The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

"Eating disorders are dissociative by nature. It's very difficult to be connected to your feelings while you're engaging in eating disorder behaviors. So it makes a lot of sense that people develop eating disorders as a way of keeping themselves as “safe” as possible." In this special episode, Abbie is joined by the incredible Monika Ostroff, a therapist and eating disorders specialist, to explore Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and its overlooked intersection with eating disorders. They also have a deeper conversation about the relationship between trauma and disordered eating. Monika shares her personal journey, detailing her experiences with anorexia and trauma, and how these experiences shaped her professional path in the field of eating disorders.  Listen to hear more about: The misconceptions surrounding DID  Trauma-related origins of both DID and eating disorders Taking a strengths-based perspective in recovery Trauma-informed approaches to treatment The complex relationship between trauma, eating disorders, and self-compassion Understanding our internal voices Using inner world tools for healing  The protective nature of eating disorders What it means to be gentle in recovery Addressing the challenges of worthlessness Coping with societal pressures surrounding body image Why healing is really about connection How we can show up for ourselves with kindness and understanding So much more! About Monika: Monika Ostroff, LICSW, CEDS-S is the Executive Director of the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Inc (MEDA). Prior to leading MEDA, she directed several residential, partial hospital and intensive outpatient eating disorder programs in addition to having owned a thriving private practice.  Monika is the co-author of Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery and a contributing author to Self-Harm Behavior and Eating Disorders. With more than 25 years of experience in the field of eating disorders, Monika has presented at many national conferences, taught at the university level, and appeared on many media broadcasts, publications & podcasts.  Practicing from a trauma informed, social justice and staunchly HAES® aligned lens, Monika is a dedicated ally and strong advocate working to ensure access to equitable, compassionate, and affirming care for all. Her passion for treating eating disorders and mentoring other professionals was borne out of her own struggle with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and life experiences. Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate   Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   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.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

This is a free preview of a paid episode: the first 30 minutes are available to everyone, but to hear the full conversation, upgrade to paid on Patreon: patreon.com/fullplate   (thank you, your support is what makes this podcast possible!) Abbie chats with Jo Walduck, a recovery coach, about the intersection of gender, mental health, and personal growth. Jo shares her multifaceted identity and journey through recovery from both disordered eating and alcohol use while navigating the world as a trans person. She discusses the complexities of healing through multiple identities while overcoming addiction and chronic illness.  This episode is an exploration of the non-linear nature of recovery – from the importance of compassion, to the impact of childhood experiences, to why our coping mechanisms need to be seen with nuance and respect.  Jo reflects on the challenges of feeling at home in her body, letting go of perfectionism, and why it’s so hard to reach out for help when we’re struggling. Listen to hear more about: What’s on Jo’s plate—literally and metaphorically Navigating life as a collection of niches and identities The ongoing nature of recovery and learning to set things down Why self-compassion is essential in the healing process How childhood experiences shape our coping mechanisms The role of food and alcohol as tools for survival The intersection of gender identity and substance use How therapy offers tools but isn’t a quick fix The pivotal moment of moving beyond coping mechanisms The importance of support and community in building a new life Grief as a part of understanding identity and healing The parallel journeys of sobriety and gender transition How chronic illness can complicate the recovery process Why recovery is non-linear, layered, and deeply personal The role of self-love in living authentically Finding a sense of home in one’s body Reaching out for support as an act of strength Letting go of moral judgments around food and prioritizing self-care Embracing uncertainty as part of being human You can access the first 30 minutes for free, but if you want access to the whole episode, subscribe on Patreon right here!  More about Jo: Jo Anne Walduck (pronouns she/they), is in her late 30s, a Brit who’s lived in France for almost all her adult life, a trauma-informed business, life, and recovery coach, a cat lover, a woman in recovery, a writer, a dreamer, a napper. A storyteller and a delighter in the growth and healing that happens when we turn our nurturing energy inwards and let it overflow outwards, rather than focussing on everyone else and gasping for the dregs. A trans femme living with chronic illness and fatigue, a human navigating the waves of generational trauma, familial grief, and queer joy. Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate   Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   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.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

"Dress for your body type", "define your waist", and "only wear what is flattering". The anti-fat bias we talk about on this podcast all the time extends into how we dress ourselves and what we feel worthy of wearing. As our bodies change (as they will continue to do throughout our life), many of us are met with barriers to body acceptance. And our clothes are a massive part of that. But they can also be a pivotal part of our liberation. This week we're joined by Dacy Gillespie, a weight-inclusive anti-diet personal stylist. We untangle the mess of our closets, dismantle patriarchal ideas of fashion, and challenge our sense of what we "should" be wearing based on our body shape and size. What’s on Dacy’s plate right now (and importantly, what's not) Dacy’s journey to personal styling and anti-diet work Why having a passion for clothing is not vain Fashion’s role in body image and societal pressures Understanding clothing sizes and body measurements Size acceptance and our clothes How to shop for new clothing as your body changes Steps to take to identify your personal style separate diet and beauty culture Letting go of old clothes and emotional attachments How clothing sizes impact our body image  The life-changing magic of finding your authentic style Challenging the inner critic when shopping Barriers to accessing clothing in a larger body The limitations of “flattering” The fashion rules we need to ditch  How to deal with your closet About Dacy: As a weight inclusive, anti-diet personal stylist, Dacy Gillespie helps her clients reject fashion rules and ideal standards of beauty imposed by the patriarchy, white supremacism, and capitalism so that they can uncover their authentic style. Through their work building a functional wardrobe, Dacy’s clients make a mindset shift from thinking they need to wear what’s flattering to unapologetically taking up space in the world. After a lifetime of jobs in high-stress careers that didn’t suit her highly-sensitive, introverted personality, Dacy started mindful closet in 2013 in an attempt to create a more emotionally sustainable lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Forbes and Real Simple and she is a frequent podcast guest. Dacy is married and has two boys, ages 5 and 9. Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program, kicking off in June 2025: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching 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, which is an ongoing community for monthly sessions and daily support: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

Abbie is on the other side of the mic in this episode -- being interviewed on self-compassion, recovery, body changes, and healing from the toxicity of diet culture. This is an exploration of the importance of trusting your body’s signals—whether it’s hunger, rest, or grief—and how everyday acts of self-kindness can transform your relationship with your body and your whole self.  Listen to the episode for more on: self-compassion as the "first step" in recovery societal pressures surrounding body image the illusion of control in diet culture chronic illness and the pursuit of health why healing doesn’t happen in isolation how community plays a vital role in helping us feel seen, validated, and connected navigating body changes trusting your experiences and instincts embracing life’s inevitable ups and downs what happens when we acknowledge our own pain embracing our worth beyond physical appearances and abilities Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate *This episode originally aired on The Feeling Lighter Podcast. Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   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.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

Amanda Martinez Beck, a fat activist and author of "More of You: The Fat Girl's Field Guide to the Modern World," shares her inspiring journey through eating disorder recovery and body liberation. She discusses the complexities of growing up in a body at odds with societal norms and the importance of fostering a food-positive environment for her children. Amanda also candidly explores her experience with Ozempic for diabetes management, navigating the stigma of weight loss drugs, and finding peace in her body amidst the noise of diet culture.

Charlotte Markey, PhD joins the pod to speak with Abbie about her research on body image and what the evidence really says about what shapes and influences the way we feel about ourselves.  As Dr. Markey says in this episode, "body image touches everything." And that’s why it’s so important that we talk about it — not just as a fluffy concept that centers on our appearance, but as a multifaceted concept that influences the way we show up in the world. Listen to hear more about: What’s on Charlotte’s plate  Defining body image beyond our looks How Charlotte became interested in the science on body image  What she has learned about risk factors for body dissatisfaction from decades of studies and research  The way chronic illness and health conditions impact body image The role of social media in body dissatisfaction  How parents impact children’s body image Ways to protect your children from negative body image Coping strategies for negative body feelings A scientifically proven strategy for feeling better about your body More About Charlotte: Charlotte Markey, Ph.D., is a world-leading expert in body image research, having studied all things body image and eating behavior for nearly three decades. She is passionate about understanding what makes us feel good about our bodies and helping people to develop a healthy body image. Charlotte is an experienced book author, research scientist, and psychology professor at Rutgers University, Camden. Charlotte loves to talk with tweens, teens, parents, and educators about body image and how to improve body image. She is an experienced public speaker and is happy to talk with groups in person or virtually. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Charlie, daughter, Grace, husband, Dan, and their dog, Lexi. For fun, she likes to run, travel, and read, but often spends her free time nagging her kids to remove the cups and dishes from their rooms.   Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate   Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   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.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

Beatriz Albina, a Master Certified Somatic Life Coach and UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner, shares her insights on breaking free from emotional outsourcing and perfectionism. She explores self-validation and the journey to reclaim authenticity, emphasizing the impact of societal expectations on women's well-being. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding our inner critics and building self-trust while navigating anxiety. Beatriz encourages compassion for ourselves and highlights the role of community in healing.

This is a free preview of a bonus episode. You can hear the full conversation when you upgrade to paid on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullplate In this episode, Abbie sits down with Elizabeth, a long-time listener and passionate reader and baker, to discuss her journey through recovery, how neurodivergence plays a role in EDs, the challenges of unlearning diet culture, and the role of perfectionism in both disordered eating and healing. Elizabeth shares her personal experiences with treatment, the pressure to “get away with” restrictive behaviors, reclaiming baking from diet culture, and how she ultimately found a more compassionate approach to food, body image, and self-care. Together, they explore the complexities of weight in eating disorder recovery, the importance of informed consent in treatment, and the difficulty of navigating societal messages around weight and health. Elizabeth also opens up about the strategies that have helped her the most—including distraction, grounding activities, and reconnecting with joyful movement and baking. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating recovery, supporting a loved one, or challenging their own internalized diet culture. Introduction to Elizabeth What's On Your Plate? (Reading, Cooking) Neurodivergence and Mental Health Teenage Eating Disorder Recovery The Impact of Sports and Social Pressures on Body Image Puberty and Body Changes Family Dynamics and Eating Disorders Perfectionism and Disordered Eating The Path to Anti-Diet Culture Awareness Coping Mechanisms and Creative Outlets Reclaiming Baking from Diet Culture The Power of Community and Connection To hear the full episode, upgrade to Patreon and unlock the entire archive of bonus episodes! 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on diet culture, mental health, and body liberation. 📩 Have a question or topic request? Reach out to us! www.patreon.com/fullplate Patreon supporters get access to Q&As, community discussions, and Abbie's undying love and gratitude. Apply for Abbie's anti-diet 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.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, alongside body image or disordered eating challenges, this episode is for you. 🎧 The first 40 minutes of this conversation are FREE! Listen to the extended version of this episode when you subscribe to Patreon starting at just $5/month or $50/year. Abbie is joined by DK Ciccone to talk about all things chronic pain, delving into its impact on movement, identity, and mental health. Together, they explore how to rebuild our relationship with movement after years of diet culture and "punishing" or feeling "let down" by our bodies.  In this free version, you'll hear: 00:00 Introduction  01:43 Chronic Pain and Movement: A Personal Journey 05:24 The Intersection of Chronic Pain and Diet Culture 11:55 Redefining Movement and Body Relationships 19:25 Understanding Pain Perception and Chronic Pain Dynamics 33:07 Understanding Chronic Pain and Movement   In the extended episode, behind the paywall:   35:57 The Importance of Functional Movement 41:53 Differentiating Pain and Discomfort 46:36 Reimagining Movement and Body Liberation 51:48 Debunking Weight Loss Myths in Pain Management 55:37 The Connection Between Trauma and Chronic Pain   About DK: Dana Karen (“DK”) Ciccone is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor who helps people in pain improve strength, mobility, and well-being in a weight-neutral environment. DK is a graduate of the MSMS Advanced Movement Studies Program and is also trained in pain reprocessing therapy through the Pain Psychology Center. Having begun her own journey with chronic back pain as a young teen, she has been exploring ways to help herself and others regain joy of movement for decades. After twenty years in the health sector, DK left a corporate career to follow her passion, later launching Movement Remedies, a chronic pain–focused Pilates studio and movement coaching business. Her first book, You’re Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life, was released December 2023. DK is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. 🫶Full Plate is listener-supported (no ads!) so please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes at Patreon.com/fullplate - our episode transcripts are available on Abbie’s website at abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast.   Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness  

This is a free preview of a bonus episode. To hear the full conversation, become a paid subscriber to the show on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullplate. Your support on Patreon is what makes this show possible. Thank you so much! Abbie answers a listener question about the challenges of dating and relationships amidst diet culture  -- especially while navigating a history of body control, body shame, and disordered eating. Our listener's concerns are about dating men who are overly focused on fitness and diet, and how to know whether those concerns are a reflection of her gut instincts, or a sign that more healing needs to happen. What you'll hear: The importance of safety and self-worth in relationships How we can learn to trust our intuition in dating Exploring shared values beyond diet culture Ways to set both internal and external boundaries Knowing when to share your mental health history Working through dating app parameters What is a trigger versus what is something to work through Abbie's experience with ED recovery and dating Jeb, Abbie's husband, joins later in the episode to have a conversation about the way they met: What happened when they shared about eating disorders and addiction Vulnerability and when to talk about hard things Jeb shares his initial anxiety about dating post-treatment What it was like meeting on a dating app Why Jeb needed to find someone open to discussing hard topics This is an episode that ultimately centers on the nuances of vulnerability and openness, what it means to prioritize our mental health without sacrificing important relationships, and getting clear on what we truly value in a partner. This is an episode that ultimately centers on the nuances of vulnerability and openness, what it means to prioritize our mental health without sacrificing important relationships, and getting clear on what we truly value in a partner. LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE! Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate   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.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast   Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate