Life After Diets

Sarah Dosanjh / Stefanie Michele
Life After Diets Podcast

Many people are waking up to the fact that diets don't work, but if we're not dieting, now what? How are we supposed to find balance with food and reach intuitive eating? Join Sarah and Stef, a psychotherapist and a health coach, as they talk about all things related to disordered eating, bad body image and creating a life that's free from food and body obsession. The hosts draw on their own eating struggles and openly share the highs and lows of pursuing food freedom over weight loss.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    165. But I Can't Stop Overeating

    In this episode, hosts Stefanie and Sarah dive into the complexities surrounding overeating, especially in the context of recovery from binge eating. They discuss the difference between binge eating and overeating, and explore how habits, stress, and emotional regulation play into our eating behaviors. Using real-life anecdotes and client experiences, they offer compassionate insights into understanding and managing overeating without demonizing it. Listeners will also learn about the psychological and physiological factors that can contribute to this behavior, including the role of hormones and histories of ED. They also speak to those who suffer from chronic overeating patterns in the absence of binge or an ED. Join Stefanie and Sarah as they unpack these nuanced topics and provide a supportive space for anyone struggling with overeating. Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie (waitlist through Jan 2025) - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

    43 min
  2. SEP 4

    164. But What Are "Anchor Meals"?

    Welcome back to another episode, everyone! In today's chat, we are explaining Stef's concept of "anchor meals", their psychological and physiological impacts, and how they fit into our daily routines. We start off with entertaining personal stories—from recording mishaps to culinary adventures in Spain—that segue into a discussion on why knowing when your next meal is coming is important for our mental and physical well-being. We explore how sticking to regular meal times can sync up with our body’s internal hunger cues, providing a sense of security and balance—especially for those recovering from disordered eating patterns. Stef shares insights from her binge recovery course, highlighting the importance of scheduled anchor meals, while Sarah adds personal anecdotes about how meal planning differs for someone living alone versus a family setting. Whether you're someone who likes to plan every bite or prefer a more flexible approach, this episode covers how anchor meals can be adapted to fit various lifestyles—including tips and experiments to see what works best for you.  Don't miss this one if you're curious about reshaping your eating patterns, want to understand the principles behind "anchor meals" better, or are just looking for relatable, actionable advice on creating a more balanced relationship with food. Learn more about Stef's 3-month Binge Recovery Program (from anywhere in the world!) beginning the 9th of September, 2024. Use discount code: LADLISTENS for $100 off! Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

    35 min
  3. AUG 28

    163. But I'm Feeling Hopelessness About Recovery

    In this episode, we're talking about the challenging and often unspoken topic of hopelessness and despair in relation to recovery from eating disorders. We offer personal experiences of the complex emotions intertwined with despair, such as fear, sadness, and anger. We also discuss what mindfulness, connection, and individuality might have to do with navigating despair. We discuss the power of belief, personal barriers, and the potential for unexpected breakthroughs.   00:00 Introduction to Hopelessness and Despair 00:25 Personal Experiences with Despair 01:13 Understanding Despair: Emotions and Stories 02:43 Different Perspectives on Despair 05:59 Despair in Eating Disorder Recovery 14:27 Finding Hope and Personal Pathways 20:40 The Role of Belief and Mindfulness 35:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Learn more about Stef's 3-month Binge Recovery Program (from anywhere in the world!) beginning the 9th of September, 2024. Use discount code: LADLISTENS for $100 off! Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

    37 min
  4. AUG 21

    162. Anger in Recovery: Toxic or Empowering?

    In this episode, we explore the complex emotion of anger. We discuss how anger can be a suppressed emotion (and create conditions for bingeing and restricting) because sometimes, it's an emotion we are afraid to feel. On the other hand, it can be a high-energy emotion that just takes a lot of wrangling to keep regulated!   For the first time ever on this podcast, we actually discuss -- live, and without pre-planning -- a recent personal conflict between us when we went to Bournemouth for a workshop. In real time, we hope to demonstrate the importance of rupture and repair in relationships.   This episode also touches upon the interplay of helplessness and anger, the significance of understanding physical responses to emotions, and strategies for managing these intense feelings.   03:00 Revealing Today's Topic: Anger 05:23 Personal Experiences with Anger 07:31 A Moment of Conflict 10:42 Processing and Reflecting on Anger 23:05 Memory and Miscommunication 24:39 Physical Reactions to Emotional Stress 26:56 Rupture and Repair in Relationships 27:58 Personal Experiences with Conflict Resolution 30:40 Helplessness and Control 36:59 Balancing Perspectives and Finding Ease 43:18 Reflections and Closing Thoughts Learn more about Stef's 3-month Binge Recovery Program (from anywhere in the world!) beginning the 9th of September, 2024.  Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

    46 min
  5. AUG 14

    161. But Can Food Guilt Be A Motivator?

    In this episode, we explore the complex role guilt plays in our lives, particularly around topics like eating, self-care, and productivity. We start things off with some chit-chat about recording while standing up -- Stef has a moment of body image angst, revisted at the end of the episode. We discuss how guilt can stem from societal expectations and personal values, and whether it truly helps drive positive change or just makes us feel worse. We also talk about how guilt compares to integrity and self-care, arguing that aligning with one’s values might be a healthier motivator than guilt. Several personal stories highlight these ideas: Sarah shares a dinner story involving guilt around food and a confrontation with her dad's judgmental comments. Stef talks about the difference between productive frustration and unproductive shame using an example of...underwear Both hosts reflect on their own experiences with guilt related to work and productivity, emphasizing the difference between productive self-care and collapsing out of despair or self-abandonment. The conversation also touches on parental expectations, societal pressures about how to look, eat, and "succeed", and the importance of self-compassion (explained in context, not the abstract boring way). Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

    40 min
  6. AUG 7

    160. But Why is Mindful Eating SO Hard?!

    In this engaging episode of their podcast, Stef and Sarah dive deep into the topic of mindful eating. Stef shares some insightful anecdotes about how clients often come to her with a preconceived notion of how they "should" be eating. Sarah chimes in with practical advice from her workshops, suggesting that eating mindfully isn't about being perfect but more about being present. Throughout the episode, they explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the practice. They emphasize that mindful eating isn't one-size-fits-all. For some, it can exacerbate issues like perfectionism or diet culture pressures. They also talk about the importance of self-compassion and curiosity in the journey towards a healthier relationship with food. There are relatable stories about struggles with binge eating, the cultural weight of diet culture, and the roller coaster of trying to eat "right." They also hit on some lighter notes, like Sarah's recent misadventure with an electric blanket and Stef's physical therapy updates. Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.

    44 min
  7. JUL 31

    159. Blood Sugar, Diabetes, and Binge Eating Recovery

    This episode features a conversation with Danielle Bublitz, a registered dietitian from Southern California who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 20 years. Danielle shares insights on the stigma surrounding type 2 diabetes, what it means to have prediabetes, and the tendency of wellness culture to pathologize blood sugar spikes in people without diabetes (including people with eating disorders, disordered eating, and orthorexia). The conversation also touches on the controversies surrounding Ozempic and GLP-1 medications, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and the psychological implications of dieting and food restriction for blood sugar management.  Danielle Bublitz, MS, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She specializes in working with people with diabetes and binge eating in a Health At Every Size(R)-aligned lens. Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from California State University at Chico and received her Master’s degree from California State University at Northridge while completing the dietetic internship program. Danielle is passionate about guiding her clients with diabetes towards feeling more at peace with their food decisions and blood sugar management. You can find her at @foodfreedomdiabetes on Instagram or www.foodfreedomdiabetes.com If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you. Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

    52 min
  8. JUL 24

    158. But What the Hell (Effect)

    In this episode of the "WTH Effect" podcast, hosts Stef and Sarah dive deep into the "What the Hell Effect," discussing personal experiences, psychological factors, and actionable strategies to cope with this common eating phenomenon. They explore the intersection of binge eating, restriction, and emotional regulation, providing valuable insights into how to manage the cycle of "breaking food rules" and guilt. Key topics include the abstinence violation effect, black-and-white thinking, and the importance of self-exploration and changing one's relationship with food. Additional themes: injustice sense of failure self-awareness despair and helplessness humility self compassion the observer effect "now me" vs "future me" emotions vs cognition (and how the latter might perpetuate WTH effect) nervous system regulation If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you. Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com Connect with Stefanie Michele, ED Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT Work with Stefanie - www.iamstefaniemichele.com/application Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon

    49 min
4.9
out of 5
199 Ratings

About

Many people are waking up to the fact that diets don't work, but if we're not dieting, now what? How are we supposed to find balance with food and reach intuitive eating? Join Sarah and Stef, a psychotherapist and a health coach, as they talk about all things related to disordered eating, bad body image and creating a life that's free from food and body obsession. The hosts draw on their own eating struggles and openly share the highs and lows of pursuing food freedom over weight loss.

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