The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.comSandi James — a registered psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach — joins Abbie to talk about her lived experience with both eating disorders and substance abuse, and how her own healing has profoundly shaped her work.Listen in for a compassionate conversation on:- The overlap between substance use and eating disorders as coping strategies- Sandi’s early experiences with hush-hush, shame-based treatment in Australia- The impact of COVID, loneliness, and financial stress on relapse- Harm in treatment: rigid meal plans, punishment, coercion, and being labeled “non-compliant”- The contrast of supportive care that treats people like humans- Why one-size-fits-all treatment approaches often fail- The promise of harm reduction and meeting clients in their “window of tolerance”- Using challenge meals over telehealth as a collaborative, supportive toolThis episode is for anyone who’s felt let down by treatment, struggled with co-occurring challenges, or wondered if there’s a gentler, more human way forward in recovery.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please consider supporting the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-groupSocial media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellnessAbout Sandi: Sandi James is a registered Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach with more than 15 years working in mental health, eating disorder, and addiction treatment. She is a lived experience clinician and dedicates her career to working with clients who feel let down by current systems of care and treatment approaches. Her primary focus includes mental health and trauma recovery, with a particular emphasis on co-occurring presentations including substance use or food and compulsive exercise-related difficulties. Sandi has extensive experience working with individuals and families to heal and recover from trauma, addictions, eating disorders, and mental health conditions. She is dedicated to working with clients and families from an inclusive and person-centred approach to improve quality of life from a harm reduction perspective. She is a passionate and committed clinician, working alongside and guiding clients in the recovery process. Sandi is building a practice integrating joyful movement and somatic healing approaches to treatment as well as working towards her PhD, conducting qualitative research looking at experiences of eating disorder treatment: identifying, responding to, and addressing harm experienced throughout the treatment process.Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.

MAHA, diet culture, and toxic fitness ideals...this is the second half of my conversation with Ilya Parker. We go deeper into the toxic roots of mainstream fitness culture and explore how ableism, conformity, and control are built into the system. Ilya draws SO many incredible connections in this episode...between patriarchy, body ideals, the current political climate, and the goals of mainstream fitness culture. They ultimately challenge us to reimagine what movement can look like when it’s rooted in compassion, accessibility, and community care.You don't want to miss this one. I promise.About Ilya: Ilya (he/they) is a Black, non-binary, fat, movement practitioner and founder of Decolonizing Fitness. They are also a Physical Therapist Assistant and an ACE certified Medical Exercise Specialist. Ilya is deeply invested in creating more access for queer, trans and gender expansive people to engage in intentional movement. While drawing wisdom from community-led solutions that are rooted in body liberation and involve the revitalization of Black and Indigenous ancestral approaches.Support Ilya on Patreon here.Find Ilya’s bookshop here.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Ilya Parker, founder of Decolonizing Fitness, joins Abbie to share how gender transition, weight stigma, and ableism shaped their path into fitness and ultimately inspired a new vision for movement. They unpack the toxic culture of mainstream fitness and imagine a world where wellness means compassion, accessibility, and bodily autonomy.This episode is for anyone who’s felt alienated by gyms, group classes, or wellness spaces—and anyone who’s curious about how fitness can transform when it’s rooted in care, inclusion, and liberation.Because every minute of this conversation felt sacred, we’re airing it in two parts. This is the first half, and next week we’ll release the second half.About Ilya: Ilya (he/they) is a Black, non-binary, fat, movement practitioner and founder of Decolonizing Fitness. They are also a Physical Therapist Assistant and an ACE certified Medical Exercise Specialist. Ilya is deeply invested in creating more access for queer, trans and gender expansive people to engage in intentional movement. While drawing wisdom from community-led solutions that are rooted in body liberation and involve the revitalization of Black and Indigenous ancestral approaches.Support Ilya on Patreon here.Find Ilya’s bookshop here. Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Julie Dillon, an RD who has spent years supporting folks at the intersection of PCOS and disordered eating. And we explore a different path. One that’s rooted in the truth that your body is not broken—and that real care doesn't require body control, food stress, or fear.Tune in for more on:* What PCOS really is (fun fact: it starts in the brain)* Why it is misunderstood and so often mistreated* How diet culture sneaks into PCOS care and what it costs us* What it looks like to manage symptoms without restriction or weight loss goals* The grief, anger, and healing that come with letting go of shame* Julie’s favorite “first steps” to take with food when it comes to PCOS* What true support can feel like, especially when you're still figuring it outIf you’ve ever felt like food became the enemy in your attempt to feel better, this conversation is for you.About Julie: Julie Duffy Dillon is a Registered Dietitian and Host of Find Your Food Voice®, a popular long running nutrition podcast. Through speaking and writing, she helps people with a complicated relationship with food strategize how to remove the shame and blame dumped on them from the diet industry. Her work has been featured on TLC and in the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Shape and other outlets. She is the author of the book, Find Your Food Voice (Hachette, March 2025.) Learn more about Julie at JulieDuffyDillon.comSupport the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.comThis might be my favorite conversation we’ve had on this podcast. It's a conversation I had with Edie Stark (an ED therapist) and Sharon Maxwell (a fat activist and weight-inclusive consultant), and we’re answering a very important – very hard – listener question.The essence of it is: “I believe in body liberation and anti-diet culture. But what if I’m just uncomfortable being fat?”Tune in for:* How and why Sharon relates to this listener, and moments where she's worked through this thought* How Ozempic culture impacts the desire for weight loss* What it means to practice self-compassion while living within systemic anti-fatness* Whether changing your body can change discomfort* Times when eating disorder thoughts creep in the most* Discomfort as a signal of something deeper* The role of mental and emotional pain on physical symptoms* Navigating the medical system when it blames body size for everything * SO much more!Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-groupAbout Edie: Edie Stark, MSc, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and the owner of Stark Therapy Group, a psychotherapy group practice specializing in eating disorders, trauma, and anxiety from a humanistic, fat-positive, and inclusive lens. She believes in the value of lived experience being met with clinical knowledge to create a collaborative therapeutic experience for all of the clients. Edie is passionate about Trader Joe's snacks– we talk a little bit about that–dismantling the US healthcare system, and the complete and total takedown of diet culture in no particular order.Learn more at https://starktherapygroup.com/About Sharon:Sharon Maxwell (She/Her) is a mental health advocate and fat activist. She works as a weight inclusive consultant, providing education to treatment centers and healthcare providers on the immense harms of weight stigma. Due to her lived experience facing weight stigma, Sharon provides unique insight and offers practical tools to make treatment centers and healthcare settings safe and accessible for fat folks. Sharon is passionate about breaking down the stigma around eating disorders and working to eradicate societal anti-fat bias. When she’s not studying or engaged in her activism work, Sharon can be found exploring San Diego with her dog and her best friend.Read "You Don't Look Anorexic" in New York Times MagazineConnect with Sharon on IG: @heysharonmaxwellLearn more about Sharon: https://www.heysharonmaxwell.com/Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.

In midlife, women are often handed diets disguised as wellness. More ways to stay young, stay thin, stay "timeless."Debra Benfield, RDN, joins me for a conversation that sits right at the intersection of diet culture, anti-fatness, and anti-aging. Together we talk about how these forces converge in midlife—often making women particularly vulnerable to disordered eating and harmful messaging at exactly the stage when we deserve peace, rest, and joy.Some of the things we get into…* Perimenopause and menopause diet culture messages* Why aging creates heightened vulnerability to diet and wellness culture* The impact of stress and restrictive eating on longevity* Mid-life marketing of disordered eating advice* Wrinkles, Botox, and the skin-care industry* The tyranny of the “belly fat” narrative* How wellness culture capitalizes on our fear of aging and death* Whether strength training is part of the anti-aging conversation* The ways ableism, sexism, and agism collide in media* How to navigate fear-mongering messages about food, weight, and health* What we can do to reclaim our time and energy and powerThis is an episode about reclaiming our power and time from the industries profiting off our insecurities. About saying no to being sold “youth in a bottle” and yes to embracing the fullness of who we are—wrinkles, softness, wisdom, and all.Debra has helped hundreds of women heal their relationship with food and their bodies over her 35-year career as a Registered Dietitian. She specializes in the prevention and treatment of disordered eating, and brings her passion, expertise, and lived experience to the intersection of pro-aging and body liberation work. Deb’s work is rooted in helping clients recognize internalized ageism and end it, dismantle internalized diet culture and fatphobia, see midlife and beyond as a time of Emergence, nourish their bodies to support vitality and aging, and develop a respectful partnership with their bodies.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Colleen Reichmann—a clinical psychologist, author, and eating disorder specialist—joins me this week to talk about hopelessness and despair in eating disorder recovery.We explore how disordered eating, body shame, and perfectionism can create a landscape of deep emotional pain—and how that pain can lead to thoughts of giving up.Gentle Content Warning: This episode includes a nuanced discussion about suicidal ideation and eating disorders. It is hopeful, and without any graphic detail. That said, please take care while listening, and know that it’s okay to skip this one or come back to it when you're in a steadier place.Tune in for more on:* How common it is to feel deep despair in recovery* Personality traits that fuel hopelessness in eating disorders* Nutrition, physiology, and how undernourishment affects mood* The role of relationships in either deepening isolation or offering a lifeline* How anti-fat bias and weight stigma compound psychological suffering* How to hold hope while you’re struggling* The false timeline of recovery and the importance of “invisible” progress* Support strategies that center validation over toxic positivity* How clinicians, friends, and loved ones can stay present in the discomfortIf you're struggling, you are not alone—support is available (see resources below).Dr. Reichmann is a licensed clinical psychologist in Philadelphia, PA, and the founder of Wildflower Therapy LLC. She is an eating disorders specialist but also specializes in mental health specific to college students, maternal mental health, anxiety, and depression.Resources:Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) – Dial or text 988Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (Free, 24/7)Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support) – 1-866-488-7386Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.comLately, intermittent fasting has been getting more attention as a possible approach for women in midlife. And as with most health trends, this has sparked a lot of questions — and just as many opinions.Inside this bonus episode, we look at:* What intermittent fasting is and the variations that exist* Common claims about its benefits during menopause* What current research suggests — and where findings are still emerging* The context of aging, wellness marketing, and body changes in midlife* Why this season of life can come with renewed vulnerability around food* One of the most comprehensive studies to date on intermittent fasting — and what it showed* Potential impacts on sleep, cognitive function, blood sugar, hormone fluctuations, weight, bone health, and moreYou can listen to a free preview wherever you get your podcasts, or access the full episode when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.Whether this is a topic you’ve explored personally, are hearing more about from friends, or are simply curious to understand better — I hope this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful space for reflection. My intention is always to present information with care, compassion, and context — so that you can make choices that feel supportive for your unique body, mind, and life.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.comVinny Welsby (@fiercefatty) joins me for a lot of laughs this week, but mostly for a deeply important conversation about the dangers of weight-centric medical care.Tune in this week for more on:* How Vinny discovered fat liberation—and the moment everything started to shift* What food, culture, and identity have to do with our bodies and our healing* The sneaky and not-so-sneaky ways anti-fat bias shows up in healthcare settings* Real stories of how fat folks are dismissed, harmed, or ignored in medical appointments* Why microaggressions in healthcare aren't "small" at all—and how they add up over timeBehind the paywall, we get into so much more, including:* What happens when people avoid care because of past trauma with providers* The dangerous myths doctors are taught about fatness and health* How weight stigma impacts health outcomes—and what the research really says about the link between weight and health outcomes* What it means to navigate medical spaces with self-compassion and agency* Hopeful shifts happening in healthcare—and what fat-affirming care can look like* Strategies for protecting your peace and advocating for yourself in the exam roomVinny Welsby (they/them) is a world-leading expert on dismantling anti-fat bias and diet-culture, TEDx speaker, and best-selling author. They went from being homeless and abused with self-esteem that was achingly low into the courageous fat activist and change maker they are today. Vinny helps people fall in love with their bodies and is dedicated to shifting the way society views fat queer bodies.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellnessFind Vinny on Instagram: @fiercefattyVinny's website: https://fiercefatty.com/Vinny's study on fatness in healthcare: https://fiercefatty.my.canva.site/download-fat-in-healthcare-report Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE.

Nutritionist and eating disorder expert Chris Sandel joins me on the pod to unpack one of the most pivotal (and haunting) studies in nutrition science: the Minnesota Starvation Experiment.We explore the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts of semi-starvation — and how this study helps us better understand modern-day disordered eating, diet culture, and the realities of recovery. Chris shares powerful insights into the biological realities of hunger, why restriction so often leads to feelings of food obsession and binge eating, and why recovery isn't about “willpower” — it's about safety, nourishment, and compassion.We talk about so much, including:* The history and phases of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment* How body weight played a role in this study (in ways you may not expect)* Why we feel fine (and even “good”) for a while when first restricting food* How under-eating affects our mental health, mood, and personality* What calorie restriction actually does to our metabolism, cardiovascular system, hormones, and nervous system* Why eating disorders are more than “just about food”* Why hunger can feel insatiable after periods of restriction* The amount of food it really requires to help a body feel safe again* The role of body trust in healing, and how to move through the fear* What the study reveals about the failures of diets, GLP-1s, and the high-protein hypeWhether you're healing from disordered eating, supporting someone who is, or rethinking your relationship with food, this conversation offers deep validation and science-backed clarity.Today's episode is free, but if you're finding value in this podcast, please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribeApply for Abbie’s Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-groupSocial media:Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellnessAbout Chris: Chris Sandel is a nutritionist, coach and eating disorder expert. He graduated with a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy in 2008 and founded his own company, Seven Health, in 2009 and found his calling in working with eating disorders and helping people to fully recover. As a perpetual student, Chris Sandel is also trained in Intuitive Eating (IE), Health At Every Size (HAES)®, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), polyvagal theory, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), behavioural psychology, and habit formation. Originally from Sydney, Chris lives in Scotland with his wife Ali and 7-year-old son Ramsay.Chris's Website: https://seven-health.com/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pWgaxVApnLKQNIknw86Dm?si=65b21245ffd74be6 Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe