#141: Processed Foods, Nutrition Misinformation, and the Elitism of Wellness with Shana Spence, RD (@thenutritiontea)

Shana Spence, a registered dietitian (who you might know as @thenutritiontea on social media), joins the pod to bust myths about processed foods and to discuss how family, culture, privilege, and societal influences shape our relationship with food. Listen Ad-Free on Patreon! We recorded this conversation before the election, but given the outcome, we're going to see an influx of misinformation about wellness, health, and nutrition -- so this episode feels timely. Shana shares how her initial career path and disordered eating fueled her decision to become a dietitian, and reflects on how dietetics education perpetuates diet culture, focusing on BMI and stereotypes. She talks about her perspective shift over time, the process of moving toward an anti-diet and weight-inclusive approach, and why the social determinants of health matter more than individual food choices. Tune in to hear more about… The pressure of food restriction as a badge of honor Privilege affecting food choices The misleading fears about processed foods The oversimplification of food into good vs. bad categories.  How family and cultural background impact dieting External societal pressures on our relationship with food Diet culture and healthism Dietitian education's role in perpetuating diet culture Stereotyping in healthcare Shana’s perspective shift on nutrition and dieting Restriction as a form of validation Black-and-white thinking in nutrition Why we don't need to "fix" people's eating habits Shana Spence is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New York, who considers herself an “eat anything” dietitian, and counsels on a HAES (Healthy At Every Size) and an Intuitive Eating approach. She is also the author of Live Nourished - Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy. Find her website here https://www.thenutritiontea.com/  and find her on instagram at @thenutritiontea.   Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate   Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   Group membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group   Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   WalkingPad Discounts: Use code ABBIEATTWOODWELLNESS for 30% off their WalkingPad Use code ABBIEWELLNESS for 20% off their treadmills   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Eades Listen Ad-Free on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullplate