In this week's episode, Hannah is joined by Alix Walker. Alix is an eating disorder counsellor and coach, and a wellbeing speaker, who works with clients to overcome eating and body image difficulties following on from her own personal experience.

This week's festive episode brings a real perspective of being in recovery at Christmas, with advice on how to navigate this season that isn't just a few quick tips that feel like they diminish the struggles of Christmas.

This week, we discuss:

• Common challenges Alix supports her clients with during the festive period
• The pressure and overwhelm caused by Christmas markets
• Making recovery-focused decisions when challenging your eating disorder
• Giving yourself permission to engage in what feels right to you
• Finding compassion for others who are also stuck in diet culture thought patterns
• Visiting home for Christmas and experiencing emotional triggers
• Finding time for reflection or space during the festive season
• Redefining what Christmas means to you and making it what you need
• The impact of social media on your own Christmas experience

Timestamps:

• 01:20: Common Eating Disorder Struggles at Christmas
• 03:20: Christmas Markets and Knowing When to Challenge
• 06:13: Managing Guilt After Social Events
• 07:41: Navigating Work Parties
• 10:47: Finding Balance and Compassion
• 14:17: Navigating Diet Talk
• 16:57: Handling Comments from Family Members
• 23:05: Taking Responsibility for Triggers
• 26:29: Finding Personal Space
• 29:14: Redefining the Meaning of Christmas Away from Social Media

Resources & Links

• Follow Alix on Instagram @counsellingwithalix
• Check out Alix's Linktree

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here
• Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here
• Check out our website here
• Listen on YOUTUBE here

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders. Please take care when listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.

Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛