Join us for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week! #NEDAwareness
Events Lineup:
February 24-28, 2025
Join us for in-person events and follow along on our Instagram (@boisestatehealthservices) for tips for incorporating body acceptance into your daily routine.
February 24
AFFIRMATION STATION
This is the Body Acceptance Week kick-off event: Affirmation Station. At the Affirmation Station, you’ll have the chance to spread kindness—to yourself and others!
- Write Affirmations for Yourself: Reflect on your strengths, celebrate your body, and create loving reminders to uplift yourself daily.
- Compliment Others: Grab a compliment card to share positivity with your peers who, just like you, deserve to feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated.
- Get free stuff: Snacks and refreshments, cool swag, and a chance to win a $100 Door Dash gift card.
11 am – 3 pm
Outside the ILC
4 pm – 6 pm
Rec Center Lobby
February 25
YAY! CAFE
Rooted in body positivity and self-acceptance, Yay! Cafe provides tools and resources to help students navigate college life with confidence, care, and compassion for their bodies. Together, we can:
- Celebrate Body Diversity: Embrace and respect the uniqueness of every body.
- Promote Self-Care Through Nutrition: Empower ourselves to make choices that honor our health and well-being without judgment or restriction.
- Support Positive Body Image: Create a safe space for students to explore self-acceptance and combat societal pressures.
10 am – 2 pm
Bronco Lounge – SUB
February 26
DONUT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to look a certain way, especially with the rise of filtered photos and curated feeds. We’re here to help you navigate social media with confidence and protect your mental health:
- Learn how to engage with social media in a way that promotes self-love and mental well-being.
- Break free from unrealistic expectations and challenge the myths about fitness and body image often promoted online.
- Embrace the power of unfiltered, unedited photos with friends, and let go of the pressure to conform.
11 am – 3 pm
Outside of the ILC
February 27
(VERY) MINDFUL MOVEMENT
The emphasis of this day is on accessibility, promoting movement that feels good for each individual, rather than pushing intense or high-impact workouts. Join us in demystifying physical fitness and shifting the focus from appearance-based goals to wellness-based ones.
In collaboration with BeWell Breaks & WalkWell
At the Rec Center
- Â 6:30-7:15 am Mindful Movement – Yoga (Studio 3)
- 7:30-8:15 am Mindful Breathing & Meditation Class (Studio 3)
- 11-11:45 am Mindful Movement – Yoga (Studio 3)
- 12-1 pm Mindful Movement – Walk (Indoor track, 2nd floor)
- 6:30-7:15 pm Mindful Movement – Cycle (Cycle Studio)
Come for the movement, stay for the snacks!
February 28
EATING DISORDER AWARENESS LUNCH AND LEARN
The goals of this event are to:
1. Learn about the latest eating disorder research.
This engaging discussion will be led by Boise State University’s Dr. Mary Pritchard. Dr. Pritchard is a Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Psychological Science at Boise State University, and manager of the Body Image Lab. Her expertise is in experimental psychology, focusing on varying factors influencing body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors in students.
2. Learn how to recognize signs & symptoms.
Presented by Caley Featherstone, MS, LCPC, and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, this presentation will provide participants with a basic understanding of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors through psychoeducation. Key signs and symptoms of eating disorders will be discussed through a biopsychosocial model to understand eating disorder etiology and maintenance factors. Additionally, participants will be introduced to several transdiagnostic treatments for eating disorders, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), equipping them with practical knowledge on how treatment for eating disorders work.
 3. Learn how to have difficult conversations about eating disorders.
This presentation is led by Amy Roberts, LCSW, from Boise State Counseling Services. She will focus on how to have crucial conversations about eating and body image concerns. Key topics will be covered, such as preparing for the conversation, using the Oreo cookie method of communication to balance constructive feedback with positivity, and avoiding harmful or triggering language. Additionally, we’ll discuss strategies for addressing defensiveness, hostility, or strong emotions that may arise, and how to conclude the conversation on a positive and empowering note. The content draws on principles from The Body Positive, Health at Every Size, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the book Crucial Conversations.
4. Learn about new movements in eating disorder prevention & Boise State’s resources.
Laci Whipple, an MA Counseling Student-Intern and eating disorder professional, will be discussing eating disorder prevention efforts on the Boise State campus, such as body image course and workshop offerings, resources, Body Acceptance Week efforts, and new programs available to students.
We hope to see you at this informative session!
Sponsored by Coca-ColaÂ
- 11 am-1 pm
- Student Union Building, Bishop Barnwell Room
We ask that you bring your own lunch for this event, knowing that you’ll be in good company to learn about eating disorders, and beverages and cookies will be provided. Microwaves are conveniently located on the first floor of the Student Union Building to heat up anything you need.
March 1-2
HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND
1 credit
Course number: BRNCOFIT 294
Healthy Body Healthy Mind is a 1-credit weekend workshop taught by Laci Whipple, an eating disorder prevention and body image professional. In this hands-on educational body image workshop, you will learn how to dispel myths of diet culture; uncover the messages that have influenced your relationships with body, food, and exercise; utilize tools and resources to live intuitively; and be empowered to develop a weight-neutral, health-centered approach to self-care.
Enroll in this 1-credit class
Body Acceptance at Boise State
Body Acceptance Week
Body Acceptance Week is a time for the Boise State Community to celebrate, educate, and advocate for Body Acceptance. During this week, you can expect to find many outreach events designed to promote body acceptance. This university-wide collaboration is open to all students, staff, and faculty.