Podcasts about eating disorder recovery

"Over the years, clients have shown me that recovery begins in spaces where they feel safe enough to tell the truth." It's Eating Disorder Awareness Week and this year's theme is "Every Body Belongs". We wrote a little something about that on our newsletter, and shared here as well. We appreciated how eating disorder dietitian Marci Evans wrote the quote above in her newsletter this week, and have seen the same play out, here in Lane 9. We shared our stories, and it opened the door for other athletes to see what they could do the same, whether that's with us, or with someone they feel safe talking to. We hope to continue to nurture this space where your stories, and any and every body, are welcomed and held.  We're also here to help you take the next step toward eating disorder care, if you want/need it, with our Directory of Women's Health & Sport Clinicians. These are are clinicians vetted by Lane 9's team, and uniquely trained to support athletes with eating disorders and disordered eating. Go to Lane9project.org/directory to find a care team, or contact us.  Follow Lane 9 on Instagram @Lane9Project, and go to Lane9Project.org for more resources.

After a year of headlines, heartbreak, and healing, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is stepping into a whole new era. One of Barstool's most prominent female voices, host of her relaunched Plan Bri Uncut, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit feature, and Fox's Special Forces alum, Brianna joins Vic to open up about surviving a very public breakup, redefining closure, and rebuilding her relationship with herself. She gets candid about her anxiety-induced eating disorder, the truth about gaining weight in a world obsessed with shrinking, and what it really took to become healthy again. From solo trips to Scotland that helped her rediscover her personality to hard truths about being “selfish” in your healing season, this episode is a masterclass in moving forward with confidence. If you've ever struggled with heartbreak, body image, people-pleasing, or finding your spark again, this one will hit home!Connect with Bri:Instagram: @briannalapaglia and @planbriuncutTikTok: @ihatebriannachickenfry// SPONSORS //Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at premierprotein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. Vuori: Go to vuori.com/realpod to receive 20% off your first purchase and enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns.Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com. CozyEarth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code REALPOD for up to 20% off.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mechanical eating refers to eating on a consistent schedule, usually every three to four hours, regardless of hunger cues. It is commonly introduced in early eating disorder treatment to stabilize nourishment and interrupt restriction or binge cycles. In this episode, Dr. Marianne explains how mechanical eating creates physiological rhythm in a body that has experienced disruption. Eating disorders affect digestion, blood sugar, hormones, and nervous system regulation. Mechanical eating restores predictability and reduces biological chaos. Lifelong recovery invites a deeper question. Is structure still serving you years into recovery, or has it become rigid? How Mechanical Eating Supports Your GI System, Blood Sugar, and Mood Mechanical eating is not just about timing. It directly supports digestive health, metabolic stability, and emotional regulation. Regular nourishment helps the gastrointestinal system relearn movement and tolerance after restriction. It can reduce bloating, reflux, constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain that often occur when eating patterns have been irregular. Mechanical eating also stabilizes blood sugar levels. Long gaps without food can lead to shakiness, irritability, brain fog, dizziness, and intense urgency to eat. Consistent intake smooths those fluctuations and supports steady energy throughout the day. Because the brain depends on adequate fuel, mechanical eating also improves mood regulation. Anxiety, irritability, and low mood often intensify when nourishment is inconsistent. Stabilizing blood sugar reduces these physiological stress responses and creates a more regulated emotional baseline. For many people, these benefits make mechanical eating a powerful and supportive tool. When Mechanical Eating May Stop Fitting Lifelong eating disorder recovery requires flexibility. A strategy that was essential in early recovery may need to evolve over time. Mechanical eating can become rigid if the clock replaces internal cues entirely. Some people experience anxiety if eating times shift. Others notice that hunger cues remain muted even after years of structure. For neurodivergent individuals, strict schedules may conflict with executive functioning variability, sensory sensitivities, or fluctuating energy. This episode explores how to recognize when mechanical eating is supportive and when it may need to be adapted. Recovery is not about perfect adherence. It is about building a sustainable, compassionate relationship with food and body over time. Who Mechanical Eating Helps Most in Long-Term Recovery Mechanical eating often benefits people who need predictable physiological regulation, reduced decision fatigue, and steady nourishment despite unreliable hunger signals. It can be especially helpful during stress, illness, life transitions, or periods of emotional overwhelm. Rather than seeing mechanical eating as a permanent rule, Dr. Marianne reframes it as a flexible tool that can be used when needed and modified when necessary. Lifelong recovery allows room for adaptation. ARFID, Selective Eating, and Mechanical Eating For individuals with ARFID or selective eating, mechanical eating alone is often not enough. Sensory sensitivity, fear of aversive consequences, and low appetite require neurodivergent-affirming and sensory-attuned approaches. Dr. Marianne's ARFID and Selective Eating Course provides structured, trauma-informed, and liberation-centered support for people who need more than traditional eating disorder recovery tools. In the course, she addresses nervous system regulation, sensory safety, and realistic long-term change. Learn more about the ARFID course and therapy options at drmariannemiller.com. Related Episodes Intuitive vs. Mechanical Eating: Can They Coexist? on Apple & Spotify. 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. Key Topics Covered in This Episode Mechanical eating in lifelong eating disorder recovery Chronic eating disorders and long-term recovery GI system healing and digestive regulation Blood sugar stabilization and binge-restrict cycles Mood regulation and nervous system safety Neurodivergent-affirming eating disorder treatment ARFID and selective eating support If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone navigating long-term eating disorder recovery. And if you are looking for therapy or structured support grounded in liberation, sensory attunement, and autonomy, visit drmariannemiller.com to learn more about working with Dr. Marianne Miller. Take gentle care of yourself.

Let's be honest: if eating disorder recovery were just about wanting it enough, none of us would be here. You'd read one book, listen to one podcast, have one "aha" moment… and boom, cured. But that's not how this works, and if you've tried to shortcut your way through recovery before, this episode is probably going to feel a little too familiar. Tweetable Quotes "If we're working toward feeling safe, toward recovery, or toward mental wellness, you cannot ever do that with a starved mind or body. It just doesn't happen." - Rachelle Heinemann "Everybody's recovery is gonna look different." - Rachelle Heinemann "If willpower worked, then you wouldn't need recovery." - Rachelle Heinemann "Insight is great, but the insight without changing the behavior is just having a very nice intellectual conversation, which really does absolutely nothing or very little to change eating disorder behaviors." - Rachelle Heinemann "Healing is not linear." - Rachelle Heinemann Resources Grab my Journal Prompts Here! Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? Let's chat! Now accepting new clients! Find out if we're a good fit!    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at rachelle@rachelleheinemann.com

 In today's episode, we're talking about something that can feel hard to put into words — how an eating disorder slowly steals parts of who you are. Your personality. Your spark. Your confidence. Your relationships. Sometimes even your sense of humour.If you've ever looked back at old photos and thought, “I don't feel like that person anymore,” this one's for you.We'll talk about how eating disorders shrink your world without you even noticing at first. How they become your identity. And most importantly, what starts to come back when you choose recovery. Because it's not just weight that's restored. It's energy. Curiosity. Freedom. You.In this episode, we cover:The subtle ways an eating disorder takes over your identityWhy recovery can feel unfamiliar at first (and why that's normal)What begins to return as you nourish your body and your lifeRecovery isn't just about food. It's about getting your full self back. And maybe even meeting a version of you that feels stronger, softer, and more alive than before.Let me know your thoughts! SOCIALS:Instagram: @flourishwithciandra @recovertoflourish_podTikTok: @flourishwithciandraWebsite: https://flourishwithciandra.com/Contact: info@flourishwithciandra.com

It's an aspect of the Holy Month we rarely discuss - but as Eating Disorder Awareness Week begins, Helen talks recovery, coping strategies and fasting with expert, psychologist and author Dr Vicki Mountford. Plus, Madeleine Mendy joins us for a family law legal clinic...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people enter eating disorder recovery believing that effort guarantees progress. Follow the meal plan. Use the coping skills. Stay consistent. When recovery still feels stuck, shame often follows. This episode explores a different truth. Recovery can stall even when you are doing everything right, and stalled progress usually reflects misalignment rather than failure. Dr. Marianne examines the hidden reasons eating disorder recovery plateaus, including nervous system overload, limited capacity, chronic stress, trauma history, neurodivergence, and lack of structural support. She explains why compliance without regulation rarely leads to sustainable healing and why recovery models that ignore real-world context can unintentionally increase distress. This conversation also centers intersectionality. Systems of oppression such as racism, anti-fat bias, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and medical discrimination shape both eating disorder development and recovery access. When treatment ignores these realities, people may feel blamed for struggles that are deeply structural. Understanding this context can transform how stalled recovery is interpreted and supported. Listeners will gain a more compassionate and clinically grounded framework for understanding recovery plateaus, along with language that reduces shame and opens space for more humane, sustainable healing paths. In This Episode Dr. Marianne explores why motivation does not equal capacity and why nervous system regulation must accompany behavior change. She discusses how grief, identity shifts, and emotional exposure often emerge during recovery and can be mistaken for failure. She also explains why neurodivergent people frequently experience recovery mismatch due to sensory, executive functioning, and interoceptive differences that traditional treatment overlooks. The episode highlights the emotional toll of constant self-monitoring, the importance of therapeutic fit, and the role of intersectional stress in shaping recovery progress. Most importantly, it reframes stalled recovery as meaningful clinical information rather than personal weakness. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for people who feel stuck in eating disorder recovery despite working hard. It is also for clinicians, loved ones, and advocates seeking a more intersectional, nervous-system-informed understanding of recovery plateaus. Related Episodes “Slips” in Eating Disorder Recovery in 2026: Why Setbacks Are Part of Progress, Not Failure (With Mallary Tenore Tarpley, MFA) on Apple and Spotify. The Middle Place in Eating Disorder Recovery: How Slips Can Be Stepping Stones With Mallary Tenore Tarpley, MFA @mallarytenoretarpley on Apple and Spotify. Slips, Setbacks, & Relapses in Eating Disorder Recovery on Apple and Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller If recovery feels confusing, stalled, or misaligned, you do not have to navigate it alone. Dr. Marianne Miller is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in eating disorder recovery through a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and liberation-oriented lens. Learn more about therapy, coaching, virtual courses, and recovery support at her website drmariannemiller.com.

On this episode, we will be sharing a story of recovery. Dr. Karen Nelson is joined by Emily, who will take us through her story of diagnosis, treatment, and what it means to live in recovery.

In this episode of Fly to Freedom, I'm joined by writer, speaker, and podcast host Brianne Roberge for a deeply honest conversation about self-worth, trauma, and the belief that love has to be earned.We talk about what happens when you grow up learning to perform for approval, to change yourself to be acceptable, and to control your body in the hope that it will finally make you feel worthy. Brianne shares her personal journey through pageant culture, extreme physical control, cosmetic surgery, serious health consequences, and the moment everything began to shift when she stopped trying to fix herself and started listening instead.This conversation will resonate deeply if eating disorder recovery or anorexia recovery has felt less about food — and more about learning how to stay with yourself, even when it's uncomfortable.This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Please listen gently and take pauses if you need to.In this episode, we explore:How early experiences can teach us to earn love through performance and self-erasureWhy changing the body can feel like the solution when the wound underneath is emotionalThe link between trauma, people-pleasing, and body control in eating disorder recoveryWhat happens when the body starts signalling that something isn't rightThe difference between self-care and true self-loveLearning to stay with uncomfortable feelings instead of abandoning yourselfWhy self-worth is not something you can earn by becoming someone elseHow finding your voice can change relationships — and sometimes end themWhat freedom begins to feel like when you stop hustling for loveSo many people in eating disorder recovery and anorexia recovery recognise the pattern Brianne describes — trying to be smaller, better, quieter, more disciplined, or more acceptable in order to feel safe and loved.This episode gently unpacks why those strategies never bring lasting peace, and why healing begins when worth stops being conditional.Brianne Roberge is a writer, speaker, and podcast host who shares openly about trauma healing, self-worth, embodiment, and learning how to come home to yourself after a lifetime of performing for love.You can connect with Brianne here:Instagram: @itsbriannerobergeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsbriannerobergeWebsite: https://www.brianneroberge.comPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5zTzthDnf5Bt5hM08FSDAkYouTube: linked via her websiteIf this episode stirred something in you, that makes sense.These beliefs often form early, and unlearning them takes time, patience, and compassion.You don't have to become someone else to be worthy.You are allowed to stop performing.You are allowed to stay with yourself.

ADHD, autism, and eating disorders through the lens of inertia. What if feeling stuck is not laziness, resistance, or lack of motivation? In this conversation, Dr. Marianne Miller speaks with ADHD and neurodivergent-affirming therapist Stacie Fanelli, LCSW, @edadhd_therapist, about how autistic inertia, ADHD hyperfocus, and executive functioning differences shape restriction, bingeing, and symptom cycling. They explore why recovery approaches built on willpower and choice can deepen shame for neurodivergent people and how capacity-aware care offers a different path. Inertia outside of the ED can be a trigger for EDs existentially because of the sense of “stuckness” it creates; then, the ED swoops in and offers a sense of control.  This episode reframes stuckness as a nervous system experience rather than a character flaw and introduces compassionate, liberation-centered recovery grounded in harm reduction, radical acceptance, and real support for neurodivergent healing. Contact Stacie https://www.autonomousmindstherapy.com Related Episodes Recovering Again: Navigating Eating Disorders After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis (Part 1) With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist on Apple and Spotify. Recovering Again: Navigating Eating Disorders After a Late Neurodivergent Diagnosis (Part 2) With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW @edadhd_therapist on Apple and Spotify. Minding the Gap: The Intersection Between AuDHD & Eating Disorders With Stacie Fanelli, LCSW on Apple and Spotify.  

In today's episode, we're talking about nights out, alcohol, and how all of this fits into eating disorder recovery. For so many people, socialising can feel loaded. The pressure to drink, the anxiety around food beforehand or after, and the fear of losing control can make nights out feel more stressful than fun.In this episode, I talk honestly about why nights out can be such a trigger in recovery, how alcohol can interact with eating disorder thoughts and behaviours, and what it really means to protect your recovery while still having a life. We'll explore navigating social situations in a way that feels safer, setting boundaries without guilt, and letting go of the idea that recovery means you can't enjoy yourself anymore.You're allowed to socialise. You're allowed to say yes, say no, or change your mind. And you're allowed to build a life that includes connection, fun, and recovery at the same time. This episode is here to help you do exactly that.Let me know your thoughts! SOCIALS:Instagram: @flourishwithciandra @recovertoflourish_podTikTok: @flourishwithciandraWebsite: https://flourishwithciandra.com/Contact: info@flourishwithciandra.com

Ever feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? One influencer swears by seed oils while another demonizes them. Your feed is flooded with "80 grams of protein" meal challenges, and you're left wondering: what should I actually believe?In this episode, I sit down with Colleen Christensen, registered dietitian, recovering perfectionist, and the compassionate voice behind the wildly popular @No.Food.Rules Instagram account. Colleen shares her personal journey from competitive dietetics student to her struggle with eating disorders, and ultimately to becoming one of the leading voices helping people unlearn decades of diet culture programming.This conversation is a masterclass in cutting through nutrition misinformation. Colleen breaks down why seed oils have become the internet's latest villain, what's really happening with the protein obsession, and why authority bias keeps us trusting the wrong "experts." But more importantly, she shares the one thing that changed everything for her recovery: learning to experiment with food instead of following rigid rules.In this episode, you'll learn:Why reading the headline isn't enough, and how to actually evaluate nutrition studiesThe two biggest nutrition myths getting in the way of normal eating right nowHow to become your own best experiment (and why that's more powerful than any meal plan)Why the education piece matters just as much as the inspirationWhat it really means to find joy in midlife eating, beyond just saying "all foods fit"Connect with Colleen:Instagram: @NoFoodRulesRelated Episodes You'll Love:EP #137: 5 Tips for Spotting Nutrition Misinformation with Dr. Emma BeckettEP #138: 5 Things I Wish I Had Known About Intuitive Eating 10 Years AgoEP #123: You Are More Than What You Eat with Dr. Emma BeckettWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!

What if anorexia is being missed simply because of body size? In this powerful and deeply validating conversation, I sit down with eating disorder physician Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, MD @gaudianiclinic to explore why the term “atypical anorexia” can obscure real medical risk, delay diagnosis, and reinforce weight stigma across healthcare systems. We discuss what has changed since the first edition of Sick Enough, why weight stigma remains foundational to eating disorder harm, and how current research is reshaping clinical understanding of restrictive eating, ARFID in adults, digestive illness, neurodivergence, chronic medical conditions, and long-term eating disorder recovery. At the center of this episode is an urgent truth for 2026: severe eating disorder suffering does not require being underweight. What We Discuss in This Episode Throughout this conversation, we examine why most people with anorexia are not underweight and how weight stigma continues to shape who gets believed, diagnosed, and treated. Dr. Gaudiani shares what is new and expanded in the second edition of Sick Enough, including updated medical research on binge eating disorder, ARFID across the lifespan, atypical anorexia, and the broader restrictive eating spectrum. We also explore the critical role of gastrointestinal pain, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and complex chronic illness in both driving and worsening restrictive eating patterns. This discussion highlights why many adults with ARFID remain misdiagnosed for years, how neurodivergence such as autism and ADHD intersects with eating disorders, and why neurodivergent-affirming, weight-inclusive, trauma-informed care is essential for meaningful recovery. Key Themes for Eating Disorder Recovery in 2026 We further discuss harm reduction, autonomy, and realistic pathways for people living with long-term or chronic eating disorders, including how rebuilding trust after medical trauma can reopen the possibility of healing. Rather than framing recovery as “full recovery or nothing,” this episode explores how supporting quality of life, medical stability, and patient-directed goals can actually improve outcomes. These themes reflect major shifts happening in eating disorder treatment in 2026, including movement toward weight-inclusive medicine, trauma-informed care, recognition of ARFID in adults, support for chronic eating disorders, and clinical models that affirm neurodivergent lived experience. About the Guest Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, MD @gaudianiclinic is a board-certified internal medicine physician and one of the leading medical experts in eating disorder care. She is the founder and medical director of the Gaudiani Clinic, a weight-inclusive outpatient medical practice providing specialized treatment for eating disorders, undernourishment related to complex medical conditions, and trauma-informed primary care across the United States via telemedicine. Dr. Gaudiani previously served as medical director at the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and is the author of Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders, a widely respected clinical and patient resource now released in a fully updated second edition. Her work centers compassion, autonomy, and dignity for people in all body sizes seeking eating disorder recovery. Resources Mentioned Resources referenced in this episode include Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders (Second Edition) and the Gaudiani Clinic, which offers weight-inclusive outpatient medical care for eating disorders throughout the United States. Content Caution This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, restrictive eating, ARFID, medical complications, gastrointestinal illness, weight stigma, and medical trauma. Please listen in the way that feels most supportive for you and take pauses as needed. Work With Dr. Marianne If this conversation resonated, you are not alone. I provide neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, weight-inclusive eating disorder therapy for adults in California, Texas, and Washington, D.C., along with worldwide coaching support. You can learn more or schedule a consultation at drmariannemiller.com. Listen Next If you found this episode meaningful, you may also connect with conversations on ARFID in adults, medical trauma in eating disorder care, chronic eating disorders and harm reduction, neurodivergence and restrictive eating, and complex medical complications such as low heart rate, gastrointestinal illness, MCAS, and recovery in higher-weight bodies. Here are some episodes to listen next: 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. Chronic Eating Disorders in 2026: What Hope Can Actually Look Like on Apple and Spotify. Why Some Eating Disorders Don't Resolve: Understanding Chronic Patterns & What Actually Supports Change on Apple and Spotify. When PDA Drives ARFID: Understanding Food Refusal, Control, & Safety on Apple & Spotify. ARFID Explained: What It Feels Like, Why It's Misunderstood, & What Helps on Apple & Spotify.

When self-criticism ramps up during eating disorder recovery, it can feel confusing or discouraging, especially when behaviors are beginning to change. This episode explores why that intensification is often part of the healing process rather than a sign that recovery is going wrong. In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne Miller explains why the inner critical voice often gets louder as eating disorder behaviors decrease and familiar control systems loosen. Instead of framing self-criticism as simply negative self-talk, this episode examines it as a regulatory strategy shaped by nervous system threat, social pressure, and internalized ableism. Internalized Ableism in Eating Disorder Recovery Recovery often collides with a world that expects bodies and minds to function efficiently, consistently, and quietly. In this section, Dr. Marianne names how those expectations become internalized as harsh self-judgment, especially for neurodivergent people, people with chronic illness, and those navigating long-term eating disorders. You'll hear how internalized ableism fuels self-criticism when recovery requires pacing, support, repetition, or accommodation, and why needing these supports does not mean recovery is failing. The Inner Critic and Nervous System Threat Many people try to argue with or silence self-critical thoughts in recovery. This episode explains why that approach often backfires and intensifies the inner voice instead. Dr. Marianne explores how the inner critic functions as a response to perceived threat and why understanding its role is more effective than trying to eliminate it. Responding to Self-Criticism Without Shame This episode offers compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming ways to respond to self-criticism without turning recovery into another performance. The focus is on reducing threat, supporting regulation, and loosening the critic's authority rather than suppressing it. A brief clinical vignette illustrates how self-criticism rooted in internalized ableism can show up even when healing is actively underway. Nonlinear Eating Disorder Recovery For people with long-term or chronic eating disorders, progress often looks different than expected. This section reframes recovery as a process that prioritizes safety, accommodation, and sustainability over efficiency or perfection. Loud self-criticism does not mean failure. It often signals that a system is reorganizing in response to change. A Gentle Reminder Recovery is not about proving you can function the way the world demands. It is about building a life that supports your nervous system, your needs, and your humanity. Related Episodes This Is Body Grief: How Ableism, Intersectionality, & Eating Disorders Shape Our Body Experiences With Jayne Mattingly on Apple & Spotify. Size Inclusivity & Ableism: Why Body Acceptance is More Than Just "Loving Your Curves" on Apple & Spotify. Ableism and Common Myths About Diabetes with Kim Rose, RD @the.bloodsurgar.nutritionist on Apple & Spotify. Work With Me and Learn More If this episode resonated and you want structured, neurodivergent-affirming support, you can learn more about my self-paced ARFID course. The course is designed for teens and adults navigating avoidant and restrictive eating patterns and focuses on sensory needs, nervous system safety, and realistic, sustainable change without shame or pressure.

In today's episode, we're talking about body changes in eating disorder recovery — the ones no one really prepares you for. The physical shifts, the emotional reactions, and the moments where your body feels unfamiliar or hard to sit with.If you're struggling with how your body is changing, you're not doing recovery wrong. This part is hard. In this episode, I talk honestly about why body changes happen, why they can feel so confronting even when you know recovery is the right thing, and how to cope when your thoughts feel loud. We'll explore ways to stay grounded, reduce body focus, and build tolerance for discomfort without trying to rush acceptance.You don't have to love your body to recover. You just have to keep showing up for yourself with a bit of kindness and patience. This episode is here to remind you that you're not alone in this, and that body changes are a sign of healing, not failure.Let me know your thoughts! SOCIALS:Instagram: @flourishwithciandra @recovertoflourish_podTikTok: @flourishwithciandraWebsite: https://flourishwithciandra.com/Contact: info@flourishwithciandra.com

Welcome to the January Q&A episode of Fly to Freedom.This monthly Q&A comes directly from inside The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle and features real questions from real people navigating the complex, emotional, and deeply human process of eating disorder recovery.In this episode, Julia answers questions around nervous system regulation, identity, extreme hunger, perfectionism, control, and the exhausting cycle of food and exercise. These are conversations for anyone who wants recovery, but feels overwhelmed, unsure, or afraid of letting go of the strategies that once felt safe.Throughout the episode, Julia explores how healing is not about fixing yourself, but about learning how to stay with yourself — even when fear is loud, even when the body feels dysregulated, and even when recovery feels slow.How to regulate the nervous system during eating disorder recovery without forcing calmWhy recovery can feel threatening to the body, even when it's what you wantWhat nervous system regulation really looks like when fear and panic are presentExtreme hunger in recovery: why some people experience it strongly and others don'tWhy feeling full quickly or disconnected from hunger cues is common and meaningfulHow anxiety, stress, and past restriction affect digestion and hunger signalsIdentity confusion in long-term eating disorder recoveryHow to tell where the eating disorder ends and where you beginPerfectionism, control, sensitivity, and self-imposed rules — coping strategies, not character flawsPerimenopause, ageing, and emotional sensitivity in recoveryLetting go of control while learning to feel safe in your bodyGoing “all in” with food and exercise without overwhelming your nervous systemWhy recovery is about presence, not perfection or speedHow compassion and safety create sustainable healingThis episode is for you if you:Feel dysregulated or panicked during recoveryWorry that your hunger signals are “wrong”Feel unsure who you are without the eating disorderFeel stuck in cycles of food challenges and compensatory behavioursWant recovery, but need it to honour your nervous system and capacityJulia gently reminds you that your responses make sense, your body is protecting you, and recovery is about coming home to yourself — not becoming someone else.If you want ongoing support alongside therapy or clinical care, this is exactly the kind of conversation that happens every month inside The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle.Inside the circle, members receive:Monthly live Q&A sessionsGroup coaching callsExpert-led workshops and coursesThe Feelings Navigator to help you work with emotions in the moment24/7 peer support from people who truly understand eating disorder recoveryYou are welcome exactly as you are, and you do not have to do recovery alone.

When you live with a chronic illness, food restriction is often framed as “medical,” “necessary,” or “just being responsible.” But for many people, especially those with eating disorder histories, that kind of guidance doesn't support health. It fuels fear, shame, isolation, and disordered eating patterns that are hard to unwind. In this episode, Dr. Marianne is joined by Vanessa Connolly, a registered dietitian nutritionist and board-certified kidney nutrition specialist, for a grounded, compassionate conversation about what happens when restriction is prescribed rather than chosen and why that matters so deeply for eating disorder recovery. Together, they unpack how diet culture shows up in chronic illness care, how weight stigma and medical bias shape food advice, and why many people are quietly harmed by guidance that prioritizes control over nourishment. In This Conversation, We Explore This episode looks at how chronic illness care can unintentionally recreate the same dynamics that drive eating disorders, especially for people who have already spent years being told their bodies are the problem. We talk about how fear-based food rules around labs, numbers, and diagnoses often strip people of cultural foods, social connection, and bodily trust. You'll hear why blanket dietary restrictions are rarely neutral, how they can worsen food fear and disordered eating, and what a more supportive, humane approach to nutrition can look like. Vanessa also explains why focusing on what can be added rather than taken away, including fiber, balance, and satisfaction, supports both physical health and psychological safety. This episode names the emotional cost of food policing, family surveillance, and medical dismissal, especially for people in larger bodies and those navigating multiple marginalized identities. Topics Covered We discuss eating disorder recovery alongside chronic illness, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, without defaulting to diet culture or weight-centric care. This conversation includes medical gaslighting and delayed diagnoses, how lab values like GFR are often misunderstood or minimized, and why many patients are never fully informed about what's happening in their own bodies. We also explore anti-fat bias in healthcare, intersectionality, cultural food loss, and how shame and restriction can isolate people from their communities at the very moment they need support the most. Why This Episode Matters If you've ever felt afraid to eat after a diagnosis, confused by conflicting medical advice, or worried that “doing everything right” is actually making things worse, this episode is for you. This is not a conversation about willpower, compliance, or perfect eating. It's about restoring agency, reducing harm, and finding ways to care for your body that don't require sacrificing your relationship with food. About the Guest Vanessa Connolly is a registered dietitian nutritionist and board-certified kidney nutrition specialist with over 20 years of experience supporting people with chronic kidney disease. Her work centers on helping clients preserve kidney function without unnecessary restriction, food fear, or shame. She is deeply committed to accessible, weight-inclusive, and judgment-free care. You can find Vanessa on Instagram and TikTok @grainandgreen.kidneys, where she shares practical, anti-diet education about kidney health and chronic illness. Related Episodes The Real Talk on Kidney-Friendly Diets & Disordered Eating With Vanessa Connelly, RD @grainandgreen.kidneys on Apple and Spotify. Chronic Illness, Wellness Culture, & Eating Disorder Recovery: Taking an Anti-Diet Approach With Abbie Attwood, MS, @abbieattwoodwellness on Apple and Spotify. Anti-Fat Bias in Healthcare & Chronic Illness: Healing Body Image in a Marginalized Body With Ivy Felicia @iamivyfelicia on Apple and Spotify. Support Beyond This Episode If eating feels complicated, unsafe, or overwhelming after years of restriction, diagnosis-driven food rules, or medical trauma, you don't have to navigate that alone. Dr. Marianne offers eating disorder therapy and support for people navigating binge eating disorder, ARFID, anorexia, bulimia, and long-term eating struggles, including when chronic illness or medical advice is part of the picture. Services are available in California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and worldwide. Go to drmariannemiller.com for more information.

In this episode, I explore how to manage extreme hunger in eating disorder recovery. I hope that you find it helpful. Do check out Food Freedom - my app if you'd like some support. Take me to the app! Buy me a coffee! New mini course - if you love fitness and struggle with food relationship. Only £22 for 90 minutes of inspiration and tips, plus a workbook. The Fitness Lover's Guide to Food Freedom (creating your happiest and healthiest relationship with food). I initially created this for my local gym and decided that more of you might like to access the resources. Do sign up! To find out more about my work:- Go to my Website My new APP! Freedom with Food Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating - a course to help you heal your relationship with food. Online Breaking Free from Bulimia - a course to help you break free from bulimia nervosa. Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with eating disorders. Body Image Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with body image issues.  

Living with a chronic eating disorder often means wanting recovery and fearing it at the same time. Many people feel torn between change and safety, hope and grief, relief and loss. This solo episode explores why that ambivalence is not a failure, but a meaningful part of chronic eating disorder recovery. In this episode, Dr. Marianne Miller explains how dialectical thinking from DBT supports people with long-term eating disorders by allowing two truths to exist at once. Rather than forcing either-or recovery narratives, dialectics centers the AND. It helps people work with fear, attachment, and survival strategies without shame. This episode focuses on the internal experience of recovery, not just behavior change. It is not a safety systems episode or a harm reduction overview. It is about how people live inside ambivalence and how radical acceptance creates space for movement without forcing certainty. Dialectical Thinking and the AND in Eating Disorder Recovery Dialectical thinking recognizes that two things can be true at the same time. In eating disorder recovery, this might look like wanting relief while still relying on eating disorder behaviors to feel regulated. These experiences are not contradictions to fix. They reflect adaptation, nervous system learning, and lived reality. Rigid recovery binaries often increase shame and disengagement, especially for people with chronic or long-standing eating disorders. Living in the AND supports flexibility, honesty, and continued engagement in care. Why Ambivalence Is Not Resistance Ambivalence is often misinterpreted as resistance in eating disorder treatment. This episode challenges that belief directly. Ambivalence is information from a nervous system that learned how to survive. For many people who are fat, disabled, neurodivergent, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, chronically ill, or medically harmed, recovery fear is shaped by real systems. Weight stigma, medical trauma, racism, ableism, and lack of access to affirming care all matter. Fear does not mean failure. Radical Acceptance Without Giving Up Radical acceptance does not mean liking what is happening or giving up on recovery. It means naming reality so shame stops driving the process. When people stop fighting themselves for being ambivalent, curiosity, flexibility, and choice become more possible. This episode reframes radical acceptance as a tool for supporting sustainable change in chronic eating disorder recovery. Redefining Success in Chronic Eating Disorders Recovery does not have to mean certainty or symptom elimination. It can mean increased tolerance for uncertainty, moments of choice, and the ability to say, “I am struggling and still worthy of care.” Dialectical thinking offers a compassionate, realistic framework for long-term eating disorder recovery. Related Episodes Chronic Eating Disorders in 2026: What Hope Can Actually Look Like on Apple and Spotify. Why Some Eating Disorders Don't Resolve: Understanding Chronic Patterns & What Actually Supports Change on Apple and Spotify. When an Eating Disorder Becomes Chronic: Recovery Tools for Persistent Anorexia & Bulimia on Apple and Spotify. Support and Resources Dr. Marianne Miller offers a self-paced, virtual ARFID and Selective Eating course grounded in neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed care. The course focuses on safety, flexibility, and realistic change over time for people with restrictive, avoidant, or long-standing eating struggles. Links and details are available in the show notes. Work with Dr. Marianne in therapy if you live in California, Texas, or Washington D.C. Go to drmariannemiller.com to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation call. You do not have to choose one truth. You can want recovery and fear letting go. You can live in the AND.

In this episode, I explore food rituals in eating disorder recovery. I hope that you find it helpful. Do check out Food Freedom - my app if you'd like some support. Take me to the app! Buy me a coffee! New mini course - if you love fitness and struggle with food relationship. Only £22 for 90 minutes of inspiration and tips, plus a workbook. The Fitness Lover's Guide to Food Freedom (creating your happiest and healthiest relationship with food). I initially created this for my local gym and decided that more of you might like to access the resources. Do sign up! To find out more about my work:- Go to my Website My new APP! Freedom with Food Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating - a course to help you heal your relationship with food. Online Breaking Free from Bulimia - a course to help you break free from bulimia nervosa. Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with eating disorders. Body Image Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with body image issues.      

In today's episode, we're talking about recovery in real life — not the quiet, perfectly planned version, but the messy, busy, full one. The one with work deadlines, family stuff, social plans, tired days, and not enough hours in the day.We'll talk about how eating disorder recovery can still be possible when your schedule feels packed, why waiting for the perfect time often keeps you stuck, and how to prioritise nourishment and care without doing it perfectly.This is about letting recovery fit into your life, not the other way around. Small steps. Imperfect days. And choosing yourself even when it feels inconvenient. You're allowed to recover while life keeps happening.Let me know your thoughts! SOCIALS:Instagram: @flourishwithciandra @recovertoflourish_podTikTok: @flourishwithciandraWebsite: https://flourishwithciandra.com/Contact: info@flourishwithciandra.com

How can autism affect eating disorders? Livia Sara, Autistic Self-Advocate and eating disorder survivor, talks about how to reframe eating disorders when they're intertwined with autism. Livia is an author and the host of the podcast Liv Label Free. Her publications include Rainbow Girl, a memoir, and a cookbook titled Nourishing Neurodiversity. She is also a 1:1 coach for autistic people recovering from an eating disorder. Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there's something here for you! This conversation with Livia Sara was originally released on January 25, 2024. Would you like to know what eating disorders can be linked to autism, and hear Livia's tips for autistic people recovering them? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community.  Eating Disorder Recovery, with Livia Sara Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Today, I talk about 5 uncomfortable truths in eating disorder recovery. I hope that you find it helpful.   Do check out Food Freedom - my app if you'd like some support. Take me to the app! Buy me a coffee! New mini course - if you love fitness and struggle with food relationship. Only £22 for 90 minutes of inspiration and tips, plus a workbook. The Fitness Lover's Guide to Food Freedom (creating your happiest and healthiest relationship with food). I initially created this for my local gym and decided that more of you might like to access the resources. Do sign up! To find out more about my work:- Go to my Website My new APP! Freedom with Food Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating - a course to help you heal your relationship with food. Online Breaking Free from Bulimia - a course to help you break free from bulimia nervosa. Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with eating disorders. Body Image Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with body image issues.  

Today is a very special episode. For the first time ever, I'm bringing on a guest. And not just any guest—my husband, Kevin. If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know I talk a lot about my recovery journey, the tools, the strategies, the mindset shifts. But what I don't talk about as much is the man behind the scenes. The man who supports me. The man who holds down the fort so I can record this podcast, run my business, and continue to show up for you every single week. Kevin is that man. He's the anchor. And it's time for you to meet him. Here's the truth: Recovery doesn't just affect the person struggling. It affects the whole family. And the support of a partner can make or break the journey. Kevin met me shortly after my recovery, but he's watched me navigate ups and downs with body image and restrictive behaviors throughout our marriage. He's a law enforcement officer, lifts heavy weights, is in tip-top shape, and constantly pushes himself to the limit. He's an alpha personality—strong, driven, disciplined. And he's also a man of God, a father to our two boys, and the most supportive partner I could ever ask for. But supporting someone in eating disorder recovery didn't come naturally to him. He had to learn. And today, he's sharing what he learned—for the men listening, and for the women who want their husbands or partners to understand what real support looks like. In this episode, you'll hear: How Kevin met me shortly after recovery and realized it's an ongoing journey, not a one-and-done Why his instinct to "fix" me actually created distance instead of intimacy The words he thought were supportive that actually made me feel dismissed What he did that made me feel the MOST safe and supported How he learned not to react in passion or frustration, but to actively listen instead Why asking "What do you need right now to feel safe?" changed everything How Kevin had to recognize that what HE needs for his body is very different from what I need The learning curve of being an alpha male married to someone in ED recovery What it really looks like to be "the man behind the biz" (spoiler: it's cooking, cleaning, and holding down the fort) Kevin's 5 practical takeaways for men supporting their wives through ED recovery or body image struggles A sneak peek at future episodes where Kevin will come back to share more of his perspective If you're a woman in recovery, send this episode to your husband or partner. If you're a man listening, thank you for being here. Thank you for wanting to support your wife. This episode is for you. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

A personal episode from me. I talk about my recovery journey and how I trained as a therapist in eating disorders. I hope that you find it helpful. Do check out Food Freedom - my app if you'd like some support. Take me to the app! Buy me a coffee! New mini course - if you love fitness and struggle with food relationship. Only £22 for 90 minutes of inspiration and tips, plus a workbook. The Fitness Lover's Guide to Food Freedom (creating your happiest and healthiest relationship with food). I initially created this for my local gym and decided that more of you might like to access the resources. Do sign up! To find out more about my work:- Go to my Website My new APP! Freedom with Food Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating - a course to help you heal your relationship with food. Online Breaking Free from Bulimia - a course to help you break free from bulimia nervosa. Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with eating disorders. Body Image Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with body image issues.  

In this episode I chat with personal trainer & run coach Amanda Katz on sneaky things we see keeping our athlete clients stuck when it comes to ED recovery, REDs recovery, and improving their relationship with body image, food, and exercise in general.Check out Amanda's other episodes from 2024 & 2025Thank you BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode! To save 10% on your first month of therapy, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/holleyfueled⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To work with me in my Strong Runner Academy Group Coaching Program to nail your fueling down join here: ⁠https://holleyfuelednutrition.com/groupcoaching⁠For entrepreneurs: ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Holley Fueled Business Podcast ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/holleyfuelednutrition/subscribe

Today I'm sharing my personal journey with overeating & binge eating. I talk about my experiences with everything from calorie counting and bulimia to intuitive eating and weight loss programs. Eventually, I discovered tools and strategies that helped me develop a healthy relationship with food and eat normally again. These are the tools I now share with you.I cover…- Why I started binge eating- All the methods I tried to stop overeating that didn't work- How I became a binge eating coach- The role of sugar addiction & quitting sugar in my journey

Dr. Karen Nelson continues her conversation with Dr. Linda Wondrasch to discuss temperament-based treatment. A new treatment model that helps patients and families understand and use their own personality traits as a primary source of change and recovery.  

Welcome to the first episode of 2026. I wanted to start the year with a conversation that really matters.Today we're talking about the belief that you might be “too old” to recover from an eating disorder. Maybe you've been struggling for years. Maybe decades. Maybe part of you wonders if this is just how life is now. If you've ever felt embarrassed for still struggling, or told yourself you should be over this by now, this episode is for you.We'll talk honestly about why this belief shows up, how age and time in an eating disorder don't take away your right to heal, and what recovery can actually look like later in life. It's not about doing recovery perfectly or starting from scratch. It's about choosing yourself, wherever you are, and allowing things to be different.You're not behind. You haven't missed your chance. And it's never too late to build a life that feels freer and more peaceful around food and your body.I'm really glad you're here, let's start 2026 with positive recovery vibes!Let me know your thoughts! SOCIALS:Instagram: @flourishwithciandra @recovertoflourish_podTikTok: @flourishwithciandraWebsite: https://flourishwithciandra.com/Contact: info@flourishwithciandra.com

After nearly 150 episodes of Fly to Freedom, I've been reflecting on the conversations that have genuinely shifted people forward in eating disorder recovery — and this one comes up again and again. This is a re-release of my December 2024 chat with Chris Sandel (Real Health Radio), and it's one of the most listened-to episodes for a reason.Chris and I talk about full recovery from an eating disorder (yes, full), why “consuming information” can become a way to stall, and why action is what changes the brain — even when anxiety is loud. We also explore how eating disorders function like anxiety disorders (avoidance, fear, and the nervous system), why tiny “safe” changes often keep the eating disorder in charge, and what it actually looks like to rebuild a life with identity, freedom, and joy.If eating disorder recovery has felt like Groundhog Day — the same rules, the same prison, the same fear — this conversation will help you see a clearer path out.Why full recovery is possible (and why “settling for less” keeps people stuck) Buzzsprout+1The most common recovery trap: learning everything… and changing nothing beefound.agency+1Why meaningful recovery changes must be big enough to shift physiology (not negotiated down)Eating disorders as anxiety disorders: avoidance, fear of consequences, and exposure Cue Podcasts+1How to work with thoughts without getting trapped in analysing them (ACT-style approach)Identity after an eating disorder: filling the “void” with life, connection, and purposeA practical “start today” framework: support, one clear goal, one coping tool, then actionChris Sandel is a nutritionist and coach, founder of Seven Health, and host of Real Health Radio. He specialises in helping people move beyond harm reduction and into lasting, full eating disorder recovery.If this episode helps, a five-star rating genuinely helps Fly to Freedom reach more people who need recovery supportChris Sandel / Seven Health: https://seven-health.comChris's podcast (Real Health Radio): https://seven-health.com/podcast/

What if eating disorder recovery was not defined by a clean, linear arc, but by honesty, self-compassion, and forward movement even when setbacks happen? In this January 2026 conversation, Dr. Marianne Miller welcomes back journalist, author, and professor Mallary Tenore Tarpley, MFA, to reflect on how readers have responded to her book SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, and how the language of “slips” is quietly reshaping how people understand recovery. Mallary shares what has surprised her most since the book's release, including the volume of messages from readers who finally feel seen in what she calls the “middle place,” the gray space between acute illness and full recovery. Many readers describe relief in having language for a recovery that is still in progress, one that allows for growth without demanding perfection. Throughout the conversation, Mallary and Dr. Marianne explore why slips are not evidence of failure, but often signs that someone is actively engaging in recovery. They unpack how shame around setbacks can cause slips to turn into longer slides, and how naming them openly can interrupt that cycle. This reframing is especially important in 2026, as diet culture and resolution-driven thinking continue to dominate January narratives around control, discipline, and self-improvement. Mallary also discusses how the “middle place” framework has resonated far beyond eating disorder communities. Readers have applied it to grief, addiction, chronic illness, and other long-term healing processes where vulnerability remains even as life becomes fuller. She reflects on the power of shared language in helping loved ones understand ongoing recovery, including parents and partners who may struggle to grasp why symptoms can persist for years. The episode also touches on under-discussed risks during life transitions, including pregnancy and postpartum experiences, where socially reinforced behaviors can quietly reawaken eating disorder patterns. Mallary explains why speaking openly about these realities helps both individuals and clinicians respond with more nuance and care. As the conversation turns toward the new year, Mallary offers a gentler way forward. Instead of setting rigid, all-or-nothing goals, she encourages curiosity, small steps, and values-based intentions that support recovery over time. Slips, she reminds us, can coexist with progress, and often do. This episode is for anyone who feels caught between wanting change and fearing it, for those exhausted by perfectionism, and for anyone who needs permission to keep moving forward without pretending to be “all better.” Follow Mallary on Instagram: @mallarytenoretarpley Learn more about her book: SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery Check out another episode with Mallary on Apple or Spotify.

When my therapist first told me to start journaling as part of my recovery practice, I literally laughed in her face. Journaling? Like... affirmations? I didn't believe that writing in a notebook would help me recover from my eating disorder. It seemed too simple. Too basic. Too... pointless. But sis, I was so wrong. Journaling didn't just help me recover. It actually saved my life. And if fear is keeping you stuck in restrictive behaviors right now—if you're terrified to recover because you're not sure who you'll be without your eating disorder—then you need to hear this. In this episode, I'm breaking down the 7 science-backed benefits of journaling that transformed my recovery and why this simple practice might be the missing piece in yours. We live in a culture of information overload—endless scrolling, constant content, comparison on every platform. But what if instead of consuming more, you need to process what's already in your mind? According to the National Institute of Health, 26% of adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. And yet, only 8% of the world population keeps a journal. It's time to go back to the basics. It's time to slow down. It's time to give your brain the space it needs to heal. In this episode, you'll discover: Why I laughed when my therapist suggested journaling (and why I was so wrong) The shocking statistics about mental health and why we need to process, not just consume 7 powerful benefits of journaling in eating disorder recovery (backed by science) How journaling reduces anxiety and depression while boosting your immune system Why getting thoughts OUT of your mind is critical for cognitive processing How writing promotes healing, acceptance, and actually changes your brain The way I used journaling to replace negative coping mechanisms with positive ones How journaling gives you reset, redirection, and compassion for your journey Why reflecting on your progress through old journals sparks hope and momentum Practical tips on how to start journaling TODAY (no fancy notebook required) If you've been stuck, if you've been overwhelmed by the thoughts in your mind, if you don't know where to go next—this episode is your permission to start simple. Start small. Start today. Journaling changed my life. And it can change yours too. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

This brief guided episode is designed for moments when eating disorder recovery feels unsafe, overwhelming, or frightening. It is meant to be listened to when fear spikes, urges intensify, or doubt about recovery takes over. Rather than offering education or advice, this guided moment focuses on nervous system support. Dr. Marianne gently names why fear can surge when eating disorder behaviors loosen and why this response does not mean recovery is failing. The episode centers the experience of being in the middle of recovery, when the body is adjusting to change and searching for safety. Listeners are invited to pause, slow down, and orient to the present moment without needing to make decisions, take action, or push through discomfort. This guided listen affirms that fear during recovery often reflects protection, not weakness, and that safety can come alongside change. This episode can be replayed as often as needed. It is especially supportive for people in eating disorder recovery who experience panic, urgency, or nervous system overwhelm when behaviors begin to shift. Content Caution This episode discusses eating disorder recovery and fear responses. No weights, numbers, or specific behaviors are described. This is a gentle, non-instructional guided listen. How to Use This Episode This guided moment is best used during periods of heightened anxiety, uncertainty, or fear related to eating disorder recovery. Listeners may choose to listen while seated, lying down, or moving gently. There is no requirement to follow instructions or reach a particular outcome. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for adults in eating disorder recovery who feel unsafe when change begins, people experiencing recovery anxiety or fear of letting go, and anyone who needs nervous system support rather than information. It may also be helpful for clinicians and providers to share with clients during acute moments of distress. About Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist, eating disorder specialist, and host of the Dr. Marianne-Land podcast. Her work centers neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed, and liberation-focused approaches to eating disorder recovery. Dr. Marianne also offers a self-paced course on ARFID and selective eating designed to prioritize safety, autonomy, and nervous system care. Learn more at drmariannemiller.com.

In this episode of Wellness Junkies, Amy is joined by Jackie Goldschneider—author, advocate, speaker, and longtime cast member of Real Housewives of New Jersey—for an honest, important conversation about eating disorder recovery and healing.Jackie opens up about living with an eating disorder for nearly two decades, the moment she decided to seek help, and what recovery actually looked like. She breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions: eating disorders aren't about food - they're mental illnesses that require specialized support.They also discuss:How eating disorders quietly control daily lifeWhat parents and loved ones should look forHow to approach someone struggling with compassionOzempic culture and today's thinness messagingLife behind the scenes of Real Housewives of New JerseyJackie's current wellness anchors and daily ritualsThis is a thoughtful, grounding conversation for anyone navigating food, body image, mental health - or supporting someone they love.For More on this Episode: Read the full show notes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the carnivore diet and its potential health benefits. In this episode, we dive into various aspects of meat-based eating, weight loss, and gut health, backed by research and personal experiences.⏱️ Episode Chapters[00:04] Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef: Nutritional Differences[02:05] Weight Loss & Joint Pain Relief on Keto Diets[05:50] Nine Years on the Carnivore Diet: Personal Outcomes[07:43] How Meat Became Demonized in Nutrition Science[11:41] Obesity, Cancer Risk, and Dietary Correlations[13:37] Religious & Ideological Influences on Nutrition Guidelines[17:22] Diet Change vs. Medication: Where Real Healing Begins[18:57] Meat-Based Diets & Eating Disorder Recovery[22:15] Gut Adaptation During Dietary Transitions[23:45] Human Flexibility: Carnivore vs. Plant-Based Survival[27:17] Evolutionary Evidence for Meat-Centered Diets[29:00] Historical Emphasis on Meat in Human Nutrition[32:23] Vitamin C Needs on a Carnivore Diet[34:08] Nutrient Absorption & Bioavailability[37:43] Gut Health, Fiber, and Microbiome Myths[39:32] When Fiber Helps—and When It Doesn't[42:55] Lifestyle Foundations for Optimal Health[44:42] A Decade of Red-Meat-Focused Living[48:10] Flexibility Within the Carnivore Framework[49:45] Electrolytes, Training, and Performance[52:50] Cooking Meat: Health Implications[54:24] Gut Health Without a Colon[57:43] Encouraging Dietary Diversity When Appropriate[59:08] Diet, Brain Size, and Breastfeeding Evolution[1:02:23] Optimal Complementary Foods for Infant Growth[1:03:52] Defining Health: How You Feel vs. How You PerformTune in for insights that challenge traditional dietary beliefs and explore the science behind the carnivore lifestyle!

What happens when hunger feels like a demand, and demands feel like threats?In this episode, Allyson Ford, MA, LPCC (@bodyjustice.therapist) is joined by Livia (@livlabelfree) for a neurodivergent-affirming conversation about PDA and eating disorders. While PDA is often labeled “Pathological Demand Avoidance,” the neurodiversity affirming movement invites a different frame: Persistent Drive for Autonomy: a nervous-system response rooted in the need for safety and agency.Together, we talk about:Why standard eating disorder treatment can mirror ED rigidity (protocol over person)How being labeled “defiant” or “treatment resistant” can miss the real need underneathReframing “control” as safety and survival adaptationWhy “recovery” can feel vague, pressurized, or even coercive; and how “discovery” offers a more spacious alternativeWhat affirming care can look like for PDA-ers with eating disordersFind Livia's work: @livlabelfree | livlabelfree.comConnect with Allyson: @bodyjustice.therapistDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not provide individual therapeutic, psychological, or medical advice. For personalized support, please consult a qualified licensed professional.

13% of women over 50 struggle with the symptoms of an eating disorder. * Whether it is a recurrence or brought on by life transitions, hormones or stress, the numbers are rising. For our last episode of 2025, we are joined by Mallary Tenore Tarpley. Mallary is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Texas and author of the new book, Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery. Mallary shares her personal experience along with clinicians, researchers, and others with lived experience.  We discuss the space between sickness and health and how therapists should be focusing on treating the personality traits in addition to the symptoms. *National Eating Disorder Association Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com Book: Link Find Us Here! Website I [http://hotflashescooltopics.com/] Mail I [hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com] Instagram I [https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics/] Facebook : [www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics] YouTube I [https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics] Pinterest I [https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/] Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here's How: For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device: Open the Apple Podcast App on your device. Click on the “search” icon Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews” Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments! For Apple Podcasts on a computer: On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews” Click on “See All” If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars! • • If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review”!

  Can you believe we're at the end of 2025? What a year it's been. As we close out this incredible year, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate YOU—and reflect on the five episodes that resonated most deeply with this community. These are the most downloaded, most loved, and most life-changing episodes of the entire year. If you've been part of this journey all year long, this episode is your reminder of just how far you've come. And if you're new here? Welcome. This is your crash course in the content that has sparked the most transformation, healing, and freedom for women in eating disorder recovery. Today, I'm counting down the top five episodes of 2025—from number five all the way to the #1 most downloaded episode of the year. Each one of these episodes represents a breakthrough. A shift. A moment where you chose yourself and your recovery over the eating disorder's lies. My hope for this episode? That it reminds you of the tools you already have, inspires you to keep forging forward, and lights a fire in you as we head into 2026. In this episode, you'll hear about: The #5 episode that helped you connect your emotions to your eating disorder thoughts The #4 episode that called out what's keeping you stuck (and gave you permission to stop) The #3 episode that showed former athletes how to use their competitive edge for recovery, not restriction The #2 episode that gave you a 3-step framework to end all-or-nothing thinking forever And the #1 MOST DOWNLOADED episode of 2025—the one that helped you move beyond the mirror and overcome body image distortion Plus, I'm sharing how you can take the next step in your recovery as we head into 2026—because listening is powerful, but implementation is where the magic happens. Let's dive in, sis. This one's for you.

Welcome to this episode of Fly To Freedom — a Q and A session filled with real, honest questions from inside The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle. If recovery has felt confusing, scary, messy, or strangely “too much”… this episode will help you feel understood, and steady again.We talk about the moment recovery starts to feel terrifying rather than freeing — when the eating disorder has been a familiar “safety structure” for so long that choosing freedom can feel disorienting. You'll hear why that wobble often means the brain is rewiring, why belief grows through action, and how to keep moving forwards even when certainty feels far away.This episode also covers some of the most searched (and most misunderstood) parts of eating disorder recovery and anorexia recovery: extreme hunger, constant thoughts about food, panic when hunger hits, fears about “healthy eating” turning into new rules, worries about set point and balance, and the wave of physical symptoms that can arrive during weight restoration.Why recovery can feel unreal and frightening even when you're doing the “right” thingsWhat to do with old photos from the lowest point of the eating disorder (and what it means when sadness shows up)Recovery with a busy life: kids, work, studying, dogs, and chaos — and still choosing freedomGuilt about wanting recovery: why it appears, and how to meet it with courage“All in” as a mindset (not a rigid protocol) — and how to stay committed without turning it into another set of rulesPerfectionism, cleaning, hypervigilance, and anxiety: how these patterns link to the same root system as an eating disorderEating disorder behaviours that start in adulthood: why inner child work still matters, and what it's really aboutThe moment restriction starts feeling “impossible”: why biology can begin protecting you (and why that's a win)“Healthy” rules like five a day or “clean eating”: how to spot restriction dressed up as wellnessConstant food thoughts even at a stable weight: why weight is not a measure of mental recovery, and what food preoccupation often signalsHunger panic and urgency: why it can feel extreme, and how proactive nourishment rebuilds trustExtreme hunger in the evenings: why it happens, how long it can last, and what consistency teaches the bodyItchy, sensitive skin and hair changes during weight restoration (including telogen effluvium) and gentle ways to support your bodyThe longing for “balance” and the fear of being too much: rebuilding an inner compass based on values, not shameRecovery belief grows through repetition and action. Each recovered choice teaches the brain what safety really is.Food obsession often eases through permission and consistency. The brain quiets when it truly trusts that food is allowed and available.Freedom includes flexibility. Nourishment supports health, and a rigid rulebook keeps the eating disorder alive in disguise.A busy life can still hold real recovery. Freedom gets built in real-time moments, right in the middle of everything.Finding Your WHY (inside The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle) — a powerful anchor for staying committed when fear gets loudFeelings Navigator — support for processing emotions and building safety from the inside outIf this episode resonated, daily support like this exists inside The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle — with community chat, Q and A sessions, group coaching calls, workshops, on-demand courses, and the Feelings Navigator.Join here: https://www.edrecoverycircle.com/join

Sis, if you've been waiting to feel ready before starting your eating disorder recovery journey, this episode is for you. The truth is, you'll never feel completely ready—and that's exactly why you need to start now. In this powerful episode, I'm sharing why waiting for perfect conditions is just another way the eating disorder keeps you trapped, the personal story of how my own eating disorder began (and why I waited years to start recovering), and the faith step that changed everything for me. Plus, we're celebrating a HUGE milestone: 100,000 podcast downloads! Thank you for being part of this community of brave women choosing freedom over fear. As we head into 2026, don't let another year pass while you're still stuck. This could be the moment everything changes—if you're willing to start before you're ready.

In today's episode, we're talking honestly about pregnancy, body changes, and eating disorder recovery. This is the stuff that often gets brushed over. The emotions, the fear, the identity shifts, and the old thoughts that can resurface when your body starts changing in ways you can't control.I'm sharing what it's really like navigating pregnancy when you have a history of an eating disorder. The good parts, the hard parts, and the very human moments in between. We'll talk about why body image can feel extra loud, why struggling doesn't mean you're failing, and how recovery can deepen during this season rather than disappear. If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply scared of what pregnancy might bring up because of your past with food and your body, this episode is for you. You're not broken for finding this hard. And you're definitely not alone.Let me know your thoughts! SOCIALS:Instagram: @flourishwithciandra @recovertoflourish_podTikTok: @flourishwithciandraWebsite: https://flourishwithciandra.com/Contact: info@flourishwithciandra.com

In this week's episode, Hannah is joined by Alix Walker. Alix is an eating disorder counsellor and coach, and a wellbeing speaker, who works with clients to overcome eating and body image difficulties following on from her own personal experience.This week's festive episode brings a real perspective of being in recovery at Christmas, with advice on how to navigate this season that isn't just a few quick tips that feel like they diminish the struggles of Christmas.This week, we discuss:Common challenges Alix supports her clients with during the festive periodThe pressure and overwhelm caused by Christmas marketsMaking recovery-focused decisions when challenging your eating disorderGiving yourself permission to engage in what feels right to youFinding compassion for others who are also stuck in diet culture thought patternsVisiting home for Christmas and experiencing emotional triggersFinding time for reflection or space during the festive seasonRedefining what Christmas means to you and making it what you needThe impact of social media on your own Christmas experienceTimestamps:01:20: Common Eating Disorder Struggles at Christmas03:20: Christmas Markets and Knowing When to Challenge06:13: Managing Guilt After Social Events07:41: Navigating Work Parties10:47: Finding Balance and Compassion14:17: Navigating Diet Talk16:57: Handling Comments from Family Members23:05: Taking Responsibility for Triggers26:29: Finding Personal Space29:14: Redefining the Meaning of Christmas Away from Social MediaResources & LinksFollow Alix on Instagram @counsellingwithalixCheck out Alix's LinktreeConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website hereListen on YOUTUBE here⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are traumatic events that occur in childhood and affect your sense of safety. ACEs have been found to be higher in prevalence among those who struggle with food and body image. As the experience of safety diminishes, the likelihood of binge eating increases.This is why you can't shame yourself for your food behaviors. They are not your fault. You've been made to believe that your food choices are your decision and that if you can't “control” yourself with food, then that is your fault. Yet, this couldn't be further from the truth. Your food and body image behaviors are a response to how your body is digesting your life experiences, not something you're actively choosing or out of a lack of willpower, or self sabotage. In this week's episode, I chat with Rachel Hobbs, Clinical Dietitian, Personal Trainer and Certified Therapist about: A compassion centered focused approach to nutritionHow early childhood experiences affect your food interactionsThe role of shame in food behaviorsHow the nervous system and past trauma shapes food behaviorsSeeing nutrition through a more nuanced perspectiveYou can also read the transcript to this week's episode ​here​: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/the-impact-of-food-trauma-on-your-eating-behaviorsI hope that this episode reminds you to meet yourself with compassion these next couple of weeks as you navigate friends, food, and family this holiday season. With Compassion and Empathy, Stephanie Mara FoxKeep in touch with Rachel: Website: https://www.dietitianrachel.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.rachelhobbs/ Support the showKeep in touch with Stephanie Mara:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafoxWebsite: https://www.stephaniemara.com/https://www.somaticeating.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafoxContact: support@stephaniemara.comSupport the show:Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/supportMy favorite water filter: https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/#a_aid=somaticeatingReceive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARAUse my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. ...

This episode is old episode recorded with Hannah Hickinbotham from the Full of Beans Podcast. It will give you lots of tips and support for managing eating over the Christmas period. I hope that you find it helpful. To find out more about my work:- Harriet's Substack: https://substack.com/@theeatingdisordertherapist My new APP!  Go to my Website Online courses Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating - a course to help you heal your relationship with food. Online Breaking Free from Bulimia - a course to help you break free from bulimia nervosa. Eating Disorders Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with eating disorders. Body Image Training for Professionals - training for therapists in working with clients with body image issues.

What if rest isn't laziness—it's wisdom? What if slowing down isn't a setback—it's the most revolutionary thing you can do in recovery? In this episode, we're diving into the concept of "wintering"—the intentional act of stepping back, slowing down, and allowing yourself to rest and recharge, just like nature does.  If you're in eating disorder recovery, this might feel like an absolute riot. Because your ED has convinced you that rest is weakness, that comfort must be earned, and that slowing down means you're flawed. But sis, it's time to dismantle those lies. Winter is the season of recovery. It's preparation time. It's when the earth takes what it needs so that spring can even happen. And you? You're allowed to do the same. In this episode, you'll discover: What "wintering" really means and why it's essential for recovery Why the eating disorder makes you feel bad about comfort (and why that's a lie) How to reframe rest as "cozy" instead of "lazy" Why your body knows exactly what it needs—and how to start listening The beautiful truth about finding your own spark in the gray season How winter's silence gives you the choice to finally hear yourself If you've been running on empty, pushing through exhaustion, or feeling guilty every time you slow down—this episode is your permission slip. Rest is not laziness. Rest is natural. And you deserve it. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne explores how autism shapes eating in ways that many providers overlook. Sensory needs, interoception, routines, and safety all influence how autistic people navigate food. Instead of seeing these challenges as resistance, Dr. Marianne reframes them as intelligent body signals that protect a sensitive nervous system. Dr. Marianne explains why autistic eating experiences often get misunderstood. She discusses how overwhelming textures, smells, and sounds affect tolerance for certain foods, how interoceptive confusion can disrupt hunger cues, and how predictability reduces chaos during meals. She also explores the deep need for safety and how early food trauma can lead to long-lasting protective patterns. This episode highlights how autistic people may develop ARFID due to sensory overload, fear, or confusion around internal cues. Dr. Marianne emphasizes the need for neurodivergent affirming care that respects autonomy, consent, and the right to eat in ways that support comfort rather than compliance. Dr. Marianne also examines intersectionality. Autistic people of color, LGBTQIA+ autistic people, and disabled autistic people often face additional barriers to care and experience higher rates of dismissal. Understanding these intersections helps us provide real support. Throughout the episode, Dr. Marianne offers a compassionate framework for supporting autistic eating. She centers curiosity, sensory awareness, co-regulation, predictable routines, and respect for safe foods. She encourages listeners to trust their bodies and seek environments that reduce overwhelm instead of increasing it. Key Topics Covered Sensory Needs and Autistic Eating How texture, smell, sound, and temperature influence food tolerance and how sensory overwhelm shapes avoidance patterns. Interoception and Hunger Cues Why autistic people often experience muted or confusing hunger cues and how supportive routines help. Predictability and Routine Why sameness offers safety during meals and how routine helps regulate the nervous system. Safety and Eating Trauma The long-term effects of force feeding, pressure, and food shame and how safety becomes essential for healing. Autism and ARFID How ARFID develops in autistic people and why care must support autonomy, sensory comfort, and consent. Intersectionality and Access to Care How race, gender, sexuality, class, and disability shape autistic eating experiences and influence the support people receive. Compassionate Support Strategies How validation, sensory awareness, predictable rhythms, and co-regulation improve access to nourishment. Content Caution In this episode, I discusseeating challenges, restriction patterns, sensory overload, trauma, and ARFID. Please listen gently and take breaks if needed. Who This Episode Supports This episode is for autistic adults, parents of autistic children, providers who want to offer neurodivergent affirming care, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of autistic eating experiences. It is also supportive for people exploring ARFID symptoms rooted in sensory needs, trauma histories, or routines that feel protective. Related Episodes Autism & Eating Disorders Explained: Signs, Struggles, & Support That Works on Apple & Spotify. The Invisible Hunger: How Masking Shows Up in Eating Disorder Recovery on Apple & Spotify. How Masking Neurodivergence Can Fuel Eating Disorders on Apple & Spotify. Autism & Anorexia: When Masking Looks Like Restriction, & Recovery Feels Unsafe on Apple & Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne If you want support that honors your sensory needs and your autonomy, you can learn more about my therapy services in California, Texas, and Washington, D.C., as well as global coaching options at drmariannemiller.com. You can also explore my ARFID and selective eating course and my binge eating and bulimia membership for additional tools. You deserve care that meets your body where it is.

In today's episode , we're talking about something that so many people in recovery struggle with this time of year — the DREADED food guilt. The festive season brings a lot of joy, but it also brings bigger meals, different foods, family gatherings, and loads of mixed emotions. If you've been feeling guilty, overwhelmed, or “out of control” around food during the holidays, you're not alone at all.In this episode, we'll chat about why food guilt shows up so strongly during the festive season, how diet culture makes it even louder, and what you can do to ground yourself when those thoughts start creeping in. I'll walk you through some ways to stay connected to your recovery, remind yourself that you're allowed to enjoy food, and move through the season with a bit more ease and compassion. Happy Holidays!

*Trigger Warning* This episode contains discussions around topics including weight loss medications, weight loss surgeries, intentional weight loss, disordered eating and eating disorders.- - - - - - - - - - -More About Elizabeth:Elizabeth is a food justice organizer and founder of the Me Little Me Foundation, a nonprofit committed to advancing food equity and providing free, culturally competent support services for historically marginalized communities. Based in Los Angeles, Elizabeth works to dismantle the systemic barriers that affect mental health and wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of meeting basic needs first.How to donate to Me Little Me Foundation:https://www.melittlemefoundation.org/donatehttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MeLittleMeFoundationVenmo @melittlemefoundationClick here to visit the website Click here to watch the filmContact info: info@melittlemefoundation.orgBecome a corporate sponsor by contacting Elizabeth atelizabeth@melittlemefoundation.org- - - - - - - -More About Eleni:Join the Body Kind Nutrition community as a free or paid member:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to sign up and join our Body Kind Nutrition community on patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eleni Agresta Levine MS RDN is a weight-inclusive registered dietitian who helps women heal their relationship with food and their bodies. She works with clients virtually and is a Health at Every Size (HAES®) aligned healthcare provider.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eleni's Instagram: @all.bodies.nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in working with Eleni? Click here to apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Eleni at: All.Bodies.Nutrition@gmail.com

What if the problem is not your motivation to recover, but a system that makes eating disorder treatment almost impossible to afford? In this conversation, I sit down again with Leslie Jordan Garcia @liberatiwellness. Leslie is a wellness strategist, certified eating disorder recovery coach, and Treatment Access Program Manager at Project HEAL. In this episode, we discuss real, concrete pathways to free and low-cost eating disorder care. We also talk about why you cannot separate eating disorder recovery from social justice, intersectionality, and body hierarchies. Leslie breaks down how Project HEAL removes financial and systemic barriers, how people from marginalized communities can apply, and how providers can join the Healer's Circle to offer justice-focused, values-aligned care. In this episode, we talk about What Project HEAL is and how it works to remove financial and systemic barriers to eating disorder care in the United States The four major Project HEAL programs and how to apply for: Community Care groups for BIPOC folks Cash assistance that covers tertiary costs like rent, pet boarding, and transportation Outpatient treatment placement with sliding scale and pro bono providers Insurance navigation support and help with single case agreements Who qualifies for Project HEAL services, including people in all U.S. states and territories, and how they prioritize folks from communities that are historically and systemically marginalized How Leslie matches people with “unicorn providers” who are fat positive, HAES aligned, queer affirming, trauma aware, and non Christian based when needed The difference it makes when someone helps you navigate insurance, access care, and complete applications, especially when executive functioning is low or things feel overwhelming How economic precarity, layoffs, food insecurity, and shifting insurance policies are driving an uptick in applications for eating disorder treatment assistance Why intersectional, identity affirming care is not optional in eating disorder recovery, especially for BIPOC, queer, trans, disabled, and fat clients How Leslie's social justice consulting work with universities, community colleges, and health organizations helps them: Reimagine intake forms and client facing processes Address promotion and salary inequities Create transformational circles where teams talk about harm, stereotypes, and systemic barriers How body hierarchies, food moralization, school fitness testing, and lunch shaming fuel eating disorders for kids and adults Why many people use eating disorders as a survival tool in the context of trauma, capitalism, surveillance, and unsafe systems What true equity and belonging could mean for decreasing the occurrence and severity of eating disorders About our guest: Leslie Jordan Garcia Leslie Jordan Garcia is a wellness strategist, certified eating disorder recovery coach, and social justice consultant dedicated to healing and liberation. She holds dual master's degrees in business and public health and has more than a decade of experience across military, public health, and nonprofit sectors. Through her practice, Liberati Wellness, Leslie offers HAES aligned eating disorder recovery support, inclusive movement support, and equity and identity affirming care. Leslie also partners with organizations like Austin Health Commons and the Hogg Foundation to embed equity and justice into health systems and helping professions. She currently serves as the Treatment Access Program Manager at Project HEAL, where she manages cash assistance and treatment placement and works to match clients with values aligned, culturally responsive providers. You can find Leslie's coaching and consulting work at Liberati Wellness and on Instagram at @liberatiwellness. Inside Project HEAL's pathways to care In this episode, Leslie explains how Project HEAL supports people who are struggling with eating disorders and facing financial and systemic barriers to treatment. She walks us through the main programs: Informed ED (for professionals) A learning program for clinicians and dietitians who are newer to eating disorder treatment. It helps them build skills, reduce harm, and align their work with justice focused values so they can better support clients whose eating disorders are uncovered in general mental health or medical settings. Community Care A free, BIPOC only, 8 week support and process group focused on body liberation, community care, and healing from white supremacist body hierarchies. Cash Assistance Program A program that does not pay individuals directly, but instead covers tertiary costs that often block access to care. This can include rent, transportation, pet boarding, or other essential expenses so that people can actually attend the level of care their team recommends. Treatment Placement Leslie coordinates outpatient treatment placement, connecting people with dietitians, therapists, and other providers who offer sliding scale or pro bono care, especially when insurance does not cover enough dietitian sessions or mental health support. Insurance Navigation Project HEAL helps people understand their insurance benefits, locate in network providers, and pursue options like single case agreements when an appropriate provider is out of network. Leslie also mentions a time limited clinical assessment program for people who know they are struggling in their relationship with food and body but have never had a formal diagnosis. All of these services are free to applicants, and one application can cover multiple programs at once. Who can apply to Project HEAL Leslie shares that Project HEAL is U.S. based, and that includes all 50 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories such as Guam. Anyone in those locations can apply. Project HEAL prioritizes people from communities that have been historically and systemically marginalized, including: BIPOC communities Queer and trans communities People in larger bodies Disabled and chronically ill folks People navigating religious trauma and other layered identities Leslie's role includes reading applications through an intersectional lens, tracking diversity demographics, and making sure that people who face the largest gaps in access are not overlooked. She also notes that if the application itself feels overwhelming, Project HEAL can connect applicants with someone who will help them complete it, which is especially important when executive functioning is low. Intersectionality, social justice, and eating disorder recovery Throughout the conversation, Leslie and I look at how eating disorders are never just about appearance. They are deeply tied to: Trauma and chronic stress How we perceive our bodies and how we believe others perceive our bodies Economic instability, job insecurity, and food insecurity Surveillance of bodies in workplaces, schools, and medical settings Racism, anti-fat bias, ableism, transmisia, and other forms of oppression Leslie talks about clients who restrict food so their children can eat when jobs cut hours, and how people in larger bodies often avoid eating at work because of constant surveillance and judgment, only to experience intense hunger and binge episodes later. We explore how body hierarchies, moralization of food, school fitness testing, and lunch policing create conditions where an eating disorder can become a primary coping strategy. Leslie describes how, over time, this can become deeply embedded, with the brain chemistry colluding with the eating disorder to create a sense of safety that the larger system fails to provide. For Leslie, social justice work is inseparable from eating disorder work. If people had secure access to food, safe housing, living wages, and genuine body equity, many would not need to rely on eating disorders to feel safer, visible, or invisible. Justice work inside systems Leslie also describes her justice work with institutions, including: Facilitating Transformational Circles where diverse team members connect as humans and then talk honestly about processes that exclude or harm people Supporting clinics that operate in queer neighborhoods yet do not see queer clients, and helping them examine what in their client facing processes is pushing people away Working with community colleges on salary and promotion inequities, examining reviews, ranking systems, and feedback processes that keep certain groups from advancing Helping organizations rework intake forms, policies, and internal culture so that equity, belonging, and justicebecome real practices rather than buzzwords She reminds us that what often gets labeled as “DEI” is actually about justice, accessibility, and belonging for everyone, including veterans, people who breastfeed, people who need ramps and accessible bathrooms, and more. How to connect with Project HEAL and Leslie To apply for Project HEAL's Treatment Access programs Visit the Project HEAL website at projectheal.org and look for the section on Treatment Access. One application lets you indicate which services you want, including cash assistance, treatment placement, insurance navigation, and clinical assessment while that program is still active. Both individuals seeking care and providers who want to join the Healer's Circle start on the same site. Providers can share their identities, specialties, body size, languages spoken, and communities they love to serve, which helps Leslie make strong intersectional matches. To work with Leslie as a coach or consultant You can learn more about Leslie's equity and identity affirming eating disorder recovery coaching and social justice consulting at: Website: Liberati Wellness liberatiwellness.com Instagram: @liberatiwellness She currently has a reduced capacity for one to one clients but continues to support individuals and teams through coaching, collaboration with therapists and dietitians, and organizational justice work. If this episode resonated with you If you are struggling with an eating disorder and feel blocked by money, insurance, or access, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone and more resourced. There are people and organizations actively working to break financial barriers to care. If you know someone who could benefit from free or low-cost eating disorder support, especially someone from a marginalized community, please consider sharing this episode with them. You can also support this work by: Following @liberatiwellness and @projectheal Sharing Project HEAL's application info with your community If you are a provider, applying to join the Healer's Circle and offering sliding scale or pro bono care And as always, thank you for listening and for being part of this conversation about justice, embodiment, and eating disorder recovery.