a few comments on supplementation and IE

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I haven’t been able to post and keep up with the

conversations this week as I would like, but I noticed the discussion going on

about supplementation and wanted to share a few thoughts and reminders.

First, as “list-mom”, I feel the need to respect

the ethics of my profession. I am an Intuitive Eating coach, but I am also an

exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer, although I do not train

clients anymore. But in light of events that took place a few years ago, my

industry established a code of ethics that includes the prohibition of

recommending supplements, regardless of what those supplements are. This means

anything from a basic multivitamin/mineral to the more dangerous supplements

like ephedra, which I believe is what started this controversy.

It’s very important that we respect the fact that

everyone is different and have different needs, health issues, etc. While

taking an iron supplement may seem innocuous at first glance, there are people

that cannot tolerate them. There are also health conditions, sometimes hidden

ones, that may make iron supplementation contraindicated. It’s not just

iron, it’s pretty much any micronutrient or other supplements. I think we

need to be careful in making any kind of recommendations, especially in this

type of forum because we have over 900 members and just like intuitive eating,

everyone’s experience and needs are going to be different.

Another thing that struck me is the talk about

eating/overeating around PMS. While I understand the concern and that many

people do overeat during this time and have different cravings, it wouldn’t

hurt to take a look at beliefs around PMS and eating. It’s pretty common

for women to discuss this issue, and often we can set up expectations of this

problem by our thinking, even though I know it’s very real for many of

you. But what I’m saying is that what we think creates our reality, so if

you are thinking you are always going to have problems with food around this

time, chances are much better that you will. I hope this makes sense, I am not

saying that the urge to overeat isn’t real, but I see this a lot with my

clients. It’s the same thing as saying “I’m addicted to sugar”

or “I can’t control myself around cookies”. Your subconscious

believes everything you say to it and works very hard to make sure you are

right.

The basic formula is Thoughts lead to Feelings lead to

Behavior lead to Results. If you don’t like your results, take a look at

the thought they came from.

Another thing I see often is the fear of being hungry around

this time. It’s very normal to be more hungry, not that you have to eat

everything in sight, but your body will tell you what it needs. I know I crave

more red meat at that time. I am also more hungry and I honor that. Your body

will let you know, just trust it.

One other thing I want to remind you all about is that we

have men in this group. They don’t surface very often, but they are out

there and I’m sure they read and follow along with the posts. So let’s

try to stay on topic and discuss IE, emotional eating, self-care, meeting your

needs, and all that other IE related stuff. J

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate

to contact me off list.

Thanks!

Gillian

Gillian Hood-son, MS, ACSM

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