Managing the Holidays While Living with an Eating Disorder or Chronic Illness
For many living with an eating disorder or chronic illness, the holidays are a stressful time. This time of year, life is often painted as a time of joy, celebration, and connection, but Food-focused gatherings, disrupted routines, increased social expectations, and a body that may already feel unpredictable can make life feel like a minefield… […]
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Clients: The Role of Pride in Eating Disorder Recovery
Pride is more than a celebration - it's a vital part of eating disorder prevention, treatment, and systemic change. Here's why inclusive, affirming care matters every day of the year. Did you know that eating disorders occur at higher rates among sexual and gender minorities? While I care about this issue all year long, June [...]Living with Chronic Illness comes with Loss and Grief
The Hidden Losses of Chronic Illness and How to Cope As someone who lives with chronic illness myself, I know firsthand how it can quietly reshape your world. Grief isn’t always about death. Sometimes, it's about mourning the version of yourself that no longer exists - the one who moved freely, who made plans without [...]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 [...]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 [...]Improve Body Positivity While Managing Chronic Illness & Eating Disorders
This co-occurring struggle is complicated, real, and there are very few resources available on the topic. Several years ago I was preparing for a talk on digestive disorders and eating disorders. I stumbled on a qualitative research study exploring the themes related to body image for people with chronic digestive health conditions. I was struck [...]Announcing a Big Change at Marci RD Nutrition
There’s a change happening in my practice that fills me with a whole mixture of emotions. Christine Laker, who has worked with me since 2019 (and even before that as a graduate student and intern!) is spreading her wings and moving on to her own private practice. Christine remains the Regional Nutrition Manager for Renfrew [...]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 [...]What Makes You Incredibly Happy?
Today, March 20th, is International Day of Happiness! It’s Marci! I’m kind of, sort of, back! As many of you know, I have been on maternity leave since October when my second son, Henri, was born. The last several months have been a pretty unbelievable whirlwind of emotions and sleep deprivation. Writing this feels like [...]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 [...]Updates and News from the Marci RD Nutrition Team
As we head into Fall, our team of dietitians has lots of news to share. Can you believe that September is almost over? Admittedly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because I am heading out on maternity leave for baby #2 on October 1st! I’m filled with a whole range of emotions – excitement, mixed with […]
Body Image Training & Coping tools + Groups to help you!
Last month I wrote about summer body image struggles and I can’t thank you enough for all of the positive feedback I received from both individuals and providers. The topic resonated for so many of you and it’s a topic we can’t seem to get off our brains over here at Marci RD. Since it’s a [...]When Eating Disorders and Chronic Illness Intersect
We are talking about Eating Disorders and Chronic Illness with our newest Dietitian at Marci RD Nutrition, Anita Dharwadkar. Did you know that chronic illness creates specific vulnerabilities to the development of mental health challenges and eating disorders? In my experience, this is an area that deserves a whole lot more attention. Have you ever [...]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, […]
Product No Case: Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
The purpose of the “Product No Case” blog postings are to share with you foods disguised as “healthy” but might not be. And the highly marketed Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt is another great example. I know what you’re thinking, it’s fat-free yogurt, it must be healthy! Well, I’m not saying that it’s devoid of any […]