Becoming an ASDAH Member: A Milestone in Our Weight-Inclusive Practitioner Journey
At Food Ease Nutrition Counseling we often find ourselves reflecting on the importance of weight-inclusive care in dietetics and the meaningful steps we’ve taken to align our practice with these values. One of the most significant moments this year was becoming an official member of the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). For us, this wasn’t just a professional achievement—it was a deeply personal commitment to the principles of fat liberation, body acceptance, and equitable healthcare.
When we first entered the field of dietetics, we didn’t fully understand what weight-inclusive healthcare meant—or even that it existed. Our early professional experiences exposed us to the systemic harms of weight stigma and diet culture, and it was through these experiences that we began to access the training and resources needed to address our own histories of disordered eating and body image struggles.
There were moments during our graduate education and while studying for the RD exam when we questioned our career paths entirely. It wasn’t until we realized that there are two types of dietetics in practice—the one taught in traditional public health education and the one you have to seek out for yourself, weight-inclusive care—that we found clarity and purpose.
Why ASDAH is Essential in Healthcare
ASDAH represents everything we believe in as dietitians: the rejection of weight stigma, the celebration of diverse bodies, and the prioritization of health-promoting behaviors over weight loss. Becoming a member felt like a natural step in our journey, but it was also a moment of accountability. It reminded us that this work isn’t just about changing individual practices—it’s about challenging systemic inequities and centering the voices of those most marginalized by our healthcare system. It’s also about providing our team with the resources they need to continue their education in weight-inclusive care and better support our clients in achieving their health goals.
As a team that includes individuals who identify as midsize, neurodivergent, and queer, we recognize the privileges we hold while also acknowledging the challenges we’ve faced in a world that often prioritizes thinness, neurotypicality, and heteronormativity. Our identities have profoundly shaped how we approach our work, and it’s why we’re so passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Key Takeaways from ASDAH’s Webinar on Accessing Fat Liberation Spaces
Attending ASDAH’s webinar on accessing fat liberation spaces was an eye-opening experience for our team. Here are some of the key insights we took away:
The Importance of Fat Liberation Language
Using explicit fat liberation language in our marketing, websites, and client interactions is crucial. It’s not enough to say we’re inclusive; we have to actively demonstrate it through our words and actions. We’ve been inspired by resources like Body Liberation Photos, which provide diverse, fat-positive imagery that challenges societal norms. It’s not just about using liberatory language—it’s about representing marginalized bodies that are often excluded, especially on “health” websites.
Creating Accessible Spaces
Accessibility is about more than just physical spaces—it’s about creating environments where people of all sizes, abilities, and identities feel welcome. This includes everything from spacious seating to sensory-friendly lighting. One webinar participant shared a powerful story about being told not to lean on a table because of its weight limit. Moments like these remind us why we must advocate for inclusive design in every aspect of healthcare and educate providers on the sensitivity and biases we hold.
Centering Lived Experience
The most meaningful insights often come from those who have lived through the struggles we’re trying to address, especially when it comes to body image. As healthcare providers, we must listen to and learn from the communities we serve.
This is why we’re committed to hiring a diverse team and providing ongoing education for our dietitians. It’s not enough to talk about inclusivity—we have to embody it in every aspect of our practice.
How We’re Implementing an Accessibility Audit at Food Ease
At Food Ease, our mission has always been to create a weight-inclusive space where all bodies are welcome. Becoming an ASDAH member has reinforced this commitment and inspired us to take our work even further.
- Representation Matters: Our website and social media intentionally feature non-thin bodies (using stock photos) to reflect the diversity of our community.
- Community Building: We host a book club that highlights diverse voices and experiences because healing happens in community.
- Ongoing Education: We’re dedicated to providing continuing education for our team so we can continue to grow as leaders in weight-inclusive care.
A Team Milestone
Applying for ASDAH membership felt like a full-circle moment for us. When we became registered dietitians, we knew we wanted to align ourselves with organizations that shared our values and differentiate the type of care we specialize in. ASDAH has been a place where we’ve accessed invaluable resources and support, and we’re so grateful that Food Ease is now officially part of this community.
As we move into the new year, we’re excited to continue this work and share more of our journey with you. This blog will be a space for honest conversations about health, body image, and the systemic changes needed to create a more inclusive world.
Moving Forward Together
Ready to explore weight-inclusive nutrition care for yourself? Book a discovery call with Food Ease Counseling or learn more about our personalized services here. Together, we’ll build a plan that respects your unique preferences and lifestyle, creating a path toward balance and nourishment that feels authentic to you.
Have a Question?
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Feel free to contact us! Just leave your email here, and we will get back to you shortly.