Episode 90: Starting a New Chapter with Katelyn Olmsted

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Katelyn Olmsted opens up about the challenges she faced as a teenager navigating an eating disorder, treatment, and recovery. She shares the fear and resistance she felt when faced with the idea of getting help, the moment she realized she could no longer fight her battle alone, and the community that helped her take her first brave steps toward healing. Katelyn also describes how writing became a lifeline in treatment—one that eventually led to her book, Daily Dos of an Eating Disorder to Recovery. She reflects on the struggles of leaving treatment, relearning how to trust her body, and finding new purpose in sharing her story with others who feel lost in their own recovery. About Katelyn: Katelyn Olmsted is a young author whose recovery journey began at age 15 when she entered treatment. During her time in care, she began writing Daily Dos of an Eating Disorder to Recovery, a book that grew from her own experiences and now serves as a source of hope for others on their healing journeys. Katelyn is passionate about eating disorder awareness and aspires to become an eating disorder therapist and dietitian. Her story has been featured in podcasts and magazines, and she continues to share her experiences to remind others that recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach. She is grateful for the support of her friends and family in Charlotte, North Carolina. We cover: The impact of adolescence and sports pressures on eating disorders The emotional tug-of-war between wanting to heal and resisting treatment How an eating disorder can offer a sense of comfort—and what helps let go The challenges of rebuilding trust with your body after treatment How writing can become a tool for healing In Katelyn's words: On misconceptions about eating disorders: “People think it’s a phase or, you know, a weight loss journey…When the truth is, it’s a struggle and a mental disorder.” On seeing her journey as part of a bigger story: “My mom always said, ‘It’s just a chapter’...I turned that into, ‘I can use my chapter to write a chapter book and help someone else’s whole story.’ It was kind of a full circle moment because I realized—this is not my full story, this is just a chapter…and helping other people is helping myself.” On what recovery has given her: “Recovery brings so many good things, so many opportunities, and even though it is a hard process—and I still have my days of struggles—it’s not worth going back… If I ever struggle, I sit just there and think: recovery has brought me this much good. Recovery has brought me going out to eat spontaneously with my friends, living guilt-free, being able to move my body, and have full energy.” You can purchase Katelyn’s book, Daily Dos of an Eating Disorder to Recovery, through Amazon. You can also follow Katelyn on Instagram (@Katelyns.Daily.Dos). Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.