People who have been hurt by religious/spiritual groups can experience the following nutrition related health challenges:

• Loss of control of eating and overeating (binge eating concerns)

• Rigid restrictive food rules 

• Chronic judgement, guilt, shame and preoccupation with food and weight

• “Clean eating” and weight obsession leading to extreme anxiety 

• Compulsive exercising/other extreme/unhealthy weight control methods 

These are all symptoms of eating disorders - serious mental health conditions with physical health and social health implications. 

Perfectionism, guilt and shame from high control religious and spiritual experience can translate into the development of unhealthy eating, exercise and body image related behaviors. 

Sometimes people use certain eating/exercise behaviors to punish themselves for “not measuring up” or to cope with the distress of the faith. 

Eating and behavior change are complex. A trauma-informed, evidence-based and personalized approach is needed. 

If you or someone you know is ready to reclaim their nutrition to confidence, sustainability, and health, I’d love to support.