In this episode, Sarah and Stef explore how body acceptance might feel like defeat for many who have struggled to change their bodies and feel oppressed by their circumstances. They dissect how acceptance is a proactive practice that differs from the feeling of defeat, which is reactionary and involves a perceived loss against external forces. Stef shares personal insights on how acceptance can feel oppressive when it seems to invalidate self-advocacy, while Sarah discusses how resistance to acceptance often stems from fear and shame.

The conversation touches on therapeutic techniques to work through resistance, the importance of validating and allowing resistant feelings, and the transformative power of willingness and allowing reality as it is without judgment. They also talk about the importance of having a supportive space where resistance can be discussed openly and without the urge to “fix” it immediately.

Towards the end, they discuss real-world applications of these concepts, bringing in examples like discomfort on airplanes due to body size and personal triggers in relation to diet culture. They also investigate how contextualizing experiences as non-personal and understanding biological and psychological underpinnings can help shift perspectives from defeat to empowerment.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

In Episode 187, we dive headfirst into the popular yet contentious world of diet psychology with our review of “Never Binge Again” by Glenn Livingstone, PhD. This episode is for anyone interested in behavioral psychology, eating disorder recovery, or just looking for a candid conversation that challenges traditional expert opinion.

Join Sarah and Stef as they dissect Livingstone’s approach to defeating binge eating, which promotes calling our cravings “pig squeals” and embracing extreme black-and-white thinking. 

Expect a lively discussion infused with personal anecdotes about coping with binge eating, heated debates about oversimplification in addiction recovery, and reflections on food abstinence. We also tackle the psychological effects of daily weighing and the challenges of regulating our complex relationship with food.

If you’re curious about alternative methods to mainstream diet culture or looking for expert opinions with a dash of humor, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and get ready for a thoughtful, relatable, and eye-opening exploration of food psychology.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

Welcome to Episode 186 of "Life After Diets," where Stef and Sarah dive into a topic we've surprisingly not tackled before—GLP-1 medications and their implications. GLP-1, commonly known from brands like Ozempic, has been generating buzz for its use in weight management. In this episode, Stef and Sarah unpack the complexities of this tender subject, sharing their personal and professional insights.

We kick things off by reminiscing about a previously unreleased episode that touched on similar themes. From there, Sarah candidly discusses the difficulties she faces when speaking about GLP-1s, including the delicate balance of expressing personal opinions without unduly influencing listeners. Stef and Sarah highlight their different perspectives on the scientific, psychological, and societal impacts of these medications, especially their effects on those with disordered eating patterns.

The conversation touches on the lack of long-term studies, the potential for misuse, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding GLP-1s. They also explore how societal pressures and weight stigma can influence one's decision to use these medications. In a thoughtful exchange, Stef shares experiences from clients who have benefitted and those who have struggled with GLP-1s, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and personalized decision-making.

Throughout the episode, our hosts aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for discussing these medications, recognizing the varied experiences and choices of individuals. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications for society and our health systems, expressing a blend of skepticism and hope for future understanding.

Join us for this nuanced and heartfelt discussion, and if you're seeking support or community, know that you're not alone. We invite you to listen, reflect, and share your thoughts with us as we navigate this evolving landscape together.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

This episode delves into topic of body checking—when individuals habitually monitor their body size or shape. Sarah and Stef share personal experiences, discussing their different relationships with body checking.

Stef candidly describes how body checking was a way to manage her anxiety and provides insights into her journey towards recovery, detailing strategies such as changing her response to body checking rather than trying to stop the behavior outright.

Sarah contrasts with Stef by explaining that during her episodes of binge eating and rapid weight gain, she avoided body checking because it was too distressing. She highlights the psychological differences between those who body check for reassurance and those who avoid it to mitigate anxiety.

The hosts explore the intersection of body checking with trauma, underlining how people with histories of trauma might find body checking as a safety measure. They also touch upon the impactful role of societal norms and how they can influence habits like weighing oneself.

Throughout the episode, the importance of creating a safe environment for oneself is emphasized. The hosts provide practical advice for those struggling with body checking, such as gradually reducing the frequency of checks and changing the emotional response to the act of checking. The episode concludes with a call to reflect deeply on the meaning behind body checking behaviors and the potential for long-term change through developing safety and self-compassion.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

In this insightful episode of Life After Diets, hosts Stef and Sarah delve into the topic of planned versus unplanned binges. They explore the complexities behind both types of binge eating, including personal anecdotes and psychological insights. The discussion covers how factors like anxiety, stress, and emotional triggers contribute to these behaviors. They also examine the role of planning in providing a sense of control and how unplanned binges often feel more impulsive and uncontrollable. Through an open forum with their community, they engage in a deeper conversation about managing anxiety, recognizing patterns, and finding ways to cope with urges to binge. This episode is especially valuable for anyone looking to understand more about their own binge-eating behaviors and seeking ways to manage them.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Planned Binges: The hosts discuss how some individuals plan their binges days in advance, viewing it as a reward or a way to cope with scarcity.
2. The Nature of Unplanned Binges: In contrast, unplanned binges are often characterized by impulsivity and a lack of control, hitting individuals suddenly and leading to frantic eating.
3. Psychological and Emotional Factors: Anxiety, stress, and other emotional factors play significant roles in both types of binges.
4. Community Engagement: Real-time interactions with listeners provide varied perspectives, including experiences with planned and unplanned binges and strategies for coping.
5. Managing Anxiety and Urges: Tips and insights on how to manage anxiety and control impulses are shared, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and understanding personal triggers.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of binge-eating behaviors, explore effective coping strategies, and feel less alone in your journey towards a healthier relationship with food.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

In this episode, Stef and Sarah delve into the emotional topic of the mother wound. The discussion begins with light-hearted banter but quickly deepens into a profound conversation about the impact mothers have on their children. They explore insights from books like "Mother Hunger" by Kelly McDaniel and "Discovering the Inner Mother" by Bethany Webster but also bring personal experiences into the room. The hosts discuss the different ways mothers can nurture and unintentionally wound their children (is the Mother Wound even avoidable from an existential perspective?) and how these experiences shape adult relationships and self-concept, including our relationships with food and bodies. They also touch on the societal pressures mothers face and the challenges of achieving a balance between nurturing, protection, and guidance.

Stefanie's Somatic Experiencing and Nervous System Regulation Course is enrolling now! Use code: LADLISTENS for a discount at checkout. This course is for beginners looking to gain a broader insight into the role of the nervous system in symptoms of stress, anxiety, erratic moods, body image distress, and food issues.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

In this episode, a therapist and a certified coach delve into the intricacies of 12-step programs, focusing on Overeaters Anonymous (OA) and its newer counterpart, Food Addicts Anonymous (FA). They discuss the challenges and potential benefits of these programs for those struggling with food issues, citing personal experiences and client stories. Key topics include the principles of abstinence, the impact of restrictive eating, the role of sponsors, and the delicate balance between support and control. They also touch on the cultural and psychological implications of these programs, often questioning their long-term efficacy and potential for fostering restrictive eating d1sord3rs. For deeper insights, they reference previous episodes on related topics like "All In vs. All or Nothing Thinking" and "Can Cutting Out Some Foods Help My Eating?"

Stefanie's Somatic Experiencing and Nervous System Regulation Course is enrolling now! Use code: LADLISTENS for a discount at checkout. This course is for beginners looking to gain a broader insight into the role of the nervous system in symptoms of stress, anxiety, erratic moods, body image distress, and food issues.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

If you're tired of "new year, new you" energy, tune into this lower-pressure episode where Sarah and Stef meet the new year with gentle intentions and "words for the year." We'll give you the space to have goals for yourself without the pressure of "pass/fail" or completely reinventing yourself overnight. 

Stefanie's Somatic Experiencing and Nervous System Regulation Course is enrolling now! Use code: LADLISTENS for a discount at checkout

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

This episode was supposed to be about self-care during the holidays...and it turned into a ramble between Stef and Sarah about Christmases past and present, how to cope during the week between Christmas and New Years, and...productivity? We're just here to keep you company this week. So settle in with your cup of hot chocolate and join us for this Christmas Day ramble.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

In this insightful episode, Sarah and Stef delve into the complex interplay of emotions like sadness, anger, and disconnection. They explore how sadness is often a front for deeper emotional experiences and how it contrasts with the energizing force of anger.

Stef shares her struggles with collapsing into sadness and explains how food was a coping mechanism for her during emotionally trying times. Sarah discusses the nuanced responses to sadness and the importance of grieving effectively. The episode touches on topics like childhood conditioning, parental responses to emotions, and the societal expectations around gender and emotional expression.

Listeners will find valuable insights into the therapeutic handling of sadness, the distinction between true emotional experiences and conditioned responses, and the importance of making space for emotions like grief and loss. The hosts also offer personal anecdotes and practical tips for moving towards and processing these difficult feelings in a healthy way.

Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast

Email – [email protected]

Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT

Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse

Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist

Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.