September 30, 2022

Episode 182: Healing From An Eating Disorder

1 hour

Julie Emerson takes us on her healing journey as she recovers from an eating disorder. From overweight to scary-skinny, and the journey to self-love.

Listen to this insightful Whinypaluza episode with Julie Emerson about her journey and healing from an eating disorder.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

The unhealthy emotional connection to food started as early as when she was 6 years old.

Binging and late-night eating started at the age of 9. The dieting started at 19.

People were not vocal about their concerns when she was overweight.

Dieting became a high that she rode- weight loss was the thrill.

“Exercise bulimia” was a part of her life- eating too much and immediately doing a lot of cardio.

Binging and purging eventually made their way into her life in her 20s.

The binging and purging lasted for years.

Binging and purging became a coping mechanism and comfort when confronted with turmoil in her life.

It is difficult to approach a loved one when they see someone going through an eating disorder. They don’t know what to say or how to approach it.

Julie’s advice if you see someone struggling is to let them know you are there for them, and they have a place to fall if they get to a really bad place. Asking the simple question, “Is everything o.k.?” can be very impactful.

It is ok to say you are not ok. It is ok to say you need help. Start with saying it to yourself.

The road to healing and recovery does not have to start with a major moment. It can be as simple as just making the choice to change and taking it one day at a time.

Start small. An elaborate plan can often be more than you can handle.

When you know your triggers, take time to stop and breathe before you act.

Remember that you don’t need to be everything to everyone all the time. Take time for you. Take care of yourself.

Overcoming an eating disorder is like overcoming an addiction. The difference is we need food to live. Learning how to be around food and partake in a healthy way is very difficult.

There is powerful wisdom in the Serenity Prayer.

The challenge of learning to be comfortable with her body and with food, and being ok with the certainty that she would have to gain weight.

The journey to healing is a rollercoaster, but hopefully always moving forward.

Playing games with how and when you eat and using it as something to control is a sign that you have an unhealthy relationship with food. Food is fuel. Learn to listen to your body.

Educating your children and not creating negativity around food is the foundation to ensuring they don’t develop eating disorders. Create healthy boundaries and teach them how to best fuel their bodies for their personal activity level.

Create some healthy boundaries with food, but don’t forget to allow yourself or your kids to indulge in junk on occasion. The lure of the forbidden can cause problems down the road.

Your kids see and hear you, make sure you model healthy behavior.

If you see a sudden shift in your children, address it immediately and head-on.

Julie’s advice for anyone struggling with food. Start small. Start now.

Grant yourself forgiveness and focus on the path forward.

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By Rebecca Greene

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