Connected Eating

Eating disorders are not something to ignore 🧠 They have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, and symptoms tend to deepen over time. You don’t need to look a certain way or wait until symptoms feel "severe enough" to get help. This is a neurobiological disease — thoughts and behaviours become more entrenched the longer you wait. Early intervention can make a real difference. If you or someone you know is experiencing food preoccupation or intrusive thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. Every step toward recovery matters 💚 #EatingDisorderAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #EarlyIntervention

Fuel your body with a tropical twist! 🌿🍍 This refreshing bowl of Greek yogurt topped with sweet pineapple and tangy passion fruit is packed with protein, vitamins, and flavour. The perfect balance of creamy, juicy, and tart makes for a delicious and nourishing snack 💛 A great way to get a dose of fiber, vitamin C, and probiotics! What’s your favourite yogurt topping? #GreekYogurt #NourishYourBody #FruitBowl

Halloween can be a fun time, but it can also bring up body image and costume pressures for many. This is our reminder that you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear. Costumes are meant to be fun, not a source of stress 👻 Here are a few self-care tips to help you focus on you this Halloween: 🎃Choose Comfort Over “Perfection”: Pick a costume that feels good to wear and lets you enjoy the moment, rather than trying to meet unrealistic ideals or feel pressured to look “perfect.” 🎃Practise Positive Self-Talk: Replace critical thoughts with kind affirmations, reminding yourself that you are enough just as you are and that Halloween is about fun, not appearance. 🎃Limit Social Media Comparisons: Avoid spending too much time scrolling through photos that may trigger self-doubt; focus on your own experience instead of comparing yourself to others online. 🎃Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to events or conversations that make you feel uncomfortable. Protect your mental well-being by setting limits where needed. 🎃Take Time for Self-Compassion: If you’re struggling, allow yourself a moment to acknowledge those feelings without judgement. Treat yourself with the kindness you’d show a friend. Remember, comparison only steals joy — be kind to yourself and embrace the spirit of the season on your terms 🧡 #Halloween #BodyPositivity #EDRecovery

🎃👻 Spooky cookie time! These Halloween sugar cookies are delicious and a perfect family activity. Get everyone involved in decorating with bright colours and fun shapes — it’s a great way to celebrate the season together! 🖌️🍪 We used a sugar cookie recipe from Nora Cooks, and the easy icing adds a shiny touch to each ghost, pumpkin, and bat. Kids (and adults) love getting creative with these! 🎨💀 Happy baking! 🕸️✨ Sugar Cookies 3/4 cup vegan butter, slightly softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk soy, almond or oat milk 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional, but good 2-2 1/4 cups all purpose flour, divided 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Easy Icing 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (can omit, but it makes the icing very shiny) 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk #HalloweenCookies #FamilyFun #SpookyTreats #Baking #CookieDecorating #HalloweenBaking #NoraCooks #HalloweenRecipes #GetInTheSpirit

Recovery from an eating disorder is a deeply personal journey, and no two paths are the same. Full recovery can mean freedom from food guilt, body image worries, and restrictive behaviours, while partial recovery may still involve lingering challenges. Recovery is not linear — there will be ups and downs along the way, and that's okay. Progress may come with setbacks, but each step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward healing. Recovery is about so much more than just weight restoration, regulating eating or medical stability— it's about achieving mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you’re feeling stuck in partial recovery, know that it's not your fault, and further progress is possible with the right support. Reach out to a healthcare provider or support network to continue your journey toward full recovery 💚 What's fully recovered to you? #EDRecovery #EatingDisorderAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible

There’s nothing better than a cozy slice of banana bread for the fall! 🍂🍌 This quick and easy recipe is a perfect way to use up ripe bananas, but if you’re in the mood for something extra seasonal, you can swap them out for pumpkin! 🎃 Both options make for a moist, delicious treat that’s perfect for dessert (or breakfast!). Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, while pumpkin is loaded with vitamins A and C and is great for your immune system 💪 So go ahead, bake a loaf and enjoy the best of fall flavours! 🍞✨ 2 tablespoons ground flax or ground chia 5 tablespoons warm water ½ cup butter, (at room temperature) ¾ cup white sugar 1 ⅓ cups (11 oz/ 312 g) mashed very ripe banana, (from about 3 medium bananas) ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup chocolate chips #BananaBread #BakingFromScratch #EasyRecipes

Food insecurity and the rising cost of living are now systemic risk factors for eating disorders in Canada. With 30% of Canadians cutting back on food due to high living costs, and many relying on bill-sharing strategies to get by, financial pressure is impacting health across the country. 🔹 Nearly 3 in 10 Canadians are eating less to save money 🔹 Cohabitation, carpooling, and shared expenses are becoming essential for many 🔹 Younger Canadians and those in British Columbia and Alberta are most affected Food insecurity can be especially challenging for those at risk of or in recovery from disordered eating, where restricted access to food can reinforce harmful behaviours. As these economic realities become widespread, understanding the link between food security and eating disorders is crucial. Let's work together to address the underlying issues. 💚 #FoodInsecurity #EatingDisorderAwareness #CostOfLiving

Trying a new food can be a journey; take it one step at a time! 🌱  Expecting yourself or others who are fearful of food to “just taste” it is often unrealistic. This lack of attunement from caregivers can lead to frustration, failure, further avoidance and feeling misunderstood. The SOS steps to introducing new foods starts at tolerating being in the same room or table as a food. It progresses slowly from there. Trauma-informed care in ARFID treatment ensures that clients have challenges but are not overwhelmed. In order to tolerate the distress, one has to be in the window of tolerance. If eating a feared food is too difficult, start on step one and progress from there…. Here are six steps to help you feel more comfortable around unfamiliar foods: 1️⃣ Tolerate its presence 2️⃣ Interact with it on your plate 3️⃣ Smell it  4️⃣ Touch it 5️⃣ Taste a small bite 6️⃣ Enjoy! Exploring new foods can open doors to a more flexible, enjoyable relationship with eating 🌟 Give it a go and see how each step feels for you! 🍽️ #MindfulEating #FoodExploration #NewFoods

Happy Thanksgiving! Pumpkin pie season is here, and while enjoying holiday treats, it’s helpful to remember balance. Food-centered holidays can be tricky. If you’re feeling stressed about holiday meals, know that honouring your body’s needs is always the goal. You deserve to enjoy the season with comfort and self-compassion 🍁✨ #PumpkinSeason #Thanksgiving #FallVibes

Weight stigma is socially more acceptable, severe, and in some cases more prevalent than racism, sexism, and other forms of bias. This stigma can lead to inequality in healthcare, affecting treatment quality and outcomes. Weight is rarely an indicator of health. Blood work, physical symptoms, and patient well-being offer far more insight. Use this "Don't Weigh Me" card to advocate for your needs during medical appointments, ensuring respectful, informed care. 💚 #SelfAdvocacy #WeightStigma #BodyPositivity