#156: What Are Eating Disorders Really About? A Listener Shares Their Story

This is a free preview of a bonus episode. You can hear the full conversation when you upgrade to paid on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullplate In this episode, Abbie sits down with Elizabeth, a long-time listener and passionate reader and baker, to discuss her journey through recovery, how neurodivergence plays a role in EDs, the challenges of unlearning diet culture, and the role of perfectionism in both disordered eating and healing. Elizabeth shares her personal experiences with treatment, the pressure to “get away with” restrictive behaviors, reclaiming baking from diet culture, and how she ultimately found a more compassionate approach to food, body image, and self-care. Together, they explore the complexities of weight in eating disorder recovery, the importance of informed consent in treatment, and the difficulty of navigating societal messages around weight and health. Elizabeth also opens up about the strategies that have helped her the most—including distraction, grounding activities, and reconnecting with joyful movement and baking. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery, supporting a loved one, or challenging their own internalized diet culture. Introduction to Elizabeth What's On Your Plate? (Reading, Cooking) Neurodivergence and Mental Health Teenage Eating Disorder Recovery The Impact of Sports and Social Pressures on Body Image Puberty and Body Changes Family Dynamics and Eating Disorders Perfectionism and Disordered Eating The Path to Anti-Diet Culture Awareness Coping Mechanisms and Creative Outlets Reclaiming Baking from Diet Culture The Power of Community and Connection To hear the full episode, upgrade to Patreon and unlock the entire archive of bonus episodes! 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on diet culture, mental health, and body liberation. 📩 Have a question or topic request? Reach out to us! www.patreon.com/fullplate Patreon supporters get access to Q&As, community discussions, and Abbie's undying love and gratitude. Apply for Abbie's anti-diet 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   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 This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate