Since “fat” is NOT actually a feeling, when you identify and express your feelings with this label, it can be not only unhelpful and inaccurate but also problematic. Since we, unfortunately, exist within a fatphobic society (read: diet culture), it is not uncommon to have negative associations tied to what “fat” means or represents to you. Most of us have been taught that “fat” is bad, unhealthy, lazy, or even unsuccessful - very harsh labels to attach to a person simply based on their body size (which dismisses major components of body size such as genetics). When people are dealing with difficult feelings, encounter experiences that trigger insecurities/tap into emotional wounds, or worry about being viewed in such a negative light by others or themselves, it could be masked with the label of “fat”.

As clinicians specializing in eating and body image struggles, we see firsthand how emotions and feelings can impact an individual. In fact, we believe eating disorders are emotional management systems. Essentially, food is used to manage and deal with emotions. Food becomes the coping tool. Today, we are discussing the difference between emotions and feelings, and sharing tips for identifying validating, and feeling your feelings.

Anxiety is often co-occurring with eating disorders or disordered eating. Feeling anxious around food can happen for a variety of reasons. Today, we want to share some ways to manage feeling anxious around food.