Life After Diets

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 fe...

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 defe...

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...

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 b...

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...

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...

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, th...

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 c...

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 com...

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....

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 co...

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...

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 appe...

In this episode, we dove deep into the topic of evening snacking (and how complicated it can be). We explored various reasons why people might snack at night, from emotional triggers (like seeking comfort or reward) to biological factors (like needing a full stomach to sleep better). We also talked about personal experiences with nighttime eating habits and how different strategies can help, such...

In this episode, Sarah and Stef dive into the complex relationship between stress and eating habits. They share personal anecdotes (starting with Sarah's recent Domino's Pizza ordering experience) about how stress impacts their food choices and delve into the psychological and physiological reasons behind these patterns. Topics discussed include the challenges of stress-induced cravings, the role...

In this live episode, hosts Sarah and Stef explain the concepts of "All-In Recovery" versus "All or Nothing Thinking," particularly in the context of the nondiet approach to overeating and restriction cycles.  Stef explains that "All-In Recovery" involves abandoning restrictive eating behaviors entirely, which actually IS a quite all-or-nothing experience. She also explains how it worked to find e...

In this episode, we delve into the concept of "triggers" and how they affect our emotions and behaviors (including how they impact binge eating and restricting and body image). Our hosts, Sarah and Stef, share personal anecdotes about feedback on social media (like when people make comments about our clothes or teeth or how we are only in this for ourselves), the psychological and physical respons...

In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the complexities of motherhood, pregnancy, and recovery. Join Stef and Sarah as they discuss personal experiences and answer listener questions surrounding motherhood, disordered eating, and the challenges of recovery. From confronting body image issues during pregnancy to navigating the hurdles of parenting while recovering from an eating disorder, thi...

In this episode of our podcast, join Sarah and Stef as they delve into the complexities of eating out. From the anxieties and guilt associated with ordering and calorie counting to the social pressures of dining with others, they discuss the various challenges people face. The conversation also touches on topics like intuitive eating, practical tips for overcoming eating-related stress, and reflec...

In this lively and unique episode, Sarah and Stef delve into the concept of joy. They share their personal experiences and struggles with finding joy, reflecting on moments that brought them happiness and the impact those moments had on their mental states. From a sunny drive to Brighton listening to summer reggae (Sarah) to a rollercoaster ride with her daughters (Stef), they explore how joy can...

This week, we are talking to Dr. Jenn (@menopause.nutritionist), an Intuitive Eating dietician and naturopathic doctor, who is a medical expert in Functional and Intuitive Nutrition for Women in Midlife. Because how the heck do we stop dieting and stay sane when we're dealing with menopause symptoms??  We'll cover: Jenn's story The difference between perimenopause and menopause Estrogen's impact o...

In this episode, we dive into a thoughtful and nuanced review of the book 'Ultra Processed People' by Chris Van Tulleken. They explore the book's themes around ultra processed foods, their potential impact on our health, and the broader societal implications. The conversation navigates through personal anecdotes, scientific claims, and the complicated relationship with food, making it a must-liste...

This episode features Livia Sara, known as @LivLabelFree, who shares her journey and expertise in disordered eating recovery through the lens of autism. We'll discuss: Liv's Background : how Livia started helping others with neurodivergent eating disorder recovery Autistic Traits vs. Eating Disorder Behaviors : The conversation delves into distinguishing between autistic traits and eating disorder...

In this episode, hosts Stefanie and Sarah dive into the complexities surrounding overeating, especially in the context of recovery from binge eating. They discuss the difference between binge eating and overeating, and explore how habits, stress, and emotional regulation play into our eating behaviors. Using real-life anecdotes and client experiences, they offer compassionate insights into underst...

Welcome back to another episode, everyone! In today's chat, we are explaining Stef's concept of "anchor meals", their psychological and physiological impacts, and how they fit into our daily routines. We start off with entertaining personal stories—from recording mishaps to culinary adventures in Spain—that segue into a discussion on why knowing when your next meal is coming is important for our m...