Yesterday, I had an appointment with a dietitian, Kimra. My mom came along, but she was just an observer at the appointment. Honestly, it was an awful experience. I had so much excitement about creating meal plans and incorporating new, wonderful foods into my life, but none of that happened. The barrier between the dietitian and I seemed to be that I am vegan.
Some things I said:
"A plant-based diet makes me excited about eating food again. There are so many foods that I want to be able to eat and try."
"I am certain that being vegan is not a part of my eating disorder. It is a part of who I am and what I believe in."
"My eating disorder is actually preventing me from living the vibrant, vegan lifestyle that I want to."
Some things she said:
"I'm okay with 'the vegan thing' for now, but I would like to see you eating dairy again for calcium."
"Being vegan is really restrictive."
"It would be great if we could get you eating eggs."
Every one of those phrases felt like punches to my heart. She was not at all into helping me celebrate being a vegan. I was really expecting that she would have a more open mind and help me fit the foods that I want to eat into my diet. When I think of being vegan, I don't think of it as "restrictive" as she said; I think of a whole world of glorious, plant-based foods that I want to celebrate and put into my body.
Clearly, Kimra and I just aren't compatable for working together. After the appointment, my mom and I got dinner at Whole Foods and re-grouped. She and I, two non-professionals, brainstormed some flexible meal plans for me to use as a guide, and they incorporated the foods that I have been eager to eat and celebrate for a long time. I bought her dinner. She bought the groceries.
I am keeping a food journal. I'm not sure why or what I'll do with it, but it might be helpful in the future. I am more inspired than ever to show my body the love it deserves through nourishment.
Here's a peek into some things I've re-introduced into my life so far:
Peanut butter and strawberry sandwich
Glass of almond milk
Kashi TLC crackers
Amy's lentil vegetable soup
Quinoa
Trail mix
My life is getting more colorful every moment!
Love,
Emily
I went into my RD apt. as a Vegan too. I am recovering from Anorexia. I ended up adding eggs and dairy into my diet. I fought it hard, but for me Veganism was a way to restrict. I eat free range organic eggs and organic dairy and as much as I fought it, my body and brain feel so much better. I am not saying Veganism is right for you, but I do think that you need to make sure that you are getting those nutrients, if not for your body,then your brain.
ReplyDeleteI think if you're being honest with yourself... that veganism is in no way a part of the ED then you should seek out a different dietitian... There are ways to work in other items with the same health benefits while still respecting your decision...
ReplyDeleteThere were a couple of vegetarians when I was in treatment... and the dietitian we all saw respected that and worked WITH them... maybe it just wasn't a right fit?
In all practicality, a vegan diet for the rest of your life is just not sustainable. You're a human, not a horse. And while you can receive SOME of the nutrients that you miss out on from meat and dairy products in other plant foods, it's really not enough. I've known several vegans who maybe 3 or 4 years into their new lifestyle had check-ups with doctors who said, "You're malnourished." And they've had to change things up.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but I agree a little with your dietitian...
I am not sure how long you have been a Vegan, but when I first started I felt great. It was after awhile I started feeling sluggish. My hair was thin and I felt weak. I started eating dairy and eggs and felt much better. My period also returned (been gone two years due to anorexia). Really examine your body. If this diet works for you, great, keep at it. If it doesn't you need to do what will heal you. It is amazing how nutrients and nourishment feed your brain to help battle ED thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'm not vegan or vegetarian, but I have friends who are and they are able to eat very healthily. It's definitely important to ask yourself whether or not the decision to be vegan is in any way ED-motivated, but if not then your dietician should be able to work with you. If she can't, then it's absolutely okay to find a new one who is more open-minded about it. Congrats for adding some new foods!
ReplyDeletei'm happy that yr making a progress. you can start being a vegan until you feel like you can eat "normal" again, than later on you add other things like chicken maybe or cheese. take care <3
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, I found you through my "followers" link. Thank you for visiting my site. My heart was breaking when I read this post - it is crumbling when the professional you are confiding in and attempting to work with doesn't seem to understand your true needs. As a parent, I know this can happen to parents raising their family on a vegan diet (I have never experienced negative comments towards this lifestyle, only positive support.)
ReplyDeleteI have happily been vegetarian for about 15 years and a mostly vegan for almost one year. I have never, ever felt more vibrant or healthy. There are so many options out there for a vegan diet - and I actually see it as freeing, not restrictive. Sure, going out to restaurants can be a bit tricky (but you live by Whole Foods!!!), but it is what you can create in your own kitchen that can be so liberating. Please visit my site for great, simple recipe idea. And my last thought - find a dietician who is knowledgable and supports a vegetarian/vegan diet.
~Rebecca
hey girly! i haven't heard from you in a while... i hope you are doing okay <3
ReplyDelete