Deprivation

by Kacey Legnitto, MS, RD, CEDS-C

Deprivation refers to the absence or denial of something vital for well-being. There are various forms of deprivation—physical, emotional, sensory, social, cognitive, and sleep, to name a few—and it can have lasting impacts on a person's mental and physical health.

As a parent of young children, I deeply understand how deprivation can lead to preoccupation. Sleep, for example, often feels like a luxury for new parents. After the birth of my first daughter, I found myself consumed by how tired I was, constantly thinking about how great a nap would feel. It was something I craved deeply and couldn't stop thinking about.

All forms of deprivation can lead to intense cravings for what's missing or restricted. This absolutely shows up as it relates to our relationship with food.  

Ask yourself:

• Are there foods that you consider "off-limits"?

• How do you feel about these foods that are restricted?

• Do you trust yourself around them?

• Do you feel out of control when you eat them?

• Does eating them affect your emotional state or the rest of your day?

• Do you feel like the problem is with you or your self-control?

  
  

What if I told you that you are not the problem? The issue lies in deprivation itself. It's a natural response—our body and mind will hyperfocus on certain foods when they feel restricted or "off-limits." When physically deprived, it's natural for our bodies to eat past fullness, especially when we feel uncertain about when we will be reliably fed again. Emotionally deprived, we may struggle to stop at a place of comfortable fullness and satisfaction because we see food as something bad or forbidden. Both emotional and physical restriction often have the same outcome - feeling out of control, feeling unable to stop, feeling anxious or fearful, feeling guilt or shame, etc. 

This response is completely normal—you are not broken.

Breaking free from the cycle of deprivation with food takes time and may bring up fears or discomfort. Working with a Registered Dietitian who follows an anti-diet and anti-oppression approach can be incredibly helpful in overcoming this cycle. We’ll walk alongside you, supporting you as you rebuild a trusting relationship with food. You don’t have to do it alone.