 1, 2012
The Role of the RD in Eating Disorder Treatment
February 26th-March 3rd is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. At least 13.5 million Americans meet criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. When polled, 4 out of 10 Americans state that they either currently have or know someone who has an eating disorder. As I mentioned in my blog a few weeks ago, eating disorders are particularly prominent within the world of sports - especially in those sports which place an emphasis on appearance and weight, such as gymnastics, wrestling, figure skating, dancing and diving.
The Registered Dietitian (RD) is often part of a multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment team, including doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists. Clients sometimes have the misconception that the only thing an RD will provide during treatment is a meal plan. However, the role of an RD in the treatment of eating disorders involves addressing much more. This role also includes discussing eating behaviors and beliefs in the context of the eating disorder. This is why working with an RD in addition to a therapist or doctor is so important.
Are you thinking about seeing an RD for disordered eating or eating disorder behavior? Here are a few topics you can expect an RD to address throughout the counseling process:
1. Adequacy: Is the amount of energy taken in during the day adequate to support daily activities - from taking a shower to visiting the gym?
2. Balance: Does intake include every food group in a sufficient amount?
3. Variety: Does intake cover every food in way that vitamin and mineral needs are being met?
4. Autonomy: Is intake based on personal preferences or the expectations of others?
5. Confidence: Is intake based on internal cues or a fixed schedule? Is there ever regret surrounding food choices made? Are daily activities chosen based on what type of food will be available?
6. Legalization: Are there foods that are believed to be "bad" or "good"? What would it take to decriminalize foods so they are no longer in these categories, but instead seen as "supportive to my recovery" or "fueling/energizing for my body"?
7. Affect: Are beliefs about food and nutrition affecting physical and mental health or medication needs?
8. Rules: What misconceptions, harmful rules, or harmful beliefs exist about food and eating?
9. Sensory: How well does the client experience the sensory side of eating - the tastes, smells, and sounds?
10. Support: What activities can be provided to assist with the recovery process, such as cooking classes, therapeutic meal classes, or grocery shopping trips?
As you can see, the RD does much more than serve as the "food police". The RD's role in treating eating disorders and disordered eating cannot by filled by any other discipline, as the RD is truly the expert. If you or someone you know is struggling, encourage them to have the courage to find help. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association's website for more information and resources.
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
Source: Setnick, J.ADA Pocket Guide to Eating Disorders.2011: p12,149-151.
The Registered Dietitian (RD) is often part of a multidisciplinary eating disorder treatment team, including doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists. Clients sometimes have the misconception that the only thing an RD will provide during treatment is a meal plan. However, the role of an RD in the treatment of eating disorders involves addressing much more. This role also includes discussing eating behaviors and beliefs in the context of the eating disorder. This is why working with an RD in addition to a therapist or doctor is so important.
Are you thinking about seeing an RD for disordered eating or eating disorder behavior? Here are a few topics you can expect an RD to address throughout the counseling process:
1. Adequacy: Is the amount of energy taken in during the day adequate to support daily activities - from taking a shower to visiting the gym?
2. Balance: Does intake include every food group in a sufficient amount?
3. Variety: Does intake cover every food in way that vitamin and mineral needs are being met?
4. Autonomy: Is intake based on personal preferences or the expectations of others?
5. Confidence: Is intake based on internal cues or a fixed schedule? Is there ever regret surrounding food choices made? Are daily activities chosen based on what type of food will be available?
6. Legalization: Are there foods that are believed to be "bad" or "good"? What would it take to decriminalize foods so they are no longer in these categories, but instead seen as "supportive to my recovery" or "fueling/energizing for my body"?
7. Affect: Are beliefs about food and nutrition affecting physical and mental health or medication needs?
8. Rules: What misconceptions, harmful rules, or harmful beliefs exist about food and eating?
9. Sensory: How well does the client experience the sensory side of eating - the tastes, smells, and sounds?
10. Support: What activities can be provided to assist with the recovery process, such as cooking classes, therapeutic meal classes, or grocery shopping trips?
As you can see, the RD does much more than serve as the "food police". The RD's role in treating eating disorders and disordered eating cannot by filled by any other discipline, as the RD is truly the expert. If you or someone you know is struggling, encourage them to have the courage to find help. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association's website for more information and resources.
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
Source: Setnick, J.ADA Pocket Guide to Eating Disorders.2011: p12,149-151.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Eating Disorder in Sport
I now have a second office located at The Awakening Center at 3523 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657-1137. At this location, I will be seeing a greater proportion of clients struggling with eating disorders. Eating disorders (ED) are a very real problem in the United States. Approximately 11 million Americans suffer from an ED and nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an ED. In fact, anorexia is the 3rd most common chronic illness among adolescents. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 men and women with ED receive treatment (1).
Eating disorders are particularly prominent within the world of sports - especially in those sports which place an emphasis on appearance and weight, such as gymanstics, wrestling, figure skating, dancing and diving. One Norwegian study found that 20% of female elite athletes and 9% of male elite athletes fit criteria for an eating disorder (2). Increased prevelance of ED in athletes is not too surprising, considering the fact that athletes possess similar psychological traits as those with eating disorders, such as perfectionism, high self-expectations, competitiveness, compulsiveness, drive, and body image distortion (3).
Because of these facts, I thought it fitting that I share with you my personal philosphy and approach when working with those suffering from ED (athlete or not). Becoming a Mindful Eater was posted in The Awakening Center blog. Please click on the link to view the article.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder and you live in the Chicago area, I encourage you set up an appointment with myself and/or a therapist at The Awakening Center by calling (773) 929-6262. My extension is 24.
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
1. Eating Disorders Coalition. Facts About Eating Disorders: What the Research Shows
2. Sungot-Borgen, J. Torstveit, M.K. (2004) Prevalence of ED in Elite Athletes is Higher than in the General Population. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 14(1), 25-32.
3. Bachner-Melman, R., Zohar, A, Ebstein, R, et.al. 2006. How Anorexic-like are the Symptom and Personality Profiles of Aesthetic Athletes? Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 38 No 4. 628-636
Eating disorders are particularly prominent within the world of sports - especially in those sports which place an emphasis on appearance and weight, such as gymanstics, wrestling, figure skating, dancing and diving. One Norwegian study found that 20% of female elite athletes and 9% of male elite athletes fit criteria for an eating disorder (2). Increased prevelance of ED in athletes is not too surprising, considering the fact that athletes possess similar psychological traits as those with eating disorders, such as perfectionism, high self-expectations, competitiveness, compulsiveness, drive, and body image distortion (3).
Because of these facts, I thought it fitting that I share with you my personal philosphy and approach when working with those suffering from ED (athlete or not). Becoming a Mindful Eater was posted in The Awakening Center blog. Please click on the link to view the article.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder and you live in the Chicago area, I encourage you set up an appointment with myself and/or a therapist at The Awakening Center by calling (773) 929-6262. My extension is 24.
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
1. Eating Disorders Coalition. Facts About Eating Disorders: What the Research Shows
2. Sungot-Borgen, J. Torstveit, M.K. (2004) Prevalence of ED in Elite Athletes is Higher than in the General Population. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 14(1), 25-32.
3. Bachner-Melman, R., Zohar, A, Ebstein, R, et.al. 2006. How Anorexic-like are the Symptom and Personality Profiles of Aesthetic Athletes? Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 38 No 4. 628-636
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