Stay ConnectedNot dieting? Now what?
Hosted by Sarah Dosanjh (psychotherapist and author) and Stefanie Michele (coach and somatic therapist), Life After Diets explores what it really takes to heal your relationship with food and body image. Through personal stories, professional insights, and candid reflections, Sarah and Stefanie unpacks the messy, nonlinear process of recovery: the relief of food freedom, the discomfort of identity shifts, and the challenge of living in a culture obsessed with thinness.
Copyright: Copyright Life After Diets Podcast © 2021
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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:
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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 – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
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.
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