How Much Food is TOO Much in ED Recovery? (Autism Edition)
Sep 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Livia Sara, an autism and eating disorder recovery coach, discusses the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in food recovery. She emphasizes that while many believe there are no limits in recovery, setting boundaries can help those with neurodivergent minds. The conversation unveils the significance of understanding extreme hunger, highlighting personal experiences and tailored coaching programs. Listeners will gain insight into navigating the complexities of eating disorders through an autistic perspective.
Incorporating structured limits on food intake can be beneficial for autistic individuals in navigating their recovery journey from eating disorders.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches tailored to the unique cognitive processes of neurodivergent individuals in eating disorder recovery.
Deep dives
Celebration of the Autism and Eating Disorders Book Bundle
The podcast introduces a new book bundle focused on the connection between autism and eating disorders, which includes works like 'Extreme Hunger' and a refreshed cookbook. The host emphasizes the value of autonomy in choosing reading materials, allowing listeners to mix and match books in different formats for discounted prices. This initiative aims to provide accessible resources for understanding the complexities of these themes, catering specifically to neurodivergent individuals and their families. More details about the bundle are available on the host's websites, promoting a sense of excitement about the content.
The Limitations of Food Freedom in Recovery
A key point discussed is the phrase 'there's no such thing as too much food in recovery,' which while intended to promote food freedom, may not resonate positively with autistic individuals. Autistic brains often thrive on constraints, creating challenges when tasked with embracing an unlimited approach to food. The host shares personal experiences of feeling a complete loss of identity during recovery and how the absence of structure led to binge eating episodes. This highlights the need for tailored recovery approaches that recognize the unique cognitive processes of autistic individuals.
Redefining Recovery Through Constraints
The podcast suggests that setting arbitrary constraints, such as an unrealistic high calorie limit, can aid recovery for autistic individuals. This approach allows for acknowledging extreme hunger while providing a framework that the autistic mind can navigate more easily. The host explains that traditional recovery advice often lacks the necessary clarity for neurodivergent people, making it difficult to implement. By shifting the narrative to incorporate specific boundaries, recovery can become more manageable and aligned with the thought processes of those with autism.
1.
Navigating Food Freedom in Autism and Eating Disorder Recovery
Is there such a thing as too much food in eating disorder recovery? Most people would say no. However, for the autistic brain, the concept of "eating without limits" can be so abstract and overwhelming, that setting constraints around food can be a wonderful tool. In this episode, autism and eating disorder recovery coach Livia Sara explains how to use the neurodivergent need for limits to your advantage on your food freedom journey.