1135: Amelia Boone Takes on Her Biggest Obstacle... A 20 Year Eating Disorder

Oct 7, 2019

Amelia Boone, a four-time world champion obstacle course racer, opens up about her 20-year battle with anorexia. She discusses the importance of addressing one’s relationship with food and how internal motivations can lead to both success and mental health issues. Amelia shares her treatment experience, emphasizing the need for open conversations about eating disorders. She offers advice for parents and highlights the journey toward self-acceptance, mindful eating, and reclaiming joy in everyday life.

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ANECDOTE

Amelia's Story

Amelia Boone was diagnosed with anorexia at 15 and hospitalized.
After recovery and relapse cycles, she realized the need for intensive help after injuries.

INSIGHT

Disordered Eating as the Norm

Amelia Boone felt her disordered eating was 'normal' due to the prevalence of diet culture.
This discouraged her from seeking treatment initially.

INSIGHT

Challenge as a Trigger

Amelia's eating disorder stemmed from needing a challenge, especially when injured.
Restricting food became a twisted challenge when sport wasn't available.

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In this episode, Sal, Adam and Justin speak with 4x world champion obstacle course racer Amelia Boone who goes into detail about her 20-year struggle with Anorexia and how she is taking control of this long-term challenge.

Her internal struggle with food and timeline leading up to her entering an eating disorder treatment center. (3:30)
Why it is so prevalent to talk about your relationship with food. (8:34)
How she feels brought to life by a challenge and the triggers that came from it. (9:42)
The value of unpacking bad behaviors. (12:32)
How the internal intrinsic motivations/characteristics that make you excel in so many areas of your life are also the ones that can drive you into mental health disorders. (14:12)
What did the process of treatment look like for her? (17:32)
Why she chose the treatment program she did and what was the most difficult part about it? (22:57)
Were there common things she found that was the underlying issue of the disorder? (28:25)
Her advice to parents regarding their own children. (30:18)
What has she incorporated into her life since being out of the treatment center? (32:25)
Did she share her story to inspire others? (33:45)
Does she feel more like herself since going through this process? (36:38)
Why no two eating disorders look the same: The importance of NOT making foods off-limits. (41:08)
How has she managed her nutrient/hormone levels through this process? (43:47)
Making friends with your feelings. (46:22)
What has the feedback been from her audience? (48:19)
Why we don’t recommend diets, we discuss them. (51:05)
How having GOOD relationships is GOOD for your health and wellbeing. (54:05)
Why we need a cultural shift around the weight stigma and the feeling of being hungry. (58:08)
What foods make her happy now? (1:02:15)
What does her current training look like? (1:04:30)

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