177: Evolving My Relationship with Food Over the Years

In this episode, I talk about my journey with food, from my childhood of thoroughly loving and enjoying it; to using it as fuel for my Division I college sport; to the shift that occurred post-college to an orthorexic mindset. I get into my nutrition-obsessive behavior that arose from digestive issues, the feelings of anxiety and isolation around food that permeated my early twenties, and how working with a therapist immensely helped me recover. I discuss how I backed away from perfectionism, the tug of war I still feel over my past orthorexic content, and how I feel and think about food now.

Key Takeaway / Points:

My positive relationship with food as a child
My college experience as an athlete and using food primarily as fuel
My digestive issues that arose post college
Shifting into an orthorexic mindset, from severe restriction to anxiety-laden thoughts around food
How I became consumed with controlling my food intake, exercise, and overall health
How my orthorexia affected my relationships
The exposure therapy that helped me relinquish control on food
On working with a therapist to back away from perfectionism
The guilt I feel about my past orthorexic content
The unfortunate connection between wellness influencers and unhealthy mindsets
How motherhood helped shift my relationship with food
How I feel and think about food now, and how I want my children to experience food