Healthy Eating
university health services
Seven million women and one million men suffer from anorexia nervosa and bulimia
Eating Quiz: Do I have a healthy Food and Weight Outlook?
Take a few moments to complete a free, anonymous survey to determine if you have a healthy attitude about food.
If you have completed the survey and have found that you may have a problem with body image, weight or your outlook on food. Please talk to someone from Health Services or Counseling Services.
Health Services
Cushing Hall 119 - (617)552-3225
Counseling Services
Gasson Hall, Suite 001 - (617) 552-3310
Variety is important. Vary the kinds of food that you need -- no single food can provide you with all the essential nutrients your body needs.
Foods from the grain products group should be used as the basis, not the only component, of a healthy diet. Include fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein to round out a healthy meal.
Many people choose vegetarian diets for a variety of reasons. Vegetarians sometimes do not get enough protein and other vitamins, iron, zinc etc., found in meats. Look for other ways to obtain these nutrients-eggs, tofu, beans etc.
Women need more calcium and iron in their diets than men. There are many low-fat and fat-free ways to obtain the calcium your body needs. Iron can be obtained through lean meats, whole-grain breads etc.
For more healthy eating information and tips contact the Health Services nutritionist, June Goodman, at (617) 552-3225.
Eating disorders are extreme expressions of weight and food issues experienced by both men and women. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating. All are serious emotional problems that can have life-threatening consequences. Technically speaking, the "eating" in eating disorder refers to a set of eating habits, weight management practices, and attitudes about weight and body shape. The "disorder" means that the eating-related attitudes and behaviors result in:
- loss of self-control and other forms of behavioral inefficiency
- obsession, anxiety, guilt, and other forms of misery
- alienation from self and others
- physiological imbalances which are potentially life-threatening.
This information was taken from the website for Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention: http://www.edap.org/
Signs and Symptoms of ANOREXIA:
- intense fear of becoming fat
- distorted body image
- signs of restricted eating, severe diets, or fasting
- rigid exercise regimen
- social withdrawal, mood shifts, perfectionism
- lightheadedness, fainting
- complaints of feeling cold
- body weight "15%" below normal
- loss of menstrual cycle
Signs and Symptoms of BULIMIA:
- binge eating followed by fasting or purging
- vomiting, laxative abuse, over-exercising or abuse of diet pills
- intense fear of becoming fat
- feeling uncomfortable eating in front of others
- weight fluctuations
- mood shifts, depression, sever self-criticism
- complaints of sore throats, fatigue, muscle aches
Signs and Symptoms of COMPULSIVE OVEREATING:
- Eating to escape from worry or anxiety
- bingeing or eating when not hungry
- restriction of activities because of embarrassment about weight
- engaging in continual diets
- excessive thought devoted to food
- eating little in public while maintaining high weight
- Feelings of self-worth based on weight and control of eating
This information provided by MEDA (Massachusetts Eating Disorders Association).
American media, societal and peer pressures all cause men and women to strive for the unrealistic "model" look. Everyone has qualities that are more important than the shape of their body. Boosting your body image requires you to feel happy and healthy concerning your body. Answer the questions below. Remind yourself of your answers everyday and grow to LOVE YOUR BODY!
- What is your best quality?
- Name Three Things You Are Good At.
- Exercise can be responsible for your feelings of happiness and good health. What is your favorite way to exercise?
- What makes you the happiest?
- What makes you feel the best about yourself?
- What is your favorite feature or body part? Take care of this favorite feature...style your hair, paint your nails etc.
Health Services
Cushing Hall 119 - (617)552-3225
Counseling Services
Gasson Hall, Suite 001 - (617) 552-3310
Nutritionist
Sheila Tucker
Gasson Hall, Suite 025 - (617) 552-9900
The Women's Resource Center
141 McElroy - (617) 552-3489
Campus Ministry
McElroy 233 - (617) 552-3475
Dining Services
Click here for nutritional information for on-campus food
Boston College Eating Disorders CampaignClick here for program of events and resource information
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention