Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?

Embracing Community: The Power of Support in Recovery

Battles with depression, addiction, and eating disorders are often suffered in secrecy and silence. Surrounding yourself with people who have walked in your shoes can connect you with someone who will both celebrate your progress and hold you accountable when you need it most.  
In this episode, Deena and Brian break down stereotypes around addiction and eating disorders and affirm the transformative nature of recovery communities.  
In this episode, you also hear: 
Benefits of community support outside of family  
Addressing myths about who suffers from eating disorders 
Recognizing the opposite of addiction is connection  
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:03:32] Before entering treatment, my family had no clue how to talk to me, how to approach me, and they had no idea what I was going through, and it just led to arguments and frustration on both sides. 
[00:09:38] Those are some of the best people because when you have triumphs and you're doing great, they're going to be right there cheerleading you on the way. When you hit rock bottom, they're going to be right there with you the whole way. 
[00:18:00] Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, but recovery flourishes in community. 
  
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.  
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next? 
 
Podcast audio editing and show notes by  http://www.podcastabundance.com/services.  
 
 

The Struggles We Can’t See: Grief and Eating Disorders

The sudden loss of a loved one creates a vast chasm of grief that can feel insurmountable. When Deena’s brother died of cancer, the pressure to return to normalcy without addressing the grief she was experiencing sparked her battle with a life-altering eating disorder.    
In this episode, Deena and Brian uncover the complex relationship and similarities between grief and eating disorders, and highlight the ever-present need for support and compassion.  
In this episode, you also hear: 
Consequences of unprocessed grief  
Finding courage to confront your pain  
Recognizing different forms of loss  
Must-listen moments:  
[00:07:17] Instead of processing the emotions and grief that I was feeling, I began to engage in unhealthy behaviors to avoid the pain and anger, and I began to turn the pain inward and I started taking it out on myself. 
[00:11:50] Grieving doesn't really have an ending. It's a process, it's a journey, just like recovery is. It's not linear. 
[00:14:06] It's important to get to know what your feelings are and what you're going through and be able to identify those things, because if you can, I think you can try and resolve some of the situations. 
 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
Podcast audio management and show notes by Podcast Abundance. 
 
 

Embracing the Journey of Self-Forgiveness

So often the toughest person to forgive is the one you face in the mirror. The path to recovery is never a straight line; it’s filled with both the lowest moments and most rewarding victories you’ll ever experience.   
In this episode, Deena explores the tender subject of forgiveness, and confronts the truth that while the past is unchangeable, the present and future offer a blank slate for healing and growth. 
In this episode, you also hear: 
Releasing the weight of remorse and self-hatred  
Celebrating your progress  
Choosing the path that suits you best  
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:05:50] You may have lived with your pain, your guilt, your resentment, your anger for many years. Allow yourself the time you need to forgive yourself. 
[00:11:22] Sometimes we forget to pat ourselves on the back and say I have done a great job. It may not look like it, but I have. 
[00:12:19] It's okay to know that your road is different from somebody else's road and to accept that somebody else can do it this way and I can only do it that way. 
 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 
Podcast audio management and show notes by  Podcast Abundance. 
 

Recognizing the Difficult Role of Caregiving

Addictions and eating disorders carry a larger impact beyond the individual suffering with these conditions. Family and loved ones often endure the disease silently on the sidelines, struggling with their ability to understand or provide appropriate support.    
In this episode, Deena and Brian address the importance of caregivers embracing education and utilizing available resources, emphasizing self-care as an integral component of the recovery process. 
In this episode, you also hear: 
Challenging reality of caregiving  
Hard truth about the long road to recovery 
Supportive guidance for caregivers  
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:05:48] I just want to remind that individuals with eating disorders do not choose to have an eating disorder. I don't think anybody intends to hurt their loved ones. 
[00:14:50] The reality is that this is something you're going to struggle with the rest of your life. And we're both going to struggle with it. 
[00:22:36] Remember that it's not their fault, it's not your fault, and that the person you're caring for is not their illness. They're not their eating disorder. They're way more than that. 
 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 
Credit: 
Podcast audio management and show notes by Podcast Abundance.  
 
 
 

Discovering the Ideal Support System for Eating Disorder Recovery

Recovery equates to transforming your lifestyle, so it’s imperative to connect with a committed accountability partner or support group that has the experience and tools needed to guide you. 
In this episode, Deena recalls the most impactful support she received during and post-treatment, serving as a reminder that you're never alone on your journey to recovery.   
In this episode, you also hear: 
Finding an appropriate accountability partner 
Suggestions for working with a sponsor   
Embracing what you feel and sharing it with others 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:04:47] An accountability partner can be whoever you feel like you trust and will keep you on that path. 
[00:06:22] You want somebody strong that's lived your experience and can give you good sound advice and support. 
[00:12:40] I think it's trying to understand where each other is, and being empathetic because I think if we don't communicate it, we assume other things and they're usually not true. 
 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 
 
Credit:
Podcast audio management and show notes by Podcast Abundance.  
 
  

Breaking the Silence Around Eating Disorders

Living with an eating disorder or addiction often creates a profound sense of isolation. Yet, the reality is that individuals and families grapple with these afflictions daily, with many suffering in silence. 
In this episode, Deena and Brian reiterate why they consider addiction as a family disease, shed light on the frustrating truth about treatment costs, and advocate for more people to share their experience to ensure those battling addiction recognize the wealth of support available to them.  
In this episode, you also hear: 
Avoiding destructive words and phrases  
Harsh reality of stigma around eating disorders  
Raising awareness that eating disorders are a disease  
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:03:01] Words have meaning, and words can hurt. And we all need to be mindful of the words we're using...it's something that you don't know what somebody's struggling with. 
[00:12:55] Eating disorders are like cancer treatments that your insurance doesn't pay for. And that is speaking from experience and that's the reality of it. And nobody wants to point out that, it is really expensive to get some quality help. 
[00:15:15] When you share your stories, somebody else will know they're not alone. Speak up, speak out, stand in a place where it says it's okay to talk about eating disorders. 
Mentioned in this Episode: 
More Love - https://more-love.org/ 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 

Acknowledging Your Pain

Even after taking monumental steps toward long-term recovery, the smallest of triggers can make your mind spiral, convincing you relapse is inevitable. Thankfully, there are tools to manage setbacks and support groups willing to offer help.  
In this episode, Deena and Brian discuss common family triggers and why you must allow yourself to feel what you feel, then let yourself focus on the good in your life.    
In this episode, you also hear: 
Recognizing your recovery never ends  
Power of awareness and gratitude  
Embracing your feelings to release what hurts   
Must-listen moments:  
[00:04:47] You have to realize that you're struggling with a disease that you can't predict, you can't control, and you can't cure. And that's going to be for a lifetime. 
[00:12:25] I'm grateful because I became a much stronger individual. I know what my needs are, and I may not do it the right way each time, but I'm able to vocalize with people and have a voice that I don’t think I had before. 
[00:16:07] If you have feelings, sit with them for a moment, but just don't get stuck there for a long time because it's harder to pull yourself out. 
             
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 

Grieving Your Past

Most people think grief is for when a loved one passes, but huge life changes can also trigger cycles of anger, sadness, despair. And though it may seem odd, it’s possible to grieve your disorder or addiction, even though you might consider that period the worst time of your life.    
In this episode, Deena sheds light on making room for grief so you can continue taking steps on the long road of recovery.  
In this episode, you also hear: 
Focusing on short term goals to combat overwhelm 
In recovery vs. Recovered 
Embracing messages of encouragement 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:04:15] During recovery and especially in early recovery, you're gonna hit peaks and valleys and ups and downs and roller coaster rides all the way through. 
[00:11:37] It takes a special person to be able to recognize you have a problem, get help for it, and then live your life again in a whole new way. 
[00:13:07] You have new messages that you're being told now, once you start hearing them over and over again, those recordings are going to be different from what they ever were before, and you’re going to start to believe them. 
 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources 
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 

The Only Way Is Up

Rock bottom sounds like the end but there's always a way back to the top. Everyone’s rock bottom is different, and I had to hit rock-bottom a few times. Recovery is attainable if you choose to seek out and accept help and let yourself start over as many times as needed.  
In this episode, Deena and Brian emphasize that only you have the power to take your first step towards a new beginning.  
In this episode, you also hear: 
Being powerless before progress  
Understanding recovery requires time  
Take action or face the consequences  
Must-listen moments:  
[00:07:01] When you're struggling in the addiction, you're 100 percent wrong thinking, “I control this” or “I'm not hurting anybody but myself.” 
[00:15:17] Seek out some mental health professionals...talk and see if you can't figure out, not necessarily the root cause, but figure out the behavior and why this behavior keeps continuing and take some direction from them. 
[00:20:02] That was a deal changer because I realized I either got to figure this out and start working the program, or he may not be here the next time I go through this. 
 
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.  
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 35 members! Will you be next? 
 

You Are Not Your Eating Disorder

Your identity is priceless and your physical appearance has nothing to do with your value as a human. Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose sight of your worth when you’re in an unsupportive environment or when your self-esteem comes under attack.  
In this episode, Deena recalls the hardest parts of growing up a people pleaser, the power of starting over during recovery, and offers a reminder that reclaiming your life is always possible.  
In this episode, you also hear: 
Devastating impact of addiction on self-esteem  
Why addiction is a family disease  
Understanding an eating disorder is not a death sentence 
 
Must-listen moments:  
[00:06:46] It's weird how something like addiction makes us think that the worst things about us are true and no one can make you feel different about it. 
[00:10:24] Rediscovering yourself is one of the most difficult parts of recovery, but yet it is one of the far most important parts of recovery. 
[00:14:58] You are definitely not your eating disorder. You owe your eating disorder nothing. Your eating disorder gets no credit for the person you are now. What you've done now and the success you've made is you. 
  
Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com 
Contribute a few bucks to the “Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?” Patreon to help cover production costs and the coordination and provision of resources.  
Whether you’re in recovery or currently in your eating disorder, you’re invited to join our FREE Facebook Group, “Are You Going to Eat Your Fat?” where you’ll find helpful recovery guidance, quotes, and support multiple times a week. There are already 33 members! Will you be next?