169: Intuitive Eating for Pets and Dealing With Anti-fat Family
May 30, 2023
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Can pets eat intuitively, or do we restrict their natural instincts by limiting meal times? The discussion considers whether fat pets should undergo diets and how to approach these decisions thoughtfully. Listeners also gain insights on managing family members who express anti-fat sentiments, alongside coping strategies for weight gain during the transition to intuitive eating. The journey emphasizes body positivity and the importance of healthy conversations surrounding pet diets and human boundaries.
The episode emphasizes the need for pet owners to consider intuitive eating and the detrimental effects of restrictive dieting on pets' well-being.
Listeners are encouraged to challenge societal biases surrounding body size and confront emotional challenges related to weight gain with compassion.
Effective strategies for dealing with anti-fat family members are introduced, including the three-part formula of remove, reduce, and protect to foster healthier communication.
Deep dives
Celebrating Pets and Their Joys
The episode highlights the significance of celebrating the bond between pets and their owners, illustrated through the host's joyful memories with their dog, Dougie. They share an anecdote about Dougie's 'gotcha day', marking the day he was adopted, and how they celebrated it with special treats. The host emphasizes the importance of creative play for pets, explaining how homemade toys can be more engaging than store-bought alternatives. This playful approach encourages owners to think outside the box for their pets' happiness and stimulation.
Mindful Eating and Body Acceptance
A listener named Cecilia shares her journey with intuitive eating and the challenges of accepting her larger body as a 63-year-old with osteoporosis. The discussion tackles the emotional side of weight gain, alongside societal beliefs that stigmatize larger bodies. It is noted that people often fear weight gain due to societal judgment, even when the weight could be beneficial for their health and bones. The host encourages listeners to identify and challenge their biases and beliefs around body size, emphasizing that these emotions are valid yet shaped by societal narratives.
Intuitive Eating for Pets
Another listener, Jane, questions the appropriateness of dieting for pets after their vet suggested it for her cat. The host reflects on the parallels between dieting in humans and pets, suggesting that weight bias exists within veterinary practices just as it does in society. They advocate for a free-feeding approach, noting their own experiences with Dougie, who thrives on intuitive eating without strict dietary restrictions. This segment invites listeners to consider pet well-being beyond conventional dieting norms and encourages them to set boundaries with veterinary professionals.
Navigating Family Fatphobia
The podcast addresses the challenge of dealing with family members who perpetuate anti-fat biases, offering strategies for setting boundaries. It introduces a three-part formula: remove, reduce, and protect, as methods for mitigating exposure to harmful rhetoric. The host suggests that individuals initially communicate their needs to family, stating the impact of negative body talk on their mental health. By framing requests for change in a personal context, listeners can foster understanding and support from family members rather than confrontation.
Strength in Community and Resources
The episode underscores the importance of community support in navigating fatphobia and body acceptance. The host encourages listeners to engage with fat-positive resources and share their own experiences within supportive environments. They highlight that as people continue their personal journeys of acceptance, they should also focus on self-care as a mechanism to shield against negative influences. This emphasizes that ongoing education and supportive networks can strengthen one's resolve against societal pressures surrounding body image.
Can pets eat intuitively? Are we messing with their natural ability to eat until they're full by only feeding them at certain times and in certain amounts? Or will some pets just eat forever if we let them? What about fat pets? Should we put them on diets? More listener questions today including how to deal with family who are anti-fat and how to cope with weight gain post intuitive eating.
Episode show notes: http://www.fiercefatty.com/169
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