Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins on Sunday, Feb. 1. Here at FIREFLY, we’ve gathered some important topics to help caregivers and parents navigate tricky conversations about self-image. To make it easier to engage, we’ve used adoptable kittens and dogs from The Kenora Cat Shelter as well It’s A Dog’s Life Kenora because every body (and furry friend!) deserves care and love. Take a look below for tips, insights, and supportive messages you can share at home and be sure to follow us on social media to see all our adorable furry friends!
You are more than what you see.
Click here to see the algorithm explained through CATS!
Social media algorithms are powerful. They are filled with health, wellness, dieting, and fitness content, such as “what I eat in a day” posts, trending diets, ads for wellness products, fitness content, and so much more. It can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to this content. It is important to remember that much of what we see on social media is not real. Users often apply filters, editing software, and pose in certain ways in photos to change their appearance and fit ideal health and beauty standards. Find ways to create a safer social media feed. Follow people who inspire you, make you feel good, and promote confidence and acceptance. Unfollow those who make you feel bad about yourself and cause harm.
You are more than what you weigh.
Body weight is unhelpful for measuring health. It does not account for our differences. Health is better measured by things like how strong our heart and lungs are, how our body feels, how we move, sleep, and more! Everyone deserves to access and receive support for an eating disorder, no matter what they weigh!
You are more than how you look.
Health does not have a look. Beauty does not have a look. All bodies, all sizes, and all shapes can be healthy. Focus on how you feel, not how you look! Try talking to yourself the way you would talk to a friend, wear clothes that make you feel good, and listen to your body to eat when you feel hungry, rest when you are tired, and move your body in ways that are fun. Remember, who you are is more important than how you look!
You are more than what you eat.
We are often told there are “good” and “bad” foods. However, all foods can fit. Some foods offer more nutrients, others offer social connection, and some purely bring joy and comfort. To gain all the benefits from food, we have to acknowledge that all foods are important. Getting enough food matters more than the types of food you eat. Without enough food, we do not have the energy needed to go to school, work, go out with friends, and engage in the activities we enjoy.
You are more than how you move.
How you move matters way less than just moving. Too much movement can hurt us. Not enough movement can hurt us too. Find movement you love! Dancing, running, sports, walking, or something else. Movement we enjoy is the best movement for us. Make sure you get enough rest. We move best when we are rested.
Please know we are also here to help if you need more support. Call our Centralized Intake team at 1-833-696-5437 – toll free, or e-mail us at [email protected]. If they need to chat right away call One Stop Talk at 1-855-416-8255 or visit onestoptalk.ca to chat online between 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (CST) Monday to Friday and 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (CST) Saturday. OR call Kids Help Phone available 24/7 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
