Blog: What is a Normal Way to Eat?

Recently on the internet there has been an article and a disturbing picture about the “Feeding Tube Diet.” In the article they have a picture of a normal size woman who has a tube in her nose attached to a bag she has to carry with her all day and night. The report says she wants to lose a small amount of weight (10-20 pounds) for her wedding and a doctor has put her on an 800 calorie a day liquid diet. The liquid “food” is in a pack the woman carries with her at all times and it is connected to a tube that has been inserted into her nose which goes down to her stomach. She lives with the tube in her nose 24/7 for a week or two until she has lost the desired amount of weight.

All I can say is, “WOW!” This is an extreme, I know, but many people go to great lengths to lose weight. Nutritionists are saying they are very concerned about the safety for patients that go to this extreme.

There are so many diets, weight loss plans, and eating plans that I have wondered what is normal eating? Here is a list I was given recently from a Registered Nurse (Mary McCloy, RN, LMFT) who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders.

1. Go to the table hungry and eat until satisfied.
2. Eat nutritious foods, but don’t be restrictive.
3. Eat 3 meals a day or 4-5 or eat all day long. You decide.
4. Leave the food/table when you don’t want more.
5. Food does not take up all of your time/energy, except when you are eating.
6. You eat and then you are done. You don’t think about eating again until you are hungry.

Normal eating is simple, concise and, dare I say, kind of old fashioned. It is simple; it’s just not easy for everyone. Many people have difficulties with food (binge eating, compulsive eating, and eating disorders) and cannot figure out how to eat normally. So, for them this list might seem impossible.

I feel sad to see that someone is so concerned about losing a small amount of weight that they use a tube to have a liquid diet.  But what I do understand is the desperateness that comes with wanting to be thinner at any cost.

I find it interesting that what might be “normal eating” is not so normal for all of us. What do you think about this list? I’d love to hear your feedback.

Kim McLaughlin LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc 27667) with a counseling office in Roseville, CA. Kim McLaughlin specializes in counseling people with binge eating, compulsive eating and eating disorders. She is a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. This blog is not meant to be a substitute for counseling and if you are in need of counseling services go to www.counselingcalifornia.com or contact Kim McLaughlin LMFT here or www.feedyoursoultherapy.com.

Sign up for Kim’s free Special Report:  Top Strategies to End Binge Eating here.