Are You Going To Eat Your Fat?

Eating disorders can completely upend your life, resulting in an uphill battle to establish a sense of normalcy and control.   

In this episode, Deena walks us through her toughest days of living with depression alongside an eating disorder, and addresses listener questions about her treatment and ongoing healing journey. 

In this episode, you also hear: 

• Managing guilt and multiple eating disorders 

• Balancing mental ...

For those struggling with an eating disorder, the idea of changing eating habits can be paralyzing, often hindering the pursuit for help.     

In this episode, Deena credits treatment for transforming her perspective on food, body image, and exercise. She emphasizes the importance of small steps and encourages others on their recovery journey to remember support is available. 

In this episode, you also hear: 

• Reframing food as ...

Relationships require hard work and communication, but when one partner is struggling with an eating disorder, it can test the strength of both individuals. Recovery and maintaining a relationship rely on mutual understanding and patience, acknowledging both partners are impacted by the disorder.  

In this episode, Deena and Brian explore the dynamics of being in a relationship or marriage while one partner is undergoing treatment ...

Even without an eating disorder or addiction, implementing a change to your lifestyle can be extremely difficult. Achieving change demands years of dedication, consistent daily choices, and a robust support system. 

In this episode, Deena and Brian address barriers to creating lasting change and why long-term care is crucial for sustainable recovery.  

In this episode, you also hear: 

• Emotional struggle behind change 
• Small ste...

Self-harm can take several different forms such as cutting, burning, scratching, restricting food, and these alarming behaviors often mask a deeper emotional pain. Recovery from self-harm and eating disorders is an ongoing process, it’s not something that can be completely resolved with treatment alone.  

In this episode, Deena stresses that open communication and education are vital for support and understanding on the never-endin...

Pride is not just a feeling reserved for the end of the recovery journey but a crucial element to embrace throughout the process. Whether someone’s been in recovery for a day, an hour, or even a minute, every step forward is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

In this episode, Deena and Brian acknowledge the challenges of maintaining motivation, the role of support systems, and the power of reframing setbacks as opportunities to l...

Rarely do people grasp the entirety of an individual’s struggle with addiction. Those living with and recovering from eating disorders often fight unseen battles marked by burdensome emotions such as shame, guilt, and misplaced blame.  

In this episode, Deena debunks the myth that eating disorders are a choice and illustrates them as the creeping shadows that they are, and shares why the path to recovery requires a supportive and i...

The path to healing from an eating disorder requires not only nourishment but self-compassion. Self-worth and numbers on the scale often become intertwined, leading to a distorted body image and struggles with weight. 

In this episode, Deena and Brian offer insight into the battles with negative self-perception, the need for self-care, and the continuous journey toward holistic healing for those struggling with eating disorders and...

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....

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 su...

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...

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 ...

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 account...

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 bat...

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, yo...

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 als...

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: 

• Be...

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 possibl...