Recent Flurry of Blog Posts Regarding Family Dinner Research

Love is left out of the eating disorder prevention equation yet again.

       Eating disorder prevention does not mean following a check list of correct
behaviors at the dinner table.  It means behaving reasonably  and practically with
a powerful undertone of love, respect, a glad willingness to listen, honesty
confidence to passionately disagree and deep certainty that right or
wrong everyone in the family loves and will stand by everyone else.

       When that is brought to daily life in a family, including family
dinners, eating disorders don't have a chance to develop.

       Researchers have a tough time factoring love in their studies. I can
appreciate the difficulty.  I also am dismayed by research results
that do not consider the presence or absence of genuine love and
respect.

  Researchers say..."what happens at that table has an impact on teens
as well. Juggling schedules to make time for eating together,
creating healthy, nutritious dishes, and having positive interactions
at the table are all components of healthy family meals."
http://www.thatsfit.com/2008/01/14/family-meals-help-girls-avoid-eating-disorders/

       Yes, these are components. Please include love and respect, spacious
time, generous listening, appreciations of differences, honesty and room for laughter
and shared passions.

       Now we're talking about family meals that help prevent eating disorders.

Joanna Poppink, MFT, psychotherapist eating disorder specialist, Los Angeles, CA bulimia, anorexia, compulsive overeating recovery, www.poppink.com