It’s easy to think of eating disorders as, well, a disorder. But when we start to really dive into the nitty gritty, are they actually considered an addiction? We’ve all heard people throw the word “addiction” around casually, right? Like, "I'm addicted to coffee," or,  "I’m addicted to this podcast" (which, let’s be real, you probably are). But what happens when we start talking about it in the context of serious eating disorders? That’s where things get a bit sticky. Spoiler: This isn’t the food addiction conversation.

How do we challenge cultural norms when society has a strong perception of how things “should” be? Cultural and environmental factors undeniably influence our understanding and experience of our relationship with food and our bodies. But, let’s reconsider them. This is an opportunity to examine how our personal, professional, and political actions can drive meaningful change.

The idea of eating disorder treatment can feel very overwhelming. If you aren’t sure where to start, then this episode is for you. Think of it as your crash course—because who doesn't love a good cliff notes version?

How many old wives’ tales have you heard about nutrition and fertility? More importantly, how often have doctors told you that intentional weight loss will miraculously improve your IVF outcomes? If you’re even slightly “overweight” and experiencing fertility issues, it’s common for doctors to subtly (or not so subtly) suggest you “lose a little weight” as a solution. However, this outdated advice is based on research that isn’t clear-cut. Intentional weight loss isn’t the magic solution for better IVF outcomes. Who knew? More nuanced food and movement changes (if any at all) might actually be more beneficial. But hey, why have clarity when you can have mixed messages?

Have you ever noticed how sometimes substance use and eating disorders are intertwined? It turns out, these issues like to hang out together more often than not, complicating treatment and recovery. So, why do we keep these so separate in our conversations? There’s this illusion that some people can juggle their substance use with such precision. Spoiler alert: it's not as glamorous as it sounds.

Here’s the thing: when you eat regularly and enough, a domino effect happens. Your food obsessions disappear, your physical health improves, and your focus, memory, and mood are back to a “normal” baseline.

We've come a long way from the relentless diet culture that shoved weight loss down our throats. But here’s the thing: swinging to the extreme of intuitive eating without a solid plan can feel just as chaotic.

Balance and boundaries are the keys to your success in your everyday life. But balancing the two is never easy. The way we relate to food often mirrors how we relate to people—be it friends, family, or romantic partners. And let’s be real, the way we interact with others can reveal a lot about our own struggles and strengths.

Remember the last time we dipped our toes into the hot world of Ozempic and other GLP meds? Yeah, we barely scratched the surface. The world is absolutely obsessed with GLP medications, and the more we know, the better we can make informed decisions—without all the drama, please.

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.

If you ever feel like your child is getting worse or not receiving the right treatment, trust your gut and seek alternatives. Many listeners have requested episodes focused on parents and families dealing with eating disorders. We usually address the issues from the perspective of those struggling or the clinicians working with them. But families need support too, right?

When it comes to nutrition, it often feels like we're stuck between two opposing camps: those who are all about strict diets and scientific nutrition, and those who advocate for intuitive eating. It’s like there’s an invisible line, and folks tend to stick to their side, often mocking the other without really engaging in meaningful dialogue. But reality isn’t that black and white. It’s not just about choosing between nutrition science and having a peaceful relationship with food.