Ep 356 Addicted to food - or control? With Wedding Proposal Planner Ash Fox

What happens when the pursuit of perfection becomes a way to escape pain? In this deeply personal conversation, marriage proposal planner and photographer Ash Fox shares her journey through anorexia, bulimia, body image struggles, and the emotional wounds that fueled them. She opens up about growing up in a family where dieting and body shame spanned generations, how the fashion industry reinforced unhealthy beliefs, and the courage it took to begin healing. Ash explains how recovery wasn't about finding another diet; it was about finding purpose, healthy relationships, and learning to release the need for control. Together, Leslie and Ash explore how boundaries, trauma, self-worth, and emotional regulation are often the hidden drivers behind food and weight struggles, and why lasting freedom comes from addressing the deeper emotional patterns rather than the symptoms. The episode also highlights the transformative power of self-love, meaningful work, meditation, and supportive relationships. Whether you're battling food obsession, healing from past experiences, or searching for a more peaceful relationship with yourself, this conversation offers hope that true healing is possible. Highlighted Quote "What we're really chasing isn't the weight loss it's the dopamine, the feeling of control. Real healing begins when we learn to feel our emotions instead of controlling them." Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 – 02:40 – Food addiction, the "high" of weight loss, and why control becomes addictive 02:40 – 05:19 – Introducing guest Ash Fox and her unique career as a marriage proposal planner 05:19 – 10:17 – How Ash accidentally pioneered the proposal planning industry and built a purpose-driven business 10:17 – 12:28 – Memorable proposal stories and why Ash believes in celebrating healthy love 12:28 – 18:36 – Ash's family history with eating disorders and how generational patterns shaped her relationship with food and body image 18:36 – 21:55 – Leslie's invitation to ask anything: healing food addiction, travel, relationships, career, and life transformation (Sponsor/Community Invitation) 21:55 – 24:29 – Modeling pressure, perfectionism, trauma, and the development of bulimia 24:29 – 28:18 – Therapy, supportive relationships, and the first steps toward recovery 28:18 – 31:43 – Triggers, GLP-1 medications, body image, and the healing power of loving relationships 31:43 – 34:01 – Generational trauma, maternal influence, and reframing perfectionism 34:01 – 37:14 – The "high" of restriction, dopamine, control, and understanding eating disorders beyond food 37:14 – 42:57 – Emotional mastery, boundaries, finding purpose, and how meaningful work supports healing 42:57 – 47:13 – COVID, meditation, spirituality, and discovering identity beyond achievement and appearance 47:13 – 50:06 – Self-love, healthy relationships, proposal planning, final reflections, and Leslie's free hypnosis masterclass invitation Connect With Leslie Thornton: Book A Clarity Call Website Facebook LinkedIn Email: [email protected] If you enjoy the podcast, Would you please consider leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes in under 60 seconds? It brightens our day and helps us bring you incredible guests for top-notch content. Plus, I cherish reading every review! Click here to make a difference!