Weighing The Facts

It's true, loving yourself more does improve your life. How well can things go if you're worst enemy is yourself? How good can you feel if you're always concentrating on perceived flaws, past mistakes, and shortcomings?

This week's R.I.S.E. (recovery inspiration strength exercise) is to love yourself better. When we truly love ourselves the world responds to our positivity... and so do we.

10 Ways To Love Yourself Better

1. Put down the mirror. Without taking your appearance into consideration, make a list of all the wonderful things that make you special.

2. Dump the negativity. We all have flaws. There is no such thing as a perfect human being. Stop negative self-talk in it's tracks and replace those thoughts with positive, loving statements. Say them aloud. Say them with meaning.

3. Help someone in need. Lend a shoulder, and ear, a hug of support, volunteer at a soup kitchen, visit with the elderly... do something that makes the life of another happier, easier, and more enjoyable. Helping others, helps ourselves.

4. Smile. The act of smiling actually makes you feel better. There's a chemical reaction that occurs when we smile which makes us feel happy, lowers our blood pressure, lowers our stress levels, and adds years to our life. Smiling at a stranger affects their day, too, so be generous and give some smiles away.

5. Be grateful. No matter what is going on in your life there is always something to be grateful for. Start giving thanks before your feet even hit the floor in the morning. Being grateful in the midst of difficult times shifts our focus and allows us to get some perspective.

6. Take a time out. Our days can get hectic. Take the time to slow down, pause, take a few deep breaths, and re-balance yourself. A few moments can make a big difference in how you feel.

7. Mix it up. Do something out of the ordinary, something different from the usual scheduled routine of your day. Leave for work early and take a different route. Walk to an appointment instead of driving or taking the bus. Meet up with a friend for lunch, a movie, or simply for coffee and catching up.

8. Change your environment. Add elements that will treat your senses and lift your spirits. Scented candles, a great painting or photograph, play your favorite music, add a jar with a collection of things that you've collected while walking on the beach... the choices are endless.

9. Get out. Don't isolate. Interact with others in person.

10. Laugh. Watch a funny movie, get together with funny friends, tell a few corny jokes. In a pinch, fake it. Even fake laughing will make you feel better. Like smiling, laughing causes a chemical reaction that benefits us in many ways.

If we really love ourselves, everything in our life works.
Louise L. Hay

Happy Valentine's Day!

©Weighing The Facts

See sidebar menu for more R.I.S.E.

Selective Eating Disorder may also be known as SED, picky eating, fussy eating, food phobia, selective eating, or perseverative feeding disorder.
SED is not listed as an official eating disorder in the DSM

SED is common in young people with autistic spectrum disorders, this is likely caused by Sensory Integration Dysfunction. It is also found with other special needs adolescents. It is commonly accompanied with severe refusal behaviors when non-preferred foods are presented. SED can be caused by an extra sensitive taste sensation caused by more Fungiform papilla than average, this is the most common cause of SED. It is also found in people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. People with the Autoimmune disorder Coeliac Disease are often picky eaters.
Wikipedia

Selective Eating Disorder affects both children and adults.

The cause of SED is unknown.

Contributing factors may include:

early negative food association
negative food experiences (such as; choking, acid reflux, gastrointestinal troubles)
problem behaviors
negative behaviors learned at the dinner table
ASD
Anxiety Disorder
OCD (mild form)

One theory suggest that those with SED are 'super tasters,' who taste food more intensely than others.

It is unknown how many adults suffer from SED as most who suffer from this disorder go to great lengths to hide it. You can help by filling out this survey at Duke.

Typically, though food choices vary per person, foods deemed acceptable by many with SED are usually bland, refined foods, high in carbohydrates and, for some, on the salty side. Many with selective eating disorder deem foods such as french fries, cheese pizza, pasta, and often chicken fingers as acceptable.

Symptoms may include:

an aversion to certain foods
an aversion to certain food aromas
an aversion to certain food textures fear of certain foods
unwillingness to try new foods narrow range of foods deemed acceptable
restriction is usually to 10 foods or less
distress when presented with foods deemed unacceptable
some restrict to allowing only certain food brands
nausea/vomiting due to odor or texture of certain foods

Most with SED will show no outward physical signs and may appear healthy upon a physical exam.

Health Effects and Concerns include:

loss of essential nutrients (due to limited food choices)
malnutrition
heart problems
teeth health (if acceptable foods are high in sugar)
gastrointestinal problems due to lack of fiber
proper growth in children
high blood pressure due to diet
bone health
obesity

Treatment for SED:

Treatment helps individuals both acquire and practice needed skills or to modify problematic behaviors. An essential aspect of treatment is educating individuals about their bodies: how their sensitivities make sense given their biological inheritance, learning histories, and natural tendencies. In addition, skills can be taught to help manage fears of certain necessary foods. Practice sessions are typically recommended, during which time new foods are tried in the therapy room, restaurants, or other common environments.
DukeHealth.Org

*The intention of The American Psychiatric Association is to make a final decision as to whether Selective Eating Disorders will be included in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), 2013

Support Resources for Selective Eating Adults:
Picky Eating Adults
Empowered Parents
Fussy-Eaters
Picky Eating Adult Support Videos

See also: Selective Eating Disorder: SED
See sidebar menu for more Eating Disorders information and resources.

sources:http://www.livescience.com/10301-adult-picky-eaters-recognized-disorder.html http://www.emaxhealth.com/1506/picky-eating-common-autistic-children-may-be-nutritional-risk.html http://www.livestrong.com/article/496331-selective-eating-disorders-in-children/ http://uktv.co.uk/really/item/aid/614285 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1293356/Fussy-eaters-classed-having-eating-disorder.html

picsource:http://www.flickr.com/photos/21560098@N06/4420104834/in/photostream/

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