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A Guide To Understanding The Link Between Food Insecurity & Disordered Eating In Black Women
As a Black registered dietitian and someone with lived experience of food insecurity, I understand the unique challenges Black women face with limited access to food and disordered eating. Both can lead to abnormal eating patterns and distorted body image, making it difficult for individuals to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Eating disorders are complex and serious mental health conditions that affect people of all races and ethnicities, but research suggests they may be underdiagnosed in Black communities. This underdiagnosis may be due to a lack of understanding and awareness of eating disorders within Black communities, cultural stereotypes, discrimination, and a lack of access to culturally competent healthcare.
Factors such as cultural pressure to conform to conventional beauty standards, societal pressure to maintain a "strong" image, and lack of representation and understanding of disordered eating in the Black community can all contribute to the underdiagnosis of eating disorders.
Clinically diagnosed eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder, along with disordered eating patterns, are not a choice caused by a lack of willpower. Rather they are a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Environmental factors often include poverty and food insecurity, significantly contributing to disordered eating behaviors.
Food insecurity, or the lack of access to enough food for an active and healthy life, disproportionately affects Black communities. In America, Black households are more than twice as likely to experience food insecurity as white households. Additionally, Black women who are single heads of households often experience higher rates of poverty than other racial groups, further exacerbating their vulnerability to food insecurity.
Many Black women may struggle to afford enough food to meet their basic nutritional needs, which can seriously affect their physical and mental health. Food insecurity can lead to disordered eating behaviors, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and if left untreated, full-blown eating disorders.
How are disordered eating and food insecurity behaviors related?
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, disordered eating describes a range of eating behaviors that do not have a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder.
Both food insecurity and disordered eating can lead to similar patterns of behavior, which include:
- Restrictive eating: Individuals may limit the amount of food they eat to stretch resources or conform to societal ideals of thinness.
- Binge eating: Individuals may eat large amounts of food in one sitting as a coping mechanism for feelings of shame, guilt, or lack of control, or they may binge eat after not eating for an extended period.
- Meal skipping: Individuals may skip meals to stretch resources or reduce their weight and body size.
- Preoccupation with food: Individuals may become fixated on food, constantly thinking about when their next meal will be or what their next meal will consist of.
- Purging: Individuals may use methods such as vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics to get rid of food after eating to cope with feelings of guilt or shame.
- Distorted body image: Individuals may have a distorted perception of their body size and shape, which can lead to feelings of shame.
Although eating disorders remain largely underdiagnosed in the Black community, many Black women experience disordered eating patterns in their daily lives. While disordered eating may not lead to a clinical diagnosis, it can lead to harmful physical and psychological consequences if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness and understanding of disordered eating and eating disorders within Black communities and to ensure that Black people have access to appropriate and culturally sensitive treatment and support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, help is available. Seek support from a qualified registered dietitian and a therapist in your community. A registered dietitian can work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve optimal health. Additionally, a therapist or counselor specializing in eating disorders can provide support and guidance for managing disordered eating behaviors.
Remember, Black women's health matters, and food insecurity and disordered eating are not personal failures but rather a complex combination of factors.
My personal and professional experience has taught me the importance of using a holistic lens and exploring the intersections of race, gender, and class when evaluating disordered eating and eating disorders.
Where should I go for help?
Connect with organizations for more information and support.
Eating Disorder and Disordered Eating Support
Emergency Food Support
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Feeding America
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- 8 Solid Tips For Enjoying Foods Without Guilt Or Regret ›
- How I Learned That The Goal Is To Live Healthy, Not Lose Weight ›
- On Body Dysmorphia In Black Women ›
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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