Liv Label Free | Neurodivergent Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorders present unique challenges for people with sensory sensitivities, which is why traditional treatment can do more harm than good. In this episode, Livia and Jess share their lived experience of neurodivergence and eating disorders, delving into the importance of trauma-informed care for neurodiversity-affirming eating disorder recovery. K...

Welcome to part 4 of my series on autism and binge eating! In this final episode, we explore some of the key psychological and hormonal factors that contribute to binge eating in neurodivergent individuals. From black and white thinking to decision fatigue and hormonal changes, this episode covers the many reasons why autistic people may struggle with binge eating. You'll learn: A recap of Parts 1...

Welcome to part 3 of my series on autism and binge eating! In this episode, we dive deeper into the relationship between procrastination, transitions, and binge eating. Autistic people often struggle with transitions and experience something called autistic inertia, both of which can play significant roles in overeating and binge eating behaviors. You'll learn: A recap of Part 1 and Part 2, coveri...

Welcome part 2 of my series on neurodivergence and binge eating! In this episode, we explore the sensory factors that contribute to why autistic and ADHD individuals may struggle with overeating or binge eating. We also discuss how this connects to the nervous system and how neurodivergent people experience sensory input in ways that impact eating behaviors. You'll learn: A basic overview of the n...

Autism and binge eating – is there a connection? While the relationship between autism and eating disorders is well-acknowledged, most of the conversation revolves around the restrictive side of the eating disorder spectrum, specifically anorexia and ARFID. Overeating and binge eating are much less discussed forms of disordered eating in the context of autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodi...

Do you believe you’re too old to recover from an eating disorder? Have you been struggling for so long that you don’t see a way out? You’re not alone, and today’s episode will show you that recovery is always possible! Livia Sara is joined by Julia Trehane, an eating disorder recovery coach who has herself recovered from over 40 years of anorexia, orthorexia and exercise addiction. She is now on a...

An eating disorder creates suffering – there’s no doubt about that – but can recovery itself cause suffering as well? This episode takes a philosophical and neurodiversity-affirming approach to creating purpose after an eating disorder, exploring how meaningful suffering can lead to a fulfilling life. 💗 Join my  newsletter  to receive episode updates 🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training...

How does the intersection of orthorexia, masculinity, and sexuality impact the journey to recovery? In today's episode, Livia Sara chats with Jason Wood. Jason turned his battle with orthorexia into a mission to break the stigma around men’s mental health by publishing his memoir Starving for Survival. He is proud to serve on the board for two eating disorder recovery organizations, Running in Sil...

Have you surpassed your target weight in eating disorder recovery? Are you struggling to cope with weight gain and accept your larger body? This podcast episode is for you! Livia Sara explains the science behind body fat overshooting and how to deal with this challenging aspect of ED recovery. You'll learn: Why it's important to overshoot your weight when recovering from an eat...

Are you worried that your extreme hunger isn't valid because you're already weight restored? You're not alone! I didn't experience physical extreme hunger until I was at the highest weight I'd ever been in my life. Because I was suddenly so hungry, I feared I would gain weight forever if I gave into my extreme hunger at this point in my eating disorder recovery journey. I feared that I was "s...

Are you afraid that you're "swinging to the other side" and developing binge eating disorder after a restrictive eating disorder such as anorexia or orthorexia? You're not alone, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. One of the most common fears in ED recovery is the fear that honoring extreme hunger will lead you to become addicted to food and thus, become a binge eater. This is definitely a fea...

Extreme hunger, like many aspects of eating disorder recovery, can be incredibly frightening. As an autistic person that always needs to know the "why" behind concepts so I can take informed action, understanding the science behind extreme hunger was an important part of my ED recovery journey. This episode delves into the role extreme hunger plays in achieving a state of...

Do you feel like you've lost the ability to restrict in eating disorder recovery? Are you developing binge eating disorder after anorexia because you can't stop eating? In this episode, Livia shares her lived experience of no longer being able to restrict in anorexia recovery and how she overcame the frustrations around this. 👉🏻  Join  Autistically ED-Free Group Coaching...

The connection between eating disorders and anxiety has been well established, but what about seeing eating disorders as a form of anxiety? In today's episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara chats with Chris Sandel, a nutritionist, coach and eating disorder expert. Chris is the founder and owner of Seven Health, a platform through which he helps people with eating disorders fully recover...

Eating disorder recovery can be a challenge for autistic folks due to difficulty with change, sensory aspects of weight gain, and the unpredictability around what will "replace" the eating disorder. In this episode, Livia talks about a recent hardship in her life, bringing it into parallel with her past eating disorder. She reflects on how many of her autistic traits...

Do you want to increase your understanding of the link between neurodivergence and eating disorders? If so, you are in the right place! On the Liv Label Free Podcast, autism advocate and eating disorder survivor Livia Sara shares insights and strategies on how to make eating disorder recovery neurodiversity-affirming. You’ll learn how to use your autistic and ADHD traits to your advantage in ED re...

Is there such a thing as too much food in eating disorder recovery? Most people would say no. However, for the autistic brain, the concept of "eating without limits" can be so abstract and overwhelming, that setting constraints around food can be a wonderful tool. In this episode, autism and eating disorder recovery coach Livia Sara explains how to use the neurodivergent need for limits to yo...

How do I eat intuitively as an autistic person that’s recovered from an eating disorder? This is a question I’ve received so often, and for good reason! I talk all about food freedom, extreme hunger, and honoring your body’s needs, while at the same time talking about how autistic people may struggle with recognizing bodily cues and how many behaviors that may seem restrictive from an eating disor...

Many autistic people enjoy eating food combinations that are considered “weird” by society. Although “disordered” eating can often underlie the creation of odd meals, it’s critical to invite compassion and curiosity before accusing the behaviors of being “the eating disorder talking.” In today's episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara and her co-host Mike share some of their favorite “we...

If you're neurodivergent and feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Navigating a world that wasn't built for you IS overwhelming! Listen to this guided mediation to reduce overwhelm so you can unleash your powerful neurodivergent energy 🌟 Connect with Livia: 🍩  INSTAGRAM 🌐  WEBSITE 📚  BOOKS Listen to more meditations for autism, ADHD, and eating disorders here Music from #Uppbea...

Why are neurodivergent people at an increased risk of experiencing trauma? In this episode, Livia Sara chats with Dr. Neff, a neurodivergent psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults.  Dr. Neff is the author of the book “Self-Care for Autistic People” and she has published in several peer-reviewed journals....

Can being neurodivergent contribute to addiction? How can you make traveling easier as an autistic and ADHD individual? Why do autistic people make excellent entrepreneurs? In today’s episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara chats with Patrick Casale, an AuDHD Licensed Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Therapist. Patrick is a group practice owner, motivational speaker, international r...

Is PMDD related to autism and ADHD? How can experiencing extreme hunger in eating disorder recovery lead to PMDD? In today's episode, Livia Sara combines science and lived experience to uncover the intricate connection between extreme hunger, neurodivergence and PMDD. You'll learn: How I healed hypothalamic amenorrhea and got my period back The difference between PMS and PMDD My neurodiv...

My book “How to Beat Extreme Hunger” is here! In today’s episode, Livia and Mike discuss the experience of extreme hunger from a neurodivergent perspective, highlighting a variety of topics from the book. You’ll learn: The harmful impact of extreme hunger being diagnosed as binge eating disorder Using food to stim as an autistic ADHD individual The frustration of not having mental hunger and physi...

Extreme hunger is SUCH a terrifying part of the recovery process and can be especially confusing when you're also autistic...but extreme hunger is also such an IMPORTANT part of eating disorder recovery, which is why it's essential you learn to recognize it! In today's episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara connects extreme hunger with the autistic eating experience...