Ep 27: Eating Disorders with Jasmin Singer and Bianca Taylor
May 31, 2018
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Jasmin Singer, a senior editor at Vegnews and author, and Bianca Taylor, a vegan fitness coach and advocate for self-love, delve into their personal journeys with eating disorders. They discuss the healing potential of embracing veganism and self-acceptance, highlighting Bianca's transformation from anorexia to body positivity. Jasmin shares her experience with binge eating and the shift from viewing food as an enemy to a friend. Together, they explore navigating the complexities of food relationships and the importance of community support in recovery.
The podcast discusses balancing one's relationship with food and ethical values, emphasizing that veganism can be embraced without stress or compulsion.
Bianca Taylor shares her transformative journey from anorexia to body positivity, highlighting the importance of self-love in recovery and fitness.
Participants stress the significance of community and compassionate dialogue for those with eating disorders, fostering acceptance and reducing stigma in navigating food choices.
Deep dives
Understanding the Intersection of Veganism and Eating Disorders
Many individuals perceive veganism as a restrictive diet, particularly those who have struggled with eating disorders. This perception often stems from the belief that adopting a vegan lifestyle may further exacerbate unhealthy relationships with food. The podcast emphasizes the necessity of open discussions surrounding veganism and its complexities, particularly for those with a history of disordered eating. It highlights the importance of recognizing that veganism can be embraced without it becoming a source of stress or compulsion.
Personal Journeys of Recovery and Transformation
The hosts and guests share their personal experiences of transitioning to veganism, emphasizing how it has contributed to healing their relationships with food. For many, the shift in focus from calorie counting and restriction to the ethics of animal welfare has created a sense of abundance rather than deprivation. By exploring delicious new vegan options and cultivating a mindset centered around joy and love for animals, participants have found a renewed appreciation for food. This transformative experience allows individuals to foster a healthier relationship with eating.
Challenging Societal Standards and Expectations
Throughout the conversation, the complexities of societal expectations around body image and food choices are examined. Many panelists express how societal pressures can lead to mistaken beliefs about self-worth tied to body size and food consumption. The dialogue underscores the value of self-acceptance and encourages listeners to resist the perfectionist mindset often associated with both eating disorders and thoughts about veganism. A significant aspect of recovery is embracing one’s individuality and acknowledging that healing is an ongoing journey.
The Role of Community and Support in Veganism
The importance of community and compassionate dialogue in supporting those with a history of eating disorders is a recurrent theme in the discussion. The podcast discusses how being surrounded by understanding individuals can assist in navigating complex emotions associated with food choices. Participants share insights on how sharing personal stories can foster an atmosphere of acceptance and reduce the stigma surrounding eating disorders. Active engagement in supportive communities can provide encouragement, making the transition to veganism more approachable for those grappling with these issues.
Finding Balance Between Health and Ethics
Listeners are reminded that transitioning to a vegan lifestyle should focus on health, self-love, and ethical considerations rather than strict dietary rules. The conversation reinforces the message that individuals can integrate vegan options into their diets without feeling restricted, allowing for flexibility and personal choice. By exploring alternatives and emphasizing enjoyment over guilt, individuals can cultivate a balanced and fulfilling relationship with food. The podcast encourages embracing small, manageable changes that resonate personally, leading to sustainable practices in eating and living.
This week The ChickPeeps have an honest, open conversation about what it’s like to balance one’s relationship with food with one’s ethical values and how both recovery and veganism have impacted their lives. Momo and Evy are joined by vegan fitness coach and self love advocate, the fearless Bianca Taylor, who recounts her journey from struggling with anorexia to truly loving and celebrating her body. Later on, we interview the incredible Jasmin Singer, senior editor of Vegnews and author of the memoir Always Too Much and Never Enough, who shares her story of developing a binge eating disorder and how she transformed her relationship with food from self-abuse to self care. Also, on this episode…
‘You can’t eat that, can you?’ The important distinction between ‘can’t and ‘won’t’.
Going vegan mindfully after an eating disorder.
Bianca discusses being a personal trainer and how she helps people in the midst of an ED.
‘Good’ vs. ‘bad’ foods - how do we not backslide into this mentality of categorising foods as a vegan.
Bianca and Momo share how their lives have expanded since they chose the path of self-love.
Jasmin discusses the journey from food as an enemy, to food as a friend, to somewhere in between.
‘It wasn’t until I was well into my 30s that I realised that food can actually be something that not only is a direct representation of who we wanna be and what our world view is but also something that can fill us and allow us to really sit more comfortably in our authenticity.’
The universal feeling of not being enough.
Guilt and shame. How to deal with these emotions surrounding food when we slip up as new vegans.
How to talk about veganism with people who’ve been through an eating disorder.
Switching your focus from vanity to self care.
‘That’s when food was no longer what it had been for me in the 80s, which was a vehicle for changing; it was a vehicle for being in line with who I wanted to be.’
Letting go of an eating disorder. Jasmin and Evy discuss whether or not true recovery is possible.
How to deal with a perfectionist mindset when it comes to diet.
Body positivity and representation in the vegan community.
