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Unfortunately, there are still many myths about eating disorders in our society — everything from eating disorders are a choice to eating disorders only affect women. In addition to the plethora of misconceptions, there’s also problems with insurance coverage (i.e., the lack thereof). And many individuals with eating disorders and their loved ones don’t know where to find treatment or what treatment even entails.

Fortunately, though, there are many, many incredible people advocating for eating disorder awareness and services on every level, whether they’re at universities conducting research, at Washington lobbying for education, resources and insurance coverage, or at home writing and sharing their stories online.

And whether you’ve struggled and recovered from an eating disorder or you’ve never had an ED, you can make a difference, too.

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A poor body image has a way of making you forget about the amazing moments in life, both big and small. It has a way of either helping you ignore them or stomping on them altogether. It has a way of making a positive occasion into a negative one. A compliment into an insult.

Instead of focusing on the beauty of a bouquet of flowers, you’re focused on the shape of your thighs. Instead of enjoying chatting with your friends, you’re conscious about the number of calories you’ve consumed.

Instead of enjoying a soothing walk and the stunning surroundings, you’re zeroed in on the mileage you’re making. Instead of getting excited about a beautiful occasion, you’re miserable in the fitting room, trying on your 10th outfit.

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About a year ago, I was looking for a therapist who specializes in eating disorders for a friend. I researched several professionals online and decided to call each office to speak with them over the phone. I called one office, and like I had with the others, asked the receptionist to speak with the psychologist. I explained that I had a few questions about her treatment practices and would take up several minutes of her time.

The receptionist’s answer? No. I was a bit taken back, so I repeated myself. But, according to the receptionist, the psychologist never speaks over the phone. That’s her policy, and that was that.

I was so turned off by this person and her policy that I’m still irritated. (Within seconds, I crossed her off the list.) Interestingly, the other therapists I contacted were happy to answer my questions and speak with me about their treatment methods.

Maybe you’ve had a similar experience. Or maybe you’re looking for a therapist and have no clue where to start. Or what a good therapist even looks like.

Every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit that helps boost your body image, whether directly or indirectly — and hopefully kick-starts the week on a positive note!

Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!

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Last Friday, we talked about how magnificent our bodies truly are. These facts came from Glenn Schiraldi’s book 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem. As he writes, “The way we experience our body typically corresponds to the way we experience our core selves.”

While we’re preoccupied with how our bodies look and spend valuable time bashing their inability to lose weight, their cellulite or stretch marks, we forget their true magnificence.

We forget not only what our bodies do for us, but what they are and the fantastic functions they perform every single second, minute, hour and day.

Remembering just how amazing our bodies are isn’t only important for improving body image; it’s important for self-image as a whole.

As Glenn Schiraldi, Ph.D, writes in his book, 10 Simple Solutions for Building Self-Esteem, “The way we experience our body typically corresponds to the way we experience our core selves. If we reject our bodies overall because of particular perceived flaws, we are also likely to condemn our core selves for some present imperfections.”

But we can learn to appreciate our bodies. And this can help us, according to Schiraldi, “to a adopt a more accepting attitude toward our inner selves.”

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Yesterday, Julie Norman, a registered dietician, yoga instructor and Health At Every Size Supporter, talked about how women can heal their body image and food issues.

Today, in part two of our interview, Norman offers insight into the biggest nutrition myths, how to eat mindfully and why yoga helps to heal a negative body image. She also lists some of her favorite yoga resources. (By the way, I’d like to add Anna’s Curvy Yoga to the list. She’s amazing!)

Check out Norman’s website to learn more about the great work she’s doing.

Weeks ago, I was browsing the excellent More of Me to Love blog and came across Julie Norman. As soon as I read her website, I knew that I had to interview her for Weightless.

Norman is a registered dietician, yoga teacher and Health At Every Size supporter. She helps women heal both their body image insecurities and negative relationships with food.

Below, Norman discusses how readers can improve how they experience their bodies, make peace with food and interpret nutritional info.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two!

Every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit that helps boost your body image, whether directly or indirectly — and hopefully kick-starts the week on a positive note!

Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!

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Do you ever think that you have several different bodies? The one you’re in right now, and then your real body, the one that’s leaner, more muscular, has better skin?

Last week freelance writer and blogger Kate, who blogs at “Eat the Damn Cake,” wrote a brilliant post about these several bodies. Your real body, she writes:

… might be from the past or the future. It’s mysterious, but thoroughly detailed. The real body gets obscured by the obnoxious, floppy, hungry, unflattering  current one. The real body is like a place you really, really want to go. Where life makes more sense. Where it’s sunnier and you can wear a bathing suit without even thinking about it.

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Whenever I tell someone that diets don’t work, they follow up with, “OK, but then what does?” or “What should we eat?”

We’re so used to the idea of dieting that we yearn for rules, for barriers, for restrictions to keep us eating “right.” And when we don’t have any regulations, we get confused, uncomfortable and maybe even disappointed.

Years ago, I remember sitting with my furrowed brows, thinking, “So I can eat whatever I want? Really?” What do I do with that information? And, wait a minute, how do I keep myself in line?

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I haven’t worked out in weeks. I was hit with the flu and a few bad headaches, then the holidays happened and I went to NYC, and then my boyfriend got really sick. Yesterday morning was the first time that I’d gone to my Pilates class.

It was tough to go back. For days I contemplated going. Every morning I’d set my alarm. Then I’d inevitably ruminate about how excruciatingly hard each exercise will be since I was absent for so long. How exhausted I’ll be all day. How upset I’ll be getting into my already tighter workout gear.

And then yesterday, I finally went. I pushed aside my negative thoughts, and made it to the class. I was sick of feeling uneasy, sluggish and stressed.

Before the class, I was tired. I was grumpy. I was dragging my feet.