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Restored Eating Disorders: Change is possible
An eating problem is any relationship with food that you find difficult. Anyone can experience eating problems and adopt extreme behaviours as a result, explains Dee Swinton, regardless of age, gender, weight or background.
Eating disorder symptoms can manifest as cravings, eating more or less than usual or trying to eat healthier. Changing eating habits every now and then is normal, but if you feel like food or eating is taking over your life, it may become a problem. Eating disorders are not just about food or weight though and you don’t have to ‘look sick’ to be diagnosed or need help. An eating disorder can be about difficult emotions or painful feelings that come at any stage in life as a result of external life stressors or past/ present trauma, both of which are not mutually exclusive.
Dorset’s high levels
But the fact remains: eating disorders have the highest death rate of any mental health illness and are estimated to affect 1.6 million people in the UK (The Telegraph, Nov 2018). During the first lockdown in 2020, monthly referrals for eating disorders amongst young people in Dorset rose drastically by 42% according to NHS England, Jan 2022 This isn’t surprising when you consider how the increased levels of anxiety and isolation had such a devastating impact on vulnerable young people. It has now been estimated that Dorset has one of the highest levels of eating disorders admissions in the country. It’s safe to say that early intervention is of utmost importance, and ahead of Eating Disorder Awareness Week that takes place between 28th February and 6th March, we want to bust the myth about the stigma (and self-stigma) of asking for help. Shame felt by sufferers can result in their silence and reluctance to reach out for support. But by doing so, it can save a life. With treatment, most people can recover from an eating disorder.
Taking the first step to recovery
So, what do you do if you think that you or someone you know might be struggling with food issues? The first step should always be to seek help from your GP. But if your situation is life threatening, we recommend that you get yourself or your loved one straight to A&E if you can do so safely, or dial 999 and request an ambulance.
Choose your journey
At Dorset Mind, we aim to increase awareness about eating disorders and help support people’s recovery journeys. ‘Restored’ Eating Disorder support comprises professionals with lived experience, who support people (aged 16+) who might be living with anorexia, Eating disorders are not just about food or bulimia and binge-eating disorders or another specified feeding or disordered eating. Y weight, and you don’t ou don’t have to have a have to ‘look sick’. diagnosis to use our services. An eating disorder can be about difficult We provide two pathways to assist recovery: mentoring, and a weekly online peer-support emotions that group. come as a result of Mentoring provides 1-2-1 support external life stress or from trained mentors who coach you through an 8-week, CBT past/present trauma based programme. Our online Recovery Group facilitates weekly peer-support in the form of a discussion group that utilises a 26-week programme.
How to access our support: To book your initial assessment with our team, email Romy at restored@ dorsetmind.uk. Please note, this is not a crisis service. Dorset Mind charity supports adults and young people with a range of 1-2-1 and group mental health support, education and training across Dorset. Find out more at: dorsetmind.uk
HEALTH by Karen Geary, a Registered Nutritional Therapist DipION, mBANT, CNHC at Amplify
Five (easy) ways to kick-start your healthy eating
When winter drags and you crave comfort food, it’s many of us turn to convenience carbs. But healthier options are simple, says Karen Geary
Swap mash for root veggie mash
Mixing up winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips and swede into a mash with a dash of olive oil can bring a wider variety of veg into your diet, more nutrients and will help you feel fuller and satisfied for longer. White potatoes when mashed release their sugars quickly which will make you hungry sooner.
Swap rice for cauliflower rice
Curry night? Swap white rice for cauliflower rice. Blitz raw cauliflower in the processor or chop finely into rice-sized pieces. Spread out on a baking tray and bake on 180 deg C until dry and slightly charred (about 30 mins). You need to stir it every now and then to make sure it dries and browns evenly. Cauliflower is a cruciferous veg, very low in calories, high in fibre, vitamins and minerals and has one of my favourite nutrients, choline which supports our metabolism and also a healthy nervous system amongst many things. If you hate cauliflower, try quinoa instead, a fantastic source of protein.
Swap chips for celeriac or sweet potato chips
Chopping celeriac or sweet potatoes into chips, massaged with olive oil, salt and your favourite spices (I like hot paprika with a touch of cumin), bake in the oven fast – they take about 20 minutes on 190 deg C and are hassle-free.
Swap potato crisps for kale crisps
This sounds a bit new age California, but if you have some kale hanging around in the bottom of your fridge, strip the leaves away from the stalks, massage the leaves with olive oil, spread on a baking sheet and bake on a low heat, eg 120deg C for an hour or so until they are dry (they shrink a lot!). Sprinkle with salt and enjoy. Another great way to get your cruciferous vegetables into your diet, high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals and none of the additives that you get from a bag of crisps.
Swap flavoured yogurt for Greek yogurt or kefir
A lot of the fruity yogurts are ultra-processed and aimed at dieters because they are low fat, but instead are loaded with sugars, preservatives or emulsifiers which can give people an upset stomach. Switch from low fat yogurt to Greek yogurt – it is high in protein and fat and will keep you fuller for longer. If you don’t like the consistency of Greek yogurt – give kefir a go. It is one of the best fermented foods for gut health around. Add stewed apple and cinnamon and you have a lovely dessert or an indulgent breakfast. Your gut will thank you for it.
by Mel Mitchell
HEALTH
Maybe it’s time to try something completely different? You might find something you’ll love. I did, says Mel Mitchell, who was dubious about enjoying an ‘aerial hoop’ fitness class.
Instructor Fran Drake demonstrates the Aerial Hoop
As you may remember I spoke about trying new forms of exercise in some of my previous articles. This week I had the pleasure of trying an aerial hoop class. I was asked by a friend and fellow fitness instructor ‘so, when are you coming to my aerial hoop?’ Me being me and always up for trying something a different, I booked in. If I’m completely honest it’s not something I ever saw myself doing - mostly because I have as much grace as a hippo on a sandcastle. I was reassured though that this didn’t matter, and to give it a go anyway. I’m definitely glad I did.
No grace required
Aside from the fact that I might not have looked terribly graceful, I certainly had fun trying. I went to class as a complete beginner, not knowing what to expect. With great direction and lots of encouragement from Fran and the fellow attendees, I had my first few moves perfected (sort of). Needless to say, I may need a bit more practice before my circus debut. I have in the past heard comments about aerial hoop being classed as a form of exercise. Well, Fran is now the second aerial hoop instructor that I have met, and the amount of strength and control that these ladies have developed is unreal. It just goes to show that strength and fitness doesn’t have to come from your usual forms of exercise. For those of you wanting to get into fitness, but wanting to maybe get into something a bit different then I would definitely recommend that you give it a go. It is a fantastic form of cross training which builds strength and flexibility as well as improving balance and core stability. All while having fun hanging from a hoop doing your best cirque du soleil impression!
Instructor Fran Drake says
“I get asked a lot ‘what is a good age to start circus arts?’ The answer is any age! I also hear a lot of people who flat out refuse to try because they are ‘too old/not fit enough/not strong enough/flexible enough’. Barbara, 66, has been training for three years. Lisa, now 52, had no previous gymnastics or dance but has been aerial training for five years. Circus is for every age.”
Come and learn how to defy gravity with
Phoenix Aerial hoop classes at Sturfit in Sturminster Newton. Wednesdays 5pm and 6pm, Fridays at 5:30pm.
Class is £10.50 - simply book online here.
DAYS OUT
Rock climbing - something to do that the teens will actually love
Editor Laura took her three perennially-reluctant teenagers to try Rock Reef in Bournemouth - and was amazed at just how much they loved it.
Every parent of teenagers knows that the coninual air of bored cynicism gets wearing. So I arrived at Rock Reef with three teenagers and only moderate expectations of the fun they’d have climbing a big colourful wall. As it wasn’t going to be me wobbling precariously on a rope, I hadn’t paid too much attention to the specifics when we’d agreed to review the experience. Walking in was an eye opener. Rock Reef is located literally on Bournemouth Pier – we parked at the BIC, and it was just a two minute walk down the hill. Checked in upon arrival, we deposited coats and bags in one of the plentiful free lockers, and everyone who was climbing headed straight for the safety briefing. Instructions were clear and patient; alarmingly quickly they were confident in how to work the clipping system, and let loose on a frankly HUGE hall of different climbing walls – mostly themed sections, with one entire end a fake rock face for a more authentic climbing experience. They each chose differently themed ‘walls’ and after a nervous start they soon found their confidence and began racing and challenging each other, trying out the various routes. They then moved on to the Highline, suspended from the ceiling much like an indoors ‘Go Ape’ course – wobbly log rungs, monkey hoops, balance posts and cargo nets – all swinging freely, way up high in the air. It was so good they went round twice. she’d created there was no hint of impatience in helping her move along. Our given time slot was 90 minutes, and it swiftly vanished. The walls were high enough to be challenging even for 6’2” 19yr olds (though we saw small 6yr olds scampering up them at terrifying speeds...), and a range of difficulties which meant a nervous first timer could still reach the top on some, and didn’t feel defeated when they couldn’t conquer the difficulty of others. To finish off the experience, at the end of the session they had two goes each on the Leap of Faith and the Death Slide. That’s a no from me. So HIGH. And the verdict of the jaded cynical teenagers? A unanimous “When can we go again?”. They’re demanding a return trip soon.
We were provided with the Ultimate Adventure tickets (£30 per person), which included the Clip ‘n Climb, the HighLine, PierCave and two goes on both the Vertical Slide and Leap of Faith. Just Clip n Climb tickets are £12, and the Highline is £10. The Piercave is a set of dark tunnels with pits, slides and ball pools to replicate a caving experience. Smaller kids seemed to enjoy it hugely, but my teens suggested skipping it if you’re tall, a bigger build or not keen on confined spaces. Tickets must be booked in advance on the website here
The three teens on the first wall - the middle ‘morse code’ was deemed the hardest in the room. and the circles on the left the easiest.
15yr old half way up the pipes - note people in background for scale!
Big and little teen on the Highline, travelling over the head of their brother on the rock wall - he never did make the top!
A great atmosphere
Rather than an intimidating first impression, the atmosphere was brilliantly collaborative and friendly between climbers. Staff were attentive, helpful and unfailingly cheerful. When a lady had a panic attack half way around the Highline course (it’s very high!), she was rescued with gentle, unhurried coaxing; despite the big traffic jam 106
By Kate Goddard
Directed by Paula Skinner
Mill Singers male voice choir concert at the Udder Farm Shop with Supper
The Mill Singers Male Voice Choir are thrilled to be back singing again and their first concert is at the Udder Farm Shop. The ticket price includes a choice of three main course meals (including vegetarian) and light choral music. it starts at 7pm and songs such as ‘American trilogy’ and ‘Do you Hear the People Sing?’, some Matt Munro classics etc. Why not make a table of friends for an enjoyable evening?
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival at Springhead
As well as enjoying the beautiful drifts of snowdrops, visitors will have the chance to wander round the formal and informal lakeside gardens at Springhead. The gardens will be open Monday to Friday during February from 11am to 3pm, and also over the weekend of 12 to 13 February (when there will be a plant stall). Please check our website (here) before attending in case of any changes. Entry to the gardens will be free but donations would be appreciated. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is assisted wheelchair access.
