28. Why Diet Culture Keeps Women Over 40 Stuck (and What Actually Helps)

Welcome to Episode 28 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! In this episode, Erica Otto, M.S. in clinical mental health counseling, shares about the challenges women face when attempting to break free from the constraints of diet culture.  Erica is a mental health professional who works primarily with couples, anxiety and self-esteem.  She utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach with clients and collaborates with them to create a treatment plan that will allow them to reach their goals.   We discussed "black and white thinking," where women often feel they must be perfect or they will view themselves as failures.  Erica also explains faulty thinking and why it holds us back in our goals. We talk about how fundamental beliefs, trauma and early life experiences can shape women's behavior and self-esteem and how they feel about their appearance.  We also talk about how societal influences affect women and their thoughts around their bodies. I love how Erica highlights the importance of self-care and setting boundaries and that women should prioritize self-care to ensure they have the energy to care for others, even as they confront challenges such as people-pleasing tendencies.  Erica shares her views on intuitive eating, stressing that rigid diet plans don't work for everyone due to unique bodies and preferences.  Erica provides hope and empowerment, encouraging women to be honest with themselves, set SMART goals, and prioritize self-care and self-worth.  Highlights: Goal-setting and cognitive distortions. 0:05 Limiting beliefs and their impact on self-worth. 10:11 Women's health, self-esteem, and body image. 19:53 Self-care and setting boundaries for women. 29:54 Weight loss and self-improvement for women. 40:49   Here's how to connect with Erica:    WellSpring Counseling and Health Website  Erica Otto, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, Saint Augustine, FL, 32080 | Psychology Today Erica Otto Counseling on Facebook      Connect with Kim on TT and IG: @kimhynesmidlife   Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment. My favorite evening drink (or dessert) is Organifi Gold Chocolate.  It is like a "healthy dark hot chocolate".  With reishi mushrooms and lemon balm extract for calming and relaxing, it's perfect in the afternoon or evening.  Gold  also has superfoods like tumeric and ginger.  It's nonGMO, vegan and organic. You can check out all of Organifi's healthy products at https://www.organifishop.com/  and make sure to use the code:  KIMH   for 20% off.  Nourish your entire life today and give yourself grace. XOXO Kim