Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/56679
about everything." In addition to physiological factors in- dicating that their bodies could be in dis- tress such as poor digestion, fatigue or food cravings, underlying emotional issues often play a signifi cant role in why people develop unhealthy relationships with food. Often it's a cycle of self-bashing coupled with emotional eating (or starving oneself) that leads to dysfunctional eating. Rather than eating to satisfy hunger or nourish the body, dysfunctional eaters consume particular foods to be thin, to reshape the body, or to relieve stress. Reports indicate that between 50 and 80 percent of American girls and women age 11 and older display dysfunctional eat- ing patterns. But, as Hittman explains, unearthing a problem with dysfunctional eating allows many to begin taking the proper steps to improving their relation- ship with food. Th e undercurrent of Hittman's treatment is the philosophy that food can affect peo- ple's moods, thoughts and actions, and that not all people process foods the same way. "I can micromanage their food," she states. "I can tell them, 'do this, do that,' but if we're not getting at the root emo- tional cause of why they're eating, they're not going to get better." Shifting thinking away from eating to achieve a physical goal (say to drop 10 pounds) toward eating for physical well- being often helps many create a permanent pattern of approaching food in a healthy way. To make that transition easier, Hitt- man recommends using the 80/20 rule— choosing wholesome foods 80 percent of the time, and leaving the other 20 percent open to whatever you feel like eating. "If there's something you really want, then have it," she urges. "But just have a little bit, and then know tomorrow, if you want that again, you can have it. It's OK." Th at kind of balance, she says, is what helps many women learn how to have their cake, and eat it too. Hyde described it best for herself. "My main appearance goal is to look like Janet Hyde," she says. My own beauty mantra is similar. I'm not striving to be an idealized notion of perfect. I just strive to be perfectly me. It's February, and advertisements are al- ready reminding us that bikini season is just around the corner. Th eir message is "…A simple question put it into focus. If you were looking at a friend rather than your own refl ection, would you judge her as harshly as you do yourself?" that we should all start eating these prod- ucts, using these weight-loss plans, or signing up for gym memberships so we'll look our best. Shouldn't the message be to eat their product because it's healthy? Sign up for their gym membership because we'll feel great? I didn't start loving my body overnight. It's been a gradual series of small changes, the biggest of which is treating myself with compassion. I've realized it's much more important to me that people know me as a caring friend, a talented writer, a free spir- it, and a worthy Scrabble adversary than a woman whose abs could land her on the cover of a fi tness magazine. By conventional standards, I'm far from having a "bikini body." But today I know that I'm close to being the healthiest, best version of me. I eat well because I need good food to fuel me. I exercise to feel great. My body shape is a result of that (and my genes. Th anks, Mom!). It's a simple change in mindset that for some takes decades to develop. So if I decide to partake in "bikini sea- son" at some point this year, here is how I will prepare: Step one: Grab my swimsuit out of the drawer. Step two: Put it on. Step three: Go on with my life. ••• February 2012 bravamagazine.com 61