Permission to Eat: Healing Disordered Eating

Today we’re talking about something so many women carry quietly: disordered eating and body image stuff. We get honest about our own histories (yep, both ends of the spectrum) and what actually helped us move toward peace—without shame, perfection, or “just try harder” nonsense.In this episode, we talk about:How eating disorders aren’t just anorexia and bulimia—there’s a whole range of disordered eating behaviorsPatti’s experience with control, trauma, food hiding, bingeing, and the shame spiralJan’s experience with thinness pressure, dance culture, and bingeing/purging without even knowing what it was calledWhy food often becomes a coping tool (just like alcohol, drugs, work, shopping… you get it)How body dysmorphia messes with what we think we see in the mirrorThe sneaky messages we absorb from family, culture, and “well-meaning” commentsWhy therapy matters (because food is rarely the real issue)The power of permission: eating carbs, adding snacks, and even having dessert on purposeIf you’re struggling, here’s what we encourage:Consider therapy with someone who understands trauma + body imageWork with a registered dietitian/nutritionist who doesn’t shame bodies (HAES-aligned can be a great fit)Start small with body neutrality: “I’m not broken” is a powerful first stepFind resources mentioned in this episode here.Learn more about this podcast here.Submit your 90-second lesson/experience here.Apply to be a guest here.Stay updated on new episodes here.*Information shared on this podcast is not medical advice. If you have a concern about your physical or mental health, please seek support from a proessional.