Food, Body Image, and Mental Health: The Food We Eat, the Bodies We Keep, and the Souls We Feed

When it comes to food and our bodies, we live in extremes: minimizing our bodies (“it doesn’t really matter”) or obsessing over them (“it’s all I think about”). In Episode 12 of The Work Within, John Lin and Dieula Previlon, LPC-S, are joined by Calvin Burns, LPC (Director of Lifeologie Austin) to explore the deeper question beneath our habits: What if our relationship with food and our bodies is less about willpower and more about safety, control, and disconnection?If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of emotional eating, body anxiety, and the shame that comes along for the ride, this conversation offers a compassionate, faith-informed path towards greater awareness and health. HOSTS / CO-HOSTSJohn Lin serves as Executive Director of Sweet Deeds Foundation and Director of Partnerships for the Watershed Initiative. Dieula Previlon is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, ordained minister, and founder of ElevateHer International Ministries. Calvin Burns is a licensed professional counselor and Director of Lifeologie Austin. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Complex Relationship with Food05:44 The Importance of Exercise and Its Spiritual Connection08:38 Disconnection from Our Bodies11:35 The Role of Food and Exercise in Coping Mechanisms12:15 Understanding What's Behind the Craving17:35 Distinguishing Between Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders20:31 The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting26:09 Men and their Bodies: Bigorexia28:09 Trauma's Shadow: How Past Hurts Shape Our Eating34:32 Biblical Perspectives on Food and our Bodies38:12 The Need for Body TheologyTHERAPY DISCOUNTMention "The Work Within" to receive 10% discount off the first 5 sessions of therapy. New, Self-Pay Clients Only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Available for a limited time. Visit www.watershedinitiative.com or call/text 214-414-0378. RESOURCES / REFERENCES1 Corinthians 6:19–20“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”LISTEN, WATCH, SUBSCRIBELeave us a rating or review and be sure to subscribe! Thank you for supporting us!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/4z5zfe5cApple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/2s3aenncSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bczdws7cSOCIALInstagram - www.instagram.com/watershedinitiativeFacebook - www.facebook.com/watersheddallasCONTACTWe’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, comments. Leave a message at www.watershedinitiative.com/theworkwithinEmail us at [email protected]