The other morning during my walk, I unexpectedly came across a roadblock. "What the heck?" I thought to myself. After a moment of staring at the barrier, I turned around and chose an alternate route. When I'm walking alone, I often listen to podcasts or let my thoughts wander. As I took the longer route that day, my mind drifted to the journey of recovery from disordered eating.
Back in high school, though I was never formally diagnosed (since eating disorders weren't as recognized in the late '80s as they are today), I fell into the wellness trap. I wasn't dieting exactly, but I was obsessively focused on exercising and eating only what was considered healthy. I remember my clothes becoming too loose, and I didn't like how I looked. I had lost my period and was frightened that I might not be able to have a family one day. The fear of ending up in the hospital made something click inside me- and from that point, I began to nourish myself properly, eventually reaching a healthy weight.
Taking the long road in recovery, especially when it comes to eating disorders or disordered eating habits, is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and resilience. Recovery is rarely linear; it’s a path filled with ups and downs, progress and setbacks. This journey is not about perfection but about making gradual, meaningful changes that lead to a healthier relationship with food, body, and self.
Intuitive Eating is a key concept that aligns beautifully with the idea of taking the long road in recovery. Unlike diets or rigid eating plans, intuitive eating encourages a lifelong journey of reconnecting with your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. It’s about learning to trust your body again.
Just as the long road in recovery involves unlearning harmful habits and thoughts, intuitive eating involves unlearning diet culture’s rules and restrictions. It’s about recognizing that your worth isn’t tied to your body size or the foods you eat. This mindset shift takes time, and it’s okay if it feels challenging or uncomfortable at first.
Taking the long road means accepting that recovery is a process. There will be days when you feel strong and connected to your body, and days when old habits or negative thoughts resurface. Intuitive eating teaches you to go easy on yourself on those harder days.
One of the most significant aspects of both recovery and intuitive eating is building trust with yourself. There might be times when you doubt the process, times when you’re tempted to revert to old habits or quick fixes. But by embracing the long road, you give yourself the grace to move forward at your own pace.
In the end, taking the long road in recovery is about embracing the journey. Intuitive eating is a practice that supports this journey, helping you cultivate a healthier, more compassionate relationship with food and your body. As a licensed Clinical Behavioral Therapist and Intuitive Eating Counselor I can help you to integrate these practices into your life. If you are interested in working with me, contact me rachel@livehealthynyc.com