Spoon Theory for Chronic Illness and Eating Disorders
Learn how Spoon Theory helps explain the daily energy challenges of living with chronic illness and eating disorders.
Whether you're new to Spoon Theory or have been using it for a while, this post provides a quick overview of the framework and links to helpful resources for a deeper dive. As a dietitian specializing in chronic illness and eating disorders, I find Spoon Theory a valuable way to understand how both mental and physical health conditions affect daily energy levels.
What Is Spoon Theory?
Spoon Theory, created by writer and advocate Christine Miserandino, explains the daily challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses. Using "spoons" as a metaphor for energy, it shows how routine tasks—like showering, eating, or working—require more effort for those with chronic health conditions. As a result, people with chronic conditions must ration their energy carefully to get through the day without running out of spoons.
For example, someone with a chronic illness might spend their morning debating which hygiene tasks they can manage, picking a breakfast that won't trigger GI symptoms, and coping with physical pain— draining spoons before they even begin working for the day.
Applying Spoon Theory to Eating Disorders
Spoon Theory often relates to physical conditions, but it’s also useful for understanding mental health diagnoses like eating disorders (EDs). Those with EDs use up copious mental energy, or "spoons," due to anxiety, guilt, and mental gymnastics around food or body image. By the time someone with an ED sits down for breakfast, they may have already spent hours battling whether or not to eat, feeling pressured to exercise, or planning how to "make up" for it, leaving them mentally drained before the day even begins.
Spoon Theory Resources
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Spoon Theory, here are a few resources to help you dive deeper:
The Original Spoon Theory Blog Post: Christine Miserandino's blog post, The Spoon Theory , is a must-read.
But You Don’t Look Sick Blog: Christine’s blog is also full of helpful articles for individuals living with chronic illness.
Condensed Spoon Theory Overview: This post offers a simplified overview for a quick read.
Visual Explanation of Spoon Theory: I love a good visual, so If you’re a visual learner check out this fantastic graphic explaining Spoon Theory.
Another Visual Resource: This post includes another excellent visual, and for bonus points it’s a great resource for those managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Reflect: How Does Spoon Theory Apply to You?
After exploring Spoon Theory, here are a few questions to prompt reflection. Take a moment to jot down your thoughts:
How many spoons do your mental health diagnoses or chronic illnesses use up on an average day?
How many spoons do your daily living activities (e.g., showering, cooking, cleaning) require? How many are left for activities like socializing, self-care, or managing your mental health?
What activities or boundaries help protect or replenish your spoons?
Which activities drain your spoons? Are any of them optional, and could reducing them help conserve energy?
Closing Thoughts
It's important to acknowledge that we all have unique circumstances that affect how many spoons we start the day with and how quickly we use them up. Certain tasks may require significantly more or less spoons for different people, depending on physical or mental health status. This isn’t fair, and it’s something that we may or may not be able to change. Allowing time to sit with this realization can feel both challenging and validating.
If you resonate with Spoon Theory and want support managing your spoons, reaching out is one of the most empowering things you can do! McArtney nutrition offers specialized support for those navigating eating disorder recovery or living with chronic illnesses. Reach out for a discovery call to chat about finding food peace and body acceptance!
Disclaimer: the information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.