Eating Disorders are a broad church. We all have our stories to tell and unique perspectives to share.I believe that eating disorders are physical symptoms of internal distress with notable exceptions - sufferers with ARFID, varying shades of autism and ADHD, there are probably more - but mostly from my own experience and what I hear from others, it’s about manifesting stuff, “out there” because of an inability to deal with, for whatever reason, what is, “in here.” I also believe in everyone’s potential to recover and that recovery is not for the faint hearted - meaning it takes work, commitment and courage to embrace and explore our, “shadow lands and selves.”I loved making this episode. It felt like a real privilege to answer some of your questions. I had much more to say, especially around shame and secrecy - maybe we can explore that next time. Thank you for listening and for your continued support!DISCLAIMER: Jemma is not a therapist or ED counsellor. The opinions and views shared within this episode are based on Jemma’s personal experience suffering with Eating Disorders/ behaviours for over two decades.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[00:30] - Jemma’s Personal Journey with Eating Disorders[05:16] - The Impact of Eating Disorders on Relationships[15:54] - Exploring the Connection Between Eating Disorders and Veganism[24:25] - Overcoming the Fear of Recovery[26:20] - Building New Neural Pathways for Recovery[27:33] - Understanding the Force Behind Eating Disorders[29:22] - Exploring the Fear of Being 'Bigger'[30:09] - Dealing with Life's Challenges Beyond Eating Disorders[32:32] - The Power of Breathing and Grounding Techniques[33:33] - Practising Flexibility and Relinquishing Control[34:54] - Writing a Positive Counter Story[37:01] - Understanding the Concept of Quasi Recovery[42:26] - Recognizing Full Recovery[45:03] - Final Thoughts and Wrap UpTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Steve is a nutritionist and owner of the Mind Muscle Clinic.“Trying to educate people that it isn’t as difficult as it may seem, a lot of people who have come to me as a client dread it… but once they see the benefits it becomes a new habit. A new way of life."On one level, the “it” Steve talks about is health and fitness but on another, he’s alluding to the courage and motivation it takes to change what no longer serves you. Steve transformed his life.He gave up a stressful non-stop business, retrained and went from 24 stone to 18 stone in 12-months. Motivated by his desire to be a “great Dad”, gave him focus but Steve is also one of those people who just gets on with what needs to be done. I found his no nonsense approach inspiring. He now helps others, who share a similar story, transform.DISCLAIMER: We talk about fat loss and diet, albeit in a benign way, but only in relation to Steve’s story and not as a prescription for anyone else. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[03:26] - Steve's Childhood and Early Relationship with Food[14:03] - Steve's Wake Up Call and Decision to Change[15:46] - Steve's Journey to Becoming a Personal Trainer[21:10] - Steve's Diet Transformation and New Relationship with Food[24:11] - Transitioning from Processed Foods to Whole Foods[30:18] - The Impact of Fitness on Personal Confidence and Life[33:29] - The Journey from Alcoholism to Sobriety[40:35] - Breaking Bad Habits and Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle[42:36] - Body Image and Fitness Culture Among Men[43:37] - Nourishing the Next Generation: Teaching Kids about Healthy EatingCONNECT WITH STEVE:Mind Muscle Clinic WebsiteSteve’s InstagramTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“I always said I’m recovering from eating difficulties and eating disorders. When I realised it’s much less about recovering, but about uncovering I started to call my journey the uncovering journey.” Flurina is an osteopath, dancer and creator of The Breathing Body Podcast.When Flurina was eleven she had an idea that being thin would make her happier. This random thought caused years of disordered eating and exercise.  As time passed Flurina’s double life proved exhausting - bright and sunny on the outside, but internally, sad and depressed. She sought treatment/support but nothing changed until she read Dr Anita Johnston’s book Eating in the LIght of the Moon. Finally, she began to heal as she reconnected with her “miraculous’ physical body.  Flurina believes, as we do at Love This Food Thing, that eating disorders and behaviours when properly understood and explored can be powerful healing tools.P.S. Apologies for a technical issue regarding sound quality until 15.31 — all good after that! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:12] - Flurina's Journey with Eating Disorders[02:10] - The Turning Point: Uncovering vs Recovering[14:58] - The Double Life of an Eating Disorder[20:46] - The Struggle with Self-Worth[21:30] - The Triggering Environment of Dance[22:39] - The Start of Self-Healing[26:05] - Embracing the Embodied Approach to Recovery[26:58] - The Realisation: It's Not About the Food[27:17] - Entering the Creative Process[28:19] - The Grief Phase of Healing[32:23] - The Role of Support in Recovery[34:15] - The Transition from Dance to Osteopathy[36:16] - The Power of Saying 'Yes' to LifeCONNECT WITH FLURINA:Flurina’s WebsiteFlurina’s PodcastTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“I sometimes feel that the eating disorder has tried to trick me. To feel that we’re getting somewhere and then that door shuts. I feel it morphs itself into something different.”I have wanted to interview a mother with a child who has an eating disorder ever since I started this podcast.Lorraine’s daughter is now in her early 30’s. Her eating disorder behaviour began when she was 15. It’s been a long hard slog for the entire family, but today they are in a better place.This is an intimate and raw episode. Listening to Lorraine’s perspective is heartbreaking at times, but I think it’s essential for sufferers and supporters alike.Tune in.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:52] - Lorraine's Childhood and Family's Relationship with Food[06:08] - Lorraine's Daughter's Struggle with Anorexia[10:53] - The Impact of Anorexia on the Family[17:13] - Seeking Help and Navigating the Healthcare System[25:25] - Reflections on Parenting and Coping with a Child's Eating Disorder[27:20] - Dealing with Guilt and Emotional Struggles[28:11] - Finding Humour in Difficult Times[29:19] - Impact on Personal Relationships[30:34] - The Struggles of Parenting a Child with an Eating Disorder[31:52] - The Journey of Separating the Disorder from the Person[33:44] - The Power of Support Networks[34:34] - The Role of Therapy and Interventions[36:42] - The Struggles of Maintaining a Relationship Amidst the Disorder[45:14] - The Power of Hope and PersistenceTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

It was lovely to reconnect with Liv from the Liv Label Free Podcast for our autistic and neurodiversity chat. Liv has a unique and illuminating perspective and is very much about the lived experience helping others find their way without judgement or shame. This is a slightly random episode away from our normal fare. I was trialling new contact lenses to correct an astigmatism and they really affected my brain function (excuses, ahem). Spot the places where I struggle for words - I checked with my optician and she confirmed it’s tough on those neural pathways at first.Hahaha bad work people blame their tools.  Enjoy!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:59] - Understanding Autism and ADHD[04:19] - The Impact of Neurodivergence on Life[09:07] - Discussing Famous Neurodivergent Figures[12:28] - The Connection Between Neurodivergence and Creativity[14:45] - Reflecting on Personal Experiences[36:15] - Understanding the Role of Lived ExperienceCONNECT WITH LIVIA SARA:Liv’s WebsiteLiv’s InstagramLiv’s PodcastTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Sabrina’s pivotal moment around her disordered eating and orthorexia happened when she became an aunt for the first time.“It should've been the happiest day of my life and all I remember is the food. I spent the entire day around the buffet table because my Mom had caterers and we had all this food I didn’t allow myself to eat.I kept filling my plate up and then going back for more to a point that I felt so sick… that night I sat in my parent’s basement, I felt so miserable, cold and unhappy and I asked myself, ‘do I want to keep living this way when I’m 50, 60, 70-years old?’”.Today, Sabrina is on a mission to dismantle diet culture.Her food and body issues started when Sabrina was a young girl training in synchronised swimming - a judged sport where image dictates success. Her disordered thinking and behaviour around food and her body continued post university until a wake up call, which motivated Sabrina to embrace her fears and move to Italy for a life changing experience. This is an empowering, feel good episode due to Sabrina’s vulnerability and candid storytelling that will resonate with all of our listeners. It’s always good to hear when someone has saved themselves and is loving life. Tune in!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:46] - Impact of Body Image in Synchronised Swimming[03:22] - Sabrina's Struggle with Body Image[08:42] - Transition from Swimming to University[16:26] - Battle with Orthorexia[21:50] - Reflections on Diet Culture[26:17] - The Illusion of Control and Happiness[27:07] - The Impact of Food Obsession on Social Life[28:40] - Struggling with Eating Disorders[28:58] - A Wake-Up Call in the Basement[30:24] - The Life-Changing Trip to Italy[39:48] - The Transition from Weight Loss Coach to Intuitive Eating Advocate[53:01] - The Mission to Dismantle Diet CultureCONNECT WITH SABRINA:Sabrina’s WebsiteSabrina’s InstagramSabrina’s PodcastTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“It’s not uncommon for people to try out their own DIY cosmetic surgery by cutting their faces or stomachs to squeeze out fat or super glue their ears or deliberately break their own noses so they can do their own rhinoplasty.When people become desperate and have BDD the only vehicle -  in their minds  - for any chance of future happiness is some form of physical change in their appearance.”Dr. Rob Willson PhD is a cognitive behaviour therapist (CBT), with a special interest in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). He is currently the chair of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation, which is the world’s first charity exclusively devoted to the condition. Interestingly, research shows that although eating disorders and BDD share similarities regarding body image issues, BDD is a very separate condition. The most effective treatment to date is CBT.The Body Dysmorphic Foundation is a one stop shop for anything related to BDD packed full of resources, therapists and support. Rob would like to see a support group in every town and city as BDD often flies under the radar or is masked by another condition.Rob has co-authored several books, including ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dummies’, ‘Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’ and ‘Overcoming Body Image Problems including Body Dysmorphic Disorder’.Here at Love This Food Thing, we are big supporters of the BDDF and it was my absolute pleasure to chat with Rob and find out more. If you are suffering please reach out there is help available and research continues. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:41] - Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder[02:27] - Dr. Rob Willson's Personal Relationship with Food[02:59] - Impact of Competitive Powerlifting on Body Image[14:29] - Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy[24:02] - The Role of Mindfulness in Therapy[27:11] - Effectiveness of CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder[29:03] - Early Experiences with BDD Patients[30:36] - Understanding the Severity of Body Dysmorphic Disorder[31:17] - The Impact on Daily Life[33:58] - Differentiating Between BDD and Body Image Issues[36:40] - The Challenge of Diagnosing BDD[38:53] - The Role of Social Media[40:44] - The Struggle of Living with BDD[43:38] - Approaching BDD as a Psychological ProblemCONNECT WITH THE BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER FOUNDATION:Body Dysmorphic Disorder FoundationBDD’s InstagramTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to...

“Within my first few weeks of practicing people were coming in to see me who wanted a restrictive diet. It didn't make sense. I was concerned about people’s relationship with food… I decided what I wanted to do from the beginning was speak above that noise. I didn’t see it working for people all I saw was it making people more unwell and feeling anxious and fearful around food and that troubled me.”Growing up food was functional and Nicola didn’t look forward to eating due to some underlying digestive issues. Everything changed when she started her nutritional studies at Patrick Holford’s Optimum School of Nutrition and later went into private practice.  Nicola embraces both the psychology and physiology of food and believes you cannot have one without the other. This approach helps her clients develop an easy and joyful relationship with food and eating.  Nicola is a trailblazer in her field and keen for the nutritional industry to take responsibility for, sometimes, perpetuating the very problems that people are trying to solve. Tune in for a fascinating discussion related to food and nutrition and slightly away from the norm.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:30] - Nicola's Personal Relationship with Food[08:20] - Nicola's Journey into Nutritional Therapy[21:09] - The Impact of Diet Culture and Social Media[25:20] - Approach to Helping Clients with Rigid Food Beliefs[28:20]- Cognitive Reframing and Food Perception[30:28] - Understanding Emotions and Hunger[30:58] - The Role of Food in Our Lives[31:54] - The Destructive Force of Willpower[32:42] - Eating for Your Microbiome[33:36] - The Efficacy of Diet Plans[38:17] - The Role of Nutrition Professionals[42:00] - The Perceived Perfectionism in the Nutrition Industry[46:05] - The Importance of Self-Love and BalanceCONNECT WITH NICOLA:Nicola’s InstagramNicola’s FacebookNicola’s WebsiteNicola’s 12-Week Program: LiberateTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™

This episode is kindly sponsored by Nell+Lola (delicious) Natural Dog Treats. Nell+Lola offer 100% natural treats and are supplied direct to you in a sustainable, plastic-free packaging – they’re good for your pet, and the planet! Use the code: LTFT15 to get 15% off your purchase. This is our festive gift to you all as we know how much (like us) you love your dogs!  Laura Doherty is a dog trainer and behaviourist who uses force free and reward based methods only. Our dog Bella thinks Laura is her Mum even though I’ve told Bella her Mum is a  spaniel.We had great fun recording; hyped on coffee with the sun beating through the windows on a cold winter’s morning and Bella lying at Laura’s feet saying, ‘please take me with you!’.We covered dogs and food, dogs barking at the table, dog calming methods, learning dog language, how to teach your dog new behaviours and tons more. We hope you have a fantastic festive break and spend some quality downtime with your loved ones. We’ll be back with another episode on January 2nd, 2024!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:25] - Understanding Human-Dog Relationships[02:04] - Exploring Laura's Relationship with Food[04:57] - Dog's Eating Habits[08:14] - The Role of Food in Dog's Behaviour[11:29] - The Impact of Human Food Habits on Dogs[20:46] - The Importance of Natural Chews for Dogs[25:33] - Understanding Dog's Behaviour and Reinforcement[49:10] - Recognising Signs of Discomfort in Dogs[50:12] - The Importance of Safety for Dogs[53:41] - Favourite Foods: A Fun DiscussionCONNECT WITH LAURA:Laura’s InstagramLaura’s FacebookLaura’s WebsiteTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Welcome to Season Seven.Our first guest, Livia Sara, is an autism advocate, writer and creator of the Liv Label Free Podcast. Liv says: “I like to compare the autism spectrum to the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS)We have all these different rays, x-rays, gamma rays… what I love about the EMS there are so many rays we cannot perceive with the human eye but that doesn’t make these rays less powerful. We can’t always see autism, autism does not have a look but autistic people are incredibly powerful.”Liv found out she was autistic when she was 20, after years of treatment for what health care professionals assumed was anorexia. But when Liv read Asper Girls by Rudy  Simone and met with an early coaching client, her world fell into place. This is a must listen for anyone with autistic loved ones struggling with food or needing insight or just with a curiosity about autism. Liv brings light to what is a pretty gruelling early life with her gorgeous humour, insight and candour. Liv returns later in the season for an all things autistic chat.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:08] - Understanding autism and Liv’s personal experience[04:04] - Childhood eating habits and relationship with food[08:42] - Eating disorder, treatment and diagnosis[28:16] - The turning point and getting help[28:36] - Treatment in the United States[29:32] - The importance of self-decision in recovery[33:07] - Starting a coaching business[38:10] - Understanding the link between autism and eating disorders[40:27] - The Future: Plans for a new book[41:52] - Changing the conversation about eating disorders[44:34] - Reflecting on the journeyCONNECT WITH LIV SARAH: Liv’s WebsiteLiv’s InstagramLiv’s PodcastTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“The human condition seems to bob along pretty well in the same place…. Trust is such an issue… I’ve seen very young babies who are already cut off, who’ve already decided that it ain’t going to happen so I might as well cope myself.That coping stance can become belligerent but it can also simply be a desperate sense of being absolutely adrift, cut off from your spaceship and just out there and then how you come back from that into safety and trust.”Reina has been a practising astrologer for over 30 years and likes to focus on the client’s early life to explore later patterns in relationships, career choices and wellbeing. There’s always time to explore future events and choices too.She is also a musician and award winning novelist. I have known Reina for well over two decades. Her wisdom and insight opened up my heart and helped me back onto my feet. She is an integral part of the village that raised me from a twenty-something mess into a happy and healthy human being by illuminating that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. This is a very personal podcast episode for me. Reina lobbed a couple of curveball questions my way too (you shoulda seen my face!). Everyone needs a Reina. I hope you enjoy the final episode of Season 6! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[10:00] - Understanding the basics of astrology [15:00] - Early years and mothering[23:40] - Psychology and planets[28:40] - Mother and the Moon CONNECT WITH REINA: If you’d like to book in with Reina and don’t mind waiting, DM us directly on Instagram or send an email to us here: lovethisfoodthing@gmail.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

Trigger Warning: This episode has mentions of understanding calories in regards to units of energy.“The body doesn’t know the difference between chemical, physical and emotional stress.”Patrick is a top level Muscle Activation Techniques RX practitioner and trainer with over 20 years experience across the globe. He is also the author of Health and Fitness Perspective. MAT is relatively new but certain countries have realised its value  and are sending their doctors, physiotherapists and colleagues to the USA for accreditation. It’s that good!I was very excited to be introduced to Patrick and MAT and the fact that he has a clinic on my doorstep is a win-win. “If you think about those primitive states when we needed to be in fight, flight or freeze today we’re in these situations with emotions and stresses eliciting these responses. We’re living life like we’re running from a sabre toothed tiger when we’re not, and our body and brain are saying, "Oh my gosh, this is what is upon us!”MAT deals with trauma and how the body holds the score. If you exercise, overexercise, live with pain, want to lower inflammation, find ease and strength where there is none and wish to inhabit your body in a healthy nourished way which so many of us  do then this episode is for you. Or if you just want to listen to an awesome, entertaining and highly interesting chat with Patrick and myself  tune in too. Like I said in the episode MAT needs to be available for everyone. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[10:00] - What does MAT address?[19:17] - Pursuit of physical transformations[27:00] - Effects on musculature and the body when deprived of food or over-exercised[34:00] - Deep dive into MAT CONNECT WITH PATRICK: Patrick’s InstagramIntrinsic Resistance TrainingTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

Trigger Warning: This episode has mentions of sexual assault. “V-Land is an all inclusive platform. Everybody and every body is welcome at V-Land. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, we will accept you for who you are. .. We say on V-Land you don’t need a passport…. We try to make veganism accessible for as many people as possible. This week I am joined by founder Will and CEO El, from V-Land, an online vegan magazine/platform in the UK and New York. If you are vegan or even remotely plant based or you just want to live a more compassionate life then V-Land is for you. Will left a highly successful PR career suffering from burnout brought about in part when he became vegan and desired a life with deeper meaning. Will loves food but he suffers from anxiety and depression and more recently he is learning to manage both without overeating. El grew up with binge eating disorders and food poverty. Sexual assault added to her trauma and El decided to eat so she could disappear and regain control over her body.  When El worked for the NHS she was bullied about her size and health problems led her down the path of bariatric surgery - a decision she now deeply regrets. I’ve wanted to invite Will onto the podcast for some time but as ever timing prevails and the bonus is the delightful El. We had a great time together despite some serious content. Will and El are a dynamic duo. Articulate, funny and like the proverbial peas in a pod. Love ‘em.P.S. El will be returning to LTFT to discuss her bariatric surgery in depth and to help anyone else in a similar situation.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:50] - El’s relationship with food[08:25] - Will’s relationship with food[16:10] - Bariatric surgery[36:00] - The world that is V-Land CONNECT WITH WILL & EIWill’s InstagramEI’s InstagramVlanduk InstagramVlandnyc InstagramTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

Esther Cohen is an intuitive wisdom keeper, eating psychologist and guide for embodied wellbeing. Her work delves into the root cause of illness..."I think we can trace our disordered eating back to our ancestry and the past few 100 years where women in particular were put in the role that the thinner you were the more godlike or angelic you were. Numerous religious organisations had young women as altar angels and they were starved to death.’... and explores ancestral and familial trauma and importantly the voice behind the symptom.“So much of our alternative thinking goes back to our origins. It’s our intuitive wisdom and knowing this that we have as our inheritance which has been sublimated by scientific research which is now looking at all the natural processes and realising they do make us healthier and happier.’Tune in to hear Esther’s enlightening perspective on trauma, eating disorder behaviours and how to reclaim our innate wisdom for self healing to nourish ourselves with loving kindness.We had a fascinating chat. I loved it!I concur that loving kindness is the way and way out from ED and addictive behaviours.DATE CHANGES FROM THIS EPISODE:Esther will now be at the Silver Bells Conference at The Falcon, Northampton (UK) on 22nd-23rd July, 2023 presenting on the panel and running a workshop.She returns to The Falcon to host her Wild Contemplation Retreat from October 6th - 12th, 2023.See The Falcon here for details! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[08:30] - Ancestral Trauma[20:15] - Voice behind the symptom[35:00] - Trauma in the system[40:00] - Exercise: in pausing CONNECT WITH ESTHER:Esther’s WebsiteEsther’s InstagramTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

“The therapists are identifying themselves as male, choosing  this career as a second career, and they want to create spaces for other males to say, let’s talk about what’s going on with your relationship with food, your body, how you embody yourself in this world. Let’s talk about vulnerability and how fragile you feel when you see this “perfect” male body.”Practitioner and educator Maria returns to discuss her doctoral thesis and pilot study on the embodied lived experience of male therapists working with male clients with eating disorder behaviours.The societal, cultural and historical lenses with which we use to view and objectify men and women differ hugely along with our expectations.Most of our knowledge and understanding around ED behaviours comes via female therapists and their female clients. 34 % of people who experience ED disorders/behaviours are male.Tune in and find out how Maria’s “hermeneutic and phenomenological exploration” is shedding light on previously under researched and considered ways of being in the therapy room and what exactly is going on for male therapists and male clients struggling with ED behaviours.This is needed and important research that offers invaluable insight in support of men. You can also catch Maria in Season 2 Episode 13, The Homebody.  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:46] - Maria explains origins of her research[11:00] - Research project through a philosophical lens[28:00] - Research initial findings[34:15] - Embodiment of male therapists with their male clients CONNECT WITH MARIA: Maria’s InstagramTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

“The things that we do (and the behaviours that we take on) to cover our wound and our shadow can be complete masks. Sometimes when you ask someone how are you they will say, I’m fine. I have to go by their colour, sound, odour, emotion and pulses to understand what’s going on.”Sarah takes great pleasure in food, although in the past IBS caused her enough stress to render daily living unbearable. But when she encountered acupuncture for the first time, her life changed for the better.Sarah describes her initial experience as “magic” which propelled her onto a new career path as a Five Element Acupuncturist and later Herbalist.  Today, Sarah runs her acupuncture practice in London, UK. Her work is informed by her studies in contemplative psychology and she believes in treating the individual rather than chasing symptoms.Sarah also acts as a regional group coordinator for the British Acupuncture Council.During this episode Sarah explains Five Element Acupuncture and offers us her unique view regarding the self and our relationship with the mind, body and spirit in modern life. She is one of life’s natural healers.If you’re able to see Sarah in person then do. Or tune into this episode with your favourite brew.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[10:55] - Microbiome and the Brain[18:40] - Five Element Acupuncture[23:45] - The body keeps the score[32:44] - Semantics around mental health and addiction CONNECT WITH SARAH:Sarah’s WebsiteTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

Sarah Roberts and Phoebe Dale are trainee clinical psychologists completing their Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Lancaster University.Sarah and Phoebe's area of research is around the “eating disorder voice” - that critical inner voice particular to eating disorders and often missed by eating disorder support services in favour of traditional ‘weight restoring’ methods. It has only recently, in the last decade, even been considered as valid.Sarah and Phoebe want this to change and for the eating disorder voice to be heard, listened to and expressed creatively, be it a story, a song or a picture and to play a key part in the recovery of anyone suffering with eating disorders/behaviours.We think this episode is particularly helpful if you are a young person suffering with an ED or for a parent or carer of someone with an ED. Get involved with their research because it’s important and valid.Hats off to you Sarah and Phoebe!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:12] - Narratives around eating and the body [22:25] - The eating disorder voice (EDV)[14:50] - Comparisons[33:45] - Phoebe and Sarah’s researchSARAH & PHOEBE’S RESEARCH: Sarah and Phoebe are completing research that explores voice hearing with young women who have or had an eating disorder and they’d love to hear YOUR story!They’re hosting a webinar on Zoom on 4th July, 2023 - 7pm-8:30pm (GMT). Emma Paxton, a live illustrator will be joining the webinar to capture the discussions of the group in a visual creative piece which will be shared with attendees after the webinar. You can take part if:You identify as a womanYou are aged 16-25 years oldYou have experienced hearing voices during an eating disorder Email s.roberts7@lancaster.ac.uk to book a place onto the webinar.They are also gathering individual stories – so if you prefer to share your story through creative means, e.g. artwork, poetry, written or spoken piece, without attending the webinar. You can submit your piece via this link. CONNECT WITH SARAH AND PHOEBE: EDV Study Instagram PageTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

“Thinking of a comparison between psychological profiles of athletes and those with eating disorders... perfectionism, black and white thinking, high levels of self control, self expectations, competitiveness, compulsiveness, repetitive exercise routines...”There are so many parallels.“I don’t think you can be excellent at something without an element of obsessiveness.”Ex-athlete Allie Outram makes a welcome return and we deep dive into exercise when dealing with eating disorders, recovery and Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S).Allie explains RED-S in detail:Who’s at risk?What causes it?And whether weight loss/ED behaviours are a factor?Allie ran competitively at world class level while suffering with an eating disorder.During this time she was captain of the Junior Great British Team, which consisted of six athletes, “shockingly four of us had an eating disorder.”Find out much more about exercise with Allie, why we need to move and how setting the right intention alongside eating disorder behaviours, is key to a healthy life and recovery.Allie really knows her stuff! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:00] - What exercise means to Allie  [11:58] - Supporting bone density[19:20] - Supporting osteoporosis[21:40] - Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S)CONNECT WITH ALLIE:Allie’s WebsiteTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

“I was a little girl really struggling. I would ring home in tears, I would end every phone call with my mother saying, Mum I love you. And I couldn’t end the phone call until she’d said it back.”Prue was sent to boarding school at age 10 and she was lonely, sad and desperate to return home. Age 12 she became anorexic and was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic.“In my mind I thought this is it. This will be the end of this misery but that was not the case. I came home only to be sent back again. I hit rock bottom. I'd lost all control. I think eating disorders are heavily linked with control. I felt like I was in chaos.Prue has spent many years dealing with her eating disorder behaviours and diabetes, manipulating one to hide the other but her discomfort has eased with age  and motherhood.Prue has never spoken about her eating disorders before and she is keen to share how eating disorder behaviours can impact one’s life while juggling a long term health condition. Prue wishes to remain anonymous.I described Prue as brave, and courageous but she preferred,  truthful. She is more than the sum of all these. This is a must listen. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[05:00] - Anorexia age 12[14:00] - Diabetes presentation[28:30] - ED’S lessen[36:40] - Over ExercisingTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

“One day I had to go to the trading floor. I walked down... I was like a size 6, as I was walking down the spiral staircase half the trading floor looked up and checked me out. At that moment I felt attractive but... my body was exhausted, I was barely eating anything, when I wasn’t working I was hitting the gym really hard, I wasn’t sleeping, but...I was like yep, this is it.”Athena grew up in Hong Kong with her Mum cooking fresh food until age thirteen when she went to boarding school in the UK where attitudes were very different. ED behaviours amongst her peers were rife and normalised but Athena stayed, relatively, unaffected.It was the competitive cultures at Oxford and Harvard followed by the establishment of her financial career in the City that really took its toll.She barely ate, over-exercised and suffered from constant exhaustion.During gardening leave Athena would travel the world to meet spiritual teachers and coaches. Their wisdom changed the trajectory of her life but the most important change was motherhood.Today, Athena teaches Meditation in the psychiatric wards of the Nightingale Hospital, London. She is one of London’s leading Gong and Meditation teachers and listed on Tatler’s Best in Wellness, 2020 and 2023.Athena is known as The Gong Girl.Tune in, and listen because we had an absolute blast!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:10] - Boarding School ED behaviours[20:00] - Pressures within banking to “look good”[36:40] - Motherhood changes everything[48:00] - Putting skills togetherCONNECT WITH ATHENA:Athena’s InstagramBook a Restorative Gong Bath Session with AthenaTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator