In a previous blog post, I wrote about some of my first experiences with disordered eating and the vicious cycle of shame, guilt, and negative self talk and beliefs that ensued. At the time, I never would have thought that my relationship with food was anything other than “normal”. I acknowledged that I had a sweet tooth, and I thought everyone who enjoyed eating sugar struggled with the same internal battles that I did.

My healing journey started about 7 years ago when I was having health problems and my doctor couldn’t identify what the cause of the problems were. I decided to try a different route and started to see a holistic natural health practitioner. In this process, I learned a lot about the specific nutrition my body needs in order to function optimally and in an effort to heal my body I did an elimination diet on and off for a while. It was actually while I was in the midst of this process that I discovered how disordered my eating had been and how dependent I was on sugar for coping with every emotion, positive or negative. It was really obvious how often I was unconsciously reaching for sugary foods when I couldn’t have it. As I reflect back on my relationship with food before this journey started, I still have difficulty accepting that I had/have disordered eating patterns. However, naming it and learning to accept this has been important in recognizing when the patterns creep back in so I can take a step back and evaluate what’s really going on for me.

I ask myself “What is happening in my life that is making me to want to numb and medicate with food?”

When I found freedom from that vicious cycle of guilt and shame and improved my relationship with food, feeding and nourishing my body became a form of self-care.

Eating the way I do takes a lot of time, energy, and money to sustain and I continue to do it because I AM WORTH IT.

I deserve to make myself a priority and nourishing my body with healthy foods is one way I GET to do that. I am not my best self for me or for my family when I feel sick and have low energy levels. I also am not my best self for me or my family when I am stuck in guilt, shame, and negative/distorted beliefs about myself. When I take care of my body, I am in turn taking care of my mind; when I take care of my mind I am in turn taking care of my body.

Experiencing this direct relationship is how I realized there is an interconnectedness between the mind, the body, and the spirit and I discovered that I can’t fully heal one without the others. Exploring my relationship with food has been such a gift in becoming healthier in a holistic sense.

I am still exploring the spiritual piece of my journey and when I have the words for it, I will write about it. If you are examining your relationship with food, disordered eating patterns, or body image issues please reach out, we can help support you in your healing journey!

Chelsie Ciminelli, LCSW-A

Mind, Body, Spirit Connection to Healing

I ask myself “What is happening in my life that is making me to want to numb and medicate with food?”

Eating the way I do takes a lot of time, energy, and money to sustain and I continue to do it because I AM WORTH IT.