New Year’s Resolutions Can be Harmful

Wickenburg, AZ, January 02, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Weight loss is the number one New Year’s resolution for Americans. According to a recent survey commissioned by Weight Watchers and conducted by Harris Interactive, about half of U.S. women say losing weight will be one of their New Year’s resolutions. Although, maintaining a healthy weight is important, Cindy Elms, RD, Director of Nutrition at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders in Wickenburg, AZ stresses that the focus of resolutions should be on meeting nutritional needs and managing stress of the New Year.

According to NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association), in the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males struggle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are struggling with binge eating disorder. “Often we see people making resolutions that become cognitive distortions of the eating disorder and this is when the New Year’s resolutions can actually be harmful to someone struggling with an eating disorder,” said Elms. “For instance, someone might make their resolution to eliminate fat from their diet in 2009. However, we all need a certain amount of fat in our diets for growth and development as well as for the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.”

“Individuals struggling with eating disorders should think about New Year resolutions from the inside out, such as working to make meaningful memories and being more creative, “Elms said. “The New Year is also an excellent time to get back to basics, by eating more grains, proteins, vegetables, fruits, dairy and healthy fats. For those in treatment and recovery from eating disorders, their resolution could focus on the commitment to follow their meal plan and to use positive affirmations on a daily basis.”

Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders is a premier provider of eating disorder treatment for men and women ages 18 and older in Wickenburg, AZ. Rosewood offers a unique model of treatment centered on individualized treatment in a medically sophisticated, state-of-the-art facility. Rosewood is accredited by The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and accepts insurances.

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If you would like more information about eating disorders, or to schedule an interview with Cindy Elms, please call Cindy McAlpin at 704-999-6344 or email Cindy at Cindy.McAlpin@RosewoodRanch.com