Real Food Recovery developed from a society wrestling with processed food addiction and the deep ache that comes with feeling trapped in destructive patterns. After decades of obsession, frustration, and starting over more times than can be counted, Paige Alexander holds this space to speak honestly about what it takes to heal. Each episode opens the door to the real, raw, and often messy journey of recovery—offering compassion, lived experience, and the practical tools that helped rebuild a life grounded in peace instead of chaos. Welcome back to Real Food Recovery. We took a short, intentional pause over the past month, and today we're stepping into a new season of the podcast—one that's more deeply aligned, more focused, and grounded in the full picture of healing. Moving forward, you can expect conversations that go beyond food to include grief, trauma, nervous system regulation, and motivational, real-life stories that offer a roadmap for sustainable recovery. This time away strengthened the direction of this work, and we're excited to be back and moving ahead with greater clarity and purpose. During this brief pause, Paige was able to complete additional training in trauma- and grief-informed support, which has helped further shape the direction of the conversations you'll be hearing here. It's deepened our focus on the nervous system and the root causes behind our relationship with food. With that being said we have the honor of being here w Shae today, our resident certified functional nutrition counselor and certified health and life coach, with trauma-informed and nervous system training — here to help us make sense of our bodies, minds, and stories, while aiming to keep us grounded in real, honest, and raw ways, all while staying totally human along the way. Today we wanted to talk about a topic that's been heavy on our minds, and that isVerbal Grounding: Say It to Stay Safe: Using Verbal Grounding in Recovery and Grief!!! Every conversation is an invitation to feel less alone. Alongside personal stories, Paige takes time to share listener questions about addiction, recovery, mindset, and the emotional work that makes lasting change possible. If you're searching for hope, understanding, or simply someone who "gets it," this podcast is here to walk with you. Questions, stories, or thoughts can be shared anytime at realfoodrecovery4u@gmail.com, and more resources can be found at www.realfoodrecovery4u.com.