When 'Healthy Eating' Becomes Disordered Eating
We all want our kids to eat well, make "good" choices with food, and care about their health. So when they start choosing salads over pizza, or asking about ingredients, or saying they want to eat healthier - it can feel like a win. But what if those "healthy choices" aren't actually about health at all? What if they're early warning signs of something more concerning - something that's easy to miss because it looks so positive on the surface? The truth is... disordered eating in kids doesn't usually start with dramatic restriction or obvious weight loss. It starts with things that get praised. Things that seem responsible. Things that look like discipline or being health-conscious. And we're seeing these behaviors show up earlier and earlier, not just in teenagers, but in elementary-aged kids. In this episode, I'm sharing what disordered eating usually looks like, why it's so easy to miss, and what signs are worth paying attention to... because the earlier we notice, the better the outcome. I also share my own story with disordered eating and why this work is so personal to me. We talk about: How eating disorders and disordered eating are showing up in younger kids now The early signs that often get disguised as "healthy choices" or discipline Changes in eating behavior, anxiety around food, body image concerns, and exercise patterns to watch for Why an eating disorder doesn't look like not eating How the way we talk about food at home can either plant seeds for protection or chip away at trust What to do if you're noticing patterns that feel concerning This is not about creating fear or walking on eggshells. It's about knowing what to watch for so we can support our kids early - and so we can be intentional about the messages we're sending about food and bodies at home. If you just want to be more aware of what these behaviors can look like, or if you're already wondering if something might be off, this episode is for you. Foundational Episodes Referenced: It's Not a Food Free-for-All All Food is Not Equal What the Heck is a Relationship with Food? Want to connect? Send us a text! CONNECT with Nicole: FREE Training: Raise a Balanced Eater AND Protect Their Relationship With Food - Instagram: @nicolecruzRD SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW: If you loved this episode, it would mean so much for you to follow, subscribe, share, or leave a review. Your support helps us reach more conscious and loving parents who need these insight! Thank you for tuning in and see you next week!
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