Liv Label Free | Neurodivergent Eating Disorder Recovery

When does dedication to fitness become a dangerous obsession? Is it healthy to lose weight after an eating disorder? In today’s episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara chats with Ashleigh Marie Hubbard, a certified nutrition and health coach who’s passionate about helping people build sustainable habits and improve their relationship with food, exercise, and their bodies. We delve into the following topics: The psychological impact of wrapping your entire identity in being "the athlete" and exercise addiction How the all-or-nothing mindset can sabotage sustainable progress in health and fitness A nuanced conversation around intentional weight loss after eating disorder recovery Why sustainable habits and behavior changes matter more than quick fixes for long-term health Understanding the role of intention versus societal pressure in making health decisions Breaking free from food obsession and exercise compulsion to find true balance The importance of curiosity over judgment when examining our health behaviors Whether you’re questioning your own relationship with exercise or are supporting someone in eating disorder recovery, this episode offers valuable insights for creating a sustainable, joy-filled approach to wellness. 📖 Access my free EXTREME HUNGER EMAIL COURSE for answers to the top 10 most frequently asked questions about extreme hunger!📚 Read my books about autism and eating disorders💗 Join my newsletter to receive episode updates Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM🌐 WEBSITE📚 BOOKS Connect with Ashleigh:Instagram: @AshleighMarieHubbardWebsite: AHUB NutritionPodcast: The Wellness Diaries

Last year, I went through a second puberty. It wasn’t something I planned to share. But as I tossed and turned one night, I knew I had to let the words flow out of me. So I grabbed my phone, opened the VoiceMemos app, and started talking about my recent body changes. The recording captured several neurodivergent experiences of eating disorders, including: Fear of growing up and being healthy Physical and hormonal changes as a result of puberty Feeling trapped in a human body Underlying reasons for always needing to be “productive” My complex relationship with gender identity This podcast isn’t about me having my life “figured out” – rather, it’s an honest, raw, and vulnerable expression of some of my current struggles. My hope is to connect with anyone else dealing with similar challenges, and to provide hope that we will get through it together 💗 📖 Access my free EXTREME HUNGER EMAIL COURSE for answers to the top 10 most frequently asked questions about extreme hunger!📚 Read my books about autism and eating disorders📝 Read the blog post of this episode

How can autistic people make peace with weight gain in eating disorder recovery? After exploring the underlying reasons for the fear of weight gain in Part 1 and Part 2 of this weight gain series, Part 3 is all about how to accept a healthy body. Livia challenges the conventional “love your body” narrative and instead, offers an ecological approach that particularly resonates with the autistic mind. You'll learn: Why the illusion of control in eating disorders becomes a prison rather than protection How extreme hunger challenges our perception of recovery, especially when already weight restored The transformation of viewing your body as part of nature rather than a possession to control Why body neutrality might be more helpful than body positivity for autistic individuals How black-and-white thinking can be redirected from obstacle to advantage in recovery A revolutionary approach to body acceptance that doesn't require "loving" your body The unexpected way autistic traits can become allies in making peace with weight gain This episode concludes the series with a powerful message: the fear of weight gain makes sense, the need for safety is valid, AND there's another way to find that safety – one that works with the autistic mind rather than against it. 📖 Download my FREE GUIDE with answers to the top 10 most frequently asked questions about extreme hunger!📚 Create your own Autism and Eating Disorders Book Bundle Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM🌐 WEBSITE📚 BOOKS 📝 Read the blog post of this episode

For many autistic people with anorexia, the fear of weight gain has nothing to do with a desire to be thin. In Part 2 of this Fear of Weight Gain Series, Livia unpacks eight reasons why autistic people may fear weight gain – that are unrelated to body image concerns. You'll learn: How sensory sensitivities can make weight gain feel like being trapped in an ill-fitting costume Why the numbing effects of restriction can be particularly appealing for the autistic nervous system The complex relationship between autism, existential anxiety, and body changes How identity and predictability needs complicate the recovery process for autistic individuals The connection between gender dysphoria and fear of weight gain in autistic people Why becoming "healthy" can feel threatening when you're neurodivergent The deeper meanings behind "I don't want to be fat" in the context of autism 🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training on Autism and Eating Disorders 📚 Create your own Autism and Eating Disorders Book Bundle Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS 📝 Read the blog post of this episode

Why do autistic people fear weight gain? Contrary to popular belief, autistic folks with anorexia may not deal with body image issues or have a fear of fatness. In Part 1 of this 3-part Fear of Weight Gain Series, Livia explains how eating disorders can serve as survival mechanisms in an overwhelming world. She also shares her personal story of anorexia without body dysmorphia, highlighting how traditional treatment approaches can cause harm when they fail to recognize the intersection between autism and anorexia. You'll learn: Why the "fear of fatness" narrative fails to capture many autistic experiences with eating disorders How early nutrition education combined with autistic traits can create the perfect conditions for disordered eating The crucial distinction between seeking control versus seeking safety in eating disorders Why traditional treatment focused on body image can lead to deeper struggles for autistic individuals The importance of viewing eating disorders as adaptations rather than disorders for autistic individuals 🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training on Autism and Eating Disorders📚 Create your own Autism and Eating Disorders Book Bundle Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM🌐 WEBSITE📚 BOOKS 📝 Read the blog post of this episode

Many people assume that eating more and gaining weight in anorexia recovery will automatically lead to improved focus, mood, and energy. But for many, the reality feels different. In this episode, Livia dives into the biological and psychological reasons why restriction can create a sense of sharpness and focus – and why this state, while enticing, comes at a significant cost. Through a powerful metaphor, Livia explains how the body’s survival systems operate like a city power grid and reveals the hidden trade-offs of running on “emergency power.” You’ll also learn about the addictive nature of the “restriction high” and how it numbs one’s inner artist. Key Topics Discussed: How restriction heightens focus through the fight-or-flight response Why anorexia can feel addictive and lead to feelings of superiority The physical and mental trade-offs of running on emergency energy Brain fog during recovery and why it’s a necessary part of healing How recovery restores sustainable focus and reconnects you to creativity 🍩 Enroll in my course, Extremely Hungry to Completely Satisfied📚 Create your own Autism and Eating Disorders Book Bundle Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS 📝 Read the blog post of this episode

Routines play an important role in the lives of autistic individuals, offering structure and safety – but they can also lead to challenges, especially when paired with eating disorders. In this episode, Livia and Mike delve into how routines shape autistic experiences, how they intersect with food and movement behaviors, and why flexibility is crucial for recovery. Together, they explore how to navigate change in a way that feels safe and sustainable for the neurodivergent mind. Key Topics Discussed: The role of routines in autism and eating disorders The importance of replacing judgment with curiosity Why routine disruption can be traumatic for autistics How to manage uncontrolled changes The impact of job loss on autistic individuals Common misconceptions about autistic flexibility Why autistics tend to over-explain food and movement behaviors The pressure to be constantly productive How to overcome the frustration of not knowing how much to eat The importance of taking responsibility to break free from quasi recovery 📖 Download my FREE GUIDE with answers to the top 10 most frequently asked questions about extreme hunger!🧑‍🍳 Grab your copy of Nourishing Neurodiversity  Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS

The term "all in recovery" has gained traction in eating disorder spaces, but does it really lead to true freedom? In this episode, Livia Sara unpacks the origins, misconceptions, and limitations of the all in approach. Through the lens of her own recovery journey, she explores how labels like "all in" or "in recovery" can keep us stuck in cycles of black-and-white thinking and perpetuate the eating disorder identity. You’ll learn: The origins of the "all in" approach and its focus on hypothalamic amenorrhea Why "all in recovery" can perpetuate black-and-white thinking The connection between autism, eating disorders, and rigid recovery methods How the recovery identity can become its own trap Replacing recovery with discovery: a shift toward possibility Living without labels: how freedom lies in embracing who you are This episode challenges conventional recovery wisdom and invites you to move beyond restrictive labels, empowering you to discover a life where you can truly live label free. 💗 Join my newsletter to receive episode updates🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training on Autism and Eating Disorders🌈 Buy Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia📝 Read the blog post of this episode Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS

Black-and-white thinking, also known as all-or-nothing or polarized thinking, is often labeled as a barrier to recovery for autistic individuals with eating disorders. But what if this mindset isn't a flaw to fix, but an adaptive response designed to protect and conserve energy in an overwhelming world? In this episode, you’ll learn: The role of black-and-white thinking in neurodivergent individuals How rigid thinking develops as an adaptive survival mechanism How combined autism and anorexia impact cognitive processing Why traditional treatment approaches can increase trauma Practical strategies to explore flexibility in recovery The philosophy of choice and the "dizziness of freedom" Breaking free from binary thinking using the yin-yang framework 🌈 Buy Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia📚 Grab your copy of How to Beat Extreme Hunger🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training on Autism and Eating Disorders Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS Love this episode? Leave a 5-star rating and positive review for the Liv Label Free Podcast on Apple or Spotify, or leave a comment on YouTube to join the conversation. Your support means so much! 📝 Read the blog post of this episode

In this follow-up Q&A episode, Livia and Mike tackle two insightful listener questions about navigating daily challenges as neurodivergent entrepreneurs. With practical tips and lived experience, they unpack how to overcome analysis paralysis, create flexible routines, and manage the pressure of perfection. You’ll learn:  How to balance structure with flexibility in daily life  Tips for creating sustainable routines without hyper-focusing on food, exercise, or work  Strategies for managing mealtime stress and maintaining autonomy  Ways to overcome analysis paralysis and make decisions with confidence  How to handle demand avoidance while fostering autonomy  Coping strategies for anxiety and perfectionism  How to prioritize personal wants vs. needs to reduce overwhelm Listener Questions Answered: How do you get out of the “analysis paralysis” state? As neurodivergent entrepreneurs, how do you create daily routines for yourself without focusing too much on food, exercise, and work? This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone trying to balance structure with flexibility while managing the unique challenges of neurodivergence. 👉🏻 Enroll in the Autistically ED-Free Academy🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training on Autism and Eating Disorders🌈 Buy Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS