In this episode, I’m diving into what actually builds confidence: relationships. Real ones. Consistent, validating, non-judgy, "I-got-you" type of relationship. The kind that reminds you you’re worthy, even when you’re sporting your least flattering sweatpants. 

There’s an often misunderstood world of intuitive eating. Sure, it’s all about “all foods fit” and “no food rules,” but let’s get real—sometimes you need a bit of structure, especially when that party-size bag of chips starts whispering your name.

We often get stuck in the food and body image loop when discussing eating disorders. But let's be real, it's so much more than that! Our relationship with food and our bodies spills over into every aspect of our lives, especially anything that connects with our desires, including our sexual desires and intimacy.

As a mother myself, I've experienced firsthand the pressures of bounce-back culture. It's everywhere - from social media ads to casual conversations. The expectation to quickly return to your pre-pregnancy body after carrying a human for 40 weeks and giving birth is, quite frankly, absurd.

I firmly believe that the key lies in early detection and prevention. Whether you're a psychiatrist pediatrician, therapist, or dietitian, your ability to recognize the early signs of disordered eating and intervene can truly make a world of difference. It's about becoming part of the solution, steering individuals away from the brink of despair, and towards a path of healing and recovery.

When we talk about eating disorders, the conversation often revolves around body image – from the harmful effects of body shaming to the empowering message of body positivity. But there's another aspect of this conversation that often goes overlooked: beauty ideals.

Here’s the thing, eating disorders don’t have a look. It’s a myth that eating disorders are typically portrayed by a “skinny” individual. But the reality is far from that stereotype. Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their outward appearance. They don't discriminate based on size, shape, or weight.

What comes to mind when you hear the term “body positivity”? First off, it’s become a mainstream concept. Body neutrality, all foods fit, and body positivity are all terms to describe a phase of coming to terms with your body. However, we have to recognize that this approach may not resonate with everyone seeking help. While we shift towards inclusivity, we also inadvertently exclude individuals who may not be ready or comfortable with these concepts. These individuals hear these terms and think “Nope, I want nothing to do with this” and run from treatment. 

In a world driven by absolutes and quick fixes, where opinions often seem black or white, it's time to stop for a minute and just think about how complex the situation really is. Let’s embrace the nuance in our decision-making, whether it pertains to nutrition, relationships, or any other aspect of life.

As I sat down with Dr. Gaudiani, she wasted no time in emphasizing the personalized and intricate nature of eating disorders. These conditions are shaped by a complex interplay of genetics and an array of factors still shrouded in mystery. Dr. Gaudiani made it clear that the web of complexities surrounding eating disorders extends far beyond our current comprehension, revealing the need for a bespoke approach to treatment.

So what if your journey through your eating disorder recovery isn’t going the way you had thought it would go?

You made huge strides with eating- you eat all the macros, eat way more frequently than you had before, and you challenge yourself with foods, but you still feel obsessive and anxious; you just feel you are not quite there yet.

You feel something is off. For sure, it feels a lot better than before; after all, you are eating and feeling more energized than ever! But completely free from the shackles of your eating disorder?

Learn more about eating disorder therapy and treatment in NYC and Brooklyn with Rachelle Heinemann at rachelleheinemann.com.

How do you accept your body when you don’t really like your body?

I get this question SO often, and the reason I haven’t addressed it sooner is because there’s really no magic answer to improve body image.

There’s nothing I can say in this post that will revolutionize your body image – but I’m hoping it can help your brain start to think about it a little differently.

Learn more about eating disorder therapy and treatment in NYC and Brooklyn with Rachelle Heinemann at rachelleheinemann.com.