CFIH News & Blog

When I started working as a Dietitian I thought, “How can I help people with eating disorders when it’s about so much more than just food?”  Eating disorders are psychiatric illnesses and I, therefore, knew that they required psychological intervention. In the absence of going back to university to study psychology, I wondered how I could be of assistance to individuals struggling with disordered eating. Thankfully, I have since been […]

What is a dietitian’s role in the treatment of eating disorders? Read More »

It makes sense that many of us turn to food in times of stress when we consider our histories with food. As babies, our cries were likely met with food (in the form of our mother’s breast or a bottle) along with a nurturing embrace. From there, food was likely paired with a host of emotions/events. Many of us were distracted from our tiredness/boredom during the grocery shop with a […]

There is no sincerer love than the love of food Read More »

Of the many incredible moments throughout the short history of CFIH, this was easily the best… CFIH was thrown a surprise birthday party last night. Thank you to the passionate and committed CFIH team for organising the event on top of everything else they do on a daily basis to make CFIH all that it is. Thank you to each and every person who attended; in your own, special ways, […]

Happy Birthday CFIH! Read More »

Chances are, you have heard someone (or perhaps yourself) say “I know what to eat but I just can’t do it”. Healthy eating is so much more than meal plans or education about what to eat. Whilst an understanding of nutrition is important, CFIH Dietitian, Kate Pollard, reveals there is often too much focus on “what” to eat to improve health, and not enough focus on “why” we are eating. […]

“I know what to eat but I just can’t do it”; sound familiar? Read More »

Self-compassion is an important part of recovery for people with eating disorders, University of Queensland researchers have found. The School of Psychology study reviewed the use of compassion focussed therapy (CFT) in the treatment of eating and weight concerns. CFT, which has grown over the last two decades, encourages self-compassion to alleviate suffering that is created by an individual’s self-criticism and shame. UQ researcher Dr Stan Steindl said the review […]

Compassion is the key to treating eating disorders Read More »

When it comes to eating disorders, it’s reported that 1 in 10 don’t seek the help that they need.

Seeking Help: Taking the First, Scary Step Read More »

Kiera, Marita, and Alanah recently attended the International Conference for Eating Disorders (ICED), hosted by the Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), in Prague. Marita also presented a measure she has recently developed in conjunction with CFIH dietitian, Kate Pollard; ‘the Eating for Muscularity Scale’. Marita and Kate hope the scale will better enable medical and health practitioners to more accurately identify and treat those eating disorders (particularly occurring with males) […]

International Conference for Eating Disorders Read More »

Kiera, Marita and Alanah will all be presenting at this year’s annual Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) conference in Sydney, this September. Kiera will be presenting an oral presentation on “Why Diets Fail”; aimed at improving society’s understanding of obesity, reducing weight-stigma, and exploring alternatives to weight loss for improving health; physically and emotionally. Marita will present a poster titled: “Bodybuilding to the max: Is our drive for […]

Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders Annual Conference Read More »

Take a yoga or meditation class together: We live in a society where there is so much external stimulus and noise that it can be really beneficial to take some time out. Meditation and low intensity sitting or lying movements are a great way to allow people to focus on the present moment. Hit the local trails for a bushwalk: Bush walking (and walking in general) is a low-cost and […]

7 Fun Ways To Celebrate Exercise Right Week Read More »

At the heart of International No Diet Day is the celebration of body acceptance. In a society that is fixated on appearance and size, this day helps us refocus on what is truly important – a healthy lifestyle and self love. In celebrating International No Diet Day, participants are encouraged to: • Challenge the idea of one “right” body shape and embrace body diversity. • Declare a day free of […]

International No Diet Day Read More »

In the most recent National Health Survey, over 2.3 million Australian adults reported being on a diet to lose weight. Reviews of the dieting literature, however, consistently report that 95 percent of dieters regain the lost weight within a few years, with two-thirds regaining more weight than they initially lost. Despite this, the recommendations remain the same; ‘Eat less and move more’. During this year’s ‘Healthy Weight Week‘, CFIH urges […]

‘Eat Less and Move More’: Inaccurate? Or, accurate but unattainable? Read More »

With the New Year here, it is inevitable that many of us get excited about the opportunity for a fresh start and another chance to achieve those unfulfilled resolutions. If you’re a female aged between 8 and 80, living in Western society then it’s likely you’ve thought about losing weight. It’s also likely that you’re aware of the overabundance of products and plans promising quick fix solutions. However, you’ve probably […]

This year, make it your year for sustainable health Read More »