The Embodied Nervous System: Eating with Polyvagal Awareness in Healing Relationship with Food, with Jessica Francis

Today I’m talking to Jessica Francis from Sooma Nutrition in Montreal, who is a registered dietitian and yoga instructor with a specialisation in eating disorders among adults and adolescents. Using a holistic and trauma-informed approach, she believes in addressing the complex relationship between food, body image, and mental health. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of nutrition and the nuances of each individual’s experience, she supports her clients in their journey toward healing by fostering a compassionate space that honours their autonomy and goals. Jess is particularly passionate about the intersection of embodiment and eating disorders, understanding that reconnecting with one’s body is a vital part of recovery. She uses this integrative approach to help clients cultivate a more positive and empowered relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. By combining evidence-based nutrition counselling with mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional support, she tailors her care to meet each client where they are, recognising that healing is a personal and multifaceted process. In her practice, Jess focuses not only on physical nourishment, but also on emotional well-being, encouraging clients to rebuild trust with their bodies and develop sustainable eating habits aligned with their health. Whether working with individuals facing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or disordered eating patterns, her goal is to guide them towards lasting recovery and a sense of wholeness. Jess also has an interest in sports nutrition and works with athletes, supporting them in their performance or training goals while meeting their unique nutritional needs so they can feel the best in their sport. In today's episode, Jess explores the Embodied Nervous System: Eating with Polyvagal Awareness. She talks about polyvagal theory with embodiment practices to support those struggling with eating disorders. She explores how awareness of the nervous system can help people feel safer in their bodies and develop a healthier relationship with food. Jess also explores how trauma and nervous system states affect food choices. She explains about techniques for nervous system regulation to help heal eating behaviours, body image and the perception of hunger and fullness. This is an episode jam packed with information. I know that you'll find in inspiring and helpful.    To find out more about Jess and SOOMA Nutrition: - Website: https://sooma.ca/ Instagram: @s.0.0.m.a   This week's sponsor: - Amber Romaniuk http://amberapproved.ca/ Podcast: https://amberapproved.ca/podcast   Harriet's Substack: https://substack.com/@theeatingdisordertherapist   Harriet Frew's current offers: - Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating Course https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/online-courses.html Online Breaking Free from Bulimia  https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/bulimia-nervosa-online-course.html Eating Disorders Training for Professionals https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/eating-disorders-training-with-harriet-frew.html Body Image Training for Professionals https://www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk/body-image-training-with-harriet-frew.html