Love This Food Thing

Eating Disorders, Control and Social Media with Azélie Maurice

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Azélie says, “During lockdown I was most of the time alone with my mother who was sick. It was stressful. Many people used social media to communicate and to share and there were many messages around diet culture. Although my mother’s cancer was unpredictable, my eating disorder wasn’t predictable either, but it was a way of controlling my body; choosing to be sick, even though you don’t choose but it’s you orchestrating your own symptoms, when it’s cancer it’s more the body who is sick.

I don’t know how to formulate it without saying people with an eating disorder have a choice - I don’t think so! I just think that the control you think you have when you have an eating disorder was maybe for me, at the time, a response to the unpredictability of cancer.”

Azélie developed anorexia in response to her Mother’s cancer but it was during lockdown that she had the space to “indulge” it and use social media.

Her turning point came when joined a running club and felt her anxiety dissipate. In order to run well, she had to eat. Not just to fuel her body but also to align with her peers. What everyone was having for dinner was a regular and cheerful topic of conversation.

Azelie is the youngest guest I’ve had the pleasure to host on the podcast. I was greatly moved by her story, insight and emotional intelligence as I’m sure you will be. Tune in!

This episode is dedicated to Azélie’s Mum.

PS. Azélie mentions the book Famished: Eating Disorders and Failed Care in America by Rebecca Lester toward the end of this episode, which I heard as Rubika! When I asked afterwards, who is Rubika, (should have asked during the recording) we ascertained she meant Rebecca Lester.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:34] - Food Friend or Foe
[04:55] - Early Roots and Lockdown Triggers
[08:16] - Relapse and Stress Abroad
[09:44] - Control and Cancer Uncertainty
[12:59] - Diet Culture and Social Media Spiral
[21:00] - Recovery Is Not Linear
[22:58] - Underlying Stress and Need for Control
[24:49] - Exercise and Therapy
[25:23] - Finding the Right Help
[26:28] - Running Club Recovery
[29:45] - Family Support and Loss
[32:27] - Managing Relapse Risks
[35:39] - Stigma and Stereotypes
[40:12] - Beyond Diagnosis Labels
[42:35] - Hope Through Research

CONNECT WITH AZÉLIE:

Azélie's Instagram

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Sex and Sensuality with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach, Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause, or as we’re calling it ‘Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas’.

In this fourth and final episode, we chat about sex, because it’s important, and no one needs to suffer in silence - plenty do - around libido/sex drive, vaginal dryness, ways to feel more sensual and to remind you that everyone’s sexual drive fluctuates during menopause.

We discuss how hormonal changes can impact libido, body confidence, and vaginal comfort, and why women shouldn’t suffer in silence. Lisa shares practical insights around vaginal dryness, pain, UTIs, and the benefits of localised vaginal estrogen, probiotics, and pelvic health check-ups, alongside the importance of honest communication with partners.

The conversation also expands beyond sex into sensuality and self-connection; exploring how touch, creativity, rest, scent, movement, and simple self-care rituals can help women reconnect with their bodies.

Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:40] - Sex Drive and Intimacy Issues
[01:36] - Addressing Vaginal Dryness
[03:05] - Importance of Communication with Your Partner
[06:40] - Sensuality and Self-Care
[08:38] - Embracing Change and Self-Love

CONNECT WITH LISA:

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Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Benefits with Anna Middleton

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0100

Happy 2026!

One of the reasons I created Love This Food Thing was to help people find their way to good health and well being which is why we’re excited to bring you this new year episode with amateur expert mycologist Anna Middleton.

“The core reason I love mushrooms is to do with the health properties - physically, mentally and emotionally they are incredible - but they’re also great connectors. They help us connect to each other and ourselves. I have one foot in the science and one foot in the magic. Our relationship with funghi is old! I like to consider mushrooms as our ancestors.”

A brief overview:

Origins and history of Funghi
Medicinal and functional aspects of: reishi, chaga, cordyceps and Lion’s Mane.
Plus a psychedelic ending on Psilocybin and Flyer Garrick.

Always do your own research and consult a medical practitioner where necessary.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:18] - Meet Anna Middleton: Health and Nutrition Coach
[01:05] - The Healing Power of Mushrooms
[02:45] - Understanding Fungi: The Ancient Organisms
[07:48] - Mushrooms in History and Their Uses
[14:29] - Reishi: The Meditation Mushroom
[24:34] - Chaga: The King of Mushrooms
[35:31] - Enhancing Fertility and Libido with Mushrooms
[37:21] - Cordyceps: Energy and Performance Enhancer
[42:22] - Lion's Mane: The Brain-Boosting Mushroom
[58:35] - Exploring Psychedelic Mushrooms

CONNECT WITH ANNA:

For the products we mention you can either go straight to the supplier: thebristolfungarian.co, londonootropics.com, hybridherbs.com and hifasdaterra.com or you can order from naturaldispensary.co.uk using Anna’s affiliate code AMNI15 for a 15% discount.

Disclaimer: Anna receives a commission when you use this code.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Why Menopause Changes How You Need Protein with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach Lisa G, where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause.

In episode three of our four-part menopause mini-series, Jemma is joined again by Lisa to talk about one topic that comes up again and again for women in midlife: protein.

If you’ve ever felt more fatigued, foggy, hungry, or noticed your body responding differently to food during perimenopause or menopause — this episode is for you. And if you have a complicated relationship with food, you’re especially not alone.

This conversation gently explores why protein matters so much during menopause, without rules, pressure, or perfection.

Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30] - The Importance of Protein During Menopause
[01:26] - Challenges and Solutions for Protein Intake
[05:59] - Protein Sources and Recommendations
[08:56] - Practical Protein-Rich Meal Ideas

CONNECT WITH LISA G:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Food, Mood and Menopause with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode we chat about the impact of declining estrogen on neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline, and how this affects mood and stress. Lisa explains the importance of nutrients such as Vitamin C, B vitamins, L-Theanine, and magnesium for supporting adrenal health and mental well-being.

We also discuss food sources like leafy greens, supplements suitable for various dietary needs, and emphasise the importance of self-care (hello, Epsom salt baths!), understanding body changes, and making small, sustainable dietary adjustments during menopause.

Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:55] - Food, Mood, and Menopause
[01:43] - Understanding Neurotransmitters and Hormones
[02:59] - Supporting Adrenal Health with Nutrients
[04:36] - Magnesium and Its Benefits
[07:56] - The Importance of Gut Health
[09:33] - Small Sustainable Changes for Menopausal Health
[10:17] - Adapting Exercise During Menopause

CONNECT WITH LISA:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Body Image and Weight Gain with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0100

Welcome to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause.

Or as we’re calling it Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas.

First up: Body Image and Perimenopause.

We discuss the mind**** nature of our bodies changing, when there’s nothing you can do about it.

Hormonal fluctuations. Embracing the change. Ways to get in touch with your body. Seeing menopause as a wonderful opportunity for a new beginning.

And there’s an extra add on where Lisa asks me some personal questions!

Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:01] - Understanding Perimenopause and Weight Gain
[03:58] - Body Image Challenges During Menopause
[06:12] - Embracing the Menopausal Journey
[07:25] - Top Tips for Connecting with Your Body
[09:44] - Recognising Perimenopause Symptoms
[11:05] - Personal Experiences and Advice
[11:36] - Q&A: Relationship with Food and Menstrual Cycle

CONNECT WITH LISA:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Eating Disorder Treatment with Laura Casey

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0100

Laura Casey is the Director of Services at the Lois Treatment Centre for Eating Disorders in Dublin.

Laura says: “For the person to realise WHY… always helps their recovery because although they can’t change what happened, they can know why this happened. And then what their triggers are, which gets them to a point where they’re more resilient because they’ve done the work.”

Laura is passionate about a multi pronged approach for eating disorder recovery.

In this episode, we talk about the healthcare system, accessing treatment and how the lack of resources impedes a successful recovery.

And so much more!

I loved my chat with Laura. She's a ray of sunshine.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:21] - Laura's Personal Relationship with Food
[02:14] - Raising the Next Generation
[06:31] - The Importance of Enjoying Food
[08:08] - Laura's Career in Mental Health
[09:31] - Understanding Eating Disorders and Trauma
[20:12] - Challenges in the Healthcare System
[28:43] - Challenges with Medication and Eating Disorders
[31:55] - The Complexity of Eating Disorders
[35:39] - Wellness Recovery Action Plan
[38:12] - Support and Self-Compassion Strategies

CONNECT WITH LAURA CASEY:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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The Menopause with Nutritionist and Health Coach, Lisa G

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

Lisa believes in using food as medicine.

“The starting point for me with clients, if appropriate, is to balance out stress levels. I like to work holistically, it’s never ever just about the food you eat it’s all about small sustainable changes.”

I met Lisa on a retreat. She hosted my welcome interview and instinctively knew I was on the edge of burn out. I was so comforted by her warmth and expertise that I invited her onto the podcast.

From a young age Lisa suffered with polycystic ovaries and severe hormonal imbalances. After an early surgical menopause she was left unsupported and alone.

Lisa is a menopausal hormone expert and because of her own experiences dedicated to supporting women through any “hormonal storm”.

We talked about hormones and menopause but had so much to say that we may well record some more.

Stay tuned!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:09] - Lisa's Personal Health Journey
[02:30] - Understanding Polycystic Ovaries and Insulin Resistance
[06:33] - Navigating Menopause: Lisa's Experience
[12:58] - The Role of Hormones in Women's Health
[18:28] - The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Mental and Physical Health
[31:44] - Breaking the Silence on Women's Health
[32:26] - Understanding the Microbiome
[34:45] - The Role of Testosterone in Women's Health
[36:42] - Navigating Menopause
[37:28] - The Importance of Hormone Research and Testing
[41:07] - Holistic Approaches to Health and Wellness
[46:38] - The Power of Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
[54:01] - Embracing Menopause as a New Beginning

CONNECT WITH LISA G:

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Anorexia and Recovery in the Middle Place with Mallary Tenore Tarpley

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0100

“I found I wanted to stop time. If I could stay the same size as when my Mum was alive I could be closer to her. So I ended up restricting my food intake not because I wanted to be skinny but because I wanted to feel small and safe.”

Mallary developed anorexia after the loss of her Mum. Some misguided nutritional education at school helped fuel her symptoms and OCD; a time consuming jumping habit. Young Mallary was determined to be perfect.

Many years later when Mallary was teaching journalists how to write restorative narratives and include the forgotten “messy middle/ middle place” she had a lightbulb moment.

What if she explored her own “middle place?” Would this put the brakes on her quest for perfection and open the space up with her ongoing recovery? The answer can be found in Mallary’s book: SLIP: Life In The Middle Of Eating Disorder Recovery.

I recorded this podcast with Mallary the morning after the launch of her debut book SLIP: Life In The Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery.

What a pro!

I really enjoyed our chat. It was full of insightful and lived experience wisdom.

Mallary made me think about my own stuff, which is always a plus. Enjoy.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

00:27 - Mallary's Book and Its Themes
01:42 - Mallary's Relationship with Food
02:22 - Struggles with Anorexia
02:50 - Impact of Mother's Death
04:02 - Complications of Eating Disorders
08:56 - Mallary's Teenage Years
11:07 - College Challenges and Binge Eating
18:47 - The Concept of the Middle Place
26:44 - Struggles and Progress in Recovery
32:29 - Mallory's Book, Slip
33:06 - Motherhood and Recovery Challenges
35:11 - Obsessive Behaviours Postpartum
36:38 - Research and Awareness on Eating Disorders

CONNECT WITH MALLARY TENORE TARPLEY:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Running and Anorexia with Sean Blake

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0100

Sean says, “I always remember, one time, getting off the bike and just shivering, I think I’d even stopped sweating. I remember falling onto my bed. I have this memory of a long tunnel and there’s two silhouettes at the end of it. I don’t know where it came from. I blacked out. I went in to my wife and I said I need help. I think I’ve got a problem with food.

I’d get up at 5am every morning to run. I’d run if it was raining, snowing, if I was injured. One time I was out running and I started crying because I didn’t like doing it. It was so hard but I knew I couldn’t give up. I lived to run. I’d wake up anxious because I wanted to get out that door and run.”

As a kid Sean didn’t like to eat.

He felt constantly anxious.

During his teenage years Sean drank. Later he swapped alcohol for the gym and quickly became obsessed. He gave up the gym and started running. He ran and ate as little as possible. It was the only way he could manage his feelings of self hate and anxiety, But neither worked so he ran more and ate even less.

One day he fell apart.

Join me to hear Sean’s remarkable story and ongoing recovery. Sean is one of life’s natural storytellers; his openness and desire to spread the word make his episode a must listen.

Here’s to you, Sean.

We need more voices like you.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:39] - Early Struggles with Food and Anxiety
[05:05] - Teenage Years: Coping Mechanisms and Alcohol
[07:16] - The Impact of Anorexia on Daily Life
[21:18] - Family and Relationships Amidst Struggles
[24:32] - Reaching Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
[28:48] - Seeking Help and Initial Diagnosis
[29:16] - Therapy and Realisation
[29:44] - Hospitalisation and Treatment
[32:27] - Inpatient Experience
[37:08] - Compassion Therapy and Recovery
[41:14] - Reflections and Advice
[51:03] - Final Thoughts and Favourite Foods

CONNECT WITH SEAN BLAKE:

Follow Sean on Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Healing from Within: An Intuitive Journey with Katie Beecher

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 +0100

“Katie Beecher is… eerily accurate. Her readings… have a heavy dose of spiritual insight, too, which goes straight to what’s going on in your emotional life.”

Katie Beecher, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Medical and Emotional Intuitive with over thirty five years of experience. Katie is featured in over 200 media outlets including Goop, Kourtney Kardashian’s website Poosh and Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics Blog.

Katie says, “when I was 10 years old I went through early puberty. I was bullied relentlessly for what I looked like. For having breasts. For having hair. For being a little bit different. That took me to a place of intense shame; wanting to hide, hating being female and hating my body.”

Join me to hear Katie describe the routine that keeps both her body and mind healthy (clue; pole dancing) while helping others recover from eating disorders by treating the root causes and healing from within.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:19] - Meet Katie Beecher: Medical and Spiritual Intuitive
[01:05] - Katie's Unique Process and Intuitive Soul Painting
[03:45] - Katie's Relationship with Food and Recovery Journey
[08:22] - Early Life Challenges and Eating Disorder Onset
[14:11] - Therapy and Self-Discovery
[26:06] - Expressing Through Movement
[26:41] - Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
[27:22] - Challenges and Symptoms of EDS
[29:18] - Diagnosis and Support for EDS
[32:32] - Empowerment Through Physical Strength
[36:36] - Root Causes of Eating Disorders
[39:49] - Spiritual and Emotional Healing

CONNECT WITH KATIE BEECHER:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Weight Loss Drugs and Overcoming Binge Eating with Marcelle Rose

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0100

“I completely understand the pull (of weight loss drugs) why many people see it as a solution but I’m concerned about the fact that we don't have long term data or studies re the health effects and for people with eating disorders it can be a disaster and potentially create/contribute to disordered eating.”

Our first podcast guest for 2025 is Marcelle Rose, an Emotional and Disordered Eating Specialist and registered dietician.

We cover weight loss drugs, fear around food, appetite and Marcelle’s best selling book The Binge Freedom Method with her four pillar system to help you back on track.

“There is always an opportunity to overcome an eating disorder and reclaim your life.”

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:28] - Marcelle's Personal Journey with Food
[04:18] - The Impact of Weight Loss Medication
[06:57] - Understanding Emotional Eating
[15:00] - Marcelle's Training and Approach to Nutrition
[19:31] - Navigating Food Choices and Flexibility
[27:58] - Struggles with Orthorexia
[28:54] - Impact of Training on Food Relationship
[30:19] - Emotions After Binge Eating
[31:55] - Introduction to Marcelle's Book
[36:00] - The Four Pillars of Binge Freedom

CONNECT WITH MARCELLE ROSE:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Overcoming Eating Disorders with Lisa Marie

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Season 8 concludes with Lisa Marie who recently returned to day treatment for anorexia.

“I’ll be trying to get a meal deal in my half hour lunch break and half an hour will go by because I’m stood there, staring at everyone else watching them pick out the first sandwich they see.

I’m like, should I have this one, should I have that one, what’s got less in, what’s got more in, should I get something else, should I not have anything. Shall I just have a coffee.

It’s truly exhausting.”

Lisa is on a mission to move on from her eating disorders and get her life back. She says this is her last chance.

Lisa was doing really well until after the pandemic and she went back to the gym. Then her best friend died from anorexia.

This is a must listen for anyone caught up in the eating disorder zone.

Lisa is a candid and vulnerable guest. Her description about the battle to get well is pitch perfect.

This episode is dedicated to Lisa’s best friend, Nikki Grahame.

*Trigger warning: Binge Foods at 21:11.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:31] - Lisa's Relationship with Food
[02:11] - The Voice Inside: Struggles and Challenges
[04:46] - Navigating Treatment and Daily Life
[08:08] - Perfectionism and Its Roots
[12:16] - The Dance Career and Its Impact
[15:50] - Binge-Purge Cycle: The Hidden Struggle
[24:07] - Coping with Overwhelm and Eating Disorders
[24:43] - Meeting Nikki: A Bond Over Shared Struggles
[28:01] - Lockdown Challenges and Nikki's Decline
[32:56] - Personal Struggles and Seeking Treatment
[35:59] - The Role of Therapy in Recovery
[39:48] - Expressing Emotions Through Art
[46:18] - Final Thoughts and Advice for Others

CONNECT WITH LISA MARIE:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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My Young Daughter and Anorexia with Emma

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“I can really remember that the relationship with self was difficult. If I trace back to that growing, lovely young girl at 7/8/9 there was a little shift in body shape. I could see she wasn’t happy with herself….

I noticed a lot of self loathing creeping in. I used to really worry. I remember going into her room once and she was hitting her stomach.”

Emma didn’t notice her daughter had developed anorexia until they were about to board a plane for a family holiday.

Emma’s been on a steep learning curve ever since.

Her warm and compassionate take on recent events will help anyone in a similar situation.

There is always hope.

Emma wishes to remain anonymous.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:13] - Emma's Relationship with Food
[02:42] - Family Dynamics and Food
[05:39] - Early Signs of Trouble
[14:54] - Bullying and Its Impact
[17:49] - The Skipping Rope Obsession
[24:36] - The Role of Social Media
[28:56] - The Impact of Loss and Eating Restrictions
[31:11] - Escalating Worries and Medical Intervention
[40:20] - Support Systems and Family Involvement
[45:19] - Road to Recovery and Ongoing Challenges
[49:21] - A Positive Turn and Future Hopes

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Relapsing and Recovery with Prue [Part 2]

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“Initially it didn’t look like a relapse. My frame of mind was, I exercise a lot, I’m in a place where I’m eating well. I feel a lot stronger, physically and mentally. I felt in such a good place I thought I would really like to lose some weight. I just wanted to feel I had some control over my body and the way it looked!”

Welcome back to Prue Part 2, for another intimate and candid chat.

Prue wishes to remain anonymous.

Prue first spoke on the Love This Food Thing Podcast in Season 6 (Ep 55) about the impact of being sent to boarding school aged 11 and the link between her diabetes and anorexia.

No one came to her rescue.

This episode is a super helpful insight for anyone going through similar issues. Join me to hear Prue’s thoughts on recovery, relapsing and how you can rescue yourself.

“Nothing ever stays the same. Everything passes.”

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:58] - Reflecting on Past Episodes and Personal Struggles
[01:36] - The Impact of Boarding School and Family Dynamics
[04:00] - Exploring the Emotions Behind Eating Disorders
[06:00] - The Role of Control and Anger in Eating Disorders
[08:26] - Coping Mechanisms and Family Influence
[12:50] - The Concept of Embodiment and Control
[18:26] - Relapse and Recovery: A Personal Account
[28:32] - Reliving Childhood Anorexia
[29:20] - Struggles with Weight Maintenance
[31:51] - Binge Eating and Self-Realisation
[38:07] - Setting Boundaries and Emotional Healing
[44:07] - Reflections on Recovery

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Inherited Trauma Release Therapy with Jonathan Meenagh

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“We’re not just a product of our parents, but all our ancestors who came before us and what happened to them. We get an inheritance when we’re born into a family, the difficulties, events and patterns of how these people felt. What doesn’t get resolved in a family in the generation it happens is then passed onto the next generation that comes into the family."

Jonny is an Inherited Trauma Release Therapist whose life was forever changed after his first trauma release session for hoarding (previously food) and sneaker addiction.

Jonny’s rational and scientific mind was officially blown when he discovered these patterns had belonged to an ancestor and he left the session, finally free.

I met Jonny at a friend’s BBQ and within the hour I’d invited him onto the podcast. Now I’ve experienced this life changing technique myself I am going to say, BEYOND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED… especially for those things you just can’t shift.

This is a brilliant, must listen episode.

Jonny offers a free 15 minute consultation to anyone who is interested in finding out more. Check out the links below!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:10] - Understanding Ancestral Trauma
[04:26] - Jonathan's Personal Struggles with Food
[05:29] - Exploring the Roots of Food Issues
[10:40] - From Food to Sneakers: A New Addiction
[12:09] - The Turning Point: Seeking Help for Sneaker Addiction
[15:04] - The Breakthrough: Ancestral Trauma Therapy
[18:53] - The Aftermath: Life Post-Therapy
[23:28] - The Subtle Yet Profound Changes
[25:37] - Energetic Inheritance and Ancestral Patterns
[27:51] - Family Dynamics and Emotional Resonance
[31:53] - Releasing Trauma and Healing Modalities
[37:30] - The Process of Healing and Resolution
[42:45] - Ethics and Personal Experiences

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN MEENAGH:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

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Healing Anorexia and Binge Eating Using the Law of Attraction with Amanda Dixon

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Amanda never imagined that she’d ever recover after 25 years of eating disorders and exercise bulimia.

“The final turning point was when I had a huge binge one day and was extremely underweight. I went to exercise for four hours. My son was in daycare. I felt so much shame and guilt for eating so much I thought I’m going to make myself throw up. I’d tried before, but thankfully it never worked, but I tried until my throat was bleeding.

I just lay on the bathroom floor and thought I cannot live with this desperation in my life. I’m going to try one more time to recover and if it doesn’t work I’ll let the eating disorders take me.”

Amanda is a stay at home Mum who tried to recover several times, but it was only when she discovered The Law of Attraction via a podcast that she was finally able to challenge her thoughts and beliefs and get her life back.

Amanda’s story is another example of turning the prevailing narrative that you can’t recover from an eating disorder on its head.

She describes her experience as going from “broken to soaring.”

Be uplifted by Amanda’s story.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:50] - Amanda's Relationship with Food
[04:07] - The Cycle of Binging and Exercising
[08:31] - Early Signs and Teenage Struggles
[13:36] - Attempts at Recovery and Setbacks
[18:32] - Marriage, Motherhood, and Postpartum Depression
[26:33] - Discovering the Law of Attraction
[27:34] - The Role of a Coach in Recovery
[29:25] - Shifting Perspectives on Exercise
[33:24] - The Power of Sitting with Discomfort
[34:43] - Finding Joy and Energy Post-Recovery
[39:47] - A Mission to Help Others Recover

CONNECT WITH AMANDA DIXON:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Healing From Abuse and Starvation with Alix Nugent

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Alix was punished with starvation and isolation by some of the nuns at her Catholic Boarding School.

“I remember being locked in the attic looking out the window and one of the girls said, there’s Alix. I shouted down, I’ve had no food and these girls who weren’t normally nice to me - they used to call me orphan - opened up their lunch boxes and threw their food up trying to get it through the window. I remember chocolate digestives flying through the air and hitting the floor. I was so grateful.”

Alix binges to soothe her fear. Sometimes, she feels guilty, but she’s learning to let herself off the hook.

Alix hails from a mediumistic family and was aligned with the laws of Buddhism long before she established her chanting practice. Alix’s belief that she came into this life to learn compassion helps her deal with the extreme nature of her experiences.

Alix works as a psychic, intuitive tarot reader with a gift for seeing the circumstances of someone’s life, reading their karma and helping them get to a happier place.

If there was ever an example of releasing trauma and the past with love and understanding then Alix is it!

Must listen. Tune in!

P.S. Alix is the best tarot reader I’ve ever seen.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:37] - Alix's Early Struggles with Food
[01:39] - Exploring Fear and Its Impact on Eating
[07:50] - Punishments and Isolation at Boarding School
[14:00] - Acts of Kindness Amidst Hardship
[16:10] - Confronting the Nuns and Seeking Justice
[20:17] - Life After Boarding School
[25:08] - Embracing Mediumship and Tarot
[27:44] - Healing Through Spiritual Practices
[31:44] - Challenges of Modern Youth
[38:54] - The Power of Tarot Readings
[46:11] - Food, Fear, and Family

CONNECT WITH ALIX:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Anorexia Recovery and Nutritional Wellness with Anne Richardson

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“It was just a sense of not being good enough. Not good enough because I’m a girl and boys are better. At school I wasn’t good enough. I had everything I needed but my house wasn’t good enough. I lived in quite a messy house. A bit dirty really…

I remember watching a film about a little girl doing ballet, and I did ballet and she ended up with an eating disorder. I remember thinking, wouldn’t it be great to have anorexia.”

Anne’s home life was chaotic due, mostly, to her unpredictable father who wished that Anne had been a boy.

Consequently, she never felt good enough.

Anne’s anorexia kicked in from the ages of 16 - 21. She knew she’d never recover at home so she packed her bags and moved to London where she rebuilt her life.

In this episode, we explore Anne’s relationship with her father and how his absence still resonates.

Anne is warm and, exceptionally, candid. Enjoy.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:38] - Anne's Early Life and Relationship with Food
[08:30] - Family Dynamics and Personal Challenges
[17:21] - Coping Mechanisms and the Path to Recovery
[25:41] - Moving Forward: Life Changes and Reflections
[29:13] - Reflecting on a Challenging Relationship with Dad
[30:13] - Healing and Acceptance
[33:47] - Understanding Eating Disorders
[34:52] - Body Image and Self-Perception
[35:54] - Journey to Recovery
[38:39] - Career Shift to Nutrition
[43:18] - Core Beliefs and Therapy

CONNECT WITH ANNE RICHARDSON:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Orri: A Place of Sanctuary, Safety and Shelter with Kerrie Jones

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Kerrie is a leading Psychotherapist in the treatment of eating disorders and the founder and CEO of Orri, the Eating Disorder Treatment Clinic.

“I think I knew from the age of twelve or thirteen that I would do something to help people. It felt really, really important to me and I know it’s a bit of a cliché but I always felt like I was somebody people would come and talk to and I liked being that person.

A lot of my early training was looking at that. and understanding what it was about because you’re not there to rescue and save everybody as a therapist, you’re there to create a space for someone to ultimately do that themselves.”

Kerrie’s love of dance started at a young age and despite being in an atypical dancer’s body she thrived during her performing career.

The skills she learnt as a performer, writing, directing and then PR stood her in good stead during her psychotherapy training.

I’ve said in the past that not all therapists are created equal but I would happily sit in Kerrie’s consulting room and share my psyche.

In this episode we talk about mental health parlance, the nature of eating disorders and how the prevailing narrative, that you can’t recover, just… isn’t…. true.

You can.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:17] - The Meaning Behind Orri
[04:39] - Growing Up and Body Image
[08:18] - Dancing and Body Perception
[12:46] - Transition to Psychotherapy
[16:35] - The World of Eating Disorders Today
[26:23] - Challenging the Narrative of Eating Disorders
[28:36] - The Role of Identity in Eating Disorders
[29:55] - The Importance of Individualised Care
[31:25] - The Complexity of Eating Disorders
[33:33] - The Therapeutic Journey
[37:54] - The Hope for Recovery
[43:10] - Final Thoughts and Reflections

CONNECT WITH ORRI:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Overcoming Food and Alcohol Addiction with Victoria Palmer

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Victoria is an award-winning Certified Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Coach, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Guide & Moonologer.

“I would stop at the garage on the way back from work and buy sandwiches and crisps and chocolate and eat those in the car on my way home. I was in a very destructive relationship at the time. I got bigger and bigger and bigger.”

Victoria opted for surgical intervention to help with her binge-eating, quit drinking in 2010 and then had her daughter in 2015. During this time her spirituality blossomed, but some old food issues reappeared.

After many years Victoria overcame her food and alcohol addiction. She absolutely believes in taking responsibility for her life and behaviours, and it's this teaching she passes onto her clients.

Join me and be uplifted by Victoria’s story of how she overcame some serious challenges and transformed her life.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:09] - Victoria's Personal Journey with Food
[06:56] - Childhood Bullying and Its Impact
[11:29] - Struggles with Weight and Turning Points
[15:18] - The Decision for Weight Loss Surgery
[21:12] - Post-Surgery Challenges and Alcoholism
[24:43] - The Role of Spirituality in Recovery
[26:01] - First Steps Towards Recovery
[28:56] - Challenges and Relapses
[32:08] - Body Image and Self-Acceptance
[35:26] - Emotional Healing and Spiritual Practices
[43:52] - Responsibility and Personal Growth

CONNECT WITH VICTORIA PALMER:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Why Women Struggle to be Embodied with Dr. Fiona Vera-Gray

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Dr Fiona Vera-Gray is one of the UK’S leading feminist academics working on violence against women and girls. She is also the author of Women On Porn, her first book for a mainstream audience.

“There’s research that’s been done about how girls' bodily capacity starts to change at around twelve, it’s not to do with puberty, they start to learn to restrict themselves…

… a fantastic paper Throwing Like a Girl by Iris Marion Young talks about the idea of inhabited intentionality, you get to a point where if you throw a ball at a boy when he’s eleven or twelve, he will reach out to get the ball because he experiences his body as being in the world; it’s safe for him to be in the world, the world and his body is one. If you throw it at a girl she will stand there and wait for the ball to come to her body because she doesn’t have that expansiveness - ‘ontological expansiveness,’ where you feel your being is expansive, you can take up space.”

Fiona speaks with a fluent and light touch and decades of experience combined with her natural warmth and humanity.

We talk about what it is to be in your body, why so many women struggle and crucially the lack of conversation around the effects of sexual violence from the male gaze to rape.

We also talk about porn, our compare and contrast culture and a host of other things.

Disclaimer: This is an essential listen for all of us but best to listen when little people are not in the room.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:08] - Journey into Feminist Philosophy
[02:23] - The Rewarding Work in Violence Prevention
[05:09] - Exploring Relationship with Food
[07:09] - Impact of Societal Expectations on Body Image
[20:34] - The Complexities of Eating Disorders
[30:49] - The Power of Choice in Recovery and Violence
[31:49] - Societal Attitudes Towards Violence
[34:08] - Impact of the Internet on Society
[36:01] - Men's Choices and Masculinity
[37:17] - Therapist Insights on Domestic Violence
[37:52] - Fiona's Book: Women on Porn
[52:08] - The Importance of Discussing Sexuality and Pornography

CONNECT WITH DR FIONA VERA-GRAY:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Answering Your Questions about Eating Disorders with Jemma Richards

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Eating Disorders are a broad church. We all have our stories to tell and unique perspectives to share.

I believe that eating disorders are physical symptoms of internal distress with notable exceptions - sufferers with ARFID, varying shades of autism and ADHD, there are probably more - but mostly from my own experience and what I hear from others, it’s about manifesting stuff, “out there” because of an inability to deal with, for whatever reason, what is, “in here.”

I also believe in everyone’s potential to recover and that recovery is not for the faint hearted - meaning it takes work, commitment and courage to embrace and explore our, “shadow lands and selves.”

I loved making this episode. It felt like a real privilege to answer some of your questions. I had much more to say, especially around shame and secrecy - maybe we can explore that next time.

Thank you for listening and for your continued support!

DISCLAIMER: Jemma is not a therapist or ED counsellor. The opinions and views shared within this episode are based on Jemma’s personal experience suffering with Eating Disorders/ behaviours for over two decades.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30] - Jemma’s Personal Journey with Eating Disorders
[05:16] - The Impact of Eating Disorders on Relationships
[15:54] - Exploring the Connection Between Eating Disorders and Veganism
[24:25] - Overcoming the Fear of Recovery
[26:20] - Building New Neural Pathways for Recovery
[27:33] - Understanding the Force Behind Eating Disorders
[29:22] - Exploring the Fear of Being 'Bigger'
[30:09] - Dealing with Life's Challenges Beyond Eating Disorders
[32:32] - The Power of Breathing and Grounding Techniques
[33:33] - Practising Flexibility and Relinquishing Control
[34:54] - Writing a Positive Counter Story
[37:01] - Understanding the Concept of Quasi Recovery
[42:26] - Recognizing Full Recovery
[45:03] - Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Transforming Your Health and Habits with Steve Brenner

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Steve is a nutritionist and owner of the Mind Muscle Clinic.

“Trying to educate people that it isn’t as difficult as it may seem, a lot of people who have come to me as a client dread it… but once they see the benefits it becomes a new habit. A new way of life."

On one level, the “it” Steve talks about is health and fitness but on another, he’s alluding to the courage and motivation it takes to change what no longer serves you.

Steve transformed his life.

He gave up a stressful non-stop business, retrained and went from 24 stone to 18 stone in 12-months. Motivated by his desire to be a “great Dad”, gave him focus but Steve is also one of those people who just gets on with what needs to be done. I found his no nonsense approach inspiring. He now helps others, who share a similar story, transform.

DISCLAIMER: We talk about fat loss and diet, albeit in a benign way, but only in relation to Steve’s story and not as a prescription for anyone else.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:26] - Steve's Childhood and Early Relationship with Food
[14:03] - Steve's Wake Up Call and Decision to Change
[15:46] - Steve's Journey to Becoming a Personal Trainer
[21:10] - Steve's Diet Transformation and New Relationship with Food
[24:11] - Transitioning from Processed Foods to Whole Foods
[30:18] - The Impact of Fitness on Personal Confidence and Life
[33:29] - The Journey from Alcoholism to Sobriety
[40:35] - Breaking Bad Habits and Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
[42:36] - Body Image and Fitness Culture Among Men
[43:37] - Nourishing the Next Generation: Teaching Kids about Healthy Eating

CONNECT WITH STEVE:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

From Eating Disorder to Self-Love with Flurina Dominique Thali

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“I always said I’m recovering from eating difficulties and eating disorders. When I realised it’s much less about recovering, but about uncovering I started to call my journey the uncovering journey.”

Flurina is an osteopath, dancer and creator of The Breathing Body Podcast.

When Flurina was eleven she had an idea that being thin would make her happier. This random thought caused years of disordered eating and exercise. As time passed Flurina’s double life proved exhausting - bright and sunny on the outside, but internally, sad and depressed.

She sought treatment/support but nothing changed until she read Dr Anita Johnston’s book Eating in the LIght of the Moon.

Finally, she began to heal as she reconnected with her “miraculous’ physical body.

Flurina believes, as we do at Love This Food Thing, that eating disorders and behaviours when properly understood and explored can be powerful healing tools.

P.S. Apologies for a technical issue regarding sound quality until 15.31 — all good after that!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:12] - Flurina's Journey with Eating Disorders
[02:10] - The Turning Point: Uncovering vs Recovering
[14:58] - The Double Life of an Eating Disorder
[20:46] - The Struggle with Self-Worth
[21:30] - The Triggering Environment of Dance
[22:39] - The Start of Self-Healing
[26:05] - Embracing the Embodied Approach to Recovery
[26:58] - The Realisation: It's Not About the Food
[27:17] - Entering the Creative Process
[28:19] - The Grief Phase of Healing
[32:23] - The Role of Support in Recovery
[34:15] - The Transition from Dance to Osteopathy
[36:16] - The Power of Saying 'Yes' to Life

CONNECT WITH FLURINA:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Anorexia: A Mother’s Perspective with Lorraine

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“I sometimes feel that the eating disorder has tried to trick me. To feel that we’re getting somewhere and then that door shuts. I feel it morphs itself into something different.”

I have wanted to interview a mother with a child who has an eating disorder ever since I started this podcast.

Lorraine’s daughter is now in her early 30’s. Her eating disorder behaviour began when she was 15. It’s been a long hard slog for the entire family, but today they are in a better place.

This is an intimate and raw episode. Listening to Lorraine’s perspective is heartbreaking at times, but I think it’s essential for sufferers and supporters alike.

Tune in.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:52] - Lorraine's Childhood and Family's Relationship with Food
[06:08] - Lorraine's Daughter's Struggle with Anorexia
[10:53] - The Impact of Anorexia on the Family
[17:13] - Seeking Help and Navigating the Healthcare System
[25:25] - Reflections on Parenting and Coping with a Child's Eating Disorder
[27:20] - Dealing with Guilt and Emotional Struggles
[28:11] - Finding Humour in Difficult Times
[29:19] - Impact on Personal Relationships
[30:34] - The Struggles of Parenting a Child with an Eating Disorder
[31:52] - The Journey of Separating the Disorder from the Person
[33:44] - The Power of Support Networks
[34:34] - The Role of Therapy and Interventions
[36:42] - The Struggles of Maintaining a Relationship Amidst the Disorder
[45:14] - The Power of Hope and Persistence

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

An Autistic and Neurodiversity Chat (Part 2) with Livia Sara

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

It was lovely to reconnect with Liv from the Liv Label Free Podcast for our autistic and neurodiversity chat. Liv has a unique and illuminating perspective and is very much about the lived experience helping others find their way without judgement or shame.

This is a slightly random episode away from our normal fare. I was trialling new contact lenses to correct an astigmatism and they really affected my brain function (excuses, ahem). Spot the places where I struggle for words - I checked with my optician and she confirmed it’s tough on those neural pathways at first.

Hahaha bad work people blame their tools.

Enjoy!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:59] - Understanding Autism and ADHD
[04:19] - The Impact of Neurodivergence on Life
[09:07] - Discussing Famous Neurodivergent Figures
[12:28] - The Connection Between Neurodivergence and Creativity
[14:45] - Reflecting on Personal Experiences
[36:15] - Understanding the Role of Lived Experience

CONNECT WITH LIVIA SARA:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

On A Mission To Dismantle Diet Culture with Sabrina Magnan

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Sabrina’s pivotal moment around her disordered eating and orthorexia happened when she became an aunt for the first time.

“It should've been the happiest day of my life and all I remember is the food. I spent the entire day around the buffet table because my Mom had caterers and we had all this food I didn’t allow myself to eat.

I kept filling my plate up and then going back for more to a point that I felt so sick… that night I sat in my parent’s basement, I felt so miserable, cold and unhappy and I asked myself, ‘do I want to keep living this way when I’m 50, 60, 70-years old?’”.

Today, Sabrina is on a mission to dismantle diet culture.

Her food and body issues started when Sabrina was a young girl training in synchronised swimming - a judged sport where image dictates success. Her disordered thinking and behaviour around food and her body continued post university until a wake up call, which motivated Sabrina to embrace her fears and move to Italy for a life changing experience.

This is an empowering, feel good episode due to Sabrina’s vulnerability and candid storytelling that will resonate with all of our listeners. It’s always good to hear when someone has saved themselves and is loving life. Tune in!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:46] - Impact of Body Image in Synchronised Swimming
[03:22] - Sabrina's Struggle with Body Image
[08:42] - Transition from Swimming to University
[16:26] - Battle with Orthorexia
[21:50] - Reflections on Diet Culture
[26:17] - The Illusion of Control and Happiness
[27:07] - The Impact of Food Obsession on Social Life
[28:40] - Struggling with Eating Disorders
[28:58] - A Wake-Up Call in the Basement
[30:24] - The Life-Changing Trip to Italy
[39:48] - The Transition from Weight Loss Coach to Intuitive Eating Advocate
[53:01] - The Mission to Dismantle Diet Culture

CONNECT WITH SABRINA:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) with Dr. Rob Willson

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“It’s not uncommon for people to try out their own DIY cosmetic surgery by cutting their faces or stomachs to squeeze out fat or super glue their ears or deliberately break their own noses so they can do their own rhinoplasty.

When people become desperate and have BDD the only vehicle - in their minds - for any chance of future happiness is some form of physical change in their appearance.”

Dr. Rob Willson PhD is a cognitive behaviour therapist (CBT), with a special interest in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). He is currently the chair of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation, which is the world’s first charity exclusively devoted to the condition.

Interestingly, research shows that although eating disorders and BDD share similarities regarding body image issues, BDD is a very separate condition. The most effective treatment to date is CBT.

The Body Dysmorphic Foundation is a one stop shop for anything related to BDD packed full of resources, therapists and support. Rob would like to see a support group in every town and city as BDD often flies under the radar or is masked by another condition.

Rob has co-authored several books, including ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dummies’, ‘Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’ and ‘Overcoming Body Image Problems including Body Dysmorphic Disorder’.

Here at Love This Food Thing, we are big supporters of the BDDF and it was my absolute pleasure to chat with Rob and find out more.

If you are suffering please reach out there is help available and research continues.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:41] - Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder
[02:27] - Dr. Rob Willson's Personal Relationship with Food
[02:59] - Impact of Competitive Powerlifting on Body Image
[14:29] - Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
[24:02] - The Role of Mindfulness in Therapy
[27:11] - Effectiveness of CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
[29:03] - Early Experiences with BDD Patients
[30:36] - Understanding the Severity of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
[31:17] - The Impact on Daily Life
[33:58] - Differentiating Between BDD and Body Image Issues
[36:40] - The Challenge of Diagnosing BDD
[38:53] - The Role of Social Media
[40:44] - The Struggle of Living with BDD
[43:38] - Approaching BDD as a Psychological Problem

CONNECT WITH THE BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER FOUNDATION:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

A Take on Nutrition and Learning to Embrace Food with Nicola Moore

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0100

“Within my first few weeks of practicing people were coming in to see me who wanted a restrictive diet. It didn't make sense. I was concerned about people’s relationship with food… I decided what I wanted to do from the beginning was speak above that noise. I didn’t see it working for people all I saw was it making people more unwell and feeling anxious and fearful around food and that troubled me.”

Growing up food was functional and Nicola didn’t look forward to eating due to some underlying digestive issues.

Everything changed when she started her nutritional studies at Patrick Holford’s Optimum School of Nutrition and later went into private practice.

Nicola embraces both the psychology and physiology of food and believes you cannot have one without the other. This approach helps her clients develop an easy and joyful relationship with food and eating.

Nicola is a trailblazer in her field and keen for the nutritional industry to take responsibility for, sometimes, perpetuating the very problems that people are trying to solve.

Tune in for a fascinating discussion related to food and nutrition and slightly away from the norm.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:30] - Nicola's Personal Relationship with Food
[08:20] - Nicola's Journey into Nutritional Therapy
[21:09] - The Impact of Diet Culture and Social Media
[25:20] - Approach to Helping Clients with Rigid Food Beliefs
[28:20]- Cognitive Reframing and Food Perception
[30:28] - Understanding Emotions and Hunger
[30:58] - The Role of Food in Our Lives
[31:54] - The Destructive Force of Willpower
[32:42] - Eating for Your Microbiome
[33:36] - The Efficacy of Diet Plans
[38:17] - The Role of Nutrition Professionals
[42:00] - The Perceived Perfectionism in the Nutrition Industry
[46:05] - The Importance of Self-Love and Balance

CONNECT WITH NICOLA:

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If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Our Festive Gift to You: Dogs, Food and Canine Behavioural Issues with Laura Doherty

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0100

This episode is kindly sponsored by Nell+Lola (delicious) Natural Dog Treats. Nell+Lola offer 100% natural treats and are supplied direct to you in a sustainable, plastic-free packaging – they’re good for your pet, and the planet! Use the code: LTFT15 to get 15% off your purchase.

This is our festive gift to you all as we know how much (like us) you love your dogs!

Laura Doherty is a dog trainer and behaviourist who uses force free and reward based methods only.

Our dog Bella thinks Laura is her Mum even though I’ve told Bella her Mum is a spaniel.

We had great fun recording; hyped on coffee with the sun beating through the windows on a cold winter’s morning and Bella lying at Laura’s feet saying, ‘please take me with you!’.

We covered dogs and food, dogs barking at the table, dog calming methods, learning dog language, how to teach your dog new behaviours and tons more.

We hope you have a fantastic festive break and spend some quality downtime with your loved ones. We’ll be back with another episode on January 2nd, 2024!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:25] - Understanding Human-Dog Relationships
[02:04] - Exploring Laura's Relationship with Food
[04:57] - Dog's Eating Habits
[08:14] - The Role of Food in Dog's Behaviour
[11:29] - The Impact of Human Food Habits on Dogs
[20:46] - The Importance of Natural Chews for Dogs
[25:33] - Understanding Dog's Behaviour and Reinforcement
[49:10] - Recognising Signs of Discomfort in Dogs
[50:12] - The Importance of Safety for Dogs
[53:41] - Favourite Foods: A Fun Discussion

CONNECT WITH LAURA:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Autism and Anorexia with Livia Sara

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Season Seven.

Our first guest, Livia Sara, is an autism advocate, writer and creator of the Liv Label Free Podcast.

Liv says:

“I like to compare the autism spectrum to the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS)

We have all these different rays, x-rays, gamma rays… what I love about the EMS there are so many rays we cannot perceive with the human eye but that doesn’t make these rays less powerful.

We can’t always see autism, autism does not have a look but autistic people are incredibly powerful.”

Liv found out she was autistic when she was 20, after years of treatment for what health care professionals assumed was anorexia. But when Liv read Asper Girls by Rudy Simone and met with an early coaching client, her world fell into place.

This is a must listen for anyone with autistic loved ones struggling with food or needing insight or just with a curiosity about autism.

Liv brings light to what is a pretty gruelling early life with her gorgeous humour, insight and candour. Liv returns later in the season for an all things autistic chat.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:08] - Understanding autism and Liv’s personal experience
[04:04] - Childhood eating habits and relationship with food
[08:42] - Eating disorder, treatment and diagnosis
[28:16] - The turning point and getting help
[28:36] - Treatment in the United States
[29:32] - The importance of self-decision in recovery
[33:07] - Starting a coaching business
[38:10] - Understanding the link between autism and eating disorders
[40:27] - The Future: Plans for a new book
[41:52] - Changing the conversation about eating disorders
[44:34] - Reflecting on the journey

CONNECT WITH LIV SARAH:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

Astrology, Psychology, the Moon and the Mother with Reina James Reinstein

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“The human condition seems to bob along pretty well in the same place…. Trust is such an issue… I’ve seen very young babies who are already cut off, who’ve already decided that it ain’t going to happen so I might as well cope myself.

That coping stance can become belligerent but it can also simply be a desperate sense of being absolutely adrift, cut off from your spaceship and just out there and then how you come back from that into safety and trust.”

Reina has been a practising astrologer for over 30 years and likes to focus on the client’s early life to explore later patterns in relationships, career choices and wellbeing. There’s always time to explore future events and choices too.

She is also a musician and award winning novelist.

I have known Reina for well over two decades. Her wisdom and insight opened up my heart and helped me back onto my feet. She is an integral part of the village that raised me from a twenty-something mess into a happy and healthy human being by illuminating that we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

This is a very personal podcast episode for me. Reina lobbed a couple of curveball questions my way too (you shoulda seen my face!).

Everyone needs a Reina. I hope you enjoy the final episode of Season 6!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[10:00] - Understanding the basics of astrology
[15:00] - Early years and mothering
[23:40] - Psychology and planets
[28:40] - Mother and the Moon

CONNECT WITH REINA:

If you’d like to book in with Reina and don’t mind waiting, DM us directly on Instagram or send an email to us here: lovethisfoodthing@gmail.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. We also just opened the doors to our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ course. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can combat your ED and addictive behaviours and stay on track with your recovery journey, start or accelerate further…. Head here to check out all of the details: lovethisfoodthing.com/accelerator

Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) Trauma and Over-exercise with Patrick Spring

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Trigger Warning: This episode has mentions of understanding calories in regards to units of energy.

“The body doesn’t know the difference between chemical, physical and emotional stress.”

Patrick is a top level Muscle Activation Techniques RX practitioner and trainer with over 20 years experience across the globe. He is also the author of Health and Fitness Perspective.

MAT is relatively new but certain countries have realised its value and are sending their doctors, physiotherapists and colleagues to the USA for accreditation.

It’s that good!

I was very excited to be introduced to Patrick and MAT and the fact that he has a clinic on my doorstep is a win-win.

“If you think about those primitive states when we needed to be in fight, flight or freeze today we’re in these situations with emotions and stresses eliciting these responses. We’re living life like we’re running from a sabre toothed tiger when we’re not, and our body and brain are saying, "Oh my gosh, this is what is upon us!”

MAT deals with trauma and how the body holds the score. If you exercise, overexercise, live with pain, want to lower inflammation, find ease and strength where there is none and wish to inhabit your body in a healthy nourished way which so many of us do then this episode is for you.

Or if you just want to listen to an awesome, entertaining and highly interesting chat with Patrick and myself tune in too. Like I said in the episode MAT needs to be available for everyone.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[10:00] - What does MAT address?
[19:17] - Pursuit of physical transformations
[27:00] - Effects on musculature and the body when deprived of food or over-exercised
[34:00] - Deep dive into MAT

CONNECT WITH PATRICK:

Patrick’s Instagram

Intrinsic Resistance Training

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Veganism, Bariatric Surgery and V-Land with Founder Will Callaghan and CEO El Archer

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Trigger Warning: This episode has mentions of sexual assault.

“V-Land is an all inclusive platform. Everybody and every body is welcome at V-Land. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, we will accept you for who you are. .. We say on V-Land you don’t need a passport…. We try to make veganism accessible for as many people as possible.

This week I am joined by founder Will and CEO El, from V-Land, an online vegan magazine/platform in the UK and New York. If you are vegan or even remotely plant based or you just want to live a more compassionate life then V-Land is for you.

Will left a highly successful PR career suffering from burnout brought about in part when he became vegan and desired a life with deeper meaning. Will loves food but he suffers from anxiety and depression and more recently he is learning to manage both without overeating.

El grew up with binge eating disorders and food poverty. Sexual assault added to her trauma and El decided to eat so she could disappear and regain control over her body.

When El worked for the NHS she was bullied about her size and health problems led her down the path of bariatric surgery - a decision she now deeply regrets.

I’ve wanted to invite Will onto the podcast for some time but as ever timing prevails and the bonus is the delightful El. We had a great time together despite some serious content. Will and El are a dynamic duo. Articulate, funny and like the proverbial peas in a pod. Love ‘em.

P.S. El will be returning to LTFT to discuss her bariatric surgery in depth and to help anyone else in a similar situation.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:50] - El’s relationship with food
[08:25] - Will’s relationship with food
[16:10] - Bariatric surgery
[36:00] - The world that is V-Land

CONNECT WITH WILL & EI

Will’s Instagram

EI’s Instagram

Vlanduk Instagram

Vlandnyc Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Ancestral Trauma and The Voice Behind the Symptom with Esther Cohen

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Esther Cohen is an intuitive wisdom keeper, eating psychologist and guide for embodied wellbeing. Her work delves into the root cause of illness...

"I think we can trace our disordered eating back to our ancestry and the past few 100 years where women in particular were put in the role that the thinner you were the more godlike or angelic you were. Numerous religious organisations had young women as altar angels and they were starved to death.’

... and explores ancestral and familial trauma and importantly the voice behind the symptom.

“So much of our alternative thinking goes back to our origins. It’s our intuitive wisdom and knowing this that we have as our inheritance which has been sublimated by scientific research which is now looking at all the natural processes and realising they do make us healthier and happier.’

Tune in to hear Esther’s enlightening perspective on trauma, eating disorder behaviours and how to reclaim our innate wisdom for self healing to nourish ourselves with loving kindness.

We had a fascinating chat. I loved it!

I concur that loving kindness is the way and way out from ED and addictive behaviours.

DATE CHANGES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Esther will now be at the Silver Bells Conference at The Falcon, Northampton (UK) on 22nd-23rd July, 2023 presenting on the panel and running a workshop.

She returns to The Falcon to host her Wild Contemplation Retreat from October 6th - 12th, 2023.

See The Falcon here for details!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[08:30] - Ancestral Trauma
[20:15] - Voice behind the symptom
[35:00] - Trauma in the system
[40:00] - Exercise: in pausing

CONNECT WITH ESTHER:

Esther’s Website

Esther’s Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

The Embodiment of Male Therapists with Their Male Clients and ED Behaviours, with Maria Guiñazú

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“The therapists are identifying themselves as male, choosing this career as a second career, and they want to create spaces for other males to say, let’s talk about what’s going on with your relationship with food, your body, how you embody yourself in this world. Let’s talk about vulnerability and how fragile you feel when you see this “perfect” male body.”

Practitioner and educator Maria returns to discuss her doctoral thesis and pilot study on the embodied lived experience of male therapists working with male clients with eating disorder behaviours.

The societal, cultural and historical lenses with which we use to view and objectify men and women differ hugely along with our expectations.

Most of our knowledge and understanding around ED behaviours comes via female therapists and their female clients.

34 % of people who experience ED disorders/behaviours are male.

Tune in and find out how Maria’s “hermeneutic and phenomenological exploration” is shedding light on previously under researched and considered ways of being in the therapy room and what exactly is going on for male therapists and male clients struggling with ED behaviours.

This is needed and important research that offers invaluable insight in support of men.

You can also catch Maria in Season 2 Episode 13, The Homebody.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:46] - Maria explains origins of her research
[11:00] - Research project through a philosophical lens
[28:00] - Research initial findings
[34:15] - Embodiment of male therapists with their male clients

CONNECT WITH MARIA:

Maria’s Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Healing Mind Body and Spirit with Sarah Joseph and Five Element Acupuncture

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“The things that we do (and the behaviours that we take on) to cover our wound and our shadow can be complete masks. Sometimes when you ask someone how are you they will say, I’m fine. I have to go by their colour, sound, odour, emotion and pulses to understand what’s going on.”

Sarah takes great pleasure in food, although in the past IBS caused her enough stress to render daily living unbearable. But when she encountered acupuncture for the first time, her life changed for the better.

Sarah describes her initial experience as “magic” which propelled her onto a new career path as a Five Element Acupuncturist and later Herbalist.

Today, Sarah runs her acupuncture practice in London, UK. Her work is informed by her studies in contemplative psychology and she believes in treating the individual rather than chasing symptoms.

Sarah also acts as a regional group coordinator for the British Acupuncture Council.

During this episode Sarah explains Five Element Acupuncture and offers us her unique view regarding the self and our relationship with the mind, body and spirit in modern life.

She is one of life’s natural healers.

If you’re able to see Sarah in person then do. Or tune into this episode with your favourite brew.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[10:55] - Microbiome and the Brain
[18:40] - Five Element Acupuncture
[23:45] - The body keeps the score
[32:44] - Semantics around mental health and addiction

CONNECT WITH SARAH:

Sarah’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

The Eating Disorder Voice with Sarah Roberts and Phoebe Dale

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Sarah Roberts and Phoebe Dale are trainee clinical psychologists completing their Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Lancaster University.

Sarah and Phoebe's area of research is around the “eating disorder voice” - that critical inner voice particular to eating disorders and often missed by eating disorder support services in favour of traditional ‘weight restoring’ methods. It has only recently, in the last decade, even been considered as valid.

Sarah and Phoebe want this to change and for the eating disorder voice to be heard, listened to and expressed creatively, be it a story, a song or a picture and to play a key part in the recovery of anyone suffering with eating disorders/behaviours.

We think this episode is particularly helpful if you are a young person suffering with an ED or for a parent or carer of someone with an ED.

Get involved with their research because it’s important and valid.

Hats off to you Sarah and Phoebe!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:12] - Narratives around eating and the body
[22:25] - The eating disorder voice (EDV)
[14:50] - Comparisons
[33:45] - Phoebe and Sarah’s research

SARAH & PHOEBE’S RESEARCH:

Sarah and Phoebe are completing research that explores voice hearing with young women who have or had an eating disorder and they’d love to hear YOUR story!

They’re hosting a webinar on Zoom on 4th July, 2023 - 7pm-8:30pm (GMT). Emma Paxton, a live illustrator will be joining the webinar to capture the discussions of the group in a visual creative piece which will be shared with attendees after the webinar.

You can take part if:

You identify as a woman
You are aged 16-25 years old
You have experienced hearing voices during an eating disorder

Email s.roberts7@lancaster.ac.uk to book a place onto the webinar.

They are also gathering individual stories – so if you prefer to share your story through creative means, e.g. artwork, poetry, written or spoken piece, without attending the webinar. You can submit your piece via this link.

CONNECT WITH SARAH AND PHOEBE:

EDV Study Instagram Page

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S), Exercise and Eating Disorders with Allie Outram

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“Thinking of a comparison between psychological profiles of athletes and those with eating disorders... perfectionism, black and white thinking, high levels of self control, self expectations, competitiveness, compulsiveness, repetitive exercise routines...”

There are so many parallels.

“I don’t think you can be excellent at something without an element of obsessiveness.”

Ex-athlete Allie Outram makes a welcome return and we deep dive into exercise when dealing with eating disorders, recovery and Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S).

Allie explains RED-S in detail:

Who’s at risk?

What causes it?

And whether weight loss/ED behaviours are a factor?

Allie ran competitively at world class level while suffering with an eating disorder.

During this time she was captain of the Junior Great British Team, which consisted of six athletes, “shockingly four of us had an eating disorder.”

Find out much more about exercise with Allie, why we need to move and how setting the right intention alongside eating disorder behaviours, is key to a healthy life and recovery.

Allie really knows her stuff!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:00] - What exercise means to Allie
[11:58] - Supporting bone density
[19:20] - Supporting osteoporosis
[21:40] - Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S)

CONNECT WITH ALLIE:

Allie’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Eating Disorders and Diabetes with Prue

Mon, 29 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“I was a little girl really struggling. I would ring home in tears, I would end every phone call with my mother saying, Mum I love you. And I couldn’t end the phone call until she’d said it back.”

Prue was sent to boarding school at age 10 and she was lonely, sad and desperate to return home. Age 12 she became anorexic and was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic.

“In my mind I thought this is it. This will be the end of this misery but that was not the case. I came home only to be sent back again. I hit rock bottom. I'd lost all control. I think eating disorders are heavily linked with control. I felt like I was in chaos.

Prue has spent many years dealing with her eating disorder behaviours and diabetes, manipulating one to hide the other but her discomfort has eased with age and motherhood.

Prue has never spoken about her eating disorders before and she is keen to share how eating disorder behaviours can impact one’s life while juggling a long term health condition.

Prue wishes to remain anonymous.

I described Prue as brave, and courageous but she preferred, truthful. She is more than the sum of all these. This is a must listen.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[05:00] - Anorexia age 12
[14:00] - Diabetes presentation
[28:30] - ED’S lessen
[36:40] - Over Exercising

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Perfectionism and Finding Peace with The Gong Girl Athena Ko

Mon, 22 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“One day I had to go to the trading floor. I walked down... I was like a size 6, as I was walking down the spiral staircase half the trading floor looked up and checked me out. At that moment I felt attractive but... my body was exhausted, I was barely eating anything, when I wasn’t working I was hitting the gym really hard, I wasn’t sleeping, but...I was like yep, this is it.”

Athena grew up in Hong Kong with her Mum cooking fresh food until age thirteen when she went to boarding school in the UK where attitudes were very different. ED behaviours amongst her peers were rife and normalised but Athena stayed, relatively, unaffected.

It was the competitive cultures at Oxford and Harvard followed by the establishment of her financial career in the City that really took its toll.

She barely ate, over-exercised and suffered from constant exhaustion.

During gardening leave Athena would travel the world to meet spiritual teachers and coaches. Their wisdom changed the trajectory of her life but the most important change was motherhood.

Today, Athena teaches Meditation in the psychiatric wards of the Nightingale Hospital, London. She is one of London’s leading Gong and Meditation teachers and listed on Tatler’s Best in Wellness, 2020 and 2023.

Athena is known as The Gong Girl.

Tune in, and listen because we had an absolute blast!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:10] - Boarding School ED behaviours
[20:00] - Pressures within banking to “look good”
[36:40] - Motherhood changes everything
[48:00] - Putting skills together

CONNECT WITH ATHENA:

Athena’s Instagram

Book a Restorative Gong Bath Session with Athena

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Heal Your Relationship with Food and Your Body Using Conscious Manifestation Techniques with Good Vibe Coach, Jeannette Maw

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Jeannette Maw is a Master Certified Coach, founder of Good Vibe Coaching and the Good Vibe University and is a self described “manifesting geek.”

“I didn’t turn this power (on) to myself until last, and that feels really irresponsible, I didn’t understand the importance of self-love, I thought I’d just manifest some cool stuff.

The key to all of this (conscious manifestation) is a return to love, when I recognised that many of the thoughts I was thinking about food and my body were creating what I didn’t want, I learned how to change those thoughts.”

Jeannette was raised in a conservative/Christian family who were relaxed around food; it was societal messages concerning diet and “the female body” that riled her.

When Jeannette discovered and started using conscious manifestation techniques with great success she left her corporate career and retrained as a coach and made peace with food and her body.

If you’re familiar with conscious manifestation, choosing your thoughts and living a conscious life then this episode will delight you.

If this topic is new to you then tune in because Jeannette is the real deal and an expert at sharing practical real world methods for practicing conscious manifestation.

Plus we had a blast!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[12:59] - When you’re in a dark place
[18:40] - Letting go of fear
[30:00] - Jack Canfield - self love
[32:40] - Turning negative and critical thoughts positive

CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE MAW:

The Good Vibe Blog

The Good Vibe Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Impulse Disorders and Psychedelic/Plant Medicine with Dr Richard Louis Miller

Tue, 09 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“No one is saying if you take some psilocybin mushrooms or some LSD then you’re healed, no, it’s more like these substances help you go into your internal gold mine, where everything of importance is being and you get to see what’s inside and then after the experience in the days, weeks, months and years that follow you get to examine the nuggets of gold that you took out of that mine and shine them up. That’s when the work on impulse disorders takes place.”

Dr Richard Louis Miller – Clinical Psychologist, broadcaster and host of the Mind Body Health and Politics radio programme talks about his relationship with food, impulse control disorders and laudatory work concerning psychedelic/plant medicine and healing.

This is our first episode around psychedelic/plant medicine. I believe it is an important and exciting area of research in relation to trauma: ED behaviours and mental health dis-ease. There will be more.

Richard makes an excellent starting point! Tune in.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:54] - Impulse Control Disorders (ICD)
[20:50] - Relationship betweeN psychedelics and ICD
[26:55] - Potential for healing
[39:30] - Moving forward with LSD treatments

CONNECT WITH DR RICHARD:

Mind Body Health & Politics Website

Mind Body Health & Politics Instagram

Mind Body Health & Politics Facebook

Dr. Richard’s Twitter

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Athletics and Eating Disorder Behaviours with Allie Outram

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

“I think eating disorders are one of the most powerful forms of nonverbal communication…”

Allie is a former world-class athlete.

At thirteen she won at the English School Championships.

Motivated by talent, and the desire to make her Dad proud, Allie's athletic career blossomed, alongside a life threatening eating disorder.

"I guess in running it’s not surprising that traits of great athletes and characteristics of anorexia nervosa are similar.”

So the scene was set for the next few years.

Allie describes getting well as a long miracle – great friends, therapy and finding her faith all played their part.

Tune in and hear about Allie’s inspirational recovery, her work as a psychotherapist and how she stays on track.

Allie returns later in Season 6 for a deep dive into sport and exercise during recovery and much more.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[05:30] - Fitness training starts
[17:05] - The Addiction Tree
[27:10] - Starts to recover
[39:05] - Guilt and shame

CONNECT WITH ALLIE:

Allie’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Belief Coding® and the Arvigo Technique with Danielle Rickwood

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 +0100

Danielle is a ‘root cause’ enthusiast.

As a practitioner, Belief Coding® has been the missing link with regard to getting to the root cause of why someone has the discomfort they do…

During her 20-year career in the wellbeing industry, Danielle has reached a point of clarity that pain management, be it physical, emotional or spiritual, will only get you so far unless the root cause of the pain is identified and healed.

Danielle does this through Belief Coding® a method that upgrades peoples beliefs to support optimal wellbeing.

Tune in to hear Danielle’s take on wellness via the ancient Mayan Arvigo technique for abdominal and reproductive healing and the exciting new healing method that is Belief Coding. Plus we have a giggle.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[09:27] - Tummy troubles early teens
[18:00] - Mayan Arvigo Technique
[31:35] - Belief Coding
[47:40] - Body Gratitude Programme

SPECIAL OFFER FOR LOVE THIS FOOD THING LISTENERS:

For our first come, first lucky-serve listeners Danielle is offering a fabulous 50 % saving on the full price for her 7 week Body Gratitude Experience with four 1-2-1 Belief Coding sessions included.

Spaces are limited and run out fast, the deadline to register is May the 5th.

Plus Danielle is offering 30% off your first individual Belief Coding session. Booking must be made and paid for by April 30th but your appointment can be booked at any time in the month of May, 2023.

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE:

Danielle’s Website

Danielle’s Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Beating Intolerances, IBS and Baking with Luzolo Ntima

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Our finale to Season Five introduces Luzolo Ntima, founder of The Heavenly Cake Company and finalist in the 2022 Free From Awards.

Luzolo creates, bakes and then sends plant based cakes and cookies in the post like a “hug in a box.”

She says,“I have always believed that everybody deserves to eat cake, regardless of dietary preferences, whether it’s necessary or not, or if you’re diabetic, nobody should be cake-less.”

Thought you couldn’t eat cake? Well, think again because with Luzolo – you can.. and it’s delicious!

This is a gentle wind-down episode – our nod to Bake Off. Tune into the full episode and find out how Luzolo overcame her food intolerances, learnt to bake free-from (not easy) and founded her heavenly bakery run from her new Cloud kitchen.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[09:15] - Food Intolerances
[17:40] - Sets up bakery
[23:28] - Cake business booming
[31:00] - My burning question!

CONNECT WITH LUZOLO NTIMA

Luzolo's Heavenly Cake Company

Heavenly Cake Company's Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Ballet, Body Image and Healing Through Movement with Chrissy Sundt

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Chrissy Sundt is an ex ballerina, movement expert and founder of Silver Linings Well Being.

Brought up as a strict vegetarian by her father. At home they were, “a weird Norwegian family living in this mad old house” who became “some of the forerunners of the organic farming movement” in the UK.

At ballet school Chrissy learnt to internalise her emotional and physical struggles in the name and pursuit of balletic perfection.

“Everyone thinks of ballet as this beautiful, elegant thing and actually it’s full of effort. We make it look effortless but it is effort-full. Really, physically demanding, as demanding as any Olympic sport, yet we put on this veneer of perfection – then we tend to carry that over into our real lives. We don’t share when the internal voices are going and the perfectionism is at its peak and things are hard, we don’t voice it because we are taught to make it look effortless.”

But when Chrissy injured her ankle it turned out to be the best silver lining ever!

This is a powerful episode with the effervescent, funny and infectious Chrissy Sundt. Don’t miss it.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:20] - Dad, organic farm, vegetarian
[11:25] - Ballet School
[29:05] - Pilates Method
[39:40] - Silver Linings Wellbeing

CONNECT WITH CHRISSY SUNDT:

Silver Linings Wellbeing

Silver Linings at Home

Silver Linings Wellbeing Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Bullying, Body Image and a Plant-Based Diet with Lisa Marley

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Lisa Marley is a plant-based chef, presenter and Chef Trainer for Pro Veg.

At school she, “Felt the odd one out. I didn’t have a good time at school and I wasn’t a happy child. Food was my friend but also the cause of quite a lot of unhappiness.”

And at home her parents could be judgmental, “Oh, you’ve lost weight or you've put on weight. That was their theme and became my theme as well.”

During her 20’s, Lisa worked in the fitness industry and then as a TV presenter.

But when she retrained as a chocolatier and went into therapy her life was transformed.

Tune in to hear Lisa’s empowering story, her love for a plant based diet and essential cooking tips.

SPECIAL OFFER: Lisa is giving away 16 tickets for the Ideal Home Show Christmas on 23-27 November 22 at Olympia, London. If you would like to grab one of them, send us an email here and we’ll get it sorted for you.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:45] - Unhappy early years
[19:50] - Falls back in love with food through chocolate
[25:00] - Veganism
[33:00] - Protein and Fibre

CONNECT WITH LISA MARLEY:

Lisa’s Website

Lisa’s Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

35 Years of Anorexia and Full Recovery with Caroline Drummond Smith

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Caroline Drummond Smith battled with Anorexia for thirty-five years, which literally became her identity.

During this time she brought up three children and stayed married.

Now fully recovered, her familial relationships have not only survived, but thrived.

“It’s never too late and it’s never too long. I am proof of that. If there is a part of you that truly wants to recover you can do it.”

Today Caroline works as an Eating Disorder Coach utilising her experiences, warmth, and innate understanding to support her clients.

Tune in for another brilliantly candid episode from yet another fabulous guest - thank you Caroline Drummond Smith.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[05:00] - ED’s are genetic
[10:00] - Reappearance of Anorexia
[23:50] - Controlling kids food
[32:00] - Effects of Caroline’s ED on her children

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE DRUMMOND SMITH:

Zest Health Coaching

Caroline’s Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Anorexia, Recovery and Staying Well with Gracie Carpenter

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Gracie Carpenter has a story to share. One day she’ll write her memoir but until then you can hear some of it on Love This Food Thing’s second double episode.

This is an excerpt from Gracie’s initial email:

“I grew up with alcoholic parents, eventually moving to the care of my grandparents. Shortly after my mother’s death by suicide, I fell rapidly and violently into the clutches of anorexia… the road to recovery has been a long one I have since lost my father, my best friend and most recently her father, who was like a second Dad to me.”

Some stories move me beyond words. This is one of them. Here is part two of Gracie’s story.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:15] - Begins to recover
[09:22] - Leaves hospital
[16:00] - New life
[26:40] - Singing and music

CONNECT WITH GRACIE CARPENTER:

Gracie’s Instagram

Gracie’s Soundcloud

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Anorexia, Grief and A Near Death Experience with Gracie Carpenter

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Gracie Carpenter has a story to share. One day she’ll write her memoir but until then you can hear some of it on Love This Food Thing’s first double episode.

This is an excerpt from Gracie’s initial email:

Some stories move me beyond words. This is one of them.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:20] - Gracie’s Mum dies
[07:40] - Anorexia
[26:00] - Defining Moment No. 1
[29:50] - Near Death Experience

CONNECT WITH GRACIE CARPENTER:

Gracie’s Instagram

Gracie’s Soundcloud

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Food, Nutrition and Breast Cancer with Dr Tasha Gandamihardja

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr Tasha is a consultant breast cancer surgeon - who wishes we were breast aware every month - and is dedicated to informing and educating people about this particular cancer that affects so many people over the world.

The two highest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and ageing. Men can also develop breast cancer but few do - they have their prostate to tend to as they age.

Find out about Dr Tasha’s relationship with food. She became vegetarian at medical school but our focus in this episode is on breast cancer and related issues – nutrition, processed food, cellular changes, the BRCA gene, and importantly, how to stay well.

Dr Tasha possesses the type of bedside manner you wish for every doctor.

Whatever your age or gender you may be affected by breast cancer in some way and we hope this episode will help you.

Dr Tasha has a YouTube channel and hosts her podcast, My Breast My Health.

[05:00] - Early Life
[09:00] - Breast Cancer Risks
[15:33] - BRCA gene
[33:28] - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

CONNECT WITH DR TASHA GANDAMIHARDJA:

Tasha’s Instagram

Tasha’s YouTube Channel

Tasha's Podcast

Tasha’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Talking Trauma, Eating Disorders and Healing with Emmy Brunner

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Psychotherapist Emmy Brunner is a personal empowerment and transformation coach, CEO of the Recover Clinic and creator of an awakening and healing programme, From Lost to the River.

The core tenet of Emmy’s practice is that our mental health conditions are a response to trauma. She says:

“Everything from mild anxiety to more significant depressive episodes, everything that we talk about as mental health problems are the result of and a response to trauma.”

Growing up Emmy felt a “general blanket sense of unworthiness” and was invested in an overall lack of self-care which resulted in food and body issues.

It was during her clinical training in her early twenties when Emmy realised that the problem lay with how she felt about herself and had nothing to do with food. Her therapeutic “waking up” process continued and at just twenty-six she went into private practice.

Emmy loves her work and feels privileged to help so many, especially women, by empowering change and being of service. Tune into the full episode to hear Emmy talk about trauma, eating disorders and healing.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:35] - Defining trauma
[16:15] - Drivers for ED’s and self harm
[20:00] - Professional life (lone wolf)
[23:30] - Group therapy and more

CONNECT WITH EMMY BRUNNER:

Emmy’s Website

Emmy’s Instagram

Recover Clinic

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

ADHD, Eating and Food Disorders with Becca King

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Growing up Becca enjoyed eating but feared gaining weight, which caused complications.

In an attempt to control her environment and over-stimulated brain she ate less. Becca lost a lot of weight especially during her teenage years when her family relocated and she changed schools; fixating on food helped her focus.

Her eating disorder’s shape shifted from anorexia to binge eating. At nineteen, Becca was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication. Along with specific practical support her symptoms improved.

It was only when Becca was studying to be a dietician - learning about the physical effects on the body from poor nutrition – and her subsequent discovery of Intuitive Eating that everything fell into place.

Today, Becca advocates an Intuitive Eating approach, from an ADHD perspective, for her clients while managing their medication and executive function around cooking and eating.

Tune in to hear how Becca combines her unique insight and perspective on ADHD and nutrition helping to bring others to a place of love, acceptance and nourishment.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:00] - ADHD diagnosis
[22:00] - Turning point for ED
[20:33] Becca describes her ADHD
[32:12] - Becca’s practice

CONNECT WITH BECCA KING:

Becca’s Instagram

Book a Call with Becca

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

The Role of Trauma and PTSD in Eating Disorders with Joelle Rabow Maletis

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0100

“It was the perfect storm, an internal conflict and an external conflict. I was being driven by the need to be perfect, the need to fit into an aesthetic world where I was being judged not just on my talent and ability” but on how I looked.

Joelle trained in ballet and was dancing professionally at sixteen. She describes herself as, “short, curvy and mouthy,” the antitheses of a ballerina

Joelle was loved but home life felt turbulent, she was constantly treading on eggshells. She also endured gastro-intestinal issues and was diagnosed as coeliac when older.

Joelle developed eating disorders (ED’s) early on but flew under the radar; as these behaviours were common within dance culture. Looking back she recognises her ED’s as a response to early childhood trauma and then much later as PTSD.

At nineteen, Joelle entered the world of commercials, film and music videos. Being on camera brought new pressures highlighting her issue of never feeling good enough - the better her external performance the worse she felt inside.

Despite her ongoing distress, Joelle powered through life - high functioning and high achieving – in and out of therapy whilst juggling a successful dance career, two children and training as a psychotherapist.

Today, Joelle runs a thriving trauma focused private psychotherapy practice in California specialising in Eating Disorders, Trauma and PTSD.

Joelle is the kind of therapist who has been there, done it and wears the T-shirt giving her oodles of insight, compassion and understanding which is a special combination.

Tune in to hear Joelle’s expert take on trauma, eating disorders and innate wisdom around recovery and embracing life.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[10:30] - Orthorexia/Bingeing
[27:10] - Coeliac situation
[23:20] - Psych School
[30:43] - Trauma

CONNECT WITH JOELLE RABOW MALETIS:

Joelle’s Instagram

Joelle’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Food, Hunger and Manifestation with Leon Aarts

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0100

After my initial approach to the Felix Project they suggested Head Chef, Leon Aarts. Rich, our sound engineer left a note on my final audio saying, “we need more people like Leon”.

He’s right. We do!

Leon comes from a food-loving family; he remembers feasts around his Grandparents’ dining table, his mother’s love of cooking and lying in bed dreaming of eating and never feeling full.

Leon was an overweight boy and although nurtured by family and friends he quietly craved validation and felt not good enough.

When Leon changed his diet things began looking up, at nineteen he encountered his first professional kitchen and instantly knew that this was it.

Leon became an award winning Michelin chef but left the industry several years later to set up a Fine Food Company in London. Still, something wasn’t right and during a Balinese retreat Leon finally saw the light. Overnight, life changed.

Leon set to work and founded three charities but his career peak was establishing the Calais Jungle kitchen in 2015.

Leon is on a mission - to feed people who would otherwise go hungry for free. Which is why he heads up the Felix Kitchen at The Felix Project, London, surrounded by similar visionary and dedicated people who feed over 4,000 hungry mouths a day.

Join me to hear Leon’s inspiring story about how he combines talent and entrepreneurship with compassion to create real and lasting change. If you need a call to action, listen to Leon Aarts.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:40] - Food as friend in childhood
[11:30] - Diet change
[22:00] - Life changes - Finds charities
[32:40] - The Felix Project

CONNECT WITH LEON AARTS:

Leon's Website

Leon's Instagram

The Felix Project

The Felix Project Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Overcoming Anorexia and Bingeing with Singer Songwriter Stella Angelika

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Stella was born into a Greek Cypriot family – a culture that loves and celebrates food - and as a child she ate freely without issue. Stella’s real joy came from performing, grabbing every opportunity to perform both at home, and school.

Despite her burgeoning talent Stella experienced an acute awareness of any ways in which she might be different. As she grew older these feelings left her feeling completely out of control. Secondary school was traumatic but at sixteen Stella fell in love with classical singing and three years later won a place at The Royal Northern School of Music.

Stella aimed for perfection but leaving home coupled with her father’s cancer diagnosis and a relationship breakup sent her over the edge.

Desperate for some control over her mental state she restricted her food intake, an old habit, which became so bad in her second year it was suggested she return home to recover.

Periods of bingeing that she found terrifying and depression which nearly destroyed her followed as she struggled to get well. But with the help of her family, therapy and music she began to heal.

Tune in to hear Stella’s take on eating disorders and how singing and writing are the bedrock for her recovery.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:20] - Food is foe
[09:30] - Anorexia
[27:00] - Music and recovery
[33:00] - Defences

CONNECT WITH STELLA ANGELIKA

Stella’s Instagram @stellaangelikamusic

Stella’s TikTok @stellaangelika

Listen to Stella’s music here!

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Allergies, Anxiety and Eating Disorders with Oli Weatherall

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Oli was born via Caesarean (C-section). At nine months he developed a severe egg allergy and was given antibiotics for an ear infection.

His Mum, heeding medical advice excluded nuts from Oli’s diet from then on in a bid to ease his symptoms - current thinking encourages the inclusion of potential allergens

Oli is aligned with growing evidence that delivery by C-section increases the risk of allergies and inhibits gut microbiome.

Young Oli took his own special chocolate cake to birthday parties, as his Mum didn’t want him to feel left out. Later between the ages of 13- 20, he tried to ignore his allergies and luckily avoided serious illness.

Oli’s struggles continued at University; he had two severe reactions within six months of one another a couple of years after his course finished. Years of hyper-vigilance and adrenal exhaustion were taking their toll and his anxiety levels rocketed. Every meal became a matter of life or death, with concerns about which foods would harm, maybe, kill, and which ones would heal.

When Oli realised eating made him anxious he decided to, and I quote, “reduce the amount of times I’m eating a day to try and have fewer potential times of anxiety.”

Oli developed an eating disorder.

Join me and hear what it takes for Oli to live a life of balance when under constant threat and know that if you have life threatening allergies or intolerances you are not alone.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[07:00] - Allergies start
[21:20] - A severe reaction
[31:00] - Anxiety
[43:25] - Lack of labelling

CONNECT WITH OLI WEATHERALL:

Oli's Instagram: @nutritionwitholi

Oli's Email: oli@v-land.co.uk

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Ulcerative Colitis and Living with a Stoma with Christian Holcombe

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Christian says, “ten years ago no one knew what a stoma was, especially if they were in their twenties” and it’s one reason why he didn’t share his stoma or condition with anyone other than family and close friends.

Young Christian was a picky eater but as a teenager he enjoyed a more varied diet even showing an interest in nutrition.

When Christian developed uncomfortable physical symptoms he went to his GP and was diagnosed with haemorrhoids and then IBS. However his discomfort persisted and a colonoscopy later confirmed that he was suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Christian managed his pain with strong medication and some denial, putting off medical appointments when the pain lessened, preferring to “push on through”, working long, stressful, hours.

Christian ultimately underwent the first of many operations, which was unsuccessful. His condition deteriorated resulting in him collapsing at a family party, he was rushed to hospital with only hours to live.

After months of pain and trauma Christian’s bowel was removed and he was given a stoma.

Join me to hear Christian’s incredible story and enlightening journey of life with a stoma - a must listen for anybody interested in gut health, nutrition and overcoming disease.

P.S. Six weeks before this interview (May 2022) Christian’s stoma was removed and a new chapter in his life began.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:30] - Ulcerative Colitis
[12:10] - Stoma
[39:00] - Opens up about stoma
[41:30] - Stoma free

CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN HOLCOMBE:

Christian’s Instagram: @chptwirral

Christian’s Facebook: CH Personal Training Wirral

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Childhood Trauma, Anorexia and Bulimia with Carolina Mountford

Mon, 30 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Carolina had an unstable childhood with an alcoholic father and emotionally distant mother who could be physically abusive. When Carolina was nine her mother put her on a diet.

Bullying at school, compounded by disparaging remarks from her brothers made Carolina feel worthless, like “the fat kid” and as if she were somehow inherently wrong.

However, it was her mother’s revelation during a rare conversation that catapulted her over the edge and into full-blown eating disorders.

“The world just stopped, for such a long time, and then it just imploded.”

Years of further trauma followed Carolina as she struggled with bulimia and anorexia. But one day when she lacked the strength to climb aboard the local bus, her best friend staged an intervention and with her help, Carolina slowly began to recover.

Today Carolina is a mental health advocate and speaker intent on communicating a message of hope and freedom.

Join me to hear Carolina’s inspirational story and how she managed to turn her life around and fully recover.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[08:00] - Family secret
[18:40] - Recovery
[24:25] - Depression
[35:10] - Mental Health Advocate and BEAT Ambassador

CONNECT WITH CAROLINA MOUNTFORD:

Carolina’s Instagram: @carolinamountford

Carolina’s Website: carolinamountford.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Hungry City and Sitopia - How to Feed and Save the World with Carolyn Steel

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Carolyn Steel is a leading thinker on food and cities; she was hailed by The Ecologist Magazine as a, ‘21st Century Visionary.”

Carolyn was brought up in a family who celebrated food at every opportunity. Her grandparents ran a country house hotel and Carolyn spent endless weekends in the kitchen behind the scenes fascinated with everything, food.

She says, “Food is pure love. A love affair! I always get very excited when I’m hungry because I know it’s time to eat again.”

Carolyn, initially, trained as an architect but when she learnt to view a “city” through the lens of food her work finally made sense. Her original book “Hungry City” explores how to feed a city and her follow up; “Sitopia” is about how food can save the world.

Carolyn’s passion is based on how our society values food, or not. How it shapes our world, what that means and what we can do with that idea.

Tune in to hear much more with the inspirational Carolyn Steel - she’s my choice for Prime Minister, President and Saviour of the Natural World and... The Universe.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[09:00] - Childhood at the hotel
[21:00] - Social Reform
[28:00] - Valuing Food
[37:08] - Sitopia

CONNECT WITH CAROLYN STEEL:

Carolyn’s Twitter: @carolynsteel

Carolyn’s Website: carolynsteel.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Nutritional Healing with Dan Price

Mon, 16 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Dan was always the “skinny kid,” who played sports at Academy level. He had a small appetite and scant regard for food but was happy to eat whatever was put in front of him at home.

Dan’s interest in food grew at University where he hit the gym to build muscle and attain the stereotypical male physique portrayed in videos, and the social media platforms at that time.

Then food became functional, a tool for achieving goals, namely weight gain followed by weight loss. Dan found both journeys difficult and revelatory

But his enjoyment and respect for food flourished when he left an unfulfilling career in television and began his nutritional training.

Today Dan runs a compassionate and unique nutritional practice for his clients having “been there, and done that,” he understands what it takes to manage expectations around food, and live well.

Join me to hear Dan’s expert take on nutrition, us having natter about societal pressures on men and women and how to make friends with food.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[06:45] - Changes body
[15:40] - Pursuing the “ideal” physique
[21:00] - Men and physiques
[30:41] - Dan’s nutrition mission

CONNECT WITH DAN PRICE:

Dan’s Instagram: @danprice_nutrition

Dan’s Website: danpricenutrition.com/

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Low Carbohydrate Eating with Niki Rein

Mon, 09 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Niki Rein was born in Seattle where the climate, similar to Northern Europe, dictates a carbohydrate heavy diet.

An avid soccer player and very active, Niki’s hormonal problems began when she was twelve. Years of debilitating symptoms, trips to the doctor and pharmaceutical prescriptions followed as Niki fought her body and her “unknown” condition.

During her late teens Niki read “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” by Christiane Northrup who described the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Niki knew immediately that the description matched everything she had been going through and when a medical diagnosis confirmed her PCOS, she finally had something to work with.

Niki moved to California where she drank vegetable juice, fasted, began isometric exercise and became gluten free. Her symptoms improved but still she relied on will power to “push on through.”

The turning point came when Niki discovered Charles Poliquin and his low carbohydrate/no sugar way of eating as medicine and method for healing.

Join me to hear Niki talk about PCOS and her expert advice from personal experience.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:00] - Hormonal issues
[16:00] - Diagnosis of PCOS
[26:00] - Dietary changes
[33:20] - Charles Poliquin (First Biohacker)

CONNECT WITH NIKI

@niki_rein

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Food Balance, Regular Eating and Exercise with Jamie Bourne

Mon, 02 May 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Compared to his younger brothers and school friends, Jamie was a ‘chubby kid’ who always wanted larger portions. At home, his parents made healthy, wholesome food, which meant Jamie ate well and freely. Today, he enjoys a well-nuanced relationship with food and his body.

Jamie liked sport but when he went to University he fell in love with the gym and lifting weights.

Initially pursuing a career in PR Jamie enjoyed socialising and office culture but his diet and exercise suffered.

Later on, work felt unfulfilling. He changed jobs several times; chasing an elusive spark but the feeling of “floating along” remained until one day he burnt out.

Right before the Pandemic, Jamie enrolled on a Personal Training (PT) course and when lockdown took hold, he was made redundant but he was finally free to pursue his dream and the work he loves.

Join me to hear Jamie talk about balance; learning and how great it feels to start again.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:11 ] - Food is friend
[15:50] - Changes his look
[24:50] - Unfulfilled with life
[29:55] - Training menopausal women

CONNECT WITH JAMIE:

@jbournefitness

@groundwork_training

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Pre Vegan(s) and Veganism with Sean Russell

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Sean was an overweight child, maybe because of his parents' divorce. One of Sean’s fondest food memories growing up is the Burger King, and Pizza Hut treats given him by his Mum who was a single parent.

Sean’s life took off when he started his career in media production. Overnight all focus on food lessened, although being in the public eye brought certain pressures, which were reflected in his fluctuating weight and varied exercise regimes.

When Sean first encountered veganism he took it on as a personal challenge liking that it was hard to do but finding it difficult to sustain.

Fast-forward a few years and Sean re-committed to a vegan lifestyle. This time his motives were purely ethical and his experience entirely different.

Veganism allows Sean to live a compassionate and conscious life. For him it is the only way.

Today Sean is also a dedicated vegan advocate and promoter. He is the founder of SoFloVegans - representing the vegan community in South Florida and the author of Pre Vegans; ten inspiring stories from prominent vegans about how and why they started their vegan journey.

Join me, be inspired by Sean, and understand why he loves all things vegan.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[07:50] - Angry Eating
[13:00] - Finds veganism
[22:25] - Effects from veganism
[34:40] - Sean’s book Pre Vegans

CONNECT WITH SEAN RUSSELL:

@SoFloVegans

@seanrussell82

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Binge Eating Disorder and Grief with Lizzie Ackerley

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Growing up in a small, parochial town Lizzie felt like an outsider, as if she didn’t belong.

At school she viewed her body in a functional way – good for sports - not how it might appear to others and when critical comments were made she became bulimic.

When Lizzie went to University and found her “tribe” the bulimia stopped.

Lizzie spent time working as a model, despite the scrutiny, she felt empowered. But when her Mum died, after a short illness Lizzie was heart-broken. She began to binge in secret.

For the next few years Lizzie kept her binge eating disorder hidden while maintaining a happy façade although inside she was very distressed. One day Lizzie decided enough was enough and enrolled onto a coaching programme with Chase Life Consulting - how to Overcome Binge Eating run by Rachel and David Godfrey.

Lizzie credits the course with changing her life.

Join me and find out how Lizzie transformed her eating habits and why she no longer feels the need to hide.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[12:30] - Binge Eating Disorder
[13:00] - Mum dies
[19:00] - Meets coaches
[32:33] - Grief and PTSD

CONNECT WITH LIZZIE:

@lizzieackerley

N1 Gym

CHASE LIFE CONSULTING:

Check out their website and courses here.

Rachel Godfrey @athleticfox

David Godfrey @dxgodfrey

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Eating Disorders with the Founder of Altum Health, Dr Courtney Raspin

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0100

“Food is joyful, sensual, fulfilling and stimulating. I think it is one of life’s primary and biggest pleasures.”

Courtney hails, originally, from Texas but spent her formative years in Los Angeles training as a dancer and modelling.

Not surprisingly body issues dominated, and within her family, great emphasis was placed on physicality.

Basing her value as a person on her outward appearance affected Courtney’s mental health but everything fell into place when she swapped dance training for a career in psychology.

Courtney moved to London and worked in an NHS Eating Disorder Service team. This foundational training and experience inspired her to create Altum Health – a private therapy led practice providing care and support for anyone suffering with eating disorders and body issues.

You can find Courtney at Altum Health on Upper Woburn Place in Central London and listen to her sharing her knowledge and expertise on eating disorders and plenty more in this episode.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:15] - Early Life
[18:00] - Altum Health
[26:00] - Reasons for ED’S

CONNECT WITH DR. COURTNEY:

Altum Health Website

Instagram: @altum_health

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Body Activism, Weight Stigma and Fat Phobia with Serena Nangia

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0100

WELCOME TO SEASON 4! Joining us for the first episode is body activist, Serena Nangia.

Serena is a disruptor. Her mission is to challenge prejudicial beliefs about body issues and stereotypes. She raises the voices of those who are ignored or living in marginalised communities.

Serena grew up in a busy household. Both her parents worked long hours as medical practitioners, despite her mother’s ill health.

It was Serena who first spotted her younger sister’s eating disorder and there is good reason as to why Serena is known as, “second Mum” in her family.

Caring for her sister had profound and long-lasting effects on Serena and informed her chosen career. This period in her life formed the bedrock of her professional and voluntary work.

Serena lives happily in a large body; negative attitudes and comments are turned to her advantage. It is her outlook, sense of justice and equanimous personality that drives Serena’s Body Activism and transforms her into the Body Activist she is today.

Join Jemma and be inspired by Serena Nangia.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:40] - Family
[19:15] - Mind, body connection
[27:26] - REBEL
[31:50] - Body Image

CONNECT WITH SERENA NANGIA:

@thebodyactivists

Serena’s Podcast

Facebook Page

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Eating Disorders, Depression and PTSD with Lydia Goldman

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Lydia led an expat lifestyle, forever on the move due to her father’s job. By seventeen, Lydia had been to eleven schools. No time to make friends or put down roots. Consequently she suffered from depression and craved parental attention.

Lydia enjoyed food, despite some critical comments from family members, and went along with her parents as they embraced healthy eating and exercise. But life began to unravel when the family relocated to Indonesia and she became unwell – a cycle of compulsive exercise, anorexia and bulimia.

The all-familiar, familial struggles coupled with an abusive relationship cemented her misery.

Being accepted into an English University allowed her to escape and she cut the ties that bound her. She felt better as soon as she boarded the plane.

After her degree, Lydia went to work in Myanmar. She loved it until the morning of February 1st, 2021, when the National League for Democracy (NLD) was deposed by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) and a state of emergency was declared. Once again Lydia was trapped but this time by a military coup.

Tune in to hear about Lydia’s escape from Myanmar and her compelling story.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:40] - Family fixated on food

[11:00] - Eating Disorders start

[24:23] - Needs help, treatment

[31:05] - Goes to Myanmar

CONNECT WITH LYDIA GOLDMAN:

Instagram: @lydiagoldman

Lydia’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LydiaZachary/videos

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word.

Digestive Issues, ADHD and Food with Ian Chattam

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Ian was a sensitive child who suffered debilitating migraines and digestive issues from a young age.

Desperate to be free of these symptoms, Ian eliminated certain foods that severely restricted his diet. His parents, both professional chefs, did their utmost to feed him healthy and varied food, especially his Mum. But, what they couldn’t prevent was the extreme anxiety Ian felt and the physical behaviours he exhibited as a result of their divorce.

Some respite came by way of a therapist (which was unusual for a child in 1970’s Britain) and Ian enjoyed moments of “chill” during their sessions. But the physical signs and anxiety persisted into adult life as Ian constantly assessed his diet and lifestyle.

At long last, age forty-eight, Ian was formally diagnosed with ADHD and his world began to make sense.

Join me to hear how Ian copes and what a relief it is to finally understand himself.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:20] - Food always a problem

[16:10] - Migraines and ADHD

[19:40] - ADHD triggers in childhood

[28:00] - Eating with the right intention

CONNECT WITH IAN CHATTAM:

Instagram: @sackofsoul

Website: m.soundcloud.com/sack-of-soul

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Food, Nutrition and Fertility with Sally Dixon

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Sally Dixon aka The Fertility Chef has had an interesting relationship with food.

As a young child, she regularly enjoyed restaurants with her parents.

At fifteen Sally stopped eating. Months later and to the relief of her worried parents Sally saved them further upset when she declared herself “too thin” in some holiday snaps. And she began to eat again.

As a student Sally eschewed making food in the shared, and grubby collegiate kitchen for meals from a tin. Even later, working in the fashion industry meant long hours and even shorter meals.

But it was when Sally ran her own business under 24/7 pressures that she perfected her non-intake of non-food, opting instead for a protein shake or snack bar.

In 2016, Sally underwent two, unsuccessful, IVF cycles and for the first time began to examine the relationship between food/nutrition and fertility. It was the wake up call she needed. Join me to hear about Sally’s thoughts on food, nutrition and fertility experiences.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

[06:00] - Food Intolerances

[11:00] - Too thin, turning point

[15:50] - Low Fat Era

[31:00] - Grandmother’s Green’s

CONNECT WITH SALLY:

Instagram: @thefertilitychef

Website: www.thefertilitychef.co.uk

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Anxiety, Anorexia and Fashion with Eve Simmons

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0100

Eve is the deputy health editor at The Mail on Sunday - a writer and a journalist.

Eve has happy childhood memories around food.

At school she felt different, shy and “uncomfortable in her own skin.”

Four days before Eve’s thirteenth birthday her father died. Two years later she experienced her first serious bout of anxiety.

Eve’s anxiety remained constant, at University, and beyond as she started her new career within the media/fashion industry.

Work was exciting and stressful. Prior to her new job Eve dismissed fashion’s ideas around health and ‘thinness’ as ridiculous.

But now she was in it, she felt conflicted. She skipped breakfast and then lunch – the weight fell off – which made her one of the gang, a cool girl, until, finally, reducing dinner to the smallest size seemed completely normal. It wasn’t long before Eve was barely able to eat at all.

Within a few short months Eve developed anorexia nervosa. As her recovery began she received treatment as a day patient but when that didn’t work she was admitted full time onto a psychiatric ward. An experience Eve likens to the Ken Kesey novel and 1975 film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:30] - Descent into Anorexia

[14:00] - Influences at work

[27:20] - Realisation

[30:30] - Treatment

CONNECT WITH EVE:

Instagram: @eviesimm & @notplantbased

Website: www.dailymail.co.uk

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word.

Healing Food Disorders Through Music and Sound with Tallulah Rendall

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 10:15:00 +0100

Tallulah Rendall is a singer/songstress and sound therapist. She was only seven when sent to boarding school and attributes her career to not only “healing the experiences” she had then, but also helping her navigate through life’s challenges.

Significantly, during her teens, Tallulah caught glandular fever, which made her instantly allergic to a long list of foods coupled with multiple physical symptoms. She was often defeated by her weakened immune system and digestive issues caused by endless antibiotics.

Later, on tour in Australia, she collapsed from hypoglycemia caused by the rigors of being on the road, poor nutrition and not looking after herself. It was the shock and wake-up call Tallulah needed for better health and listening to her body.

Tune in to hear Tallulah’s inspiring healing journey through music and sound.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:10] - Allergic to everything
[15:27] - Why Tallulah didn’t develop an eating disorder
[23:00] - Gong baths
[30:00] - Politics around food

CONNECT WITH TALLULAH:

Instagram: @talullahrendall

Website: tallulahrendall.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Compulsive Eating, Secret Bingeing and Transformation with Daniel Butcher

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Dan was an overweight child. From an early age he ate big portions, especially the man-sized breakfasts cooked by his Dad (before school). Dan felt happy, momentarily, when full.

No one ever said, “that’s too much,” or, “you don’t need all that”. He wished they had.

Dan loved competitive sports and still does. He considers it an effective remover of bias gaining self-worth and confidence through sporting prowess. Dan threw himself into everything. Locker-room banter sometimes hurt. Again, no one asked whether his increasing weight was symptomatic of distress. And, again, he wished they had.Dan’s late teens and twenties were challenging. Two jobs, health issues and his younger brother suffering with severe BDD piled on the pressure. Dan continued to binge, secretly, night after night. His weight soared.

But when Dan’s Mum, planning for her wedding and undergoing her own transformation, took Dan to their local ParkRun the light finally switched on.

Dan made small, incremental changes. Cut sugar in tea. Committed to the Park Run. Slowly, and surely regaining control over his behaviours.

Tune in to hear Dan’s inspiring story of how he strives to be a better person and make every second count.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:00] - Divorce, overweight child
[15:40] - Relationship with food
[20:10] - Bingeing
[33:00] - Dan at his heaviest and how he turned his life around

Listen to Dan's mum Debbie, chat with Jemma in Episode 20, here.

CONNECT WITH DAN:

Instagram: @danbutchermk

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Binge Eating Disorder and Obesity with Debbie Butcher

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0100

When Debbie Butcher was nineteen she left home for a new life in the South East despite her Mum begging her not to go.

Leaving was the worst decision Debbie ever made and to this day, she remains full of regret.

It wasn’t long before her two adorable sons were born, but the wedded bliss Debbie left home for, ebbed away leaving her feeling lost, isolated and alone.

With no one to turn to, Debbie sought comfort in food. Overnight, her once healthy and balanced way of eating became obsessive and compulsive compounded by bingeing in secret.

Debbie’s binge eating cycles continued for many years, never more so than during the decade her youngest son suffered with an extreme and violent Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Tune in and listen to Debbie’s extraordinary story and why she will never give up.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:00] - Early years
[14:14] - Compulsive Eating
[25:28] - Son’s bravery confronting his BDD made Debbie change
[31:45] - Why Debbie never gave up

Listen to Debbie's son Dan, chat with Jemma in Episode 21, here.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Kicking The Junk Food, Fitness and TRX with Jay Brockway

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0100

When Jay was tiny he spat out the food prepared by his Mum. As he grew, despite her best efforts, Jay would only eat processed food. He was, he says, “an absolute nightmare!”

His Mum, keen for Jay to eat, filled the cupboards with chicken nuggets, pizza and spaghetti hoops, which Jay washed down with vast quantities of Dr Pepper.

This heady combination kept him going at school and on the football field until one day Jay gave up his dreams of a professional football career and moved to London for a Personal Training course.

For the first time Jay learnt about nutrition.

The lights were on! Food was fuel and Jay needed to train and eat well to achieve his goals.

Today, Jay is Director of Trainer Development at TRX UK and an athletic machine. Join me to hear how he did it and now maintains it.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:40] - Food as enemy
[13:00] - Jay finds new way of eating
[24:00] - Going to restaurants
[40:00] - Bit of TRX

CONNECT WITH JAY:

Instagram: @trxtraining, @jaybrockwaytrx & @nikoandjay

Website: club.trxtraining.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Exercise Addiction, Disordered Eating and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea with Sarah Liz King

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Sarah Liz King was a straight ‘A’, high achieving, show jumping and dressage competing kid. This mentality served her well until a digestive issue had her cutting out food groups and later, while training for the bodybuilding, “bikini class”, in the grip of a serious exercise addiction

“The smaller I got, the unhappier I got, and the smaller my life became.”

Exhausted, trapped and in a downward spiral, Sarah reached out for help. With the right support she was able to unwind and, finally, recover.

Today Sarah is Health at Every Size (HAES) Exercise Physiologist specializing in hypothalamic amenorrhea and runs a thriving coaching practice and podcast.

Join me to hear how Sarah turned her life around and thrived.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02:30] - Food is friend. Former foe.
[11:30] - Exercise addiction/bodybuilding
[20:00] - Sarah’s Recovery
[30:48] - Hear about Sarah’s work especially Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

CONNECT WITH SARAH:

Instagram: @sarahlizking

Website: sarahlizking.com

Holistic Health Radio Podcast

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Anorexia, Feeling Invincible & Learning to Dump the Scales with Hope Virgo

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0100

When Hope was very young she was scared of food. It made her nervous, and “afraid, for a very long time.” Family meals were dysfunctional; arguments commonplace at the dinner table.

Unable to express herself and hyper-aware of what she looked like, Hope followed diets, counted calories and fought for control by restricting her food.

When she was sexually abused, Hope buried the feeling that there was something “categorically wrong” with her deep within her psyche.

Later, Hope’s anorexia made her feel invincible. Protected. However on holiday with teenage friends, Hope realised no one else was eating or living her way.

Join us to hear about Hope’s new approach to life, recovery and, magnificent, campaign, “Dump The Scales.”

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:20] - Sexual abuse and controlling food
[12:00] - Potential causes of Hope’s Anorexia
[21:00] - Treatment centre/ward
[35:00] - “Dump The Scales”

CONNECT WITH HOPE VIRGO:

Instagram: @hopevirgo_

#DumpTheScales

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Bulimia Nervosa and Recovery with the Eating Disorder Therapist, Harriet Frew

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Harriet was brought up on a busy family farm. Her Mum was a great cook and Harriet had a healthy relationship with food. But during her teenage years she developed bulimia nervosa when she tried to break free from familial expectations.

Harriet found freedom at University and through travel. She returned to the UK to further study. As her understanding and fascination around eating disorders grew, she felt finally able to let go of her destructive behaviours.

Harriet now works as a therapist in an adult Eating Disorder Unit and runs a small private practice. She is also creator of the highly successful, The Eating Disorder Therapist podcast.

Join me to hear Harriet’s story and her views on the psychology around food.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[05:20] - Life on the farm
[18:00] - Harriet gets her freedom but is still bulimic
[23:00] - Counsellor training
[32:00] - General ED chit-chat

CONNECT WITH HARRIET:

Instagram: @_the_eating_disorder_therapist

Website: www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.uk

The Eating Disorder Therapist Podcast

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Binge-Eating Disorder, Anorexia and Feeling EMPTY with Susan Burton

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Susan Burton is an author, writer and editor on This American Life.

Her brilliant memoir Empty was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. Chronicling the binge-eating disorder and subsequent anorexia which dominated Susan’s life, Empty is a must read for anyone with any type of eating disorder/addiction or for those who simply love a good book.

As a kid Susan was scared of food. Scared that food would make her sick or that, “something would get in me, that I could never get out.” When she was nine she went on a diet and barely ate for a week. She felt light and empty.

Years later, Susan was commissioned to write about the cultural history of teenage girlhood but her own story kept butting in and demanding to be heard.

I feel very strongly that by having these intimate and maybe difficult conversations the healing can start. As our vulnerability is shared, our shame, the most toxic of all, can be publicly aired.

Join me to find out about Susan’s story and her book Empty.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[03:00] - Scared of food - picky
[13:00] - Sophomore year - light and empty
[19:00] - Bingeing
[30:00] - Anorexia and marriage
[39:02] - Writing Empty

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:

Instagram: @susanmasonburton

Website: susanburton.net

Susan’s memoir EMPTY @randomhouse

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Anorexia, Depression and Sexual Abuse with JL Keez

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

JL was brought up on a farm in Southern Australia. She was a perfect student and daughter but life at home was strict and often cruel. At fifteen, in a new school, JL was bullied. She wondered if it was down to how she looked and longing for acceptance decided not to eat.

Years of anorexia, marriage and children followed along with OCD, depersonalisation, illness and suicidal depression. When her marriage collapsed JL held it together for the sake of her kids but it was only when she met a therapist and began to unearth forgotten memories around sexual abuse that she was able to heal.

Find out how JL took her life back and hear her extraordinary story from her book, Anorexia Unlocked: Understanding Your Story Through Mine by JL Keez.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[08.24] - Became anorexic, back story
[18.00] - Pregnancy triggers OCD
[23.00] - Develops’ “dreaming”
[23.34] - Sexual Abuse
[37.58] - Why didn’t JL go under?

CONNECT WITH JL KEEZ:

Instagram: @jlkeezanorexiaunlocked

Website: jlkeez.com.au

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

The Homebody (if your body spoke what would it say?) with Maria Guinazu

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Maria is a psychologist and educator.

Maria was born and raised in Argentina. As a kid she loved to dance. Her Mum was a great role model but Maria still felt not good enough amongst her “beautiful” peers.

After some tough years at school, Maria’s interest in the mind-body connection led her to study psychology, move to London and continue her psychological quest.

And then, out of the blue, devastating news: Maria’s Mum died.

Months later, still numb with disbelief, Maria was invited to study at the Tamalpa Institute for Expressive Arts in California. She packed her bags and once there began to unpack her grief.

Join me to hear Maria’s inspirational story, the link between grief and food and Maria’s concept of the homebody.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[01:20] Concept of the “homebody” around grief
[10:00] Pressures/notions around the “Argentine” woman
[14:40] Dealing with grief (and somatic training at Tampala Institute)
[27:40] Amy Winehouse Foundation

CONNECT WITH MARIA:

Instagram: @maria.iggy

Website: theembodimentcorner.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Astronauts, OCD and the Contaminated Kitchen with Ian Puleston-Davies

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Ian Puleston-Davies was an anxious boy who dreamt of being an astronaut. Not to see the moon or world from space, but so he could eat NASA’S packs of powdered food worry free.

At home, gravy splashed on plates turned the food to ‘goo and stick.’ Tiptoeing over manure into Auntie Margaret’s farmhouse kitchen, where food was thrown about, had Ian shaking and twitching in his own private bedlam.

For Ian, the kitchen is a nuclear reactor: a place of contamination. Sell by dates glow neon and mean poison. He longs to cook from his cookery book collection but preparing food is impossible for him. Eating out is worse. Much worse. But he manages to eat. Once the rituals are complete and he’s, finally, sat down.

Find out how Ian manages his lifelong struggle with OCD and how it hijacks his relationship with food in this funny, poignant episode with actor, writer and director Ian Puleston Davies.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[02.40] - What’s difficult about food?
[07.01] - Anxious seven year old
[11.50] - Relationship between me, food and my condition.
[24.36] - Ritual in restaurants
[37.35] - It’s a miracle Ian eats at all

CONNECT WITH IAN PULESTON-DAVIES:

Instagram: ipd_ian

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorder with Tracy Northampton

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Tracy Northampton is a psychotherapist and yoga teacher specialising in eating disorders and addiction. She is Governor at St Andrew’s Healthcare, Patron of the Body Dysmorphic Foundation and, currently, runs a private practice in Central London.

When Tracy was young the family kitchen was a no-go zone. Meals were rushed - eat to survive, get the job done. In her teens study replaced sport and she became bulimic. Guilt and shame were the tenants in her secret life until a chance encounter with Princess Diana helped her fully recover and pursue her psychotherapeutic career.

Tracy’s niece Charlotte suffered with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. She hated her face; life was, simply, unbearable. As a direct result of her illness she took her own life.

Join me to hear about Tracy’s early days and personal trials, her subsequent professional expertise and the devastation caused by Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

This episode is dedicated to Charlotte.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04:50] - Food as enemy
[10:34] - EDA conference. Tracy’s turning point
[16:34] - Princess Diana and Susie Orbach
[25:00] - What is the right support for ED’S?
[33:30] - Charlotte’s story

Instagram: @falconhotelcastleashby

Website: tracynorthampton.com and bddfoundation.org

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Bulimia, Recovery and The Artist’s Way with Katie Barbaro

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Katie’s Mum was often on a diet and struggled with her body. When Katie followed suit her Mum said she was perfect. But Katie felt confused.

“I couldn’t trust what she was telling me.” The discrepancy rang loud and clear.

At Grad School Katie over-exercised, controlled her food and ended up bulimic. But when she finally understood, “It’s not the pain that brings us down, it’s the shame around the pain.” (Glennon Doyle) her world began to change.

Find out how Katie turned her recovery and body into a creative project with her cartoon memoir FED UP: An Illustrated Guide To Food Freedom, available in brilliant, self-effacing detail for big kids and adults by Katie Barbaro.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[09.50] - Control Master of the Universe
[15.40] - The thing with bulimia….
[22.30] - Met someone and opened up about eating disorders
[33.20] - Major relapse, routine interrupted
[39.00] - FED UP THE BOOK

CONNECT WITH KATIE BARBARO:

Instagram: @thefedupthebook

Website: katiebarbaro.com

Info about Katie’s book: thefedupbook.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Not Falling Through the Cracks with Abby Attenborough

Fri, 21 May 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Abby is a registered associate nutritionist, personal trainer and founder of A + NUTRITION.

At school, Abby played sports to a high level. Her skinny friends called her ‘muscly’ but she lived to eat and took care of her nutritional needs.

However, at University her relationship with food and exercise soured and she developed anorexia and bulimia. What had started as one thing became something else entirely.

But, Abby is ambitious; she knew her lifestyle and the resultant damage would prevent her achieving her goals, and maybe, destroy her chance to become a Mum. So… she decided to stop her behaviours… and get better.

Find out how the tenacious Abby conquered her demons and continues to learn from her recovery.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[05.31] - Body image and Body Dysmorphia
[10.00] - Eating disorders start
[20.44] - Scared of harming self
[27.00] - Yoga helps conquer urges
[33.03] - Food as a character

CONNECT WITH ABBY ATTENBOROUGH:

Instagram: @aplus.nutrition

Website: aplus-nutrition.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Personal Training, Social Media and Snacks on the Sofa with Niko Algieri

Fri, 07 May 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Niko Algieri is an entrepreneur, celebrity personal trainer and TRX Director of Trainer Branding.

Born into a family of elite athletes he felt compelled to continue the family theme. Fitness is his life and business is booming but it takes mettle to stay at the top.

For Niko food is friend AND foe. He says, “how can it not be both?’

But it’s not easy. Even for him.

Find out what Niko thinks about food, fitness and more while you run in the park or put your feet up.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[09.30] - Family bonds and food ties
[13.26] - TRX - explained!
[16.00] - Coffee - the wake up call
[24.40] - Fitness Industry and ED’S
[29.50] - How Social Media fuels and distorts us all

CONNECT WITH NIKO ALGIERI:

Instagram: @nikoalgieri and @nikoandjay

Website: nikoalgieri.net

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Walk on the Wild Side and Recovery with Robin Harford

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Robin Harford is a plant based forager, ethnobotanical researcher and wild food educator.

As a child Robin sought sanctuary in the woods and moorlands of Devon and later in alcohol and drugs. But, the wild plants of yore were never far from his mind.

So, when life as he knew it fell apart he settled to study the plants of his youth and included many from all over the world. In forests, jungles and cities, he learnt to pause, sense and nibble.

Find out how Robin’s recovery practice helps him get into “the subtle nuances of flavour which lead into the subtle nuances of place”, enabling him to find his feet.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

[04.10] Food is friend… or is it?
[11.00] Relationship with plants
[26.00] Foraging - metaphor for life
[33.00] If you were a plant, what would you be?
[36.40] Ground Ivy

CONNECT WITH ROBIN HARFORD:

Instagram: @robinjharford

Robin's Website: eatweeds.co.uk

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

We're back for another season!

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0100

We are BACK for another season of This Food Thing!

After receiving such amazing feedback from Season 1, we knew we had to continue the podcast and conversation of food, whether it's friend or foe.

We've got an awesome line up of guests for this season and I can't wait to share them with you!

The first episode of Season 2 will be launching on April 23, 2021 at 9am, London time.

In the meantime, head over to @thisfoodthingpodcast to catch all the sneaky peeks before the Season Two launch and don't forget to subscribe!

Weight Loss, Fighting and Denial in the Covert World of Boxing with Mister Ian Streetz

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:25:00 +0100

Ian took his first martial arts class when he was five. With his professional fight career behind him he continues to live and breathe every hook and jab. What Ian doesn’t know about boxing, isn’t worth knowing.

However, he readily admits to the industry’s disavowal regarding eating disorders. It’s not even up for discussion.

But we discussed it, and then some more. Listen to the expert Mister Streetz and his brilliant, fighting talk.

Episode Timestamps:

[03:15] - Ian’s relationship with food and olfactory nerve damage
[10:00] - Reflecting on childhood memories
[11:40] - Cutting weight for fights, extreme dehydration
[20:40] - Discussing depression and anxiety
[23:00] - Eating disorders within boxing, sacrifice and exercise addiction
[31:00] - Young boys and men in boxing, the “dog” within
[37:44] - Training for survival
[44:00] - Five Foods Ian would take to an island

Thank you for tuning in!

Over Exercise, Perfectionism and Control Around Food with Charlotte Tooth

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:20:00 +0100

When Charlotte was a child, food was limited and plain. Sometimes, she went to bed hungry.

As a dancer this helped her limit her food and over-train, such were the demands of her profession. But it didn’t help her overall health and wellbeing.

Charlotte avoided the various pitfalls in the dancing world but even now she struggles to eat “different” food and feels too poor to eat posh. Hear how she maintains balance in her new life.

Episode Timestamps:

[02:37] - Food in the dancing world
[10:03] - Poor, potatoes and going to bed hungry
[15:14]- Embarrassment around food
[15:44] - Eating in public
[21:30] - Over exercise
[22:47] - Man on the beach
[31:05] - The “bikini” audition
[33:00] - Tasmanian devil and Charlotte’s Five Foods she would take to an island

Thank you for listening!

Stuck in a Bulimic and Anorexic Cycle After Years of Bullying with Maali Khan-Stokes

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:15:00 +0100

Maali was bullied at school and became bulimic when she was a teen. Her love of performing kept her sane but at home her ‘perfect’ Mum and older sister added to the mix.

Maali veers between not eating and binging. Sometimes, when she’s busy she forgets but most days are a constant battle. She’s not ready to stop her behaviours, however harmful, because right now... they help.

Listen to Maali’s candid overview on what led her to this place.

Episode Timestamps:

[03:58]- Being bullied from 6-18 years old
[06:48] - Bulimia and body discomfort
[10:05] - Parents and perfect sister
[15:20] - Burst blood vessel, self-hate and shame
[20:30] - What Maali’s bulimia means and the effects
[24:43] - Therapy, friends, Maali moves away
[37:38] - The Maali Pot
[43:47] - The Five Foods Maali would take to an island

Thank you for listening!

Making Peace with Bullying, Bulimia, and Shame with Jane Perry

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:10:00 +0100

Jane Perry was brought up in suburban Canada.

As a child she experienced conflict around food. When her best friend’s Mums’ said, “You’re too fat to play with our daughters” the scene was set for bulimia, over- exercise and shame.

Now fully recovered and a successful actor, feelings of shame and not being good enough still arise, especially, in front of the camera.

In this episode, hear the myriad ways Jane manages her issues and how her love of acting saves the day.

Episode Timestamps:

[02:00] - Using food as a reward
[08:55] - “Too fat to play with our daughters”
[13:00] - Bulimic at 14 years old
[14:35] - Acting saves the day
[17:30] - Dealing with shame
[31:00] - Over-exercising
[36:30] - Food politics
[38:26] - Jane’s Five Foods she would take to an island

Thank you for listening!

Overcoming Struggles with Bulimia, Alcohol and Self-acceptance with Roger Lloyd-Thompson

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:05:00 +0100

Roger recalls how his Dad’s comment, “Roger you’re getting a spare tyre”, helped set him up for a painful and profound relationship with his body until a life-changing conversation with a Robin.

Join me in this first guest episode to hear how Roger conquered his demons and turned his life around, as he struggled with bulimia, alcohol and self-acceptance.

A story that has the potential to be doom and gloom is in fact warm, funny and wise.

Episode Timestamps:

[02:23] - Dad’s ‘spare tyre’ comment
[09:26] - Roger’s food issues start: Laxatives, alcohol and bingeing
[16:50] - Roger meets a robin
[21:15] - New beginnings
[28:50] - Regret, guilt and triggers
[31:29] - Stand-up comedy and everything changes
[33:25] - The Pillsbury dough boy
[41:00] - Roger’s Five Foods to an island

Thank you for listening!

Welcome to This Food Thing and Jemma’s Story

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0100

My first guest of the season, Roger Lloyd-Thompson, plays interviewer and asks ME about my eating disorders.

It seems only fair if I am to expect the same from others. Eating disorders are difficult to talk about, however recovered.

I believe that eating disorders are about unmanageable feelings. Once we stop the physical behaviours what do we do with them?

I hope these conversations shed light in dark corners, prompt debate and, at best, heal.

Episode Timestamps:

[01:50] - How my story begins
[08:20] - Childhood memories, golden syrup and skinny legs
[24:30] - Bulimia
[28:14] - Anorexia
[32:00] - Therapy and tough love
[38:00] - Pivotal moment of recovery
[40:00] - Sitting with feelings
[47:00] - Getting better

Thank you for listening!

Introduction to This Food Thing!

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0100

After suffering with eating disorders and being consumed by my relationship with food for years, I wanted to open up the conversation now that I'm out the other side.

Launching on 8th January 2021, this podcast is a series of conversations with special guests discussing their own experiences with food, whether friend or foe and how it affects their behaviour.

In the meantime, head over to @thisfoodthingpodcast to catch all the sneak peeks before the official launch and don't forget to subscribe!