Marci’s Annual Book Roundup for 2025
If you’ve been reading my posts for a bit, you already know that each January I share my annual book round-up from the previous year. I start getting excited about this in late Fall, and it makes me so happy when I hear from friends and colleagues, “I can’t wait to read your book roundup!” […]
What Should I Do If My Child Tells Me They Are Fat?
A Dietitian’s Guide to Supporting Your Child’s Body Image and Self-Worth. As a dietitian who works with children, adolescents, and families, I often hear concerned parents ask: “What do I say when my child says they are fat or hate their body?” If you're a parent wondering what to do if your child says they [...]Resilient Voices: A Support Group for those with Chronic Illness In Eating Disorder Recovery
We are pleased to announce that registration is open for Resilient Voices, a support group for folks who have both a chronic illness and are in eating disorder recovery. The group was developed and is led by Anita Dharwadkar, one of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists here at Marci RD Nutrition and she has a special message below [...]Marci Evans’ Annual Book Round-Up for 2024
If you’ve been reading my posts for a bit, you already know that each January I post an annual book round-up. 2024 was a less typical reading year. I have been spending a lot of time reading scientific literature, which means I’ve read fewer work-related books and more books just for fun. Below I’m sharing [...]8 Tips to Improve your Wellbeing without Diet or Exercise Resolutions
If January is a tough time of year, you are not alone. Your social media feed is likely filled with people sharing the highlights of 2024, while diet culture is constantly reminding you how you can be better, under the veil of “New Year’s resolutions.” It is a recipe for comparison and undeniable pressure to [...]Retro Review: I cannot believe this Body Image Blog is still #1
In these retro reviews, I’ve been looking back in time at the top 3 blog posts on my site of all time. And we have finally made it blog post #1, one on the topic of unrealistic beauty standards… It is titled, “Does this uterus make me look fat?” Pretty catchy title, huh? It’s essentially [...]Retro Review: Do I Stand By What I Wrote on Sugar Addiction?
Six years ago, I wrote an article about sugar addiction that to this day is one of my most visited blog posts. I embarked on a fun little project this past summer of revisiting my most clicked on blog posts of all time. You may remember that the 3rd most popular post was about Dannon [...]Retro Review: Do I Stand by My Critique of this Yogurt 14 Years Later?
The messages from diet culture on what makes something ‘healthy’ continue to endure over time. Summer gives me nostalgia vibes. The warmer weather, longer days, popsicles, and flip flops really do bring me back. And thanks to my marketing director, I’ve been going on a different kind of trip back in time. She recently shared [...]4 Tips to Manage the Holidays with Chronic Illnesses and EDs
You can enjoy the holiday season as stress and symptom-free as possible. If you are reading this and struggle with an eating disorder (ED), chronic illness, or both, I am proud of you. You must manage countless challenges each and every day. EDs and chronic illnesses can be thought of as “invisible illnesses.” On the [...]The Intersection of Chronic Illness, Eating Disorders and Body Image
We have very little research that explores the impact of more rare, chronic conditions on issues of food and body image healing. But I can tell you from both personal and professional experience, complex chronic illness takes a significant toll on both. That is why I am so passionate about educating and supporting others. There [...]How to Improve Body Image and Heal with a New Approach
Approaching Your Body Image by factoring in social and nervous systems when doing this work is often the path to healing. In my last blog post, I talked with you about why body image is so complex, what your bad body image is trying to tell you, and why your attempts to fix it likely [...]Why Body Image is so Complicated and What it’s Telling You
Summer temperatures often bring the bad body image boiling right to the top. I get it, you are sweaty and exposed and damn, that’s uncomfortable. That’s why I have to talk about body image this month…and probably next. Today I’m going to share with you 3 things: Why body image is so complicated, what your [...]Celebrating International No Diet Day and My Birthday!
Today is International No Diet Day and It’s my birthday and I’m going to let you in on a not so little secret. I love celebrating birthdays. My birthday, your birthday, pretty much anyone’s birthday! Birthdays are, for me, the response to the question poet Mary Oliver poses at the end of her much beloved [...]Marci’s Annual Book Round-Up for 2022
Typically, each January, I do a roundup of my favorite books from the previous year. Since I was out on leave this past January, I thought today was the PERFECT day to share my recap because here in the U.S., it’s National Book Day! Below are some of the books on the top of my [...]These new AAP guidelines will increase eating disorders in children
If you are in the eating disorder world, you have probably heard the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) newest guidelines for children who live in larger bodies. If you have not heard of these new guidelines, I’m going to summarize them here, as well as provide my stance on these recommendations. In the wise words [...]Learn to Take Up Space for Yourself
Taking up space can feel impossible and can often be a reason why you might feel stuck in your life or in your recovery. The idea of “taking up space” is something I am immensely passionate about. I think it is a valuable reminder for both clients and providers. Taking up space can feel impossible [...]Self-Reflections and Lessons Learned from Life at College
For many, as the year comes to a close, it's often a time for self-reflection. For me, the end of the year is bittersweet, filled with emotions, gratitude, and hopes for the new year. ~ Anita Dharwadkar Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Folks often look back at the year and focus on what they didn’t do versus [...]How to Practice Gratitude with your Body during the Holidays
The holidays are approaching and this can be a tough time for many different reasons. Before we jump in, I did want to say that if you cannot be with loved ones or if this time of year is filled with mixed emotions, my thoughts are with you. ~ Christine Laker Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with [...]Summertime Body Image is HARD!!
I know I am writing to folks across the globe, but here in the US, temperatures are hitting record highs, which seems to correlate with record high grumpy body image. With hotter temperatures and less clothing, it’s natural to feel more vulnerable and exposed. Often, summer brings more socialization and opportunities for body comparisons. Additionally, [...]Happy Pride and Resources on Intersections of Eating Disorders, Sexuality, and Gender to Share
I LOVE pride month. While the month’s origins are rooted in a very painful history of violence and oppression, it also reflects a movement towards celebration and freedom. Freedom to be one’s self without apology or shame. I understand we have a long way to go in creating a world where true equity and safety [...]Having Equity in the Eating Disorders Field
I am thrilled to put all of my support behind the first upcoming BIPoC Eating Disorders Conference. In the video below, I share with you my perspective on why we as a field desperately need this conference and the action you can take to support it. IF you say you care about greater equity in [...]Celebrating International No Diet Day!! [May 6, 2022]
I Have TWO Reasons to Celebrate today, which is International No Diet Day. It’s just never going to get old that a worldwide celebration of NOT DIETING also falls on my birthday. So, you better believe I have two very solid reasons to celebrate. But I also want to share, in case you didn’t know, [...]Exciting Changes at Marci RD Nutrition: A New Dietitian
It’s National Registered Dietitian Day and it’s the perfect opportunity to share some very exciting news about the dietitians in my practice! First, I am thrilled to announce that Anita Dharwadkar has just joined the team full-time. Anita is passionate about working in the field of eating disorders, with particular interests in working with kids, […]
Eating Disorders Awareness: Increasing Awareness In and Out of the Field
What’s that saying? “Clean up your own backyard” before pointing your finger at somebody else’s. Something like that? It’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week and I can’t stop thinking about that quote. Stay with me on this one. It’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week and: Eating disorders remain the most lethal of mental illnesses, second to death [...]My Fave Books of 2021 by Marci Evans
It’s January and well, I won’t say Happy New Year, because most people I talk to right now aren’t jumping with joy right now. Things are a bit rough my friends, so it really seems like no better time than to escape into the land of books. For the third year in a row, my [...]Remember and Repeat after me – I AM Enough
December is a hectic month. Regardless of your religious affiliation, the holidays you celebrate, and how you are managing the pandemic right now - December is kind of hard. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve found myself dropping balls left and right - sending my son to school without his water bottle, forgetting to [...]Boundaries & Gratitude are Like PB&J
Here in the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday reminds many of us to reconnect to our gratitude. Yet, this creates a very interesting tension for individuals with eating disorders because of the central role that food plays in our gatherings and celebrations. “I’m supposed to feel gratitude while managing all of this food stress?!” For [...]To the Beleaguered – 5 Suggestions to Help you Get Through Today
We have never been more ready to say goodbye to such a beast of a year (almost two). If you are reading this, it is likely because you struggle with and care deeply about your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Or because you are a clinician who cares about the mental, emotional, and physical well-being […]
Family Meals – Friend or Foe?
I recently learned that September is National Family Meals Month. I don’t know about you but when I think about family meals, I have two different reactions - a personal reaction and a professional one. Let’s start with the latter. Professional me is stoked! I know the research behind the incredible benefits of family meals: Better academic [...]What Does Equality Have to Do With Your Body?
Today is Women’s Equality Day here in the United States. This is a day which commemorates “the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits...denying the right to vote...on the basis of sex.1” I am so grateful that so many people have fought tirelessly and continue to fight for the [...]What’s Food Insecurity Got to do with Pride Month?
It’s hard to believe that here in Boston, the summer is upon us! This past week we’ve had scorching temperatures, coupled with lots of very quick changes to our covid guidelines. It sure feels like a lot of changes all at once. If you’re like me or any of my clients, you might find yourself [...]I Have Two Reasons to Celebrate!
I wanted to share a special message with you on International No Diet Day. And you'll learn why I find this day extra special. ;) I hope you'll join me in celebrating! Sneak Peek! I wanted to share this other special information with you too! “The Gut Brain Connection: Cutting Edge Research & Future Directions [...]COVID Weight Gain & What It Really Means
I’d venture a guess that I am not alone in feeling awfully tired of the fear mongering headlines related to COVID weight gain. And I’m also not alone in saying that, given what this past year has cost us, some extra weight really shouldn’t be the biggest worry on our minds. But as more people [...]A Little Dose of Gratitude
Holy smokes, it is November. How have we made it to the end of 2020? To be honest, I’m not quite sure. But I do know that this year has been hard. And I also know that my brain (well, all human brains) tends to dwell more on what’s not going well rather than what […]
Ch Ch Ch Changes…
I have been singing the illustrious David Bowie song, “Changes,” while simmering over this month’s newsletter. Fall has always signaled a time for transition and change for me. Something about the start of a new school year, even though I’m no longer in school, lives in my bones. I get re-energized to refocus and reprioritize […]
Why Racism Matters to My Work
Over the past week, I have been filled with a flood of thoughts and emotions related to the death of George Floyd and the resulting groundswell of anti-racist protests. While issues of race in America might not seem directly related to my work as an eating disorder specialist, I wanted to share with you why […]
Boston Speaking Events
I wanted to let you know about a couple of exciting talks I’m giving in the Boston area in April. I have the privilege of teaching about two of my passion topics – body image counseling for dietitians and counseling techniques for dietitians! Woohoo!!! I hope that you may be able to join me. Here […]
Welcoming a New RD to the Team!
I opened the doors to my private practice exactly 11 years ago this month. It seems impossible that so much time has passed! And in those 11 years, I have welcomed 5 dietitians to my team. All of them compassionate, smart, hardworking, and fun! I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by women I […]
Some Personal Maternity Leave Musings from Marci
I am a planner. Always have been. So when I suddenly became very sick during my pregnancy and delivered my son nearly two months early, some of my well thought-out plans had to be tossed out the window. I had plans for how I would use those last two months, preparing both myself and my […]
Self-Compassion and Embodiment While Recovering from Disordered Eating
This is a guest article by my colleague, Sarah Patten, one of the Registered Dietitians with the Marci RD Nutrition team. The cold days of February are upon us and the winter doldrums have settled in for many. On the days when I’m most longing for warm weather and sunshine, I try to remain grateful […]
Free Resources and Goodies for the Holiday Season
For many of us, the months between October and December are filled with a flurry of celebrations with the holiday season. This can be a time filled with joy and excitement but also a tremendous amount of overwhelm and financial stress. As this week marks the celebration of Thanksgiving here in the United States, I […]
It IS Possible to Feel Less Crappy About Your Body Image
Negative body image plagues most women and many men. It’s a truth that makes me sad but an issue I care deeply about because negative body image threatens our capacity to follow our passions, feel connected to and accepted by others, and experience joy. Negative body image is not a matter of vanity because it […]
Making Your House a Home: A Body Image Healing Workshop
Do you struggle with your relationship with their body? Do you struggle with your confidence around body image? Would you like to heal your negative body image and move towards a place of body peace? Body image dissatisfaction and distortion are key issues for many people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or background. […]
One Man’s Journey to Love His Body
In the spirit of body image healing, my dear friend, Alex Amorosi, has graciously accepted my invitation to share his story. Alex is a masterful yoga instructor, trainer, and healer. And I have no doubt that his personal journey of body image healing will inspire your own. Thank you Alex. I’m not quite sure how […]
But I Hate My Body…Cracking the Code on Body Acceptance
Are you considering the notion of body acceptance. Or perhaps someone in your life is urging you to consider body acceptance. Maybe you have heard the word body acceptance and thought to yourself, “Why in the world would I accept THIS body?” Body acceptance is a super challenging idea for nearly everyone. We have been […]
Healing the Hate: A Better Body Image in the New Year
I originally wrote this video blog for Recovery Warriors which is a phenomenal community and resource for anyone looking for additional support in their eating disorder recovery. But you don’t have to have an eating disorder to have crappy body image. So if you’d like to feel better about your body, this one’s for you. […]
Body Positive & Weight Loss
Body Positive. It seems to be a term that’s getting a little more press these days. As a self-described “body positive dietitian” you’d think I’d be thrilled! Truthfully, I’m conflicted. I’m conflicted because “body positive” began as a term used to promote body inclusivity, meaning all bodies (fat, thin, short, tall, able-bodied or not) deserve […]
TBM: My Own Body Image Journey
Is Thowback Monday a thing? I’m making it a thing with a republishing of this blog post I originally wrote in the summer of 2011. I think you’ll enjoy it. A client asked me a question recently. It was a semi-personal question and I felt that it was something worthy of sharing here. To be […]
Body Imagine, Self-Talk, & Neuroscience
I found this 7 1/2 minute story from NPR fascinating! If you have body image issues and/or an eating disorder, take 10 minutes to read this post and list to this podcast. The thing I find so fascinating about this story is that introduces neuroscience research that explains why the way we speak to ourselves […]
Bad Body Image, Clothes, & Shopping
Alright everyone, let’s talk clothes and shopping. It seems to be one of the biggest topics for me at work right now. The seasons have changed and thankfully, warmer weather is here! This means more shorts, tanks tops, and even…swimsuits. I thought it might be helpful if I passed along some tricks of the trade […]
The Body Image Movement
Women are tired of feeling crappy about their bodies. I know you are. If you are like most women, you feel bad about your body and then guilty that you feel so bad about it. Taryn Brumfitt was in that exact place until she decided to make a change. Please please take 5 minutes to […]
Understanding Body Image: Part 2
This post is part 2 of what will likely be a 5 part series on understanding bod image. My first post in the series can be found here. To reiterate, body image is actually really complex. The series is aimed to help you understand more completely what the phrase “body image” actually means in order […]
Understanding Body Image: Part 1
When you read the words “body image” what does that mean to you? Body image is actually a pretty complicated topic. I google searched a definition and there were over 4 million results and quite the variety of definitions. For our conversation, I decided to select my favorite definition: A term that refers to […]
Does This Uterus Make Me Look Fat?
How many advertisements and articles have you seen in your lifetime that sell you the idea of getting a “flat belly?” I’ve seen a zillion and I’m sick of it. In fact, I was brewing up a blog post about it and telling one of my clients about it. We were talking about the female […]
Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Tools for Eating Disorder Recovery and Positive Body Image
*Please note, the article originally appeared in the Summer 2011 Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group newsletter. We live in a world where thin is glorified and unrealistic images of feminine beauty are plastered online, in print, and on TV. These images are hard to avoid and they present serious challenges for clients struggling with […]
My Own Body Image Journey
A client asked me a question recently. It was a semi-personal question and I felt that it was something worthy of sharing here. To be quite honest, this is a bit unusual for me as I don’t talk in a personal way very often on this blog. I hesitate to do so for a number […]
Summer Lovin’: Body Image & The Allure of Dieting
As the weather grows warmer and people begin shedding layers, it’s common for body dissatisfaction and anxiety to grow. A recent Glamour magazine psychologist-designed poll (1) states that 97% of women experience “I hate my body” thoughts on a daily basis, with an average of 13 negative thoughts each day. With these statistics, it’s no […]
Boosting Body & Self-Esteem with a Little Homework
This past weekend I was chatting with a group of therapist buddies. We were discussing the number of “perfect body” and pro-dieting messages we are all exposed to on a given day. These “perfect body” messages are not only unrealistic and false but also self-esteem crushing. Let’s face it, we live in a world that […]
Why a “Summer Body?”
Or a “beach” body, or a “bikini” body? Why not a “rake-the-leaves” body or a “shovel-the-snow-then-go-cross-country-skiing” body? While we’re at it, how about a “clean-the-house-then-go-grocery-shopping-and-carry-the-case-of-water-yourself-’cause-you’re-just-that-strong” body? And just how IS a summer body supposed to look when compared to a winter body? Assuming you even have a “winter” body in the first place (whatever that […]
Guest Blogger: IAmGuiltless on Body Image
Today’s blog is brought to us by Elizabeth Jarrard, social media diva and co-owner of the blog “Guiltless”, my favorite positive body image blog out there! When was the last time you looked in the mirror and loved every part of your reflection? Who among us has not compared themselves to our peers? Can you […]
Improving Body Image
Many of the clients that I see for individual nutrition counseling struggle with their body image. I was scoping out some resources and came across a couple I thought were worthy of sharing. I hope they may be of use to you or someone you know. 1.) The Body Image Workbook: An 8 Step Program […]