Life After Diets

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.

In this episode, the hosts delve into the complex relationship between alcohol and eating disorders, particularly binge eating. They start the discussion by sharing personal anecdotes about how alcohol influences their social interactions and how different cultures toast and drink. The conversation then shifts to how alcohol can trigger binge eating and decreases inhibitions, leading to loss of control around food, and sometimes serves as a substitute for food-related restrictions. Various facets of this relationship are explored, such as the cultural and emotional reasons behind drinking, the physical effects of alcohol on the body and appetite, and the psychological impacts like guilt and self-disgust. They also touch upon the concept of "drunkorexia," where individuals skip meals to save calories for drinking, and discuss strategies some use to avoid drinking or manage its effects. The episode offers insights on addressing these issues, such as giving up alcohol in a non-restrictive way, setting boundaries, and understanding the underlying emotional needs that lead to drinking or binge eating. If you're struggling with the intersection of alcohol and disordered eating, this episode provides a thoughtful exploration and practical advice. 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 week’s episode, Sarah and Stef welcome Laura Khoudari, a trauma-informed personal trainer, writer, and the author of "Lifting Heavy Things." Laura shares her unique approach to strength training, which prioritizes the nervous system and emotional well-being over traditional fitness goals. Throughout the interview, Laura opens up about her personal journey from dealing with chronic pain and binge eating disorder to finding empowerment through strength training. She also discusses what it means to be a trauma-informed personal trainer and how this differs from conventional personal training methods. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for exercise, recognizing the signs of hyperarousal and hypoarousal, and the role of mindfulness in physical training. Laura offers practical tips for individuals seeking empowerment and safety through movement. The episode also explores Laura’s relationship with food and body image, her recovery process, and how she finds joy and safety in cooking by breaking down food-related rules and finding balance in wellness. Finally, Laura talks about her Substack newsletter, "A Tender at the Desk and Stove," where she shares personal essays and wellness tips. She encourages listeners to find nourishment and well-being in ways that feel right for them. Whether you’re looking to transform your approach to fitness or gain a deeper understanding of trauma-informed practices, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt stories. Laura Khoudari is a writer and speaker. Her work as a leader in trauma-informed weight lifting and her book, Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep at Time, have been recognized across the fitness and mental health industries as well as by NPR and The New York Times. She was a runner-up in Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club Essay Writing Contest and her personal essays have appeared in Archetype and Human Shift.  Learn more about her and her work at laurakhoudari.com, on Instagram @laurakhoudari, and through her newsletter Tender at The Desk and Stove. 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 Episode 176 of our podcast, titled "Sickness and Appetite," hosts Stef and Sarah delve into the intricate relationship between illness and appetite. They share personal stories and theories on how sickness affects hunger, exploring varied reactions ranging from increased appetite to the desire for comfort food. Stef discusses a potential connection between eating disorders and an increased appetite during illness, while Sarah reflects on emotional responses to being sick. The conversation also touches on the psychological impacts of illness, orthorexia, and strategies for managing fluctuating appetites during and after sickness. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for listeners navigating their eating habits in the context of illness, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in recovery from 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, 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.