Reading Reddit Stories: Food Recovery Edition

Breaking Free from Diet Culture Toward Body Liberation with Savala Nolan

Diets teach us to view the body as a project. You can tinker with what you're eating and transform your body into something different.  Then fitness culture doubles down and provides the message that you can shape your body to be whatever you want it to be, you just have to put up with messages like no pain, no gain and a complete disconnection from your body, how it feels, and what resonates with it.  I know I spent years and years in this ping pong game of diets and body shaping. Then, saying F this, swinging the pendulum to the opposite side and eating everything I had deprived and barely moving my body, only to still feel horrible that I went crawling back to a diet again because I had no clue what else to do.  There is a lot that gets sacrificed seeing the body as a project and this realization often only occurs after months and years when you realize you don't know who you are anymore, how to exist in your body, or what it actually needs.  Yet, releasing the habitual relationship with the body as something to change and alter will also potentially change your relationships, the environments you've been interacting with, and the conversations you engage in. It isn't that easy when everyone around you is also in their own body project to say, "hey, ya know what, I'm done working on my body."  In this week's episode, I chat with Savala Nolan, writer, author, public speaker, and professor at UC Berkeley about:  * The journey of recovering from diet culture * Understanding the language and psychological impact of dieting * Ending the body project and facing the fears and cost of body liberation * Questioning societal norms * Practical steps toward body liberation You can also read the transcript to this week’s episode here [https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/breaking-free-from-diet-culture]: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/breaking-free-from-diet-culture This was such a fantastic conversation. Savala describes exiting diet culture in a way that I've never heard someone capture what it is actually like and what a person may come to face in the process.  If you have any insights from this episode, let me know! With Compassion and Empathy,  Stephanie Mara Fox Keep in touch with Savala:  Website: https://savalanolan.com/ [https://savalanolan.com/] Substack: https://savala.substack.com/ [https://savala.substack.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savalanolan/ [https://www.instagram.com/savalanolan/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] Keep in touch with Stephanie Mara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/ [https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox [https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox] Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/ [https://www.stephaniemara.com/] https://www.somaticeating.com/ [https://www.somaticeating.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox [https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox] Contact: support@stephaniemara.com Support the show: Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] All affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resources [https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/#a_aid=somaticeating] Receive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here [https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA]: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA [https://www.equipfoods.com/discount/STEPHANIEMARA?rfsn=7433250.c99684] Use my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl [https://amzn.to/448IyPl] Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou... [https://www.bensound.com/]

What Self Love Really Is And How To Embody It Every Day with Lulu Essey

I have often felt like talking about self love can feel frustrating and confusion. What does loving oneself actually mean and look like?  Early in my twenties, I think I thought self love looked and felt like self discipline. I went to yoga and meditated almost every day, I was strict with myself on what and when I would eat, I went to bed early and woke up early.  From the outside, it looked like I deeply loved myself through how I cared for myself but that it not the way it felt. I felt trapped, depressed, and disconnected. My routine wasn't bringing me joy or love, it brought short term safety. And that bubble would burst if I did anything outside of that routine where I would then be so cruel with myself.  Self love may show up as an act, but now I experience it as a felt sense. It feels like a warmth, a closeness, and an appreciation of my body for all that it does and navigates every day. In this week's episode, I chat with Lulu Essey, Speaker, Mindset Advisor, and host of The Lulu Essey Podcast , about:  * Understanding the difference between self love and self care * The practice of staying with yourself in all emotions, sensations, and reactions * Navigating discomfort * The role of safety in self love * The courage to face inner struggles and the importance of asking for support You can also read the transcript to this week’s episode here [https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/what-self-love-really-is-and-how-to-embody-it-every-day]: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/what-self-love-really-is-and-how-to-embody-it-every-day Hope you enjoy this week's episode and talk to you more soon!  With Compassion and Empathy,  Stephanie Mara Fox Keep in touch with Lulu:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@luluessey [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40luluessey&user_uuid=DBCBMWJVJKQJJFAA&stage=1&hmac=70e95a15626125659c7c983a5129666b5781fcc559d491acea877cbc220489a4] Website: https://www.luluessey.com/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.luluessey.com%2F&user_uuid=DBCBMWJVJKQJJFAA&stage=1&hmac=ae7bb2435ed7cfa00284aa510e9c54fe4cbbe082546cf7f0029c155d86aa398e] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucille-marie-essey/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Flucille-marie-essey%2F&user_uuid=DBCBMWJVJKQJJFAA&stage=1&hmac=4ecb4acaf2610d53428a3152593688f3f79e784379a6ecaf056198cfb7236978] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulu.essey/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flulu.essey%2F&user_uuid=DBCBMWJVJKQJJFAA&stage=1&hmac=2d1f23dd4d9f9eea9caa0ac607819bd15d104950560a4a0b8f494c472c9ee59d] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] Keep in touch with Stephanie Mara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/ [https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox [https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox] Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/ [https://www.stephaniemara.com/] https://www.somaticeating.com/ [https://www.somaticeating.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox [https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox] Contact: support@stephaniemara.com Support the show: Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] All affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resources [https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/#a_aid=somaticeating] Receive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here [https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA]: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA [https://www.equipfoods.com/discount/STEPHANIEMARA?rfsn=7433250.c99684] Use my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl [https://amzn.to/448IyPl] Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou... [https://www.bensound.com/]

Regulate Your Nervous System, Reframe Your Reflection: A Guide to Somatic Body Image Healing

I've been through a similar trajectory that so many have in food and body image recovery.  In my twenties, I got to a place where food was less of a concern. I wasn't skipping meals anymore and I was balancing those meals and eating all macronutrients. I felt much more grounded and regulated.  But, the body image struggles continued to hang around. I felt good in my body but I still hated the way my body looked. So, I tried every mainstream approach. I tried the stronger over skinny approach where I lifted a lot of heavy weights and gained a lot of muscle. Yet still, it felt like it was never enough.  So, I tried the unconditional body love approach and tried to love my body as it was. No matter how much I tried to challenge my internalized beliefs about my body, nothing would budge.  I still looked in the mirror every day and internally said, "ick".  When I started somatic therapy, it wasn't with the intention of trying to heal my body image. I was focused on healing from a trauma response. What I wasn't expecting was that I would find myself caring less and less about how my body looked the safer I felt.  In this week's episode, I chat about:  * A somatic, nervous system, attachment perspective to body image struggles  * Research that points to body image struggles are more about alterations in your brain and nervous system than it is about your body  * Strategies to increase interoception, a key part of body image recovery You can read the transcript to this episode here [https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/reframe-your-reflection]: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/reframe-your-reflection I've opened the doors back up for the next 48 hours until midnight on Tuesday 5/26 to the Somatic Eating® Program.  The first class has already occurred so you will be able to watch the replay of the first class and reach out in the already active community to ask questions and receive support.  Something I wished I had as I navigated my food and body image interactions was someone who would have guided me on how to listen to myself, rather than give me a bunch of advice that didn't work for my body. That is what I do in the program: support you in cultivating trust in yourself that you know what is best for you and how to discover that for yourself after you've been away from your body for years. Join now here [https://www.somaticeating.com/#ready]: https://www.somaticeating.com/#ready If you have any questions, respond to this email anytime!  With Compassion and Empathy,  Stephanie Mara Fox Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] Keep in touch with Stephanie Mara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/ [https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox [https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox] Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/ [https://www.stephaniemara.com/] https://www.somaticeating.com/ [https://www.somaticeating.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox [https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox] Contact: support@stephaniemara.com Support the show: Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] All affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resources [https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/#a_aid=somaticeating] Receive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here [https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA]: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA [https://www.equipfoods.com/discount/STEPHANIEMARA?rfsn=7433250.c99684] Use my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl [https://amzn.to/448IyPl] Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou... [https://www.bensound.com/]

Reading Reddit Stories: Food Recovery Edition

In this week's episode, I chat about:  * I read 3 different food recovery Reddit stories  * I talk about recovery into a world that is just going to want to push you back into your food behaviors  * Grieving the time that has passed since your food coping behaviors began  * The comfort with being in the sympathetic nervous system making it difficult to recover  * The optimal pace of food recovery There are 4 days left to sign up for the Somatic Eating® Program!  🌀 You will learn my Safety-Satiety Cycle 🌀 Receive unlimited support by me for three months 🌀 Discover the somatic wisdom to your food behaviors 🌀 Learn how to grow your capacity to be with your body 🌀 Practice somatic resources that help you to connect with your body in food and non-food ways You can join at somaticeating.com [https://www.somaticeating.com/] and if you have any questions about the program, email me at support@stephaniemara.com anytime!  With Compassion and Empathy,  Stephanie Mara Fox Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] Keep in touch with Stephanie Mara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/ [https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox [https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox] Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/ [https://www.stephaniemara.com/] https://www.somaticeating.com/ [https://www.somaticeating.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox [https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox] Contact: support@stephaniemara.com Support the show: Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] All affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resources [https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/#a_aid=somaticeating] Receive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here [https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA]: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA [https://www.equipfoods.com/discount/STEPHANIEMARA?rfsn=7433250.c99684] Use my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl [https://amzn.to/448IyPl] Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou... [https://www.bensound.com/]

Breakthrough Food Recovery Stuckness With Psychedelics and Movement with Francesca Annenberg

My current perspective on eating disorders is that labeling food behaviors as a disorder has kept the field of food recovery distracted, continuing to focus on that food is the problem.  Patterns of binge eating, restriction, yo yo dieting, food noise, and body image struggles need to be re-labeled as nervous system dysregulation or a trauma response.  Food, for many, was never actually the problem, but it was the strategy to support the nervous system, to cultivate safety, and to produce specific neurotransmitters.  The safer you feel in your body, the less you can experience food or body image impulses that are trying to facilitate safety. In this week's episode, I chat with Francesca Annenberg, Eating Disorder Recovery, Somatic Practitioner, and Psychedelic Integration Guide, about:  * How psychedelic assisted therapies can be utilized in food recovery * How movement, sensory awareness and reconnecting with the body can transform food and body image issues * Building safety and trust in the body * The connection between food, relationships, and self worth You can also read the transcript to this week’s episode here [https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/breakthrough-food-recovery-stuckness]: https://www.stephaniemara.com/blog/breakthrough-food-recovery-stuckness I truly believe somatic psychology has been the missing piece for many people struggling for decades with their food and body image. This is why I'm passionate about teaching my three month live Somatic Eating® Program to be able to reach more people with this work. You can learn more at somaticeating.com [http://somaticeating.com]. The doors are open to join now and I would love to connect with you more in the program. With Compassion and Empathy,  Stephanie Mara Fox Keep in touch with Francesca:  Website: http://www.francescaeatsroses.com/ [http://www.francescaeatsroses.com/] IG + TikTok: @francescaeatsroses [https://www.instagram.com/francescaeatsroses/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-rose-annenberg-46966631 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-rose-annenberg-46966631] Email: hello@francescaeatsroses.com [hello@francescaeatsroses.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] Keep in touch with Stephanie Mara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/ [https://www.instagram.com/_stephaniemara/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox [https://www.facebook.com/stephaniemarafox] Website: https://www.stephaniemara.com/ [https://www.stephaniemara.com/] https://www.somaticeating.com/ [https://www.somaticeating.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephmara/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox [https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniemarafox] Contact: support@stephaniemara.com Support the show: Become a supporter: https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support [https://www.buzzsprout.com/809987/support] All affiliate links: https://www.stephaniemara.com/resources [https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/#a_aid=somaticeating] Receive 15% off my fave protein powder with code STEPHANIEMARA at checkout here [https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA]: https://www.equipfoods.com/STEPHANIEMARA [https://www.equipfoods.com/discount/STEPHANIEMARA?rfsn=7433250.c99684] Use my Amazon Affiliate link when shopping on Amazon: https://amzn.to/448IyPl [https://amzn.to/448IyPl] Special thanks to Bendsound for the music in this episode. www.bensou... [https://www.bensound.com/]