Reclaiming Your Relationship with Food and Your Body:
A Conversation with Katy Harvey, RD
At this time of year, 40-45% of Americans set a New Years Resolution to change their lifestyle, often with the goal of losing weight. As moms, our relationship with our bodies can feel like a never-ending journey. From the physical changes of pregnancy to the exhaustion of keeping up with growing kids, our bodies are constantly evolving. But in a world saturated with diet culture, how do we navigate self-acceptance while still wanting to care for our health?
In a recent episode of the Everyday Supermoms Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katy Harvey, a registered dietitian and expert in intuitive eating. Our conversation touched on the complex, often conflicting emotions many moms feel about their bodies and food.
The "Supermom" Identity – And the Pressure That Comes With It
When I asked Katy how she felt about the term "supermom," she smiled. "I like it because motherhood is hard, and you always wonder if you're doing it right. So, to embrace the idea that I'm a 'supermom' feels kind of good."
As moms, we juggle countless responsibilities. Often, taking care of our own bodies gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Katy and I talked about how common it is for moms to undernourish themselves – whether from lack of time, chronic dieting, or simply scraping by on leftovers from our kids' plates.
"So many moms think they're 'good eaters' because they avoid junk food," Katy said. "But when we really break it down, a lot of them aren't eating enough – period. And that under-eating can lead to late-night cravings or feeling out of control around food."
From Diet Culture to Intuitive Eating: Katy's Journey
Katy's story is one many of us can relate to. She grew up feeling "too big" compared to her peers, internalizing messages that her body needed to shrink. As a dietitian, she initially felt empowered by food knowledge but found herself slipping into rigid rules around healthy eating.
"At one point, my fiancé (now husband) said, 'This feels like too much. We can't even go out for pizza without it stressing you out,'" Katy recalled. That wake-up call led her to therapy, where she began healing her relationship with food.
Now, Katy helps other women do the same. "The peace and freedom that came from making peace with food before I became a mom was life-changing."
How Diet Culture Affects Moms (And How to Break Free)
As Katy and I delved deeper, we talked about the immense pressure moms face regarding body image – during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. "You're supposed to gain weight when you're pregnant, but not too much. Then you're supposed to 'bounce back' right away. It's exhausting."
One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was the realization that weight isn't the best indicator of health. Katy highlighted that dieting often backfires, leading to weight gain over time and potential metabolic damage.
"The number one predictor of weight gain is dieting," Katy explained. "Instead of dieting, we need to focus on health-promoting behaviors – things like movement, sleep, hydration, and joyful eating."
What is Intuitive Eating?
For those unfamiliar with intuitive eating, it's a non-diet approach to food that focuses on listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues while removing guilt around eating. Katy recommended the book Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, along with the companion workbook.
"I run a program every January to help women work through the intuitive eating workbook," Katy shared. "It's such a refreshing alternative to New Year's dieting."
Modeling a Healthy Relationship with Food for Our Kids
As moms, the way we talk about food and our bodies inevitably influences our children. "I want my kids to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, but that starts with me modeling it for them," I told Katy. We laughed about how picky eaters often derail our best intentions.
"Before I became a parent, I thought, 'My kids will eat everything,'" Katy said. "Now, I get it – sometimes you just serve chicken nuggets because you know they'll eat them."
But even in those moments, small shifts can make a difference. "I try to be mindful of how I talk about food. I avoid labeling things as 'good' or 'bad' and focus on how different foods fuel our bodies."
Embracing Health, Not Perfection
Toward the end of our conversation, we talked about the delicate balance between body acceptance and wanting to feel healthier. Katy reminded us that it’s okay to want change, but that change should come from a place of self-care, not self-punishment.
"It's about honoring your body and finding movement or nutrition that feels good, not restrictive," she said. "Health isn't about a number on the scale. It's about how you feel and how you show up for your life."
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Katy left me feeling both inspired and reassured. As moms, we deserve to feel at home in our bodies. If you're curious to learn more, check out Katy's podcast, Rebuilding Trust with Your Body, or follow her on Instagram at @katiharvey.rd.
And remember, your worth isn't determined by the size of your jeans. Nourish your body, move it with joy, and give yourself the same compassion you'd show a friend.
These topics and so much more are things we often address at Real Life Creative Counseling. If this is something you are struggling with, you don’t have struggle alone. If you are in Colorado, reach out for help and schedule your Free consultation!
Here’s to raising strong, confident kids by learning to love and respect ourselves first.
