Rethinking Our Language: Words to Consider in Eating Disorder Recovery
As dietitians working in eating disorder recovery, we understand the power of language. The words we use can either perpetuate shame and rigidity or help clients rebuild a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. While many of us have consciously moved away from harmful diet culture rhetoric, there are still phrases that, despite good intentions, may subtly uphold restrictive beliefs. This post isn’t about telling you what to say, but about reflecting on whether our language is truly supportive or unknowingly reinforcing rigid ideas of “right” eating.
Understanding the Roots of Our Language
The language we use is deeply rooted in traditional dietetics, which often prioritizes weight control and external standards of health. These words can trigger associations with dieting or restriction for our clients. By recognizing where these terms come from, we can adjust our language to foster healing and autonomy, not conformity.
Words to Reflect On (and Why)
Balance -> Flexibility or Autonomy
"Balance" is often used with good intentions, but it can imply an external ideal or "right" way to eat. This can specifically add pressure to neurodivergent folks, to meet conventional expectations and can overlook food preferences and sensitivities. Clients may feel pressured to perfectly balance their meals, which may not feel inclusive to them. Using words like "flexibility" or "autonomy" encourages personal choice without judgment.
Example Shift:
Instead of: “It’s all about balance- having some fun foods while still making sure to eat nutrient-dense foods.”
Try: “Eating can be about flexibility-giving yourself permission to enjoy all foods and honoring what feels good.”
2. Healthy -> Supportive or Satisfying
"Healthy" can trigger restrictive behaviors, as it’s often linked to moral judgments about food. Using words like "supportive" or "satisfying" shifts the focus from morality to what serves the body. Clients may want to redefine what “healthy” looks like for them which can be empowering. It is about knowing your client and what is actually helpful.
Example Shift:
Instead of: “Let’s find healthy meals that work for you.”
Try: “Let’s explore meals that feel satisfying and supportive for your needs.”
3. Moderation -> Permission or Enoughness
"Moderation" can create a scarcity mindset, reinforcing feelings of restriction. Shifting to "permission" or "enoughness" helps clients trust their bodies and embrace the idea of eating what feels adequate, not restricted.
Example Shift:
Instead of: “Everything is okay in moderation.”
Try: “You have full permission to eat what you need. Your body knows what is enough.”4. Goals -> Intentions or Explorations
While goals can work for some clients, they can feel like pressure or measures of success. Words like "intentions" or "explorations" offer curiosity and flexibility, allowing clients to approach recovery with compassion instead of achievement.
Example Shift:
Instead of: “Let’s set a goal to include three meals a day.”
Try: “Let’s explore what it’s like to offer yourself regular meals and see how it feels.”
Why These Reflections Matter
The language we use directly impacts our clients' recovery experience. Words that carry implicit judgment can reinforce diet culture and create barriers to healing. By choosing words that foster autonomy, curiosity, and self-trust, we can create space for clients to reconnect with their bodies and food without shame.
It’s also important to recognize that some clients may still resonate with terms like these or use them themself. As dietitians, we need to let our clients lead, while continuously reflecting on what we may implicitly bring into sessions.
Our language should be inclusive, free of moral hierarchy, and responsive to the diverse experiences of our clients. By staying intentional and reflective about how we show up, we can better support recovery.
Emilee Young, RDN, LD offers individual supervision for dietitians looking to work with eating disorders, disordered eating, and perinatal care.
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Embrace Nutrition Counseling supports all ages and genders in healing their relationship with food and natural body size. Emilee Young specializes in binge eating disorder and works from a Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating framework.
Embrace Nutrition Counseling provides virtual nutrition counseling to residents in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Including Arlington VA, Tysons VA, McLean VA, and Fairfax County.
Services offered include support for:
Other Specified Eating Disorder
