Navigating Food and Body Talk: The Impact on Mental Health
For many, the holiday season brings a whirlwind of festivities, but for others, it can be a particularly challenging time. Conversations around food and body image, often amplified during gatherings and celebrations, can be deeply triggering for individuals struggling with their relationship with food and their bodies.
Auckland dietitian Amy Judd, with expertise in eating disorders, emphasizes that this period can be especially tough. “I think it’s important to remember that you don’t need a diagnosis to feel triggered by food and body talk,” she explains.
Judd, who works in both public and private practices, encounters individuals across the spectrum, from fussy eaters to those with severe eating disorders. While recognizing the importance of supporting those with diagnosed conditions, she stresses that the struggles of those without diagnoses are equally valid and deserve attention.
“I think the majority of people out there don’t meet criteria for full-blown eating disorders, but it doesn’t mean that their struggles are any less severe,” Judd says. These struggles include distorted body image or disordered eating, marked by restrictive, compulsive, or irregular eating. Judd identifies these issues as “very prevalent” in Aotearoa.
Finding Support in Shared Experience: Hannah’s Journey with “Bod Almighty”
For Hannah Tunnicliffe, a writer and co-host of the podcast “Bod Almighty,” the experience is deeply personal. Tunnicliffe wrestled with bulimia for several years, but after achieving physical recovery, she found herself facing a dearth of support for the lingering mental and emotional challenges.
“I had stopped engaging in disordered eating behaviours but all the mental landmines were still very active,” she shares. After reaching out to various ED therapists and associations in New Zealand, the disheartening reality became clear: her case wasn’t perceived as severe enough to warrant resources and support.
“After contacting various ED therapists and associations in New Zealand it was clear that my case was not dire enough to access resources and support,” she says. Driven by this experience, she co-created “Bod Almighty,” a podcast dedicated to fostering body confidence and cultivating peaceful relationships with food.
Pudding-
Tunnicliffe’s story highlights a critical gap in support systems. For many, the journey to recovery from eating disorders and body image issues extends far beyond physical well-being. There’s an urgent need for acknowledgement and resources that address the long-term mental and emotional consequences.
How can individuals set healthy boundaries with loved ones to avoid triggering conversations about food and body image during the holidays?
## Navigating Food and Body Talk this Holiday Season: An Interview with Amy Judd
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. The holidays are in full swing, which for many means delicious food, joyful gatherings, and likely, conversations about food and bodies. But as we know, these conversations can be anything but joyous for some. Today, we’re joined by Auckland dietitian Amy Judd, who specializes in eating disorders, to talk about how to navigate these tricky situations and protect our mental health. Amy, welcome to the show.
**Amy Judd:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So, Amy, you mentioned that this time of year can be especially challenging for those struggling with their relationship with food and body image. Why is that?
**Amy Judd:** The holidays often center around food and indulgence. While that’s great for some, it can be incredibly triggering for others. We’re bombarded with messages about what we “should” be eating, how we “should” look, and what constitutes a “healthy” holiday, which can be incredibly stressful.
**Host:** Absolutely. And you emphasized that it doesn’t necessarily take a diagnosed eating disorder to feel affected by this.
**Amy Judd:** Exactly. Even without a diagnosis, comments about weight, appearance, or food choices can be deeply hurtful. It’s important to remember that everyone’s relationship with food is unique and valid.
**Host:** That’s a key point. What are some tips you would give to people who are feeling stressed or triggered by these conversations?
**Amy Judd:** Firstly, don’t feel obligated to engage in conversations that make you uncomfortable. It’s perfectly okay to excuse yourself or change the subject. Secondly, prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. And lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.
**Host:** Great advice, Amy. What about for those well-meaning family and friends who might not realise the impact of their words?
**Amy Judd:** It’s often helpful to gently educate them. Explain how their comments make you feel, and ask them to be mindful of their language. Remember, it’s not about being overly sensitive but about setting healthy boundaries and protecting your mental wellbeing.
**Host:** This has been incredibly insightful, Amy. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
**Amy Judd:** My pleasure. Remember, the holidays are about connection and joy, not stress and pressure. Let’s focus on making them enjoyable for everyone.
