Mindful Eating & Food Freedom | Daniela Araújo on Healing Relationships with Food | HCA Talks Health

 Why do so many of us struggle with a complex relationship with food — and how can mindful eating help?In this episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux is joined by Daniela Araújo — co-vice chair of The Center for Mindful Eating with over two decades of experience supporting people with eating disorders.Daniela shares profound insights on how diet culture shapes food struggles, why self-compassion is essential, and how mindful eating can foster freedom, joy, and healing.🎧 Tune in to discover:Why diet culture fuels anxiety and guilt around foodThe role of self-compassion in healing eating strugglesWhat mindful eating really means (beyond “eating slowly”)How narrative therapy supports recovery and resiliencePractical steps to begin a mindful eating journey⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction & guest welcome1:00 – Why so many people have a complex relationship with food2:00 – Culture, diet industry & disordered eating patterns4:00 – Ornamental vs functional views of the body7:00 – Anxiety, guilt & harm from body judgement9:00 – Shifting thinking: awareness & self-compassion12:00 – Misunderstandings of self-compassion14:00 – The myth of constant happiness & resisting emotions16:00 – How health practitioners may unintentionally cause harm18:00 – Balancing acceptance with striving for change20:00 – Daniela’s personal healing journey & career path23:00 – Narrative therapy explained & its role in eating recovery25:00 – Combining narrative therapy & mindful eating26:00 – The Center for Mindful Eating & its vision29:00 – What mindful eating really means31:00 – Key characteristics of a mindful eater33:00 – Bringing joy & creativity back to eating34:00 – Balancing physiology & body wisdom36:00 – Culture, food environments & social justice38:00 – Trusting body wisdom first40:00 – Starting a mindful eating journey42:00 – Resources from the Center for Mindful Eating44:00 – How Daniela personally practises mindful eating46:00 – Full recovery is possible47:00 – Closing reflections & final insightsWhether you’re a Health Coach, wellness practitioner, or someone working to heal your relationship with food, this episode will give you fresh perspectives and practical strategies.🔗 Discover more: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com/health-wellness-podcast🌟 More from The Health Coaches AcademyFollow HCA on Instagram: @healthcoachesacademyReady for a rewarding career in Health & Wellness Coaching? Visit: https://www.healthcoachesacademy.com🎙 Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel and leave a review!Your support helps us reach more Health Coaches and individuals who need these insights. 🎙