In the world of sport, weight tends to carry a LOT of weight in determining ability and performance. Some coaches, parents, and athletes use body weight as a metric of fitness. However, as we discussed in this blog post HERE, fitness doesn’t really have anything to do with body shape or size. Why is weight […]

What is the “Eating Disorder Voice”? The “eating disorder (ED) voice” is what we call the voice in someone’s head that drives their eating disorder. It is the voice that is responsible for negative thoughts like “you are not good enough”, “you need to lose weight”, and “you shouldn’t eat that”. It is the voice […]

The idea of body or weight changes may feel scary during recovery or in healing your relationship with food. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone and it is fully understandable. Sometimes weight gain may be necessary in recovery if you are underweight or are experiencing symptoms that you are below your […]

Finally, the holiday season is here! From family gatherings, planning potlucks and the mad dash that is Christmas shopping, the holidays can be both an exciting and stressful time for most. Like many celebrations, the holiday season involves gathering together with everyone we love around lots of delicious food. Often times we may be invited […]

What is a DEXA scan? Do I need to get one? In honour of World Osteoporosis Day last week on October 20th, let’s talk about bone health. Healthy bones are essential to living a long and quality life. Thus, we should make it a priority to take care of our bones. If you are looking […]

Recovery from an eating disorder is challenging. One of the hardest parts can be eating navigating through all of the diet culture triggers that surround us. Unfortunately, diet culture is everywhere. Even when you are feeling empowered and ready to leave it behind. Even so, it is inevitable that someone, at some point, may make […]

Athletes face unique challenges in eating disorder recovery. In addition, the medical and psychological consequences of eating disorders may affect an athlete’s ability to safely participate in their sport. Athletes suspected to have an eating disorder should put sport participation on hold. Until an assessment is made by a mental health professional, they should stay […]

Eating disorders affect around 9% of the population. Even though they are common, they are often still viewed as taboo. With a lack of discussion around this topic, these disorders can be greatly misunderstood. Therefore, here are 6 things we think you should know about eating disorders: 1. Genetics Play a Role What causes EDs? […]

There are a few body and eating related comments that come to mind from my own days as a high school athlete: “Hold that plank a little longer– c’mon, it’s bikini season!” “Did we have too much pie this Thanksgiving? You all are running slow!” “If you would lose weight, it would help you run […]

It’s important for coaches to know that disordered eating and eating disorders are not uncommon in athletes. These behaviours tend to be most common in sports with weight classes (ex. wrestling and rowing) or aesthetics (ex. bodybuilding and gymnastics). In these sports, 33% of male athletes and 62% of female athletes experience disordered eating. Coaches […]