Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, LMSW

The holidays can be a difficult time for many, especially those who are struggling with dieting and disordered eating. You may be having negative thoughts about food that push you to avoid social gatherings and holiday meals. Perhaps you’re afraid of how these meals will lead to weight gain, or maybe you’re on the path…

Written By: Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, LMSW The holidays can be a difficult time for many, especially those who are struggling with dieting and disordered eating. You may be having negative thoughts about food that push you to avoid social gatherings and holiday meals. Perhaps you’re afraid of how these meals will lead to weight gain, or…

Written By: Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, LMSW Many holidays around the world revolve around social gatherings and food. For some, holidays can feel exciting, while for others, particularly those who are healing their relationships with food and their bodies, holidays can feel triggering and anxiety-provoking. Diet culture is very much still the norm, and you may hear…

Written By: Fatema Jivanjee- Shakir, LMSW & Brianna Theus, RD, CDN Introduction A Registered Dietitian (RD) is, quite literally, an expert on nutrition. But have you ever thought about how a dietitian has been trained? Where does their expertise come from? If you’ve ever visited a dietitian, you may have noticed that many create nutrition…

A core belief is a general truth you believe about yourself, others, or the world. It’s the lens through which you see and interpret your experiences. Have you ever been in the same situation with a family member or friend, but had different interpretations and experiences of what transpired or what the event meant? That’s…

In many South Asian cultures, children are taught that controlling or hiding their emotions is a sign of strength. If you share how you’re feeling, people may see you as being too emotional, weak, and unsuccessful at managing yourself. Emotional expression, particular regarding emotions such as anger or hurt, can also be perceived as disrespecting…

If you’re of South Asian background, you know that food is our culture’s love language. When you go to any family or friends’ gathering, you attend knowing you will be greeted with platters of food and that your hosts will ensure you don’t leave their home without a full belly. Food is our love language.…