Parents Talk: Finding Time for the Family Meal

Source for article: Millvalley.patch.com
It can be downright impossible to get everyone together for a family meal, but research shows the benefits far outweigh any hassle.

Many of us have fond memories of dinner (or supper) time growing up.

Mealtime served two purposes -- to replenish ourselves after a full day of work or school and, more importantly, to share and reconnect as a family.
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Research continues to demonstrate the benefits of family meals, including a decreased risk of eating disorders developing in children.  As a parent, what are tips to make family meals possible during the week?

Helping eating-disorder sufferers heal

Written by Blair Shiff

Source: 9news.com

DENVER - It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder - 7 million women and 1 million men. Nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder, according to National Association of Anorexia.
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If you suspect a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, what are ways you can refer them to adequate help or professionals?

Eating Disorder Treatment – Overcoming Eating Disorders

Source: www.climbthenet.com

While the term “eating disorder” brings tо mind a person who iѕ severely underweight, іn reality theѕе disorders affect people who arе mаnу different shapes and sizes. People thаt suffer frоm an eating disorder cаn bе the stereo-typical underweight оr the severely overweight person, but mоre commonly they аre everyday people that appeаr tо bе a healthy weight. Many times theѕe types оf disorders сan bе brought simply by а distorted body image that gets blown wау оut оf proportion.
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If you have a loved one affected by an eating disorder, it can be extremely difficult to see them struggling through this disease.  Why is seeking recovery and treatment important not only for the individual suffering but for family involved as well?

We’re Not Buying It – Sending a Message to Advertisers

by Dr. Jonathan Rader
Source: http://eatingdisorderstreatment.com/

A number of studies have demonstrated that televised and print media have a profound influence on individuals who are either vulnerable of developing or currently struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating disorder.  The findings of research conducted in Fiji, where television was introduced less than 20 years ago, revealed a direct correlation between imagery of super skinny celebrities and models and a shift in public opinions and perceptions of body image.  It should come as no surprise that in American culture the pervasive advertising campaigns promoting “thin is in” have seriously impacted how individuals see themselves and others.
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The severity of eating disorders is often downplayed in media portrayals of food and body image.  What are ways to spread awareness of the seriousness of this disease?

Food and Your Body

By Joanne Barker @ WebMD.com

Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

Something funny is going on. More girls are on diets and more girls are overweight than ever before. Let's face it, many of us have a tortured relationship with food.
But not liking your body -- and not being able to enjoy food without guilt -- takes the fun out of life. You can wind up feeling bad most of the time, and your friends probably do too. Here are six ways to feel good about yourself and your food.
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Establishing a positive relationship with food and your body is something that can start in early childhood.  What is something you can do today to practice loving and accepting yourself?

The bad body image epidemic

by Eloise King @ the Harold Sun

WOMEN  have an average of 13 negative things to say about themselves each day, according to a recent US survey. The quest for the "perfect" body has become normal for many women. The cost of this social issue is it continues to churn out generations of women who believe they are not good enough.
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One way to create a positive body-image is to learn self-love.  What is something positive you can compliment yourself about today?

Building Confidence in Young Girls: 5 Ways to Build Your Daughter's Self-Esteem

by Amber J. Cabrera

Confidence is something that is all too lacking in our children today. There are too many negative influences out there that can rip away a child's self esteem. Peers who have their own insecurities can bring down others by bullying which can leave your child feeling insecure also. Here are five ways to keep your daughter's confidence and self-esteem high while involving them in positive activities that give them purpose and meaning.
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Statistics are revealing the startling young age that children are developing eating disorders.  How can implementing steps to build their self-confidence prevent eating disorders from developing?

How family meals can stop anorexia

By FIONA MACRAE

London - Teenagers who switch off the TV and sit down to family meals are less likely to suffer eating disorders.

A study has found eating together lowers the rates of bulimia and anorexia. Meals are also less likely to be skipped, and adolescents used to eating round the table are less likely to take up smoking to lose weight. 

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With busy schedules, it can be difficult to make family meals a priority.  With studies showing the importance of family meals in preventing disordered eating in children, what are ways to incorporate family meals as a part of a daily routine?

Parents: Help Teens Discover a New Perspective – Instead of Pencil Thin, Healthy Is In

Source for article:
http://www.eating-disorder-resources.com/category/eating-disorder-articles/

"Do you have a teenager for whom weight is a perennial concern? Does your daughter (or son) go from bingeing to purging, with weight fluctuation a constant concern? Have you tried without success to get your child to understand the dangers inherent in such serious yo-yo dieting? You’re not alone. Millions of parents in America struggle with this issue, wondering how to best help their children overcome issues with eating."

Please continue reading this informative article by following this link:
http://www.eating-disorder-resources.com/eating-disorder-articles/help-teens-healthy-weight/
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If you are a parent of a teenager that may be struggling with an eating disorder, what are ways that you have been successful in reaching out to them?  What are some challenges that you may be encountering?

To read more excellent articles regarding eating disorders, visit the Eating Disorder Hope Articles Library.