In this discussion, Chris Sandel, a nutritionist and expert in eating disorder recovery, sheds light on the close relationship between eating disorders and anxiety. He emphasizes how addressing anxiety can aid in preventing relapse and the importance of creating a life vision beyond just recovery. Chris also advocates for embracing fear foods to build resilience, the healing power of love in recovery, and recognizing negative thoughts as separate entities. His insights highlight a holistic approach to fostering recovery and well-being.

Livia shares her powerful journey through eating disorder recovery while navigating autism. She discusses how mundane life events can trigger overstimulation and the unique challenges of living with others. Insights on coping strategies highlight the interplay between sensory needs and recovery. Livia reflects on the emotional weight of weight gain, addressing all-or-nothing thinking. By connecting her past struggles to everyday mishaps, she emphasizes the importance of compassion in understanding neurodivergent experiences and the path to healing.

Do you want to increase your understanding of the link between neurodivergence and eating disorders? If so, you are in the right place! On the Liv Label Free Podcast, autism advocate and eating disorder survivor Livia Sara shares insights and strategies on how to make eating disorder recovery neurodiversity-affirming. You’ll learn how to use your autistic and ADHD traits to your advantage in ED recovery through a combination of science and lived experience. Whether you're here for yourself or to support a loved one struggling with disordered eating, everyone is welcome 🌈 Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date on the latest episodes, leave a positive rating and review if you gain value from my content, and share this podcast with anyone and everyone who you believe would benefit. The connection between autism, ADHD, and eating disorders is incredibly misunderstood, but together, we can break the stigmas and get everyone the help they deserve. Connect with Livia:💗 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS

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.

How do I eat intuitively as an autistic person that’s recovered from an eating disorder? This is a question I’ve received so often, and for good reason! I talk all about food freedom, extreme hunger, and honoring your body’s needs, while at the same time talking about how autistic people may struggle with recognizing bodily cues and how many behaviors that may seem restrictive from an eating disorder lens are actually manifestations of autistic traits. So how does honoring hunger fit together with being autistic? Listen to this episode to find out! Key Topics Discussed: How lack of interoceptive awareness can complicate intuitive eating for neurodivergent folks Why the concept of “fear foods” may look different for neurodivergent people in ED recovery How meal plans can be a helpful tool for autistic people in eating disorder recovery The role of the nervous system in an autistic person’s ability to sense and respond to hunger cues How I implement the concepts “logical eating” and “freedom routines” as an autistic person that eats intuitively Why I don’t always recommend getting rid of the food scale in eating disorder recovery 🧑‍🍳 Grab your copy of Nourishing Neurodiversity📚 Grab your copy of How to Beat Extreme Hunger🫶 Schedule a consultation call for 1-1 coaching here📝 Read the blog post of this episode Connect with Livia: 🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS

Many autistic people enjoy eating food combinations that are considered “weird” by society. Although “disordered” eating can often underlie the creation of odd meals, it’s critical to invite compassion and curiosity before accusing the behaviors of being “the eating disorder talking.” In today's episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara and her co-host Mike share some of their favorite “weird” food combinations! We also cover past treatment experiences and emphasize how different cultures have different ideas of what’s “normal.” Get a taste of what we talk about: Fast Food Memories A Diabolical History of Potatoes A Very, Very Autistic Rant on the Semantics of Pancakes Mike’s Unforgivable Sin Against a Hot Dog High Class Peanut Butter A Brief History of Chicken and Waffles 🧑‍🍳 Grab your copy of Nourishing Neurodiversity Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS Connect with Mike:📷 Instagram🌈 Neurodivergent Support Group🧘 Anxiety and Stress Support Group∞ Autism Peer Support Group

If you're neurodivergent and feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Navigating a world that wasn't built for you IS overwhelming! Listen to this guided mediation to reduce overwhelm so you can unleash your powerful neurodivergent energy 🌟 Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS Listen to more meditations for autism, ADHD, and eating disorders here Music from #Uppbeat (License code: RISQ0ZTSLKKGK3BD)

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a neurodivergent psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, talks about the heightened trauma risk for neurodivergent individuals. She reflects on her own mental health struggles as an undiagnosed autistic child and emphasizes the critical concept of traumatic invalidation. The discussion also touches on parenting neurodivergent children and the need for a supportive environment, as well as the importance of self-validation in healing. Dr. Neff’s insights into communication dynamics between autistic and allistic individuals further highlight the road to understanding.

Can being neurodivergent contribute to addiction? How can you make traveling easier as an autistic and ADHD individual? Why do autistic people make excellent entrepreneurs? In today’s episode of the Liv Label Free Podcast, Livia Sara chats with Patrick Casale, an AuDHD Licensed Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Therapist. Patrick is a group practice owner, motivational speaker, international retreat planner, and podcast host that empowers individuals to break the mold, work through their fears and insecurities, and embrace their authenticity. Topics discussed: Patrick's personal journey with addiction The impact of neurodivergence on addiction Letting go of the addicted identity in recovery Turning personal struggles into a career path in mental health Strategies for managing sensory challenges during travel as a neurodivergent individual Prioritizing autistic sensory needs during travel Patrick's upcoming neurodivergent retreats 🎙️ Get FREE Audio Training on Autism and Eating Disorders Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM🌐 WEBSITE📚 BOOKS  Connect with Patrick:🍩 INSTAGRAM🌐 WEBSITE🎧 PODCAST

Is PMDD related to autism and ADHD? How can experiencing extreme hunger in eating disorder recovery lead to PMDD? In today's episode, Livia Sara combines science and lived experience to uncover the intricate connection between extreme hunger, neurodivergence and PMDD. You'll learn: How I healed hypothalamic amenorrhea and got my period back The difference between PMS and PMDD My neurodivergent experience of PMDD Causes of PMDD including genetics, trauma, and sensitivities Scientific research on autism, ADHD, and PMDD 📚 Grab your copy of How to Beat Extreme Hunger📝 Read the blog post of this episode (with sources) Connect with Livia:🍩 INSTAGRAM 🌐 WEBSITE 📚 BOOKS