Podcasts about arfid

Love this clip? Check out the full episode: Episode #380: What If It's Not Just Picky Eating? ARFID In ADHD & Autism ExplainedListen to the full conversation in the original episode HERE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do so many autistic and ADHD girls grow up believing they're simply "too much," anxious, or broken? In this episode, I sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and neurodiversity advocate Jamie Roberts @neurodivergenttherapist to talk about why autism and ADHD so often go undiagnosed in girls, how masking hides neurodivergence, and what changes when people finally receive answers later in life. We also explore the overlap between neurodivergence, eating disorders, anxiety, body image, and identity, along with what true neurodivergent-affirming care can look like. What You'll Learn Jamie shares her own journey to a late diagnosis of autism and ADHD and explains why so many girls first receive diagnoses like anxiety or depression instead of having their neurodivergence recognized. We discuss perfectionism, people-pleasing, masking, sensory differences, and why many neurodivergent girls become experts at hiding their struggles. We also talk about healing your inner teen, embracing authenticity after years of masking, and learning that taking up space is not something you have to earn. Jamie explains why neurodiversity-affirming therapy focuses on understanding rather than changing who someone is, and why autonomy, identity, and self-acceptance matter so much for long-term well-being. We Also Discuss How autism and ADHD often present differently in girls Why anxiety and depression can mask underlying neurodivergence The emotional impact of receiving a late autism diagnosis Masking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing Healing your inner teen after years of feeling misunderstood The relationship between neurodivergence, body image, and eating disorders Why compliance-based approaches can harm neurodivergent people Universal Design and creating environments that work for everyone Jamie's new book, Neurodiversity for Teen Girls. About Jamie Roberts Jamie Roberts, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, and author specializing in neurodivergent-affirming mental health care for teens and young adults. She is the founder of Neuropebble, a neuroaffirming clinical training platform, and Equilibrium Counseling Services. Jamie openly shares her own experience with late-diagnosed autism and ADHD while helping clinicians, parents, and neurodivergent individuals better understand neurodiversity through education, advocacy, and practical support. Follow Jamie on Instagram @neurodivergenttherapist and @neuropebble. Related Episodes Late-Diagnosed Autism, ADHD, & “Neurohybridity”: Why Some People Never Fit One Label With Dr. Emma Offord @divergentlives on Apple & Spotify. Autism, ADHD, & Eating Disorders: Recovery, Sensory Needs, & Late Diagnosis With Margo White, CPN @margo_wholebodynutrition on Apple & Spotify. “Stuck” Isn't Lazy: Inertia in ADHD, Autism, & Eating Disorder Recovery With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW on Apple & Spotify. About Dr. Marianne Miller I'm Dr. Marianne Miller, PhD, LMFT, an eating disorder therapist, neurodivergent-affirming clinician, and host of Dr. Marianne-Land. I specialize in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, and bulimia while supporting neurodivergent adults, teens, athletes, and LGBTQIA+ clients through a sensory-attuned, trauma-informed, weight-neutral approach. I provide therapy throughout California and coaching worldwide. Learn more at www.drmariannemiller.com and follow me on Instagram @drmariannemiller. Listen and Subscribe If this conversation helped you better understand late-diagnosed autism, ADHD, masking, or neurodivergence in girls and women, please follow Dr. Marianne-Land, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who has spent years wondering why they always felt different. Your support helps more people find neurodivergent-affirming information and compassionate eating disorder care.

Have you ever looked at a plate of food, known you needed to eat, and still felt like your brain and body simply couldn't do it? Many people assume this experience reflects a lack of willpower or motivation. In reality, sensory overload, trauma, ARFID, and food restriction can all make eating feel genuinely inaccessible. When your nervous system stays in survival mode, even choosing, preparing, and tolerating food can become overwhelming. In this episode, I explain why eating can feel impossible, how sensory processing and trauma influence appetite and food intake, and why restriction often creates a cycle that makes eating even harder. I also share the fictional story of Jasper to illustrate how nervous system overload, chronic stress, and inadequate nutrition can quietly reinforce one another. If you've ever wondered why food feels so much harder for you than it seems to be for everyone else, this conversation offers a compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming perspective. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN You'll learn why eating requires much more than hunger and willpower, and how sensory processing, executive functioning, and nervous system regulation all influence your ability to nourish yourself. I explain how trauma can shape eating patterns long after stressful experiences have ended and why many people develop food avoidance without consciously trying to restrict. I also discuss the overlap between ARFID, restrictive eating disorders, autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, and chronic stress. Finally, I share practical ways to approach eating with curiosity instead of shame so you can better understand what your nervous system may be communicating. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for adults and teens with ARFID, anorexia, atypical anorexia, or other restrictive eating disorders. It's also for neurodivergent people with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences who find eating exhausting or overwhelming. Parents, caregivers, therapists, dietitians, physicians, and other providers will also gain a deeper understanding of why food avoidance often reflects nervous system overload rather than defiance or a lack of motivation. CONTENT CAUTION This episode includes discussion of ARFID, anorexia, restrictive eating disorders, food restriction, trauma, sensory overload, and food avoidance. TAKEAWAYS Eating difficulties don't always begin with body image concerns or intentional dieting. Sometimes a nervous system carrying chronic stress, trauma, or sensory overload simply doesn't have enough capacity to manage the complex task of eating. Food restriction can also become both a consequence of these struggles and a factor that keeps them going. As nutrition decreases, flexibility often narrows, sensory sensitivity may increase, and eating can become even more difficult. Understanding that cycle allows us to replace self-blame with curiosity and build recovery from a place of compassion rather than criticism. RELATED EPISODES What Is Mechanical Eating? Pros, Cons, & How It Can Work When Eating Feels Hard (ARFID, Binge Eating, Restriction) on Apple & Spotify. ARFID, PDA, and Autonomy: Why Pressure Makes Eating Harder on Apple & Spotify. Complexities of Treating ARFID: How a Neurodivergent-Affirming, Sensory-Attuned Approach Works on Apple & Spotify. The Connection Between Unresolved Trauma & Long-Lasting Eating Disorders (Content Caution) on Apple & Spotify. RESOURCES If you or someone you love struggles with ARFID or selective eating, check out my self-paced ARFID & Selective Eating Course. I created it for adults, parents, caregivers, and providers who want a neurodivergent-affirming, sensory-attuned, trauma-informed approach to treatment and recovery. To learn more about working with me for eating disorder therapy in San Diego, California or virtually throughout California and Washington, D.C., or coaching worldwide, visit my website at drmariannemiller.com. CONNECT WITH DR. MARIANNE MILLER If this episode helped you better understand your relationship with food, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear this conversation. You can also connect with me on Instagram @drmariannemiller for more education on ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, neurodivergence, trauma, sensory processing, and eating disorder recovery.

Sarah Rzemieniak is a Carolyn Costin Institute Certified eating disorder recovery coach. Since 2018, she has provided one-on-one recovery coaching to individuals worldwide, working alongside her small team of other CCI-certified coaches in private practice. Before this, Sarah worked as an eating disorder dietitian until she realized that her true passion was in the coaching and counselling aspect of the work.Sarah has her own lived experience of an eating disorder and considers herself fully recovered from anorexia nervosa. She lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada with her husband and their two young sons.My main website: https://sarahrzemieniak.com/My bi-weekly blog: https://sarahrzemieniak.com/blog/My free recovery practices, to help ritualize the recovery journey in an inspiring way:  https://sarahrzemieniak.com/free-eating-disorder-resources/Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production Studios, Rochester, NY  rocvox.com

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri interviews Ashantis Jones, a counselor and ASM-certified personal trainer, about healing body image and movement through an intersectional, weight-inclusive lens. Ashantis shares how her eating disorder recovery, later neurodivergence diagnoses (ADHD/autism traits and ARFID), and experience with fibromyalgia shaped her approach to care, emphasizing that diagnoses can be useful but aren't always required to provide support. They discuss body positivity as a social justice movement, how privilege and systemic oppression—including racism, fatphobia, ableism, and capitalism—shape access to care and eating disorder treatment, and why decolonizing mental health matters. Ashantis explains that weight-inclusive fitness can look the same as weight-centric training, but focuses on functional goals, accommodations, rest, and building body trust rather than weight loss. 06:38 Recovery Origin Story 11:47 Eating Disorder Realizations  13:19 ARFID ADHD Nuance  15:58 Diagnoses And Shame  19:34 Intersectionality Basics 24:10 Decolonizing Mental Health  31:02 Defensiveness And Learning  32:26 Learning Beyond Your Bubble  33:12 Pandemic Backlash and Diet Culture  40:12 Movement as Body Trust  42:45 Chronic Illness and Ableism Realities  56:13 Read Books Not Hot Takes   WANT MORE OF ASHANTIS? https://www.ashantisjones.com/  https://www.patreon.com/bodykindnutrition/about  WANT MORE OF BRI? *Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri
 *Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/ *Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

Why do some people with ADHD feel like no amount of food is ever enough? Why can you finish a satisfying meal and still find yourself searching the pantry, thinking about dessert, or feeling like something is missing? In this solo episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, I explore the often-overlooked connection between ADHD and binge eating disorder (BED). I explain why many ADHDers describe feeling like a "bottomless pit" around food, why satisfaction can remain elusive even when physical hunger has passed, and why traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) doesn't always address the executive functioning and nervous system challenges that drive binge eating. Using the fictional case example of Zoe, we look beyond willpower and self-control to better understand how ADHD can shape reward processing, food thoughts, understimulation, sensory needs, and the search for regulation. If you've ever wondered why your relationship with food feels different from what most recovery advice describes, this episode offers a compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming perspective. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN You'll learn why ADHD and binge eating frequently occur together, how executive functioning differences can influence eating behavior, and why the feeling of "never being satisfied" isn't always about physical hunger. I also discuss why food often becomes a source of stimulation after mentally demanding days, how shame keeps many people stuck, and why ADHD-informed eating disorder treatment may look very different from traditional CBT. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for adults with ADHD, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, chronic food thoughts, or food noise. It's also for anyone who has worked on emotional eating, stopped dieting, or completed eating disorder treatment but still feels confused by persistent urges to eat. Therapists, dietitians, and other eating disorder professionals who work with neurodivergent clients will also find this discussion helpful. IN THIS EPISODE We explore why binge eating isn't always driven by restriction, how ADHD changes the way many people experience reward and satisfaction, why executive functioning matters in eating disorder recovery, and what clinicians often miss when they focus only on changing thoughts or behaviors. I also explain how approaching binge eating with curiosity instead of self-criticism can open the door to more effective, sustainable healing. RELATED EPISODES ADHD & Bulimia: Dopamine, Impulsivity, & the Hidden Link to Binge Eating With Kirsten Book, PMHNP-BC on Apple and Spotify. Why Eating Feels So Chaotic With ADHD: Binge Eating, Bulimia, & Executive Function Challenges on Apple and Spotify. Eating Disorders & ADHD: Neurodivergent-Affirming Recovery With Taylor Ashley, RP @taylorashleytherapy on Apple and Spotify. RESOURCES If you're looking for additional support, check out my Binge Eating Recovery Membership, where you'll find practical tools, education, and guidance through a neurodivergent-affirming, weight-neutral lens. You can also explore my ARFID & Selective Eating course, blog, podcast archive, and additional recovery resources at www.drmariannemiller.com. WORK WITH DR. MARIANNE MILLER I'm Dr. Marianne Miller, PhD, LMFT, an eating disorder therapist specializing in ADHD, binge eating disorder, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, and neurodivergent-affirming care. I provide virtual therapy throughout California, TWashington, DC, as well as coaching worldwide. If this episode helped you better understand your relationship with food, please follow Dr. Marianne-Land, leave a rating or review on Apple and Spotify Podcasts, and share this episode with someone who has spent years wondering why food never seems like enough.

¿Tu hijo come solamente unos cuantos alimentos? ¿Rechaza ciertas texturas, colores o temperaturas? ¿Las comidas se han convertido en un momento de estrés, negociación o preocupación constante? En este episodio abordamos una de las inquietudes más frecuentes en la alimentación infantil: la selectividad alimentaria. ¿Es simplemente una etapa normal del desarrollo, conocida como picky eating, o podría tratarse de algo más complejo como ARFID (Trastorno de Evitación/Restricción de la Ingesta de Alimentos)? Para responder estas preguntas nos acompaña la Dra. Cipatli Ayuzo del Valle, pediatra, investigadora y directora de la Clínica de Adolescentes del Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, quien nos ayuda a entender qué es normal, qué no lo es y cuáles son las señales que justifican una evaluación especializada. Hablamos sobre cómo evoluciona el apetito durante la infancia, qué factores aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar problemas de alimentación, cuáles son los distintos perfiles de ARFID y cómo esta condición puede afectar el crecimiento, el estado nutricional, la salud emocional y la dinámica familiar. Además, discutimos estrategias prácticas para padres y cuidadores, qué errores suelen empeorar el problema y qué intervenciones tienen mejor respaldo científico para favorecer una relación saludable con los alimentos. Un episodio indispensable para padres, profesionales de la salud, educadores y cualquier persona que conviva con niños que presentan dificultades para comer. Porque no todos los niños que son "picky" para comer tienen un trastorno alimentario, pero identificar las señales correctas puede hacer una enorme diferencia en su salud y bienestar.

What happens when you stop viewing yourself through a pathology lens and start seeing your differences as part of your identity instead of evidence that something is wrong with you? In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Shira Collings, LPC, a neurodiversity-affirming, fat-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, disability justice-aligned therapist, to explore neurodivergence as a social identity and how that perspective can transform the way we think about eating disorders, mental health, and recovery. Together, we discuss the concept of sanism, the oppression faced by people whose minds fall outside societal expectations of "normal," and how shame often develops when people internalize messages that they are broken, defective, or in need of fixing. We also examine the overlap between neurodiversity, anti-fatness, eating disorder recovery, and disability justice. Shira shares their personal journey with neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-acceptance. We discuss why many people identify as neurodivergent without pursuing formal diagnosis, how neurodivergence can function as a cultural identity, and why community often plays a powerful role in healing. We also unpack radical acceptance, harm reduction, and the limitations of all-or-nothing recovery narratives. Instead of focusing on perfection, we explore how people can reduce suffering, increase self-compassion, and build lives that align with their values. In This Episode, We Discuss Neurodivergence as a social identity rather than a diagnosis The origins of the neurodiversity paradigm What sanism is and how it affects mental health care Self-diagnosis, formal diagnosis, and personal identity The intersection of neurodiversity, eating disorders, and anti-fatness How shame fuels both mental health struggles and eating disorders Radical acceptance and self-compassion Harm reduction approaches in eating disorder recovery Why recovery does not need to be all-or-nothing How disability justice can reshape the way we support neurodivergent people About Shira Collings Shira Collings, LPC (she/they), is a feminist, neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, fat-affirming, and disability justice-aligned psychotherapist. They specialize in reproductive mental health, eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma, grief, and loss. Shira supports clients in healing from internalized and systemic oppression while building lives that align with their values. Follow Shira on Instagram: @threadandthreshold.therapy Website: threadandthreshold.com Who This Episode Is For This episode is for neurodivergent people, eating disorder survivors, therapists, advocates, caregivers, and anyone who has ever wondered whether they have spent too much of their life trying to fix parts of themselves that were never broken. Key Takeaway Healing does not always come from becoming someone different. Sometimes healing begins when you stop treating yourself like a problem to solve and start approaching yourself with curiosity, compassion, and acceptance. Related Episodes Why Eating Still Breaks Down for Neurodivergent People With Long-Term Eating Disorders via Apple & Spotify. Unmasking, Embodiment, & Trust: A Neurodivergent Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery With Dr. Emma Offord @divergentlives via Apple & Spotify. Unmasking in Eating Disorder Recovery: What Neurodivergent People Need to Know About Safety & Healing via Apple & Spotify. Autism & Anorexia: When Masking Looks Like Restriction, & Recovery Feels Unsafe via Apple & Spotify. Recovering Again: Navigating Eating Disorders After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis (Part 1) With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist via Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller I specialize in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, and neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder care. I provide therapy in California and Washington, DC, as well as coaching and educational resources worldwide. Learn more at www.drmariannemiller.com On my website, you can also explore my ARFID & Selective Eating Course, Binge Eating Recovery Membership, and additional resources for neurodivergent eating disorder recovery. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message.

What if the behaviors that frustrate, worry, or confuse you most aren't the real problem? What if anxiety, OCD, emotional outbursts, picky eating, and even focus issues are all clues pointing to something deeper?In this eye-opening episode, Rebecca welcomes Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, parenting expert, and author of The Dysregulated Kid. With more than 30 years of experience helping children and families, Dr. Roseann explains how nervous system dysregulation may be at the root of many common childhood struggles, including anxiety, OCD, emotional reactivity, picky eating, ARFID, and behavioral challenges.Together, Rebecca and Dr. Roseann discuss why regulation must come before learning, coping skills, discipline, and even therapy. They explore practical ways parents can support both their children and themselves, while offering hope for families who feel overwhelmed or stuck.This conversation may completely change the way you view your child's behavior.Key Takeaways→ Behavior is often a clue, not the problem.→ A dysregulated nervous system can look like anxiety, ADHD, OCD, emotional outbursts, or lack of focus.→ Parents are their children's emotional anchors and co-regulation matters.→ ARFID and severe picky eating are often connected to nervous system and sensory challenges.→ Small, consistent regulation practices can create powerful long-term changes.If this episode helped you see your child through a new lens, please share it with another parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver.Listen, subscribe, and learn more at:https://whinypaluza.com/Listen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-whinypaluza-podcast/id1534167756

Have you ever wondered whether ARFID is something a person lives with forever? It's one of the most common questions people ask after an ARFID diagnosis, yet the answer is rarely as straightforward as people hope. Adults with ARFID, parents of children with ARFID, and even clinicians often want to know what recovery really looks like, whether meaningful change is possible, and how neurodivergence influences the long-term course of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the question, "Is ARFID lifelong?" through a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed lens. She examines how conversations about ARFID recovery often become oversimplified and why many people focus on the wrong markers when trying to determine whether treatment is working. The discussion moves beyond food variety alone and considers broader questions about quality of life, flexibility, self-understanding, sensory processing, and participation in meaningful life experiences. Is ARFID Lifelong? Many people assume there are only two possible outcomes: either ARFID completely disappears or nothing changes. The reality is often far more nuanced. Dr. Marianne discusses why the future cannot be predicted by a diagnosis alone and how growth, adaptation, treatment, accommodations, and self-understanding can shape a person's relationship with food over time. What Does ARFID Recovery Look Like? Recovery from ARFID does not always fit traditional eating disorder narratives. In this episode, Dr. Marianne explores how recovery may involve reduced distress around food, increased flexibility, improved nutrition, greater participation in social experiences, and less time spent managing food-related anxiety. She also examines why quality of life deserves a central place in conversations about recovery. ARFID, Autism, ADHD, and Neurodivergence ARFID frequently overlaps with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, OCD, anxiety, chronic illness, and other neurodivergent experiences. Understanding these intersections can dramatically change how people view treatment, accommodations, and long-term outcomes. Dr. Marianne discusses why neurodivergent-affirming care matters and why recovery may look different from person to person. Why the Question Matters For many people, the question "Is ARFID lifelong?" is not simply about food. It is often about identity, hope, relationships, travel, family experiences, social connection, and the desire to spend less mental energy managing meals. Dr. Marianne explores the emotional weight behind this question and why understanding the future can feel so important after years of struggle. In This Episode, You'll Learn You'll learn why ARFID recovery is rarely a simple yes-or-no answer, how sensory processing and neurodivergence influence treatment outcomes, why quality of life matters alongside food variety, and how people can experience meaningful growth even when challenges remain. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of why conversations about ARFID often benefit from curiosity, flexibility, and a broader definition of recovery. Related Episodes When Safe Foods Stop Working: ARFID Plateaus, Burnout, & What Helps on Apple & Spotify. ARFID Explained: What It Feels Like, Why It's Misunderstood, & What Helps on Apple & Spotify. Why Sensory-Attuned Care Matters More Than Exposure in ARFID Treatment on Apple & Spotify. Complexities of Treating ARFID: How a Neurodivergent-Affirming, Sensory-Attuned Approach Works on Apple & Spotify. Learn More About ARFID If you're looking for neurodivergent-affirming support for ARFID and selective eating, check out Dr. Marianne Miller's self-paced ARFID & Selective Eating Course. Designed for adults with ARFID, parents, caregivers, and providers, the course explores sensory processing, nervous system regulation, autism, ADHD, family dynamics, food flexibility, accommodations, and practical strategies that move beyond shame, pressure, and one-size-fits-all approaches. Learn more at: https://www.drmariannemiller.com/arfid About Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist, eating disorder therapist, and host of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast. She specializes in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, and neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder care. Dr. Marianne developed the Neurodivergent-Affirming Integrative Therapy for ARFID (NAIT-AR) framework and provides therapy, coaching, courses, and educational resources for individuals, families, and professionals. Website: https://www.drmariannemiller.com Instagram: @drmariannemiller

Have you ever wondered where your beliefs about food, weight, and body image actually came from? Many people assume their eating disorder, body dissatisfaction, or disordered eating patterns developed entirely from personal experiences. In reality, family food rules, generational diet culture, and inherited beliefs about bodies often shape our relationship with food long before we recognize what's happening. In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, I explore how eating disorders can develop within family systems, why body shame often travels across generations, and what happens when you begin questioning the food and body rules you inherited. Through the story of a fictional client named Esme, we examine how childhood messages about weight, dieting, health, and appearance can become deeply embedded in adulthood, even when they were never spoken directly. Whether you're recovering from anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, ARFID, chronic dieting, or longstanding body image struggles, this conversation offers a compassionate look at the ways family history and diet culture can influence recovery. What You'll Learn In this episode, you'll learn how family food rules shape eating behaviors and body image across generations, why children often absorb beliefs about food and weight without realizing it, and how multigenerational diet culture can contribute to eating disorders and disordered eating. You'll also learn why inherited beliefs often feel like facts, how anti-fat bias and cultural beauty standards influence family conversations about bodies, and why recovery frequently involves examining long-held assumptions about food, health, worth, and appearance. Why Family Systems Matter in Eating Disorder Recovery Eating disorders rarely develop in a vacuum. Many people grow up surrounded by messages about dieting, weight loss, body size, exercise, and food morality that seem completely normal at the time. Those messages often become part of a family's culture, shaping how people think about hunger, fullness, health, self-worth, and belonging. When clients begin recovery, they often discover that some of the rules guiding their relationship with food did not originate with them. Instead, those beliefs may have traveled through multiple generations, influenced by diet culture, weight stigma, sexism, anti-fat bias, food scarcity, trauma, and larger social systems. Recognizing these patterns can create opportunities for healing, self-compassion, and greater freedom around food. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for anyone recovering from an eating disorder, struggling with body image, questioning family food rules, or trying to understand how childhood experiences continue to affect their relationship with food. It may be especially helpful for people navigating anorexia recovery, binge eating recovery, bulimia recovery, ARFID recovery, chronic dieting, weight cycling, body image concerns, or the emotional impact of growing up in a family where weight and appearance received significant attention. Related Episodes Family Dynamics & Eating Disorders: How Early Relationships Shape Disordered Eating on Apple & Spotify. How Childhood Trauma Shapes Eating Disorders & Body Shame (Content Caution) on Apple & Spotify. Childhood Trauma & Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller If you're struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, ARFID, binge eating, body image concerns, or the long-term effects of family food rules and diet culture, I offer eating disorder therapy and coaching services designed to help you build a more peaceful and sustainable relationship with food and your body. I specialize in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, neurodivergent eating challenges, and eating disorder recovery for adults and teens. Learn more about working with me at www.drmariannemiller.com. Connect With Me Website: www.drmariannemiller.com Instagram: @drmariannemiller If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from this conversation.

What happens when children struggle with body image and restrictive eating? In this conversation, I welcome back eating disorder advocate, educator, and JenUp founder Jenny Tomei @askjenup to discuss a troubling trend she is seeing in schools across the UK. Children as young as elementary school age are making comments about each other's bodies, judging what peers eat at lunch, and absorbing diet culture messages long before most adults realize it. Jenny shares what students, teachers, and parents are telling her about body image concerns, food shame, social media pressure, and the growing influence of TikTok on how young people think about food, weight, and appearance. We also discuss why some students avoid eating at school altogether, how body-based teasing affects children, and what adults can do to create safer environments around food. Later in the episode, we explore concerns about weight loss injections and GLP-1 medications being used with young people, the messages children receive about success and thinness, and why eating disorder prevention efforts need to start much earlier than many schools currently address them. What You'll Learn Children as young as elementary school age are already absorbing diet culture messages and making comments about peers' bodies and food choices. Many students avoid eating lunch at school because they fear judgment, teasing, or unwanted attention. Social media trends on TikTok continue to shape how young people think about weight loss, nutrition, and appearance. Food policing and body-based comments can increase shame and elevate eating disorder risk. Parents, teachers, and other adults play a powerful role in shaping children's relationships with food and body image. Digital literacy skills can help young people question nutrition myths and appearance-focused content online. Growing interest in GLP-1 medications and weight loss injections raises important concerns about youth health and eating disorder prevention. Early intervention and prevention efforts can help create safer school environments around food, bodies, and self-worth. About Jenny Tomei Jenny Tomei is an eating disorder advocate, speaker, educator, and founder of JenUp Community CIC. Drawing from her own recovery from anorexia and compulsive exercise, Jenny works with schools, students, educators, and families throughout the United Kingdom and internationally to increase awareness of eating disorders, challenge harmful body image messages, and promote early prevention. Through JenUp, she delivers workshops, staff trainings, and educational programs focused on body image, disordered eating, social media literacy, and mental health awareness. Who This Episode Is For Parents concerned about body image issues, food anxiety, or eating disorder risk in children and teens. Teachers, school counselors, and educators who want to create more supportive environments around food and body image. Eating disorder professionals, therapists, dietitians, and healthcare providers. Anyone interested in eating disorder prevention, youth mental health, and the influence of social media on young people. Connect With Jenny Tomei Follow Jenny on Instagram at @askjenup. Check out her TikTok: @JenUpCommunity Learn more about her work through JenUp at JenUp.com. Listen to her JenUp podcast Apple & Spotify. Other Episodes With Jenny Tomei SkinnyTok & Anorexia: How Harmful Trends Thrive Despite TikTok's Ban with Jenny Tomei @askjenup on Apple & Spotify. Overexercising, ADHD, & Eating Disorders with @askjenup Jenny Tomei on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller I provide eating disorder therapy for adults in California and Washington, DC, along with coaching services worldwide. I specialize in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, neurodivergent eating challenges, and complex relationships with food. You can learn more about working with me, my ARFID and Selective Eating Course, and my Binge Eating Recovery Membership at DrMarianneMiller.com.

Why is recovery from binge eating, bulimia, and ARFID so uncomfortable?Get control of your binge eating, download our free binge tracker tool here: https://stan.store/mindfoodsteph In this episode, we will explore the concept of distress tolerance, the ability to experience difficult emotions, urges, and physical sensations without using eating disorder behaviors to escape them. You'll learn why avoidance keeps eating disorders alive, how urges naturally rise and fall like waves, and practical strategies to help you tolerate discomfort without bingeing, purging, restricting, or avoiding food.If you've ever felt trapped in the cycle of running from discomfort, this episode will show you why learning to stay with it may be the most powerful step toward food freedom.@04:20.84 What really does happen in your brain when you give in to discomfort?@17:52.21 The WAVE Framework for Sitting With Discomfort@27:42.76 Binge Eating Disorder, A Specific ExampleDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical or psychological advice. If you are experiencing significant distress related to eating or mental health, please seek support from a qualified health professional.I am Steph, a Clinical Psychologist who helps women enjoy food without binge eating or guilt.If you're struggling with binge eating, food noise, night eating, or feeling stuck in the diet cycle, Stephanie offers a 1:1 session to help you stabilize your eating and rebuild a healthier relationship with food here: https://stan.store/mindfoodsteph/mindfoodsteph_funnel_52681 Social media:TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mindfoodsteph Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mindfoodsteph/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mindfoodsteph/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, I received an email from a lovely individual inquiring about coaching opportunities. I asked if she could briefly share her story and some of her goals for coaching. In true autistic style, she replied with what she described as “a novel to explain herself, lol.” I loved reading this “novel” because, as with most emails I receive, I resonated with so much of her lived experience. In her email, this individual shared how she had struggled with disordered eating for most of her life. At age 46, she was diagnosed with autism, which she said was “life-changing in ways I can't even begin to describe.” Over the years, she'd tried countless “treatments” for her eating challenges – but as I'm sure you can already guess, these attempts had not only failed, but led to feelings of hopelessness. The reason I reflect on this correspondence is because there was one sentence in her email that I immediately thought of after I recorded today's podcast episode. She wrote that she'd been scouring the internet for links between autism and overeating, but ended up finding very little that resonated. “It's all about ARFID and beige food and anorexia,” she wrote. And she's right; there is very little out there on the connection between autism and binge eating, which is why I am BEYOND excited to be diving into this conversation with my good friend Kory Andreas on the podcast today! After we talk about the lost generation of autistic relatives and how our grandmas are basically the same person, Kory opens up about her MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) which is super common in neurodivergent people. Kory also talks about her experience with binge eating, learning that it was rooted in being neurodivergent, and how starting ADHD medication practically made all her binge urges disappear overnight. This was such a high energy conversation (I mean, just put two neurodivergent people in a room together, right?) so I can't wait for you to listen!

Do you spend the entire day feeling in control around food, only to find yourself eating far more than expected at night? If nighttime eating leaves you feeling confused, ashamed, or convinced that you lack willpower, this episode may offer a different perspective. Many people with Night Eating Syndrome focus on what happens after dinner without realizing that the story often begins much earlier. Delayed meals, subtle restriction, chronic stress, ADHD, autism, masking, trauma, sensory overwhelm, and nervous system exhaustion can all shape eating patterns that become more intense in the evening. When we look only at nighttime eating, we often miss the conditions that created it. In this episode of the Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller explores Night Eating Syndrome through a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed lens. She discusses why nighttime eating is often a predictable response to unmet physiological and emotional needs rather than a sign of laziness, lack of discipline, or personal failure. Understanding Night Eating Syndrome Night Eating Syndrome, often called NES, involves consuming a significant portion of daily food intake during the evening hours or after waking during the night. Many people with Night Eating Syndrome notice little appetite earlier in the day and increasing hunger as the day progresses. Although Night Eating Syndrome can overlap with binge eating disorder, the two experiences are not identical. Understanding the distinction can help people find more effective support and avoid treatments that fail to address the underlying drivers of nighttime eating. Why Nighttime Eating Often Starts Earlier in the Day One of the most overlooked aspects of Night Eating Syndrome is the role of daytime deprivation. Restriction does not always look like skipping meals or intentionally dieting. Sometimes it shows up as rushing through meals, ignoring hunger cues, eating foods that never feel satisfying, relying on caffeine to suppress appetite, or becoming so busy that nourishment consistently falls to the bottom of the priority list. Over time, the body responds to those unmet needs. For many people, nighttime becomes the point when hunger, exhaustion, stress, and emotional depletion can no longer be ignored. ADHD, Autism, Masking, and Eating at Night Neurodivergent adults often face unique challenges around food and eating. ADHD can make meal planning, meal timing, and hunger awareness more difficult. Autism can influence sensory experiences, interoception, routines, and food preferences. Many neurodivergent people also spend significant energy masking throughout the day, navigating sensory demands, social expectations, and executive functioning challenges. By evening, the nervous system may be depleted. Food can become a source of grounding, comfort, regulation, predictability, stimulation, or relief. This episode explores how neurodivergence can shape nighttime eating patterns in ways that are frequently misunderstood within traditional eating disorder treatment models. The Connection Between Restriction and Night Eating Syndrome Many people blame nighttime eating for their distress while overlooking the role of restriction. Whether restriction stems from dieting, weight stigma, food rules, sensory challenges, executive functioning barriers, or chronic stress, the body often responds by increasing attention to food and hunger later in the day. Rather than viewing nighttime eating as evidence of a lack of control, Dr. Marianne encourages listeners to consider what their body may be trying to communicate. Weight Stigma, Diet Culture, and Shame Diet culture frequently rewards people for disconnecting from hunger and ignoring physical needs. At the same time, society often condemns the very eating behaviors that emerge when deprivation accumulates. This contradiction leaves many people feeling trapped in cycles of guilt and self-criticism. In this episode, Dr. Marianne examines how anti-fat bias, productivity culture, and cultural pressure to suppress needs can contribute to Night Eating Syndrome and nighttime eating struggles. What You'll Learn You'll learn how Night Eating Syndrome differs from binge eating disorder, why subtle forms of restriction often go unnoticed, how ADHD and autism can influence eating patterns, why masking and burnout can increase vulnerability to nighttime eating, and how shame frequently keeps people stuck in cycles that make sense from a nervous system perspective. You'll also gain a more compassionate framework for understanding nighttime eating and practical ways to begin approaching these patterns with curiosity instead of self-judgment. Related Episodes Anorexia & Night Eating Syndrome: Why Restriction Fuels Night Eating & What Helps on Apple & Spotify. Night Eating Syndrome on Apple & Spotify (my 2nd most popular podcast episode of all time!) Understanding Night Eating Syndrome: Executive-Function Tools for Real Recovery on Apple & Spotify. Why Am I Eating at Night? Understanding Night Eating Syndrome in Your 30s, 40s, & 50s on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller If you are struggling with Night Eating Syndrome, binge eating disorder, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, chronic dieting, or neurodivergent eating challenges, support is available. Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed eating disorder therapist providing therapy throughout California and Washington, D.C. She also offers coaching services worldwide. Her work integrates eating disorder treatment, neurodivergent-affirming care, trauma-informed approaches, and weight-inclusive support for adults, teens, and families. Learn more about therapy, coaching, courses, and resources at www.drmariannemiller.com. You can also follow Dr. Marianne on Instagram at @drmariannemiller and subscribe to the Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

What happens when anorexia no longer feels like something you struggle with and starts feeling like who you are? Many people with long-term anorexia, so-called "atypical" anorexia, and restrictive eating disorders fear recovery for reasons that go far beyond food. They worry about losing structure, purpose, safety, achievement, or even their sense of self. In this episode, I explore the powerful connection between anorexia and identity, why recovery can feel emotionally disorienting, and how people begin rebuilding a life that feels larger than the eating disorder. Whether you've lived with anorexia for years, support someone in recovery, or work in the eating disorder field, this conversation offers a compassionate look at one of the most overlooked barriers to healing. Why Anorexia Can Become Part of Your Identity I explain how long-term restrictive eating disorders often become intertwined with self-worth, achievement, emotional regulation, relationships, and daily routines. I also discuss why recovery can feel like losing a familiar version of yourself, even when you desperately want freedom. The Hidden Fear Behind Anorexia Recovery Many people assume that food is the hardest part of recovery. While nutritional rehabilitation matters, identity loss often creates an equally powerful challenge. I explore why letting go of anorexia can trigger grief, uncertainty, and fear, especially when the eating disorder has shaped your life for years. How Neurodivergence, Trauma, and Oppression Shape Eating Disorders I discuss how autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, trauma, perfectionism, and chronic stress can influence restrictive eating patterns. I also examine how social pressures around thinness, productivity, compliance, and self-sacrifice affect women, queer people, trans people, people of color, disabled people, immigrants, fat people, and other marginalized communities. A Case Example: When Recovery Feels Like Losing Yourself Through the story of Angela, a composite case example, I illustrate how anorexia can become a trusted coping system and why recovery often requires building safety, flexibility, and self-trust rather than simply eliminating symptoms. Rebuilding Identity Beyond the Eating Disorder Recovery involves much more than changing eating behaviors. It often includes discovering values, interests, relationships, boundaries, creativity, and sources of meaning that exist outside the eating disorder. I share practical ways people begin reconnecting with themselves while navigating the uncertainty that recovery can bring. Key Takeaways Anorexia can become deeply intertwined with identity, especially after years of living with the disorder. Fear of recovery often reflects fear of losing safety, predictability, or self-understanding. Grief can be a normal part of healing and does not mean you want to stay sick. People in all body sizes can experience anorexia and restrictive eating disorders. Recovery creates opportunities to build a life that feels larger, richer, and more flexible than the eating disorder. Related Episodes The Quiet Places Where Anorexia Meets Identity & Expression on Apple & Spotify. “Slips” in Eating Disorder Recovery in 2026: Why Setbacks Are Part of Progress, Not Failure (With Mallary Tenore Tarpley, MFA) on Apple & Spotify. Chronic Eating Disorders in 2026: What Hope Can Actually Look Like on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller If you are looking for support with anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, chronic eating disorders, or neurodivergent eating challenges, I would love to help. I provide eating disorder therapy for clients in California and Washington, D.C., along with coaching services worldwide. My practice specializes in neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, weight-neutral care for adults, teens, and families. Learn more at www.drmariannemiller.com or connect with me on Instagram @drmariannemiller.

What happens when eating disorder recovery does not look neat, linear, or complete? In this episode of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the emotional reality of living with a chronic eating disorder, including long-term anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and restrictive eating disorders that persist for years or decades. This conversation examines the grief, shame, exhaustion, and isolation many people experience when they do not relate to polished recovery narratives or dramatic “before-and-after” transformations. Dr. Marianne discusses how eating disorders can become intertwined with identity, nervous system regulation, trauma, neurodivergence, sensory processing differences, OCD, ADHD, autism, chronic illness, and anti-fat bias. She also explores why many people feel invisible inside traditional eating disorder treatment spaces, especially when recovery feels nonlinear, partial, or emotionally complicated. Rather than framing recovery as all-or-nothing, this episode offers a more nuanced conversation about hope, harm reduction, quality of life, and what meaningful healing can look like when vulnerability still exists. Dr. Marianne also discusses the emotional burden of perfectionism in eating disorder recovery and why redefining progress may help people reconnect with themselves more compassionately. In This Episode, Dr. Marianne Addresses the Following Topics: Chronic Eating Disorders & Long-Term Recovery How chronic eating disorders can affect identity, relationships, emotional regulation, and quality of life over time, including the hidden grief many people carry when recovery feels more complicated than expected. Eating Disorders, Neurodivergence, & Nervous System Differences How autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, executive functioning struggles, OCD, trauma, and chronic illness can shape eating disorder recovery in ways that traditional treatment models often miss. Anti-Fat Bias & Eating Disorder Misdiagnosis Why people in larger bodies are frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or praised for dangerous eating disorder symptoms because of weight stigma and diet culture. Redefining Hope Beyond Perfect Recovery A compassionate conversation about recovery ambivalence, harm reduction, emotional complexity, and why meaningful healing does not always require perfection or complete symptom elimination. ARFID & Selective Eating Support Dr. Marianne also shares resources for ARFID and selective eating support, including her self-paced virtual course grounded in neurodivergent-affirming care. Get more information at drmariannemiller.com/arfid. Related Episodes Orthorexia, Quasi-Recovery, & Lifelong Eating Disorder Struggles with Dr. Lara Zibarras @drlarazib on Apple & Spotify. The Truth About "High-Functioning" People With Lifelong Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Understanding Harm Reduction: Why "Full Recovery" May Not Be the Goal for Lifelong Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. About Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, neurodivergent-affirming care, and body liberation. She provides therapy and coaching for adults, teens, and families and works with clients throughout California, Washington, D.C., and globally through coaching and educational offerings. Check out her website at drmariannemiller.com. Listen & Connect Follow the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for conversations about eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, neurodivergence, chronic illness, trauma, body image, anti-fat bias, and recovery outside rigid wellness culture narratives.

What do you do when your child will only eat three foods — and none of them are vegetables? For Natalie Peltro, certified nutritional therapist and lifestyle medicine expert, that was her reality. Her son was diagnosed with severe nonverbal autism at 18 months, and the journey to help him heal through food became the foundation of her entire career. In this episode, Natalie shares the framework she's used with hundreds of families to overcome picky eating — not through force, pressure, or sneaky tricks that backfire — but through biology, nervous system awareness, and what she calls the Four E's. Whether you're navigating picky eating in your household, supporting clients who struggle with ultra-processed food habits from childhood, or just trying to understand why your kid will eat mac and cheese but nothing green, this conversation is full of practical, compassionate strategies you can start using today. In this episode, we cover: How Natalie's son went from eating only 3 foods (nonverbal, severely autistic) to graduating mainstream school with honors Why "fed is best" may be an outdated framework in today's ultra-processed food environment The biology of picky eating — zinc deficiency, taste perception, and why green foods taste bitter to nutrient-deficient kids The 10% Fading Rule: how to transform mac and cheese into a nutrient-dense meal without your child noticing The Three Stages of Picky Eaters: Resistor, Adventurer, and Negotiator — and why the approach must be different for each The Four E's Framework: Expectation, Emotional Intelligence, Environment, and Encouragement Why "taste training" works faster in kids than adults (3–5 days vs. 7–14) How your nervous system is sabotaging mealtime — and what to do before you even pick up the plate The coupon system, safe plates, and other creative strategies that actually work How to talk to grandparents and caregivers about food changes without blowing up the relationship About Natalie Peltro: Natalie is the co-founder of Blue Life RX and creator of the Neuronutrition Program (formerly "Bring the Fun Back to Mealtime"), which helps families with picky eaters — including children with autism and ARFID — expand their food diversity through biology-first, fun-first strategies. She's also the host of the upcoming Brilliant Brains podcast.

What happens when eating disorder recovery starts colliding with nervous system overwhelm? In this episode of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller explores one of the most confusing parts of restrictive eating disorder recovery: learning how to tell the difference between genuine nervous system dysregulation and eating disorder avoidance disguised as self-protection. Many people with anorexia, ARFID, orthorexia, chronic dieting histories, OCD, autism, ADHD, trauma, or sensory processing challenges struggle to know when they truly need accommodations and support versus when the eating disorder is quietly shrinking their world through avoidance. This episode explores why restrictive eating disorders often borrow the language of nervous system regulation, why food anxiety does not always mean danger, and why recovery sometimes requires gentle exposure to discomfort instead of waiting to feel completely “safe” before eating. When “Listening to Your Body” Gets Complicated in Eating Disorder Recovery Social media often promotes messages about protecting your peace, avoiding discomfort, and never forcing yourself into situations that feel activating. But what happens when restrictive eating disorders begin using that language to reinforce food fear, rigidity, and avoidance? In this episode, Dr. Marianne talks about: Anxiety Around Eating and Restrictive Eating Disorders Why anxiety during meals does not automatically mean you are unsafe. How starvation and undernourishment intensify emotional dysregulation, obsessive thinking, rigidity, panic, sensory sensitivity, and distress tolerance difficulties. Why many people get trapped waiting to feel calm enough to eat while restriction continues worsening nervous system symptoms. ARFID, Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Food Struggles Why neurodivergent people often need both accommodations and recovery support at the same time. How sensory overwhelm, executive functioning challenges, contamination fears, and burnout can complicate restrictive eating disorder recovery. Why recovery does not need to become harsh or punishing in order to challenge avoidance patterns. Restrictive Eating Disorders and the “Shrinking Life” Pattern How anorexia, ARFID, and restrictive eating disorders gradually narrow food choices, social experiences, spontaneity, travel, and daily functioning. Why temporary anxiety relief from food avoidance can increase long-term nervous system sensitivity. How to begin recognizing when the eating disorder is quietly gaining more control over your life. Neurodivergent-Affirming Support for ARFID and Selective Eating Dr. Marianne also shares more about her ARFID and selective eating course, which explores restrictive eating through a neurodivergent-affirming lens. The course addresses sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, nervous system regulation, autonomy needs, accommodations, and gentle food expansion without shame-based recovery approaches. Related Episodes Fear of Uncertainty in Eating Disorder Recovery: Why It Feels So Terrifying + 5 Practical Skills That Help on Apple and Spotify. An Open Letter to the Body: Listening to the Part That Fears Getting Better on Apple and Spotify. Eating Disorders as Safety Systems: Why Letting Go Can Trigger Fear on Apple and Spotify. If Recovery Feels Unsafe Right Now: A Guided Moment for Eating Disorder Recovery Fear on Apple and Spotify. About Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT is a fat eating disorder therapist, podcast host, and educator specializing in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, neurodivergence, OCD, and restrictive eating disorders. She provides eating disorder therapy and coaching for people across California, Washington, D.C., Texas, and globally through coaching services. Dr. Marianne is especially passionate about neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder care for autistic clients and ADHDers navigating complex relationships with food, sensory overwhelm, and body image distress. Check out her website at drmariannemiller.com. Listen and Subscribe to the Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating restrictive eating recovery, ARFID, anorexia, food anxiety, or nervous system dysregulation.

Have you ever felt like you're constantly trying to "fit into a box" that just wasn't made for you?This week on the Full of Beans Podcast, Han is joined by Dr. Lauren Lovegood, a psychologist who specialises in the intersection of Eating Disorders, Neurodiversity (ADHD/Autism), and the LGBTQ+ community.We talk about the "internal sense of difference" that so many of us feel growing up and how, sometimes, an eating disorder can sneak in as a way to find control, "mask" our true selves, or even seek out that much-needed dopamine.In this episode, we explore:The Treatment Spectrum: Why anorexia is actually a much smaller piece of the ED puzzle than society thinks.Identity & Belonging: The unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and how gender-affirming care can coexist with a healthy body image.The Neurodivergent Brain: Why "Executive Function" makes university transitions so tricky and why your "fidgety brain" might be driving your food behaviours.Gender Affirming Care: We discuss the desire to align our physical bodies with our internal identity.The Glorification of Weight Loss: Exploring the challenges of restrictive behaviours in the queer community to cause a more "feminine" or "masculine" look.Identity Roles & Stereotypes: How to find where we belong without fuelling obsession with our appearance.ARFID & Sensory Safety: Understanding why "beige foods" feel safe and how to branch out without the fear and force gently.The Low Self-Esteem Trap: How external pressure to be "disciplined" can fuel the eating disorder voice.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans PodcastFollow Full of Beans on InstagramCheck out our websiteListen on YouTubeConnect with Lauren via her website⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, neurodiversity, gender and sexuality. Please look after yourself as you listen.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han

If you've done years of eating disorder recovery work and suddenly find old trauma surfacing, you are not alone. In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Marianne Miller and Debbie Saroufim explore the complicated overlap between eating disorders, trauma recovery, body image, nervous system responses, and healing after survival mode. They discuss why trauma can emerge later in recovery, how eating disorders sometimes function as protection, and what happens when old coping strategies no longer work. Debbie shares personal experiences with trauma recovery, sexual trauma, body image struggles, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS)/parts work, parenting, co-parenting, and navigating major life transitions while continuing the recovery process. Together, they unpack the emotional reality of healing in a world shaped by diet culture, misogyny, fatphobia, and systemic oppression. CONTENT CAUTION This episode includes discussion of trauma, sexual trauma, PTSD symptoms, body image distress, eating disorders, dissociation/freezing responses, misogyny, and systemic oppression. Eating Disorders and Trauma Recovery Many people assume eating disorder recovery means the hardest part is over. But for some people, healing from eating disorder behaviors can uncover trauma that had been buried underneath survival strategies for years. Dr. Marianne Miller and Debbie Saroufim discuss how eating disorders can function as protection, why trauma may surface later in recovery, and how recovery does not make people immune to pain, grief, fear, or nervous system overwhelm. The conversation explores the relationship between trauma and eating disorders, including how body image struggles, restrictive eating, binge eating, compulsive behaviors, and nervous system responses can become intertwined with survival. They also discuss the emotional shock that can happen when eating disorder symptoms are no longer the primary coping mechanism and unresolved trauma begins demanding attention. PTSD Symptoms, Nervous System Responses, and Survival Mode This episode examines trauma responses like freezing, dissociation, hypervigilance, minimization, emotional shutdown, and nervous system dysregulation. Debbie shares how experiences from adolescence resurfaced decades later during trauma recovery work and how those memories affected her relationships, parenting, body image, and sense of safety in the world. Dr. Marianne Miller and Debbie Saroufim also discuss the connection between trauma, body image, misogyny, fatphobia, oppression, and diet culture. They explore how living in a culture shaped by systemic inequality and body oppression can create chronic emotional stress that deeply affects mental health and eating disorder recovery. EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Parts Work Dr. Marianne Miller and Debbie Saroufim discuss how EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS)/parts work can help people process trauma and eating disorder recovery with greater self-compassion. Debbie explains how parts work helped her understand eating disorder thoughts as information instead of commands and how learning to “unblend” from different parts of herself changed her recovery process. The conversation also explores how eating disorders can begin as protective adaptations, why self-compassion can feel inaccessible during trauma recovery, and how nervous system regulation becomes an important part of healing. They discuss the idea that multiple truths can coexist at once and why recovery often requires compassion for every part of the self, including the parts carrying fear, shame, anger, grief, or overwhelm. Fat Liberation, Body Image, and Intergenerational Trauma This episode also explores the connection between fat liberation, trauma, body image, and intergenerational trauma. Debbie discusses how body image struggles are shaped by cultural messaging and systemic oppression rather than appearance alone. Dr. Marianne Miller and Debbie Saroufim talk about how trauma can be passed through generations, how children absorb messages about bodies and safety, and why many people are trying to break cycles of shame and silence within their families. They also discuss the emotional complexity of parenting while healing, the pressure many people feel to “fully recover,” and the reality that recovery is often ongoing maintenance work rather than a final destination. About Debbie Saroufim Debbie Saroufim is a body acceptance coach in Los Angeles, California. She helps people all over the world build resilience against diet culture and heal their relationship with food and body image through a harm reduction and fat liberation lens. Her work focuses on body image healing, eating disorder recovery support, trauma-informed coaching, and helping people navigate life in a world shaped by body oppression and systemic inequality. Debbie works with people of all body sizes through individual and group coaching and is passionate about bringing conversations about body diversity and fat liberation into schools and community spaces. Find Debbie Saroufim on Instagram at @bodyacceptance_coach and at thebodyacceptancecoach.com. Listen to Other Episodes With Debbie When Weight Loss Isn't a Win: Eating Disorders, Stress, & Body Image Confusion (Content Warning) on Apple or Spotify. Anti-Fat Bias in Schools and Society on Apple or Spotify. How Eating Disorder Recovery Heals Life Overall on Apple or Spotify. Let's Talk Recovery: Ditching Diet Culture & Crushing Eating Disorder Thoughts on Apple or Spotify. About Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a San Diego, California-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), eating disorder therapist, podcast host, and advocate specializing in eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, body image, neurodivergence, and trauma-informed care. She works with adults, teens, and children and is known for her neurodivergent-affirming, fat-liberation-informed approach to eating disorder recovery. Dr. Marianne Miller provides eating disorder therapy (California) and coaching (worldwide) for people struggling with ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OCD, body image distress, and complex relationships with food. Her work focuses on compassionate, evidence-based support that honors the role of nervous system regulation, sensory experiences, executive functioning, and systemic oppression in recovery. She is the host of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast, where she explores eating disorders, mental health, neurodiversity, trauma, body image, and recovery through honest, nuanced conversations with clinicians, advocates, and people with lived experience. Learn more about Dr. Marianne Miller, therapy services, coaching, and courses at drmariannemiller.com. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your support helps more people find eating disorder recovery, trauma recovery, ARFID support, binge eating support, body image support, and neurodivergent-affirming mental health resources.

Why do so many people with anorexia go undiagnosed simply because of their body size? In this episode of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast, eating disorder therapist Dr. Marianne Miller explores anorexia in higher-weight bodies, restrictive eating disorders, weight bias in healthcare, and the dangerous myths surrounding “atypical anorexia.” This conversation unpacks how restrictive eating can become normalized, praised, or completely overlooked when someone does not fit the stereotype of anorexia. What Is Atypical Anorexia? Dr. Marianne explains why the term “atypical anorexia” can be misleading and why anorexia is not defined by weight alone. She explores how food restriction, fear around eating, compulsive control, and intense preoccupation with food can occur in bodies of all sizes. The episode also examines why so many people struggle to recognize their own eating disorder symptoms when culture continually tells them they are “healthy” or “doing well.” Restrictive Eating Disorders in Higher-Weight Bodies This episode takes a deeper look at hidden restriction, chronic dieting, skipped meals, rigid food rules, and the restrictive eating spectrum. Dr. Marianne discusses how eating disorders in larger bodies are frequently missed by healthcare providers, loved ones, and even the individuals experiencing them. She also explores how praise for weight loss can reinforce dangerous patterns and delay support. Medical Risks of Anorexia in Larger Bodies Anorexia in higher-weight bodies carries real psychological and medical risks. Dr. Marianne explains how undernourishment affects the body regardless of size, including impacts on heart rate, hormones, cognition, bone health, anxiety, and nervous system functioning. This episode challenges the harmful assumption that someone must appear underweight before restriction becomes medically serious. Weight Bias, Misdiagnosis, & Eating Disorder Stigma Weight stigma and anti-fat bias continue to shape eating disorder treatment and diagnosis. Dr. Marianne explores how medical gaslighting, diet culture, and stereotypes about anorexia contribute to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care. She also discusses how intersectionality, neurodivergence, disability, race, and gender identity can further complicate recognition and access to support. Neurodivergence, Restriction, & Eating Disorders This episode also examines how sensory sensitivities, executive functioning differences, autism, ADHD, and nervous system regulation can influence eating patterns and restrictive behaviors. Dr. Marianne discusses why neurodivergent people may experience eating disorders differently and why individualized, affirming care matters. Eating Disorder Recovery Without Stereotypes Recovery begins with recognizing that eating disorders do not have one look. This conversation encourages listeners to move away from appearance-based assumptions and toward a more nuanced understanding of anorexia, restrictive eating, and body diversity. Dr. Marianne also shares why support matters before symptoms escalate and why people in higher-weight bodies deserve compassionate, specialized eating disorder care. Related Episodes Anorexia in Higher-Weight Bodies: Rethinking “Atypical Anorexia” & the Restrictive Eating Spectrum With Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, MD @gaudianiclinic on Apple & Spotify. Atypical Anorexia Explained: Why Restriction Happens at Every Body Size on Apple or Spotify. Atypical Anorexia: Mental & Physical Health Risks, Plus How the Term is Controversial on Apple or Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, OCD, and neurodivergent-affirming care. She offers eating disorder therapy and coaching for adults in California, Washington, D.C., and globally through coaching services. Visit Dr. Marianne's website to learn more about therapy, coaching, ARFID support, and eating disorder recovery resources.

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri interviews licensed clinical social worker and parent Keri Baker about body image, food, and raising kids—especially when both parent and child live in larger bodies. Keri shares her history of early dieting, years of chronic dieting, likely undiagnosed eating disorder symptoms, and finding intuitive eating and anti-diet care through supportive providers. They discuss parenting a child with ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder), how it's often mistaken for picky eating, and the added difficulty of seeking medical care when professionals dismiss concerns or focus on weight.    04:02 From Diet Culture to Intuitive Eating 09:43 Parenting With ARFID 13:04 Weight Stigma in Healthcare 22:30 Talking Body Image With Teens 28:33 Intuitive Eating Starts With You 29:51 Division of Responsibility Basics 31:04 When Kids Eat Differently 37:45 Good Enough Nourishment 39:30 Habituated Foods and Interoception 44:25 Advocating at Doctor Visits   WANT MORE OF KERI BAKER? https://www.keribaker.com/  https://www.dietrecoveryclub.com/    WANT MORE OF BRI? *Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri
 *Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/ *Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/seven-steps 

You show up. You succeed. You keep functioning. Meanwhile, food, eating, body image, or restrictive behaviors may quietly consume an enormous amount of mental and emotional energy. In this episode of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the hidden reality of high-functioning eating disorders and why so many people get overlooked simply because they appear “fine” from the outside. This conversation examines how anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and other restrictive eating patterns can exist inside people who maintain careers, relationships, caregiving roles, and daily responsibilities. Dr. Marianne also discusses why perfectionism, masking, executive functioning challenges, and neurodivergence can make eating disorders harder to recognize and harder to treat. Why High-Functioning People With Eating Disorders Get Missed Many people assume eating disorders only become serious when someone visibly falls apart. This episode challenges that belief and explores how people with eating disorders often continue functioning at a high level while struggling privately with food obsession, body image distress, binge eating, restriction, compulsive exercise, or sensory-based eating challenges. Dr. Marianne discusses how high-functioning individuals often minimize their own suffering because they are still meeting expectations at work, school, or home. She also explores how healthcare providers, loved ones, and society frequently overlook eating disorders in people who do not fit narrow stereotypes. Neurodivergence, Executive Functioning & Eating Disorders This episode also explores the connection between neurodivergence and eating struggles. Dr. Marianne discusses how ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning challenges can complicate meal planning, eating consistency, food variety, hunger awareness, and nervous system regulation. You'll hear discussion around low-lift eating, food predictability, sensory-safe foods, masking, and the emotional exhaustion that can come from constantly pushing through internal distress while appearing capable on the outside. Intersectionality & Invisible Struggle Dr. Marianne also examines how anti-fat bias, gender expectations, neurodivergence, and other intersecting identities shape who gets believed, diagnosed, and supported. Many high-functioning people spend years feeling dismissed because they do not look like the stereotype of someone with an eating disorder. This episode highlights why eating disorders deserve attention long before someone reaches a visible crisis point. Recovery Support for High-Functioning Eating Disorders Dr. Marianne shares compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming approaches to recovery that reduce overwhelm instead of increasing pressure. She discusses building supportive structure around eating, reducing friction with meals, reconnecting with internal cues, and allowing support into areas of life that may have stayed hidden for years. If you've ever thought, “I'm still functioning, so maybe it's not that bad,” this episode is for you. Related Episodes Why High Achievers Can Develop Anorexia & Bulimia: Perfectionism, Control, & Hidden Struggles on Apple & Spotify. The Truth About "High-Functioning" People With Lifelong Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Perfectionism, People-Pleasing, & Body Image: Self-Compassion Tools for Long-Term Eating Disorder Recovery With Carrie Pollard, MSW @compassionate_counsellor on Apple & Spotify. Perfectionism, Bulimia, & Recovery: Harnessing Your Strengths to Heal With Dr. Amanda Marie @glitterypoison on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, restrictive eating, neurodivergence, and sensory-related eating challenges. She offers therapy and coaching support for individuals navigating complex relationships with food, eating, and body image. For therapy, coaching, podcast episodes, and resources, visit Dr. Marianne's website drmariannemiller.com.

What happens when diet culture gets louder, ARFID awareness grows, social media becomes therapy language, and the pressure to be thin starts shaping everyday life again? In this episode of The Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast, I sit down with Lisa Jimenez (@lisajimeneztherapy) for a deeply honest conversation about what eating disorder therapists are actually seeing in 2026. We talk about the resurgence of appearance pressure, the subtle ways eating disorders can hide in plain sight, why more people are finally recognizing ARFID, and how identity, neurodivergence, trauma, and culture all shape recovery. This episode explores the realities many people quietly live with but rarely hear discussed out loud. Lisa Jimenez, LMHC, is an eating disorder therapist based in Miami who specializes in eating disorders, body image, anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and work with teens, young adults, and queer clients. In this conversation, she shares how her own lived experience with an eating disorder shaped her approach to therapy and why she shifted toward EMDR, parts work, and more collaborative, relational treatment approaches. ARFID, Neurodivergence, and the Changing Eating Disorder Landscape Lisa and I discuss why ARFID is becoming more recognized and why many clinicians are still trying to catch up with the complexity of the diagnosis. We explore how sensory sensitivities, neurodivergence, attachment, trauma, and family dynamics can all affect eating. We also talk about why ARFID treatment requires much more than exposure work alone and why creating emotional and sensory safety matters so deeply in recovery. We also discuss the overlap between eating disorders, autism, ADHD, anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma, along with the growing role social media now plays in helping people identify experiences they previously could not name. Diet Culture, Social Media, and the Pressure to Be Thin in 2026 Diet culture feels especially aggressive right now, and this episode explores how that pressure shows up in both obvious and subtle ways. Lisa and I talk about “clean eating,” wellness culture, compulsive exercise messaging, “what I eat in a day” content, GLP-1 conversations, and the growing normalization of disordered behaviors online. We also discuss how eating disorders often hide behind socially praised behaviors, especially when restriction, over-exercising, or body control become culturally rewarded instead of recognized as signs of distress. Eating Disorders in Larger Bodies This conversation also explores how eating disorders frequently go unnoticed in larger bodies and how weight stigma continues to affect treatment, diagnosis, and recovery. Lisa and I discuss the harmful assumption that eating disorders must “look extreme” to be serious and why many people receive praise for behaviors that are actually rooted in restriction and suffering. We also talk about medical bias, healthcare experiences, and the reality that people can experience anorexia and severe eating disorder symptoms across a wide range of body sizes. Queer Identity, Intersectionality, and Eating Disorders Lisa shares insights from her work with queer clients, teens, and neurodivergent individuals, and we explore how identity and environment intersect with eating disorders in complex ways. We discuss cultural expectations around appearance, family and community pressures, social media influence, and the realities many queer and neurodivergent people face while navigating food and body image struggles. The conversation also examines how eating disorders often function as coping strategies for overwhelm, emotional pain, disconnection, or the pressure to survive in environments that do not feel safe or affirming. Connect With Lisa Jimenez, LMHC Instagram: @lisajimeneztherapy Website: lisajimeneztherapy.com Lisa sees clients virtually throughout Florida and New York and in person in South Miami. Related Episodes The Quiet Places Where Anorexia Meets Identity & Expression on Apple & Spotify. “Slips” in Eating Disorder Recovery in 2026: Why Setbacks Are Part of Progress, Not Failure (With Mallary Tenore Tarpley, MFA) on Apple & Spotify. Chronic Eating Disorders in 2026: What Hope Can Actually Look Like on Apple & Spotify. ARFID Explained: What It Feels Like, Why It's Misunderstood, & What Helps on Apple & Spotify.   Work With Dr. Marianne I'm Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT (@drmariannemiller). I'm an eating disorder therapist specializing in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, neurodivergence, autism, ADHD, and complex relationships with food and body image. I offer therapy, coaching, and ARFID-focused support for teens and adults. You can also explore my self-paced ARFID and selective eating course on my website drmariannemiller.com/arfid. If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share The Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Do you feel like eating has to happen a certain way or your anxiety spirals? Do food rules, rituals, or intrusive thoughts take over your day in ways that feel exhausting but impossible to stop? In this episode of The Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the complex overlap between OCD and eating disorders, including how compulsions, “just-right” feelings, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and rigid food patterns can quietly shape someone's relationship with eating. Many people with OCD and eating disorders do not fit stereotypes. Some people struggle with restrictive eating, binge eating, ARFID, food avoidance, or repetitive rituals around meals without realizing that obsessive-compulsive patterns may be part of what is driving the cycle. This episode breaks down why food can become attached to safety, certainty, and relief from distress, and why recovery requires more than simply “stopping” the behavior. Dr. Marianne also explores how neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism, can overlap with OCD and eating disorders in ways that are frequently misunderstood in traditional treatment spaces. What OCD and Eating Disorders Can Look Like Around Food This episode explores how OCD can show up through food rituals, rigid eating rules, repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, contamination fears, and overwhelming “not-right” feelings connected to meals and eating experiences. Dr. Marianne explains why these patterns often become reinforced over time and why eating can begin to feel emotionally loaded, exhausting, and difficult to navigate. The Difference Between Food Preferences, Rituals, and Compulsions Not every food routine is automatically OCD, and not every eating disorder behavior comes from body image concerns. Dr. Marianne discusses the difference between supportive structure versus compulsive rigidity and explains why understanding the function of behaviors matters so much in eating disorder recovery. OCD, Neurodivergence, and Eating Disorders Many autistic people and ADHDers rely on predictability, sensory consistency, and routines to reduce overwhelm. This episode explores how OCD can intensify those needs and why treatment must account for sensory processing, executive functioning, anxiety, and nervous system regulation instead of relying on shame or force. Why “Just Stop the Behavior” Usually Does Not Work When providers or loved ones do not understand OCD and eating disorders, people often receive advice that increases distress instead of helping. Dr. Marianne explains why compulsions and rituals are not simply habits people can turn off instantly and why recovery requires compassion, pacing, flexibility, and support for the nervous system. Recovery From OCD and Eating Disorders This episode also explores what can actually help when food rules and compulsions take over. Dr. Marianne discusses building tolerance for uncertainty, gently interrupting rituals, supporting sensory needs, reducing shame, and creating more flexibility around eating without overwhelming the nervous system. Related Episodes When Eating Disorders Meet Anxiety, OCD, or Depression: Co-Occurring Challenges & Recovery Strategies on Apple & Spotify. Obsessions, Compulsions, and Control: How OCD Intertwines With Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Food, Fear, & Fixation: How OCD Shapes Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and eating disorder therapist who specializes in ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, OCD, and neurodivergent-affirming care. She works with teens and adults in California and offers coaching support more broadly. Learn more about therapy, coaching, and eating disorder recovery support on her website drmariannemiller.com. Listen and Subscribe If this episode resonated with you, follow The Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with someone who feels trapped in food rules, rituals, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts around eating.

Safe eating is at the heart of managing food allergies—but what happens when that vigilance starts to feel overwhelming, and food becomes a source of fear instead of nourishment? For many families, the line between necessary caution and something more serious can be hard to recognize. We are diving into the intersection of food allergies and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID. Joining us is Dr. Brian Vickery, Division Chief of Allergy & Immunology at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, and Kaitlin B. Proctor, PhD, Assistant Professor at Emory School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, and board-certified psychologist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to unpack what this means for families and share insights from Dr. Vickery's latest research. Resources to keep you in the know:Psychology TodayAAAAI's People with Food Allergies May Be Susceptible to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake DisorderFAACT's Behavioral Health Resource Center"When Medically Required Food Avoidance Goes Awry: A Conceptual Framework of ARFID as an Underrecognized Clinical Complication of Food Allergy" - Research paperFAACT's Roundtable Podcast can be found on Apple Podcast, Pandora, Spotify, Podbay, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. Sponsored by: GenentechThanks for listening! FAACT invites you to discover more exciting food allergy resources at FoodAllergyAwareness.org!

Does one awkward interaction, unanswered text, or small piece of feedback ruin your entire day? You may not be “too sensitive.” You may be experiencing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), especially if you also live with ADHD or an eating disorder. In this episode, Dr. Marianne explores why rejection can feel emotionally and physically painful, why shame spirals happen so quickly, and how emotional overwhelm can shape eating patterns, body image, and self-worth. What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)? Dr. Marianne breaks down what RSD actually is and why perceived criticism, disconnection, or rejection can trigger such intense emotional reactions. She explores how ADHD nervous systems often process emotions differently and why even subtle social shifts can feel catastrophic. This episode also examines how years of feeling misunderstood, corrected, excluded, or “too much” can shape the way neurodivergent people experience relationships and emotional safety. ADHD, Emotional Regulation, & Eating Disorders This episode explores the powerful overlap between ADHD, emotional regulation challenges, and eating disorders. Dr. Marianne discusses how rejection can quickly trigger binge eating urges, emotional eating, restrictive eating patterns, perfectionism, body image spirals, masking, and all-or-nothing thinking. She also explains why many neurodivergent people struggle to “move on” after rejection and why emotional pain can linger in the body long after the moment itself has passed. Why Food Often Becomes Part of the Coping Cycle When rejection activates the nervous system, the brain often searches for relief. For some people, food becomes soothing, grounding, or numbing. For others, appetite disappears completely and restriction begins to feel safer or more controlled. Dr. Marianne explains why these patterns are not about lack of willpower and why eating disorder behaviors often function as attempts to regulate overwhelming emotional states. Anti-Fat Bias, Ableism, & Emotional Pain Rejection does not happen in isolation. Dr. Marianne explores how anti-fat bias, ableism, stigma, and chronic misunderstanding can intensify emotional pain and increase sensitivity to rejection. She also discusses why marginalized people often carry higher levels of hypervigilance in social situations and why intersectionality matters when talking about ADHD, eating disorders, and nervous system regulation. Neurodivergent-Affirming Tools That Can Help Dr. Marianne shares supportive strategies for navigating RSD and eating disorder recovery, including sensory supports, low-lift eating approaches, nervous system regulation, and ways to reduce shame spirals without relying on punishment or rigid food rules. This episode focuses on building more self-understanding and creating coping tools that actually fit neurodivergent brains and lived experiences. Related Episodes Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) & Eating Disorders: The Emotional Toll of Feeling “Too Much" on Apple & Spotify. Eating Disorders & ADHD: Neurodivergent-Affirming Recovery With Taylor Ashley, RP @taylorashleytherapy on Apple and Spotify. ADHD & Bulimia: Dopamine, Impulsivity, & the Hidden Link to Binge Eating With Kirsten Book, PMHNP-BC on Apple and Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating disorder, neurodivergence, ADHD, and emotional regulation challenges. She offers therapy and coaching for people navigating food struggles, shame, sensory sensitivities, and overwhelming emotional experiences. Check out her self-paced, virtual, ARFID and Selective Eating Course. Listen & Subscribe If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need it and follow the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast on your favorite platform.

What happens when you relate to parts of autism, ADHD, giftedness, sensory sensitivity, masking, and trauma, but never fully fit into one diagnosis or label? In this timely conversation, Dr. Marianne Miller sits down with neuro-affirming clinical psychologist Dr. Emma Offord to explore “neurohybridity,” a term Emma developed to describe the fluid, overlapping, and mosaic-like nature of neurodivergent identity. Together, they unpack why so many late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults, especially women and marginalized people, feel unseen by rigid diagnostic systems and traditional mental health models. This episode explores late-diagnosed autism, ADHD in adults, masking, giftedness, medically unexplained symptoms, trauma, neurodivergence in midlife, and the limitations of the DSM and medicalized language. Dr. Emma Offord shares how safety, environment, nervous system regulation, identity, and lived experience can shape how neurodivergent traits appear and why many people feel they do not fully belong within one category. If you have ever questioned whether you are “autistic enough,” “ADHD enough,” too emotional to be autistic, or too complicated for a single diagnosis, this conversation may help you feel seen in a completely different way. What Is Neurohybridity? Dr. Emma Offord describes neurohybridity as an invitation to move beyond rigid diagnostic boxes and recognize the dynamic nature of neurodivergent experience. Rather than viewing people through fixed categories, neurohybridity acknowledges that many individuals identify with multiple neurotypes, sensory experiences, cognitive styles, and ways of moving through the world. Marianne and Emma discuss how neurodivergent traits can shift depending on context, stress, environment, nervous system safety, masking, trauma, and support systems. They also explore how someone can feel sensory-seeking in one moment and sensory-avoidant in another, emotionally expressive yet highly masked, or deeply connected to multiple neurodivergent identities at once. The conversation also examines how many people become trapped between diagnostic categories and how current systems often fail individuals whose experiences do not fit neatly into one lane. Late-Diagnosed Autism, ADHD, & Misdiagnosis Many neurodivergent adults grow up feeling different without having language for their experiences. Dr. Emma Offord shares how traveling extensively as a child, experiencing grief and loss, and later discovering neurodivergence shaped her understanding of identity and belonging. Marianne and Emma discuss how outdated autism and ADHD stereotypes continue to affect diagnosis, especially for women, emotionally expressive people, and those who have spent years masking. They also explore how traditional diagnostic models can overlook the complexity of lived experience, particularly for people who move between different neurodivergent presentations over time. This episode speaks directly to people who have felt misdiagnosed, unseen, invalidated, or confused by rigid definitions of neurodivergence. The Limits of the Medical Model Marianne and Emma also explore the emotional and systemic consequences of reducing people to diagnostic checklists and symptom categories. They discuss how diagnosis can simultaneously provide access to protection, accommodations, and community while also limiting how people understand themselves. The conversation touches on medical trauma, medically unexplained symptoms, intersectionality, research bias, and the ways historically marginalized groups are often excluded from dominant mental health narratives. Together, they explore the need for more collaborative, flexible, neurodivergent-affirming systems of care that allow people to exist beyond narrow definitions. About Dr. Emma Offord Dr. Emma Offord is a neuro-affirming clinical psychologist, coach, speaker, and founder of Divergent Life. Her work focuses on neurodivergence, masking, trauma-informed care, relational safety, identity, and the lived experience of late-discovered neurodivergence. Emma developed the concept of neurohybridity to describe the fluid, dynamic, and interconnected nature of neurodivergent identity. She is currently writing a book exploring these ideas and amplifying the voices of people who have felt unseen or misunderstood within traditional diagnostic systems. Connect With Dr. Emma Offord You can connect with Dr. Emma Offord on Instagram at @divergentlives, through the Divergent Life website, and through This Voice Is Mine: The Unquiet Podcast. Related Episodes With Dr. Emma Offord and on Neurodivergent Needs and Experiences Unmasking, Embodiment, & Trust: A Neurodivergent Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery With Dr. Emma Offord @divergentlives on Apple & Spotify. Why Eating Still Breaks Down for Neurodivergent People With Long-Term Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Unmasking in Eating Disorder Recovery: What Neurodivergent People Need to Know About Safety & Healing via Apple & Spotify. Autism & Anorexia: When Masking Looks Like Restriction, & Recovery Feels Unsafe via Apple & Spotify. Recovering Again: Navigating Eating Disorders After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis (Part 1) With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist via Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Dr. Marianne Miller is an eating disorder therapist and LMFT specializing in ARFID, binge eating disorder, autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, and eating disorder recovery. She offers therapy services for clients in California, Washington, D.C., and globally through coaching support. For therapy, coaching, podcast episodes, courses, and other resources, visit Dr. Marianne's website and follow along on Instagram @drmariannemiller.

When Safe Foods Stop Working: ARFID Plateaus, Burnout, & What Helps on Apple & Spotify. ARFID Explained: What It Feels Like, Why It's Misunderstood, & What Helps on Apple & Spotify. Why Sensory-Attuned Care Matters More Than Exposure in ARFID Treatment on Apple & Spotify. Complexities of Treating ARFID: How a Neurodivergent-Affirming, Sensory-Attuned Approach Works on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in ARFID, binge eating disorder, and neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder care. She offers therapy and coaching for clients in California, Washington, D.C., and globally. Check out her website drmariannemiller.com.  Follow her on Instagram @drmariannemiller. Email her directly at hello@drmariannemiller.com. Dr. Marianne also has an excellent virtual, self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating Course that's perfect for folks with ARFID who need more understanding and resources. It is neurodivergent-affirming, sensory-attuned, and trauma-informed.

"Picky eater" is one of the most common labels in pediatrics and one of the easiest to overlook. But when a child's diet is shrinking instead of expanding, when meals are a source of stress instead of routine, or when growth and nutrition start to feel like a question mark, it's worth taking a second look. In this episode, we're discussing ARFID: what it looks like in clinic, how to spot the difference from typical picky eating, and how to approach these patients with a sharper clinical lens. In this episode, we are joined by Kimberly Sheffield, PhD. She is an eating disorders psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as the Clinical Director of Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) day programs, and the Associate Training Director for Psychology Training.  Some highlights from this episode include: Specific growth or nutrition patterns that should raise suspicion of ARFID Treatment options pediatricians can manage in clinic  Overlap between ARFID and neurodiversity   Patterns to look for in certain age groups  This episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent is Colorado's largest credit union serving more than 550,000 members at 60 service centers across the Front Range. Ent generously responded to Children's Colorado's State of Emergency for pediatric mental health in 2021 and is pleased to support this episode. Visit ent.com, insured by NCUA.  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

It feels like everyone around you is getting smaller. This conversation will change how you understand why. In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Marianne Miller sits down with eating disorder nutritionist Anne Richardson @theeatingdisordernutritionist to unpack what's really driving the current push toward thinness. From GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to the rise of tradwife content to the constant noise around food and bodies, this episode goes beyond surface-level trends and into the deeper cultural, political, and psychological forces shaping how we relate to eating, weight, and worth. If your relationship with food or your body has felt more intense, more pressured, or more confusing lately, this conversation will help you make sense of it. GLP-1s, Ozempic, and the New Era of Diet Culture GLP-1 medications have rapidly shifted the landscape of weight loss, but this conversation asks a deeper question: are these medications simply tools, or are they reinforcing a much larger cultural push toward shrinking bodies? Anne and Dr. Marianne explore how conversations about Ozempic and similar drugs have taken over social media and everyday life, creating an environment where body size is once again under constant scrutiny. What might look like a health trend on the surface can quietly intensify eating disorder risk, comparison, and pressure to conform. The “Everyone Is Getting Smaller” Effect When more people begin to lose weight at the same time, it shifts the baseline of what feels “normal.” This episode breaks down the snowball effect that happens when shrinking bodies become more visible, leading others to feel like they need to follow suit—even if they were previously comfortable in their bodies. This dynamic can increase body dissatisfaction across all body sizes and contribute to disordered eating patterns, especially in environments where GLP-1 use becomes normalized or expected. Tradwives, Thinness, and the Return of Restrictive Ideals The rise of tradwife content on platforms like TikTok is not just about lifestyle aesthetics—it often carries messages about femininity, body size, and power. In this conversation, Anne and Dr. Marianne examine how hyper-femininity, thinness, and “being small” are being rebranded as desirable and even virtuous. They explore how these narratives can limit autonomy, reinforce gender roles, and create subtle but powerful pressure to look and behave in specific ways. Is Diet Culture a Distraction? One of the most compelling themes in this episode is the idea that the intense focus on bodies may function as a distraction from larger systemic issues. When attention is constantly redirected toward appearance, food, and weight, it can pull focus away from conversations about power, inequality, and social change. This lens invites a broader understanding of eating disorders—not just as individual struggles, but as experiences shaped by cultural and political forces. Eating Disorders, Power, and Vulnerability Anne shares personal reflections on her experience with anorexia and how disconnection from self can increase vulnerability to external pressures and ideologies. Together, she and Dr. Marianne explore how being undernourished, both physically and emotionally, can make it harder to access agency, voice, and resistance. This conversation reframes recovery as not just about food, but about reclaiming identity, autonomy, and the ability to take up space in the world. The Intersection of Class, Access, and Body Size This episode also highlights how access to GLP-1 medications is shaped by socioeconomic status, creating new layers of inequality. As some people gain access to weight-loss medications and others do not, body size can become further tied to wealth and privilege. At the same time, limited access to food, healthcare, and resources continues to shape eating behaviors and health outcomes, complicating the narrative around choice and control. Why This Matters for Eating Disorder Recovery If you are in eating disorder recovery, or questioning your relationship with food, this cultural moment can feel especially intense. The pressure to shrink, the constant body talk, and the normalization of restrictive behaviors can all make recovery more complex. This episode offers validation for how hard this moment can feel and invites a more compassionate, contextual understanding of your experience. Connect With Anne Richardson Anne Richardson is an eating disorder nutritionist based in the UK, working with clients across the UK and Europe. She shares nuanced, thought-provoking content on Instagram @theeatingdisordernutritionist about eating disorders, recovery, and diet culture. Email: anne@theeatingdisordernutritionist.co.uk Website: https://www.theeatingdisordernutritionist.co.uk/ Related Episodes "We've Gone Back to the 90s": The Return of the Super Skinny Ideal With Anne Richardson @theeatingdisordernutritionist on Apple & Spotify. An Eating Disorder Recovery Story Across Two Countries With Anne Richardson @theeatingdisordernutritionist on Apple & Spotify. How Diet Culture & Purity Culture Fuel Eating Disorders: Unpacking the Trauma Behind the Rules With Cassie Krajewski, LCSW @inneratlastherapy on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorder recovery, including ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, and bulimia. She offers therapy and coaching for clients in California, Washington, D.C., and globally. Check out her website at drmariannemiller.com. You can follow her on Instagram @drmariannemiller.

Fear Foods: Why ARFID Is Much More Than Just ‘Picky Eating' While food is often the centerpiece of social connection, those living with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, fear these daily meals. Unlike many other eating disorders, this condition is driven by sensory sensitivities or a lack of interest in eating rather than concerns over body weight or composition. Our experts explore treatment options and the reality of navigating a world focused on food when the very act of consuming it feels like an exhausting chore. Guests:  Dr. Kamryn Eddy, professor of psychology, Harvard Medical School, Co-Director, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program Cassidy Arvidson, ARFID advocate   The Secret To Productivity: The Big Three Factors Every Space Needs The physical environments where we live, work, and play have a profound impact on our mental state and productivity. Our emotional well-being in any given setting is determined by a psychological formula known as “The Big Three." Leidy Klotz explains these core needs and how we can intentionally design and seek out spaces that help us thrive. Guest: Leidy Klotz, professor, University of Virginia, author, In A Good Place Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fear Foods: Why ARFID Is Much More Than Just ‘Picky Eating' While food is often the centerpiece of social connection, those living with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, fear these daily meals. Unlike many other eating disorders, this condition is driven by sensory sensitivities or a lack of interest in eating rather than concerns over body weight or composition. Our experts explore treatment options and the reality of navigating a world focused on food when the very act of consuming it feels like an exhausting chore. Guest: Dr. Kamryn Eddy, professor of psychology, Harvard Medical School, Co-Director, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program; Cassidy Arvidson, ARFID advocate Host & Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If your autistic child's eating feels more complex than anyone seems to understand, this episode may put words to what you've been seeing. Because when ARFID and anorexia overlap in autistic kids, the signs often get missed, misunderstood, or explained away in ways that don't actually help. And when that happens, families can feel stuck, blamed, or pushed into approaches that increase distress instead of creating safety. In this episode, I'm breaking down what it really looks like when ARFID and anorexia coexist, why this overlap is so often misdiagnosed, and what to do next if you're trying to support your child in a way that actually fits how their brain and body work. If you've been told it's “just sensory” or “just anorexia” and neither explanation fully makes sense, this conversation will help you understand why. What ARFID and Anorexia Look Like in Autistic Children ARFID and anorexia are often treated as completely separate diagnoses, but in autistic kids, the reality is frequently more nuanced. ARFID is commonly rooted in sensory differences, predictability, and nervous system safety, while anorexia can involve restriction tied to fear, control, or distress around the body. When these experiences overlap, eating patterns can shift in ways that don't fit neatly into one category, making it harder for providers to recognize what's really happening. We explore how long-standing sensory-based food restriction can evolve, how new food rules or avoidance patterns may emerge, and why autistic children may not express body-related concerns in expected ways. Understanding this distinction is critical for getting the right kind of support. Why Misdiagnosis Happens So Often Many autistic children fall through the cracks when it comes to eating disorder diagnosis. Some are labeled as having ARFID only, which can minimize medical and psychological risk when anorexia is also present. Others are diagnosed with anorexia without consideration for sensory needs, interoception, or nervous system regulation, which can lead to treatment approaches that feel overwhelming or unsustainable. In this episode, I explain why common eating disorder frameworks often miss autistic presentations, how masking and communication differences play a role, and why a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment can backfire. When Autistic Traits Look Like Anorexia Not all restrictive eating in autistic children is driven by anorexia. Some behaviors that appear concerning from the outside are actually rooted in autistic traits. Repetitive eating patterns, strong preferences for sameness, difficulty with transitions, and distress around internal body sensations can all influence how a child eats. We unpack how these patterns can be misinterpreted, why it matters to differentiate them, and how misunderstanding these behaviors can lead to increased pressure instead of meaningful support. Understanding ARFID Plus You may have heard the term ARFID Plus, which is sometimes used to describe when ARFID co-occurs with another eating disorder, often anorexia. In autistic children, this can look like long-standing sensory-based restriction layered with additional fears, rules, or patterns that extend beyond sensory needs alone. I walk through what ARFID Plus can look like in real life, why it is often overlooked, and how recognizing this overlap can change the way you approach support and care. Why Agency and Autonomy Matter in Eating Support One of the most important shifts in supporting autistic children with eating challenges is moving away from compliance-based approaches and toward collaboration. When eating becomes something that is done to a child instead of with them, the nervous system can respond with protection, which may look like shutdown, refusal, or increased rigidity. In this episode, I explain why facilitating agency and autonomy is not optional but essential. You'll learn how supporting choice, predictability, and collaboration can help create the conditions where eating is actually possible, and why pushing too hard can reinforce both ARFID patterns and anorexia-related restriction. What to Do Next If you are recognizing your child in this episode, the next step is not to force a single explanation or diagnosis. It is to step back and look at the full picture. Sensory needs, interoception, nervous system regulation, autistic traits, and eating disorder patterns can all exist at the same time. And support needs to reflect that complexity. In this episode, I offer a framework for thinking about eating in a more integrated way, so you can move toward approaches that prioritize safety, trust, and sustainability instead of urgency and control. Related Episodes Can ARFID and Anorexia Co-Exist? on Apple and Spotify. ARFID in Adults vs ARFID in Children on Apple and Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you're looking for support that understands the overlap between autism, ARFID, and anorexia, I work with neurodivergent individuals and families navigating exactly this kind of complexity. I offer therapy in California and coaching more broadly, with a focus on neurodivergent-affirming, collaborative care that meets you and your child where you are. You can learn more about working with me by visiting my website, drmariannemiller.com.

Victor and Jenna join Caitlin to discuss A24's If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, an excellent but stressful movie from 2025. We talk about monstrous-motherhood, ARFID, eating disorders treatment, and more. It's one we all enjoyed, and could very well be titled Distress Tolerance: The Movie. Tangents include: an ARFID soapbox, Richmond breakfast spots, movie theater experiences, and what we do when we're feeling down.

A child's diagnosis can feel like a lifeline and a weight at the same time. When your child struggles with attention, learning, anxiety, behavior, or social connection, the question isn't only “What is it?” It's also “What will a diagnosis change for my child, for school, for insurance, and for how they see themselves?” On this episode of The Brainy Moms Podcast, Dr. Amy is joined by pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Rebecca “Dr. F” Fontanetta to talk through why diagnoses like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, anxiety disorders, Tourette syndrome, ARFID, and developmental coordination disorder often overlap. Dr. F explains why the DSM shifted to allow more co-occurring diagnoses, how that can improve access to the right services, and why the real value is usually the full neuropsychological evaluation report that links test data to everyday life. We also dig into the “overpathologizing” trap, what a meaningful change from baseline looks like, and when a wait-and-see approach is reasonable versus risky. You'll hear practical guidance for public school and homeschool families, including how IEP and 504 accommodations work, why insurance reimbursement often drives the need for formal documentation, and how to choose the right clinician for your child's age and needs. We close with a reminder that no word on paper changes who your child is, and that understanding barriers and building support matters more than chasing the perfect label.Subscribe for more parenting and learning science, share this conversation with a friend who's wrestling with testing, and leave a review telling us: what's the hardest part of deciding whether to seek a diagnosis?ABOUT US:The Brainy Moms is a parenting podcast hosted by cognitive psychologist Dr. Amy Moore and Sandy Zamalis. Dr. Amy and Sandy have conversations with experts in parenting, child development, education, homeschooling, psychology, mental health, and neuroscience. Listeners leave with tips and advice for helping parents and kids thrive. If you love us, add us to your playlist and follow us on social media! CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: BrainyMoms@gmail.com Social Media: @TheBrainyMomsSubscribe to our free monthly newsletterVisit our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.com

You saw the clip. You saw the reactions. But you didn't see what actually happened. In this episode of Dr. Marianne Land, I sit down with eating disorder therapist and fat-positive advocate Edie Stark @ediestarktherapy to unpack what it was really like to be placed in a highly edited, high-pressure “debate” with Jillian Michaels. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how media formats shape narratives, how nuance gets erased, and how anti-fat bias shows up in ways that often go unexamined. If conversations about body positivity, eating disorders, and health have ever felt confusing or overly simplified, this episode offers a more grounded, clinically informed perspective. What Really Happened Behind the Scenes Edie walks through her experience from the moment she was contacted to participate to what it felt like entering a space designed for speed, pressure, and spectacle. She shares how little time participants were given to prepare, how decisions were made about who could speak, and how the structure itself limited meaningful dialogue. This part of the conversation highlights how production choices can influence not just what is said, but what is ultimately seen and believed by millions of viewers. Why This Wasn't a True Debate This was not a setting built for thoughtful exchange. It was a format that rewarded quick reactions over depth and tension over understanding. We explore how the pace, editing, and framing made it nearly impossible to have a nuanced conversation about eating disorders, body diversity, and health. When complex topics are reduced to short, high-intensity moments, important context disappears, and the public is left with an incomplete and often misleading picture. Eating Disorders, Body Positivity, & Fatphobia At the center of this episode is a deeper conversation about eating disorders and the realities of living in a body in a culture shaped by weight stigma. We talk about why body size alone cannot define health, how anti-fat bias affects people across body sizes, and how systemic factors like racism, stress, and access to care are often ignored in mainstream conversations. Edie also shares why certain medicalized language can feel harmful to many people and how language choices can either support or alienate those seeking help. The Reality of Viral Backlash & Online Harassment After the episode aired, Edie experienced an intense wave of online backlash. We talk openly about what it's like to be misrepresented, to have people form strong opinions based on a short, edited clip, and to navigate the emotional toll of public scrutiny. This part of the conversation also explores how social media amplifies outrage, how quickly misinformation spreads, and how difficult it can be to stay grounded in your values when faced with large-scale criticism. What This Conversation Is Really About This episode goes far beyond one moment on camera. It speaks to the larger systems that shape how we understand eating disorders, body image, and health. It is about advocating for people in larger bodies, challenging harmful assumptions, and bringing nuance back into conversations that are often flattened into extremes. If you've ever felt like something was missing from mainstream discussions about food and bodies, this conversation names it directly. Follow Edie Stark To learn more from Edie Stark and follow her work as an eating disorder therapist and fat-positive advocate, you can connect with her on Instagram @ediestarktherapy and other social platforms. You can also go to her website, starktherapygroup.com or her consultation website ediestark.com. Her work centers compassionate, ethical, and evidence-informed care for individuals navigating eating disorders and body image challenges. Related Episodes With San Diego Eating Disorder Therapist & Consultant Edie Stark, LCSW What Your Therapist Needs to Know About Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. The Hidden Risks of Non-Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment on Apple & Spotify. The Diet/Wellness Industry, Accessibility, & Diet Culture on Apple & Spotify. Anti-Fat Bias & the Importance of Advocacy on Apple & Spotify. Link to Jubilee "Surrounded" Episode With Jillian Michaels Content caution: In this show, participants address anti-fat bias and systemic oppression. Assumptions that being fat automatically means that you're not healthy are a big part of this conversation. I (Dr. Marianne) found it very activating and could only watch about half of it--the half that included Edie's sections. So please take care when you decide whether and how much to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7K87rGoGps Work With Dr. Marianne If you're struggling with binge eating, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, or feeling overwhelmed around food, support is available. I offer eating disorder therapy and coaching for adults across California, Washington, D.C., Texas, and globally. My approach is neurodivergent affirming and grounded in understanding sensory needs, routines, and the complexity of real-life eating struggles. You deserve care that sees the full picture of your experience. Learn more at: drmariannemiller.com Listen, Share, & Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, rate it and share it with someone who needs a more nuanced conversation about eating disorders and body image. Follow Dr. Marianne Land on Apple and Spotify for more episodes on ARFID, binge eating, neurodivergence, and recovery.

Long-term anorexia and restrictive eating are often missed, misunderstood, or minimized—especially when they don't match the stereotype. Anorexia can occur in all body sizes, yet many people in larger or mid-sized bodies go undiagnosed or unsupported for years. If restriction has been part of your life for a long time, this episode offers a different path forward—one that centers harm reduction, flexibility, and real-life support instead of all-or-nothing recovery. What Is Long-Term Anorexia and Restrictive Eating? Long-term anorexia, sometimes referred to as chronic anorexia, involves persistent patterns of restrictive eating that can last for years or decades. These patterns may ebb and flow over time, often influenced by stress, life transitions, health changes, and systemic pressures. Restrictive eating disorders do not always look extreme or obvious, and they are not defined by body size. People in all bodies can experience serious restriction, even when others fail to recognize it. Anorexia Exists in All Body Sizes Weight stigma continues to shape how anorexia is diagnosed and treated. Individuals in smaller bodies are more likely to receive early intervention, while those in larger bodies are often overlooked or even praised for restrictive behaviors. This creates significant barriers to care. Restrictive eating in any body is valid, serious, and deserving of support. The body does not become protected from the effects of restriction based on size. Why a Harm Reduction Approach Matters in Eating Disorder Recovery Harm reduction is a powerful and often underutilized approach for long-term anorexia and restrictive eating. Instead of focusing only on complete symptom elimination, harm reduction prioritizes reducing risk, increasing nourishment, and improving quality of life. This approach is especially important for people who feel stuck in all-or-nothing cycles or who have not found traditional recovery models accessible or sustainable. Strategy 1: Shift From Cure to Harm Reduction Recovery does not have to be all-or-nothing. Shifting from a cure mindset to a harm reduction mindset allows for meaningful progress without perfection. This might include eating something instead of nothing, shortening long gaps between meals, or building in one consistent eating time each day. These changes reduce risk and support stability over time. Strategy 2: Use Mechanical Eating to Support Consistency Mechanical eating is a structured approach to nourishment that does not rely on hunger cues. Long-term restriction can disrupt hunger and fullness signals, making intuitive eating difficult or inaccessible. Eating at regular intervals can support metabolic stability, reduce restriction cycles, and provide a foundation for more consistent nourishment. Strategy 3: Expand What “Enough” Means Restrictive eating often comes with rigid rules about portion sizes, food types, and timing. Expanding what “enough” looks like can happen gradually. Increasing portions, adding foods, or building on safe meals can support progress without overwhelming the nervous system. “Enough” is flexible and can evolve over time. Strategy 4: Support the Nervous System Around Eating Eating is not just behavioral—it is sensory, emotional, and neurological. For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent, food experiences can feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Supporting the nervous system may include creating a consistent eating environment, reducing sensory input, or pairing meals with regulating activities. When the body feels safer, eating becomes more accessible. Strategy 5: Challenge Weight Stigma in Eating Disorder Care Weight stigma plays a major role in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment for long-term anorexia. Recognizing that anorexia exists in all bodies is essential for effective care. Challenging these biases—both internally and within systems—can open the door to more accurate support and validation. The Reality of Long-Term Eating Disorder Recovery Long-term anorexia and restrictive eating often involve periods of improvement and periods of increased struggle. These shifts are part of the process and do not mean failure. A harm reduction approach allows for flexibility and adaptation as life circumstances change, supporting ongoing care instead of restarting from scratch. Related Episodes Beyond Anorexia: The Truth About Long-Term Restrictive Eating on Apple and Spotify. Understanding Harm Reduction: Why "Full Recovery" May Not Be the Goal for Lifelong Eating Disorders on Apple and Spotify. Why Eating Still Breaks Down for Neurodivergent People With Long-Term Eating Disorders on Apple and Spotify. Navigating a Long-Term Eating Disorder on Apple & Spotify. When an Eating Disorder Becomes Chronic: Recovery Tools for Persistent Anorexia & Bulimia on Apple and Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you are navigating long-term anorexia, restrictive eating, ARFID, or another eating disorder, you do not have to do this alone. Dr. Marianne Miller, LMFT, offers neurodivergent-affirming, liberation-oriented therapy and coaching for eating disorder recovery in California, Washington, D.C., and globally. Learn more about working together to build a sustainable, supportive approach to eating. Go to my website drmariannemiller.com for more information.

If eating feels inconsistent, overwhelming, or like something you are constantly negotiating with, mechanical eating might be the tool you have heard about but are not sure how to use. In this episode, I break down what mechanical eating actually is, the pros and cons, and why it can help when eating feels hard, especially if you are navigating ARFID, binge eating, anorexia, or restrictive eating patterns. We are also going to talk about why mechanical eating does not work for everyone and how to adapt it in a way that supports your nervous system, your sensory needs, and your autonomy. Mechanical eating is a structured eating approach used in eating disorder recovery where you eat at consistent, planned times instead of relying on hunger cues. This often includes meals and snacks spaced throughout the day, regardless of whether you feel hungry. It is commonly used when hunger cues feel unreliable, delayed, or confusing, and when “just listen to your body” does not feel accessible. Why Mechanical Eating Helps When Eating Feels Hard When eating feels chaotic or unpredictable, mechanical eating creates an external structure that your body can begin to rely on. This structure supports more consistent nourishment, stabilizes blood sugar and energy, and reduces the intensity of binge urges and restriction cycles. Over time, it can help your body relearn hunger and fullness cues in a way that feels safer and more predictable. Mechanical eating can also reduce decision fatigue. If you already know when you are eating, you are not starting from zero each time, which can make eating feel more manageable, especially if you experience executive functioning challenges or overwhelm around food. Mechanical Eating and Eating Disorders Mechanical eating is often used in recovery from ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, and restrictive eating patterns. In ARFID, sensory sensitivities, fear, or lack of interest in food can override hunger signals. In binge eating, irregular eating patterns can lead to intense hunger and strong urges. In restrictive eating, hunger cues are often diminished or disconnected. By introducing consistency, mechanical eating can interrupt these patterns and support more regulated eating over time, helping your body receive nourishment in a more predictable way. Pros of Mechanical Eating Mechanical eating can provide a stabilizing foundation in eating disorder recovery. It creates predictable structure when hunger cues feel unreliable and reduces chaotic eating patterns that can contribute to binge eating or restriction. It can support nervous system regulation by introducing consistency and help prevent extreme hunger, which often increases urgency around food. Over time, mechanical eating may also help reconnect you with your internal cues, making hunger and fullness feel more accessible and less confusing. Cons of Mechanical Eating Mechanical eating is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It can feel rigid or rule-based, especially if you have a history of perfectionism or strict food rules. For people with a strong need for autonomy, including those with Pervasive Desire for Autonomy, it can feel like pressure or loss of control, which may lead to resistance. It can also overlook sensory sensitivities in ARFID if the focus is only on timing rather than food tolerability. Eating without hunger can feel disconnected or unnatural at first, which can make the process feel discouraging if this is not expected or supported. Why Mechanical Eating Does Not Work for Everyone For many neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, mechanical eating often needs to be adapted. If food feels unsafe, overwhelming, or intolerable, structure alone will not resolve that. If eating feels like pressure, your nervous system may push back as a protective response. This episode explores how to recognize when mechanical eating needs to be adjusted rather than pushed through, and how to shift the approach so that it feels more supportive and sustainable. How to Make Mechanical Eating More Flexible and Supportive Mechanical eating works best when it is adapted to your specific needs and capacity. This can include prioritizing safe foods in ARFID, simplifying meals to reduce effort, and using repetition to lower the cognitive load of eating. Flexibility in timing can also make a difference, allowing you to adjust your plan when your body feels shut down instead of forcing a rigid schedule. Supporting your nervous system before and during eating, and reducing pressure wherever possible, can help mechanical eating feel less like a power struggle and more like a form of support. Mechanical Eating, Neurodivergence, and Nervous System Support This episode takes a neurodivergent-affirming approach to mechanical eating by addressing sensory needs, executive functioning challenges, and autonomy. It explores why pressure can increase resistance and how to create an approach that works with your nervous system rather than against it. Mechanical eating can be helpful, but only when it is aligned with how your brain and body actually function. Final Thoughts on Mechanical Eating Mechanical eating can create stability when eating feels hard. It can reduce overwhelm, support more consistent nourishment, and help regulate patterns in ARFID, binge eating, and restriction. At the same time, it is not the only path to recovery, and it is not meant to override your autonomy or lived experience. The goal is not perfect structure. The goal is support that actually fits you. Related Episodes Mechanical Eating in Lifelong Eating Disorder Recovery: Benefits, Limits, & Who It Helps Most on Apple & Spotify. Intuitive vs. Mechanical Eating: Can They Coexist? on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you are struggling with ARFID, binge eating, or restrictive eating and want support that is neurodivergent-affirming and individualized, I offer therapy and coaching for clients in California, Washington, D.C., and globally. You deserve support that fits your brain, your body, and your life. Check out my website drmariannemiller.com for more info.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder diagnosis characterized by a persistent restriction or avoidance of food intake that results in clinically significant consequences (medical, nutritional, and/or psychosocial), but without the weight- and shape-driven psychopathology typical of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In this episode, Megan Hellner and Katherine Hill outline how ARFID presents across the lifespan, why it is frequently missed in routine healthcare, and what an evidence-informed assessment and treatment pathway can look like in practice. A central theme is that ARFID is not synonymous with "picky eating" and not confined to any one body size. Patients may present at any point on the weight chart, including those who are weight-stable or in larger bodies, and the condition can begin in early childhood and persist into adulthood. The episode also highlights ARFID in athletes and physically active people, where restricted dietary variety and/or low intake can contribute to low energy availability and RED-S-like presentations, sometimes without an obvious intent to lose weight. Timestamps [03:48] Interview start [06:23] What is ARFID? DSM-5 definition vs "picky eating" [09:36] Clinical red flags: when restriction becomes a disorder [11:37] ARFID isn't always underweight: missed cases & diagnostic pitfalls [16:46] ARFID presentation profiles: low interest, sensory sensitivity, fear [18:59] Comorbidities & nutrition consequences [25:16] Evidence-based ARFID treatment [29:16] How to expand foods without pressure [32:28] Weight restoration, stabilization, and long-term maintenance [35:44] What research still needs [38:16] Differential diagnosis & referral Links/Resources Go to episode page (with links to papers and ARFID resources) Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course

If you have ADHD and struggle with bulimia or binge eating, it may not be about willpower at all. It may be about dopamine, impulsivity, and a nervous system that has been trying to regulate itself the only way it knows how. In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with psychiatric nurse practitioner Kirsten Book to unpack the often-missed connection between ADHD and eating disorders. We move beyond surface-level explanations and into what is actually happening in the brain, including how dopamine dysregulation, executive functioning challenges, and emotional intensity can drive patterns of bingeing, restricting, and purging. ADHD and Bulimia: The Dopamine Connection Kirsten shares her lived experience of recovering from bulimia and being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. She describes how starting ADHD treatment shifted everything. Instead of feeling constantly out of control, she experienced something many people with ADHD and eating disorders rarely feel, which is a pause. A moment to decide what to do next. That shift in impulsivity and regulation can be a turning point in recovery. We break down how ADHD affects dopamine regulation and why the brain begins to seek out stimulation through food. Binge eating, restriction, and purging can all increase dopamine in the short term, which reinforces these patterns even when they create long-term distress. Why ADHD Gets Missed in Eating Disorders Many people, especially girls and women, are never screened for ADHD. Instead, they are diagnosed with anxiety or depression. This episode explores how untreated ADHD can show up as emotional dysregulation, difficulty focusing, chaotic eating patterns, and a constant sense of being overwhelmed. Kirsten explains why comprehensive screening matters and how identifying ADHD can completely change the direction of treatment. When ADHD is addressed directly, many people experience a reduction in binge eating urges and a greater sense of stability with food. Executive Function, Impulsivity, and Eating Patterns ADHD affects the brain's executive functioning, including planning, organization, and follow-through. This makes consistent eating much harder than it looks from the outside. Skipped meals, irregular eating, and impulsive food choices are not random. They are connected to how the brain manages energy, attention, and motivation. We also talk about interoception and why people with ADHD may feel disconnected from hunger and fullness cues. This disconnection can lead to both undereating and overeating, creating cycles that feel confusing and hard to interrupt. The Role of Dopamine in Binge Eating and Restriction This episode offers a clear explanation of how different eating disorder behaviors interact with dopamine. Binge eating and highly palatable foods can create a surge in dopamine, reinforcing cravings and compulsive eating. Restriction can also increase dopamine in a different way, which helps explain why it can feel rewarding even when it is harmful. Over time, these patterns can change how the brain responds to reward, making it harder to feel regulated without them. Understanding this helps reduce shame and opens the door to more effective, targeted support. ADHD Treatment and Eating Disorder Recovery We talk through how psychiatric medications can support both ADHD and eating disorder recovery. This includes the role of stimulants, SSRIs, and other medications in improving impulse control, emotional regulation, and the ability to follow through with consistent eating. Kirsten also addresses common concerns about medication, especially for parents. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions, understanding risks and benefits, and approaching treatment with openness rather than fear. Medication is not the only tool, but for many people, it creates the stability needed to fully engage in recovery. This Is Not About Willpower If your eating feels chaotic, impulsive, or out of control, there may be more going on beneath the surface. ADHD changes how the brain processes reward, attention, and regulation. When that is not understood, eating disorder behaviors can become a way to cope. You deserve support that looks at the full picture, including your brain, your nervous system, and the ways you have learned to get through the day. Connect With Kirsten Book, PMHNP-BC Kirsten Book is a dual-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating eating disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. You can learn more about her work and concierge psychiatric services at her website. She is licensed in California, Illinois, Arizona, and Washington. She is also active on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The best way to reach her directly is via email at Apple & Spotify “Stuck” Isn't Lazy: Inertia in ADHD, Autism, & Eating Disorder Recovery With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW on Apple & Spotify. Autism & Eating Challenges: Understanding Sensory Needs, Routines, & Safety on Apple & Spotify. Eating Disorders & ADHD: Neurodivergent-Affirming Recovery With Taylor Ashley, RP @taylorashleytherapy on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you are looking for eating disorder support that integrates neurodivergent-affirming care, I offer therapy and coaching for ARFID, binge eating disorder, anorexia, and bulimia. I work with clients across California and Washington, D.C., as well as offer coaching more broadly in the U.S. and worldwide. My approach focuses on sensory needs, nervous system regulation, executive functioning, and building sustainable eating patterns that actually work for your life. You can visit my website drmariannemiller.com to learn more about working with me and explore current offerings, including therapy, coaching, and self-paced programs. Share This Episode on Bulimia and ADHD If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it and follow the podcast so you do not miss upcoming episodes on ADHD, ARFID, binge eating, and neurodivergent-affirming recovery.

If you feel stuck in constant body checking, repeatedly scanning, measuring, or monitoring your body throughout the day, you are not alone and there is a real reason this pattern is so hard to break. Body checking is not about vanity or lack of willpower. It is a nervous system response shaped by anxiety, eating disorders, sensory processing, and a culture that teaches you to constantly evaluate your body. In this episode, we unpack why body checking becomes compulsive, how it connects to eating disorders, anxiety, and autism, and what actually helps when trying to reduce body monitoring behaviors in a sustainable, neurodivergent-affirming way. If you have ever wondered why you cannot stop checking your body, even when it increases distress, this episode offers a deeper, more compassionate framework for understanding what is really happening. What Is Body Checking? (Eating Disorders & Body Image) Body checking includes behaviors like mirror checking, weighing yourself frequently, comparing your body to others, scanning how your clothes fit, or mentally monitoring body size and shape throughout the day. These patterns are strongly linked to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID, and they often reinforce body image distress and food-related anxiety. Rather than helping you feel more in control, body checking tends to increase preoccupation with the body over time, creating a cycle that is difficult to interrupt. Why Body Checking Feels So Hard to Stop (Anxiety & Control) Body checking is deeply tied to anxiety and the need for certainty. When the nervous system feels overwhelmed, the brain looks for something to track and control. The body becomes that focus because it is always accessible. Even though body checking may briefly reduce anxiety, it reinforces the cycle long term. The more you check, the more your brain learns that checking is necessary to feel okay. This is why stopping body checking is not about discipline. It is about understanding the anxiety-body checking loop and finding other ways to create safety. Body Checking in Autism & Neurodivergence (Sensory & Interoception) For autistic individuals and other neurodivergent people, body checking can serve additional functions related to sensory processing and interoception. Internal body signals may feel unclear or inconsistent, which can lead to relying on external cues like mirrors, touch, or clothing fit to understand what is happening in the body. At the same time, heightened sensory awareness and pattern recognition can increase focus on subtle body changes. This makes body checking not just about body image, but also about making sense of sensory experiences in a body that may feel unpredictable. The Hidden Cycle of Body Checking & Eating Disorders Body checking creates a reinforcing loop. Anxiety increases the urge to check. Checking temporarily reduces distress. The relief fades. The urge returns stronger. Over time, this cycle strengthens eating disorder behaviors, body image distress, and compulsive monitoring. Understanding this cycle is key to shifting your relationship with body checking. The goal is not immediate elimination, but gradual change that reduces intensity and frequency. What Actually Helps: Neurodivergent-Affirming Strategies Reducing body checking requires a different approach than simply trying to stop. In this episode, we explore harm reduction strategies that support long-term change. We talk about identifying the function of body checking, building alternative ways to regulate anxiety, and using sensory supports that actually work for your nervous system. We also explore how to gently reduce checking behaviors without increasing distress, and how to shift from constant body monitoring toward a more flexible and compassionate relationship with your body. A Liberation-Based Approach to Body Image & Recovery Body checking does not exist in isolation. It is shaped by diet culture, weight stigma, and systemic pressure to monitor and control bodies. Recovery is not about perfect body acceptance or never noticing your body again. It is about moving from surveillance to relationship. This episode offers a neurodivergent-affirming, harm reduction approach to body checking that centers curiosity, flexibility, and sustainability rather than rigid rules. Related Episodes Autism, ADHD, & Eating Disorders: Recovery, Sensory Needs, & Late Diagnosis With Margo White, CPN @margo_wholebodynutrition on Apple & Spotify. “Stuck” Isn't Lazy: Inertia in ADHD, Autism, & Eating Disorder Recovery With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW on Apple & Spotify. Autism & Eating Challenges: Understanding Sensory Needs, Routines, & Safety on Apple & Spotify. Eating Disorders & ADHD: Neurodivergent-Affirming Recovery With Taylor Ashley, RP @taylorashleytherapy on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you are struggling with body checking, eating disorders, ARFID, binge eating, or anxiety around food and your body, you do not have to navigate this alone. I offer therapy and coaching with a neurodivergent-affirming, liberation-focused approach. Learn more about working with me at https://www.drmariannemiller.com

In this episode, William Sharp, PhD, Director of the Multidisciplinary Feeding Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, discusses the launch of the National Center for Feeding Ethics and the urgent need for standardized, compassionate care for children with feeding disorders. He shares insights on ARFID, multidisciplinary treatment approaches, and how the new initiative aims to improve access, guidance, and outcomes nationwide.

Create safe, supportive assessment experiences to guide trauma-sensitive care.Guest: Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLCEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeRegister for the FREE Series: Empowering Providers Through Transforming Pediatric Feeding JourneysIn this part 2 episode, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, welcomes Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, to explore how trauma can shape feeding experiences for children and families and what that means for clinicians working in pediatric feeding. They focus on evidence-based approaches to trauma-sensitive PFD evaluations, with particular attention to supporting the psychosocial domain of feeding. Lauren also shares practical strategies for delivering trauma-sensitive interventions that support both the child and caregiver.About the Guest(s): Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Counselor, and the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with PFD, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools.Show Notes:Contact Lauren: @laurenteetheslp on InstagramLauren's Private Practice: Well Fed Feeding TherapyRelated Courses:Trauma and PFD: Moving from Understanding to HealingThe Power of PROM for PFDThe Feeding Flock: Assessment ToolsInfant Feeding Care: Assessment ToolsEzpz Products: Feeding ToolsFind local resources: Findhelp.orgLove Money Cause: Feeding Matters and your Local Food BanksMentioned in this episode:Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

If your child has dropped food after food, won't try new things no matter what you do, and every mealtime feels like a battle — this episode is the first in a four-part series where I get personal.I'm sharing the story of my oldest son Cooper, who at his lowest point was eating only Honey Nut Cheerios out of a single specific bowl. I walked through grocery store aisles sobbing, frantically looking for protein bars he might eat. I watched him go through the SOS feeding protocol in occupational therapy and add foods only to drop them again. I tried sneaking vitamins into his chocolate milk. Nothing was gaining traction — and I didn't understand why.In this first episode, I walk you through the years before I had a PDA lens: my own food-focused parenting, the Montessori methods I tried that he refused, the escalating meltdowns around eating, the developmental pediatrician who shamed me for not cooking every meal from scratch, and the moment I finally understood that the root cause of Cooper's eating struggles was not primarily sensory — it was autonomy and equality based.I also talk about what happened when I stopped the SOS feeding protocol, lowered demands around food, and gave him true autonomy around what, when, and where he ate — and what his eating looks like seven years later.This episode is for parents currently in the fear of it, for parents whose children have been diagnosed with ARFID or anorexia and haven't responded to traditional approaches, and for feeding therapists and other professionals who are wondering if there is another way to think about what they're seeing.This is also the first episode in a four-part series. Part 2 covers the logic of viewing eating through a PDA lens. Part 3 covers practical accommodation strategies. Part 4 is tailored specifically to feeding therapy settings.Key TakeawaysThe mango slice that changed everything | 00:07:29 Cooper was about four and a half when he wanted a third or fourth mango slice and I said no. He physically fought me for it, and it escalated into a two-hour screaming meltdown. After that, he refused to eat mango slices entirely — dropping yet another food from his repertoire. That moment was one of the first times I saw the pattern, though I didn't have a framework for it yet.Why the SOS feeding protocol stopped working | 00:16:05 We started the SOS protocol — a 30-step sensory-based exposure approach — and early on it was progressing. Looking back, I understand now that there was novelty, one-on-one attention, and a lot of autonomy built into the early stages because he didn't have to actually eat anything. But when we moved the protocol into the home during the pandemic, the novelty and dopamine were gone, and the rigid structure became something his nervous system perceived as a demand. He stopped engaging entirely.Dropping foods rather than expanding them | 00:19:43 The occupational therapist noticed an unusual pattern: every time Cooper added a new adjacent food through sensory bridging, he dropped the one he had previously been eating. His repertoire wasn't expanding — it was staying flat. Through the PDA lens, I later understood that this was him exerting control to get back to nervous system safety: always needing to be in the position of the decider.The grocery store moment | 00:23:06 I was standing in the aisle of a grocery store frantically picking out protein bars in birthday cake and double fudge brownie flavors, anything I could have in my back pocket for him to potentially eat. I was sobbing. I had watched him drop chocolate milk — his one reliable source of protein. I didn't understand why nothing was working. That moment was when I knew that the frameworks I'd been using didn't apply.What shifted — and what seven years looks like | 00:26:46 When I finally understood that the root cause was autonomy and equality based — not primarily sensory — I made the decision to stop the SOS protocol, lower demands around food completely, and give him true autonomy: letting him choose what, when, where, and whether he ate, even if that meant Lay's potato chips, Pirate's Booty, and popcorn for almost two years. It was hard. There were moments I reverted, and I could immediately observe his eating reduce. But slowly, he began adding things back. Seven years later he eats carrots, apples, tacos, steak, salmon, pork shoulder, smoothies, pizza, and more — alongside processed food — and he is healthy and growing.Relevant ResourcesWhat is PDA? — Start here for a foundational overview.Free Burnout Masterclass — Cooper's eating crisis happened in burnout — learn more about burnout here.Is My Child PDA? — Take the free survey and/or class to help figure this out.

Eating disorders in midlife are increasing, yet they are often missed, misunderstood, or dismissed as “normal” aging concerns. During midlife, many people notice a sudden intensification of food struggles, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder symptoms such as restriction, binge eating, or food anxiety. This is not random. It is the result of a powerful intersection between ageism, diet culture, and midlife body changes. In this episode, I sit down with Deb Benfield, RDN (@agingbodyliberation), to break down why eating disorders can become more complex during midlife and how pressure to stay thin and young directly fuels disordered eating patterns and recovery challenges. Ageism, Body Image, & Diet Culture in Midlife Ageism and diet culture work together to shape body image and eating behaviors in midlife. During this stage of life, messaging around anti-aging, weight loss, and “fixing” your body becomes louder and more targeted. Cultural narratives reinforce that thinness and youth equal worth, increasing body dissatisfaction and pressure to control food, weight, and appearance. During this conversation, we explore how diet culture does not fade with age. It adapts. Wellness culture, anti-aging industries, and weight-focused health messaging continue to position the body as a problem. This environment can intensify eating disorder symptoms, especially for those with a history of dieting, binge eating, restriction, or ARFID. Midlife Body Changes, Menopause & Eating Disorder Triggers Midlife body changes, including perimenopause and menopause, can act as major triggers for eating disorders. Hormonal shifts, metabolism changes, and body composition changes often occur outside of personal control, which can feel destabilizing and distressing. During midlife, messaging about menopause, weight gain, and “optimal health” often promotes restriction, rigid eating rules, and increased exercise. These approaches can worsen eating disorder symptoms and create more disconnection from hunger, fullness, and body cues. We discuss how these pressures contribute to food anxiety, body monitoring, and difficulty trusting your body during eating disorder recovery. The Pressure to Stay Thin & Young in Midlife The pressure to stay thin and young intensifies during midlife and is reinforced through diet culture, wellness culture, and anti-aging messaging. From weight loss interventions to GLP-1 medications to strict health routines, the message is clear: your body must be controlled to remain acceptable. Deb invites us to ask a critical question: who benefits from your fear of aging and body change? When fear drives behavior, it becomes easier to stay stuck in cycles of restriction, binge eating, or compulsive movement. This section explores how fear-based messaging disrupts body trust and reinforces eating disorder patterns. Body Image, Identity & Eating Disorders in Midlife Body image in midlife is deeply connected to identity, belonging, and perceived social value. During this stage, changes in appearance can feel like a loss of visibility or relevance in a culture that prioritizes youth and thinness. This can lead to increased body monitoring, comparison, and attempts to control weight or shape. We also explore how intersectionality shapes eating disorder experiences. Factors such as race, body size, disability, gender identity, and neurodivergence can amplify pressure and marginalization. Eating disorders in midlife are influenced by these broader systems, which affect access to care, safety, and support. Eating Disorder Recovery in Midlife: Rebuilding Body Trust Eating disorder recovery in midlife is not about returning to a previous version of your body. It is about building a new relationship with your body that is rooted in trust, nourishment, and care. Deb shares how recovery can include untangling internalized ageism, challenging diet culture beliefs, and reconnecting with hunger, fullness, and rest. Creating a sense of safety in the body is essential, especially during a time when cultural messaging promotes undernourishment and overexertion. Recovery in midlife can support greater flexibility, connection, and sustainability in your relationship with food. A More Expansive Approach to Aging, Body Image & Body Diversity During this episode, we explore the limitations of pro-aging and body image spaces that still center thin, white, able-bodied bodies. Expanding the definition of beauty and embracing body diversity across ages is essential for meaningful eating disorder recovery. Midlife can offer an opportunity to reconnect with your values, shift away from body control, and move toward a more expansive understanding of yourself. Aging does not have to be something to fight. It can create space for clarity, autonomy, and deeper connection. Key Takeaway Your body is not the project of your life. Your body is your partner. Eating disorder recovery in midlife can include more trust, flexibility, and freedom. Connect and With Deb Benfield, RDN You can connect with Deb Benfield on Instagram at @agingbodyliberation,  or her website at debrabenfield.com, where she shares insights on ageism, body image, eating disorder recovery, and body liberation in midlife. Her work focuses on helping people reconnect with their bodies, challenge diet culture, and navigate aging with more compassion and autonomy. You can also check out her book, Unapologetic Aging. Related Episodes Restrictive Eating in Midlife: Why Eating Disorders Can Begin After 30, 40, 50 on Apple & Spotify Anorexia & Bulimia After 40: Understanding Midlife Recovery & Change on Apple & Spotify. The Hidden Pain of Midlife Anorexia: Why Coping Breaks Down & What Heals on Apple & Spotify. Why Is Anorexia Showing Up Again in Midlife? You're Not Imagining It on Apple & Spotify. Midlife Bulimia Recovery: Coping With the Internal Chaos on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you are navigating eating disorders in midlife, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or ARFID, you do not have to do this alone. I offer eating disorder therapy and coaching in California, Washington, D.C., and globally, with a focus on neurodivergent-affirming and liberation-based care. Learn more about working with me via my website drmariannemiller.com, and explore my ARFID course: https://www.drmariannemiller.com/arfid

ARFID can look like OCD, anxiety, extreme picky eating, or even a traditional eating disorder, which is why so many parents feel confused about what they are actually dealing with. In this episode, I break down the five types of ARFID, avoidant, aversive, restrictive, mixed, and ARFID plus, and explain how each one presents differently.We also talk about how ARFID overlaps with OCD and anxiety, when exposure and response prevention is the right fit, and when a feeding therapist or occupational therapist may be the better route. Understanding what is driving your child's food restriction is the key to getting the right help.If you are a parent trying to figure out whether your child's eating struggles are fear based, sensory based, or something else entirely, this episode will give you clarity and direction.Resources mentioned in episode:PANDAS NetworkAspireAnxiety Specialists of Atlanta - Dr. Megan FayePsypact mapEquip ARFID ProgramThe Emily ProgramKate Farm's Protein ShakesBoost Very high Calorie Drink Free upcoming series: Survival Tools for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD******This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD therapy in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. To schedule your free 15 minute consultation to see if NOCD is a right fit for you and your child, go tohttps://go.treatmyocd.com/at_parentingThis podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the guidance of a qualified professional.Parents, do you need more support?

This episode is… very ADHD.We start with a quick revisit of ARFID after hearing from a listener who shared a powerful personal experience. Then we dive into your voicemails—covering everything from the heavy question of how to repair damage we worry we've done to our kids, to a very relatable struggle: emotional “doom piles.”And because no ADHD episode would be complete without a little delightful distraction, we wrap things up by watching some hilarious ADHD reels together.It's thoughtful, honest, a little chaotic, and full of those “wait… is this just me?” moments. If you've ever had a brain that jumps track mid-sentence, you'll feel right at home here.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we're diving into something I really wish I had known about sooner: ARFID — Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.ARFID is a serious eating disorder that has nothing to do with body image or weight loss. Instead, it's driven by things that are incredibly common for ADHD and autistic folks — sensory sensitivities, low appetite, lack of interest, anxiety, and fear of negative food experiences (like choking or vomiting).If you or someone you love:forgets to eat to eatlives off a small list of “safe foods”feels overwhelmed by textures, smells, or food prephas been called a “picky eater” your whole life…this episode might feel like a huge lightbulb moment.We're talking about:what ARFID actually is (and why it's not just picky eating)how sensory issues, anxiety, and interoception play a rolethe real physical and emotional impactswhy it shows up so often in neurodivergent peoplehow support and treatment actually workI'm also sharing personally — because learning about ARFID made me look at my own life and my kids in a completely new way.If this episode resonates, please share it with someone who needs to hear:https:///www.ihaveadhd.com/10thingsEquip HealthWatch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.