Please Accept my Apology: an open letter to you
“Dear Cancer Patient and/or Survivor,
Please accept my apology for the dietitian I used to be.
I didn’t really understand how my recommendations, eating rules, and good and bad food lists added to your stress and contributed to disordered eating.
I’m sorry it took me so long to recognize my “lectures” weren’t helpful.
I probably hurt you by inadvertently implying you were to blame when you didn’t choose the right foods or have an “acceptable” body size according to the almighty research.
I never meant to make you feel judged, both by me or by yourself, for falling short of eating the “perfect” diet or having the “right” body size.
I know now that my recommendations added to your fears of not doing enough. Not being enough.
I know better now.
I am forever thankful to a handful of patients whose eating behaviors were so strict, so fear-driven, that I began to see the harm I fostered, and I began to question my approach.
I now question the research “evidence” and often find it lacking.
Food and nutrition recommendations have their place, but they don’t trump your preferences and will not be placed above your relationship with food and body.
Even after cancer. Especially after cancer.
Please know that you aren’t to blame. That the lists of food rules and labeling the things we eat as good and bad is harmful to your pursuit of healing and health.
I believe in you and your body’s innate wisdom. I know that you’re the expert of your body, not me. I’m here to help you believe that, too.
I’m sorry it took so long to get here, but I finally made it.
”
Hi, I’m Amber!
I am a registered dietitian and cancer nutrition specialist. I’m so glad you’re here!