The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

Author and podcaster Mary Jelkovsky (@maryscupofteaa) joins us to share her journey about the harms and toxicity of becoming a fitness influencer, how fitness culture pushed her further into an eating disorder, and how she's healed from the damage to her sense of self. We also get into self-love versus self-compassion, confidence versus self-worth, healing from comparison, and why it's so stressful to worry about what other people think of your body. "I prided myself on being this person who didn't give a s**t what anybody thought of her. I was doing this food and body stuff for me and my own health and fitness and whatever. Then I was called out in a compassionate way, and saw that I was obsessed with how others viewed me." - Mary Jelkovsy, Full Plate episode #145 Listen to hear more about: What’s been on Mary's plate (food, travel, movement) Her early experiences as a body builder How being a teenage fitness influencer effected her relationship with her body Developing an eating disorder, hidden in plain sight The dangers of too much protein How fitness culture praises disordered eating behaviors Why changing environments can help us find room to heal Letting our love for others guide our way to loving ourselves  Fighting the patriarchy without fighting our husbands  Self-love as self-compassion, self-worth, and self-esteem   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 About Mary: After recovering from a lifelong battle with food and body obsession, Mary Jelkovsky started her Instagram @maryscupofteaa to inspire people to accept their bodies and learn to love themselves unconditionally. Now Mary is the author of the bestselling book The Gift of Self-Love as well as the journal 100 Days of Self-Love. Over the past five years, she's been leading worldwide self-love retreats and her message has been highlighted in TEDx, Teen Vogue, Shape, and Health Magazine. She is also the host of the Mary’s Cup of Tea Podcast: the Self-Love Podcast for Women, which has more than 1 million downloads. By openly sharing her personal journey to self-acceptance, Mary has helped inspire millions to accept their bodies and love themselves unconditionally. When Mary's not writing, podcasting, or hosting retreats, she is spending time with her little sister Ilana, who is her biggest inspiration. 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 Administrative Support by Alexis Eades This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate   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

Kevin Green, a disabled, mad, and queer artist from Massachusetts, shares their insights on Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and its links to neurodivergence. They challenge the stigma around 'picky eaters' while discussing sensory sensitivities and the societal pressures on eating habits. Compassionate strategies for parents are highlighted, promoting autonomy in children's food choices. Kevin's unique experiences with ARFID and autism underscore the importance of curiosity and respect in fostering healthy relationships with food.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com“I believe in body liberation and anti-diet culture. But what if I’m just uncomfortable being fat?”This is a free preview of this week’s bonus episode, and truly, it’s not to be missed. It just might be my favorite conversation we’ve had yet on this podcast. This is the second part of a conversation with Therapist Edie Stark and Fat Activist Sharon Maxwell, and we’re answering a very important – very hard – listener question. To hear this full episode, plus have access to all the other bonus episodes, community engagement, and to submit questions to Abbie, upgrade at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribeThe full question comes from Amanda, who asks:“I'm really struggling to accept my own body as I do this work to unlearn weight bias in our culture. It's frustrating, because I do believe all bodies are worthy. What if I'm just uncomfortable being in a larger body? What if I just don't want to be fat? Is it possible to desire weight loss for myself while believing in weight inclusivity?”Tune in on Substack for the full conversation to hear about...How Sharon relates to this listener, and moments where she's worked through similar thoughtsWhether changing your body can change discomfortInternalized fat-phobia, and if pursuing weight loss is anti-fatNeutral health goals versus weight-loss goalsHow the Ozempic conversation impacts the desire for weight lossHow mental discomfort effects our physical symptomsBody autonomy and personal choices with weightSelf-care ideas for fat bodiesHow to practice self-compassion while living within systemic anti-fatnessTimes when eating disorder thoughts creep in the mostDiscomfort as a signal of something deeperFinding providers who can hold space for you, and your body grief, from a weight-inclusive and liberation lensNavigating the medical system when it blames body size for everything SO much more! About 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/ 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 our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate

Two returning guests join us (who happen to be my amazing friends and colleagues): therapist Edie Stark and fat activist Sharon Maxwell. We're getting into the impact of GLP-1s (like Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) on disordered eating recovery, body acceptance, and generally navigating this world in a human body amidst the constant chatter about weight loss medications.  Edie and Sharon share their wisdom and lived experience as we talk about how we can keep hopeful in the face of increasingly problematic diet culture messaging, GLP-1s, and general uncertainty in the world. We explore the differences between individual and macro change, and the need for tangible ways to resist diet culture and comparison. It gets real, and honest, and I think it is a timely episode for anyone who has felt hope waiver these past few weeks.  Tune in to hear more about: What’s on their plates, literally and metaphorically Eating easy things when you’re feeling uninspired or overwhelmed How Ozempic and GLP-1s are impacting weight-inclusive and anti-diet movements What to do when the weight loss conversation feels louder than ever (especially in disordered eating recovery) Hope in the context of both diet culture and the world right now The role of macro and micro efforts in overcoming systemic issues  Differences between body positivity and body liberation Social media's role in perpetuating the Ozempic craze and misinformation What it looks like to invest in the fat-liberation movement How we can overcome moments of doubt and body grief Ways to cultivate community around our values Sharon's call for more fat joy So much more!   This episode is the first of two parts, so stay tuned for next week's second act! About 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 Magazine Connect with Sharon on IG: @heysharonmaxwell Learn more about Sharon: https://www.heysharonmaxwell.com/ 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 public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Shana Spence, a registered dietitian (who you might know as @thenutritiontea on social media), joins the pod to bust myths about processed foods and to discuss how family, culture, privilege, and societal influences shape our relationship with food. Listen Ad-Free on Patreon! We recorded this conversation before the election, but given the outcome, we're going to see an influx of misinformation about wellness, health, and nutrition -- so this episode feels timely. Shana shares how her initial career path and disordered eating fueled her decision to become a dietitian, and reflects on how dietetics education perpetuates diet culture, focusing on BMI and stereotypes. She talks about her perspective shift over time, the process of moving toward an anti-diet and weight-inclusive approach, and why the social determinants of health matter more than individual food choices. Tune in to hear more about… The pressure of food restriction as a badge of honor Privilege affecting food choices The misleading fears about processed foods The oversimplification of food into good vs. bad categories.  How family and cultural background impact dieting External societal pressures on our relationship with food Diet culture and healthism Dietitian education's role in perpetuating diet culture Stereotyping in healthcare Shana’s perspective shift on nutrition and dieting Restriction as a form of validation Black-and-white thinking in nutrition Why we don't need to "fix" people's eating habits Shana Spence is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New York, who considers herself an “eat anything” dietitian, and counsels on a HAES (Healthy At Every Size) and an Intuitive Eating approach. She is also the author of Live Nourished - Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy. Find her website here https://www.thenutritiontea.com/  and find her on instagram at @thenutritiontea.   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   WalkingPad Discounts: Use code ABBIEATTWOODWELLNESS for 30% off their WalkingPad Use code ABBIEWELLNESS for 20% off their treadmills   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 Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Eades Listen Ad-Free on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullplate     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

Hi, my friends. In this last-minute episode, I am talking to you about election anxiety, and why times of political and personal uncertainty can stir up disordered eating thoughts and behaviors. From control to distraction, we often tend to turn to bodies as a coping tool. Join me for this brief (but hopefully meaningful) conversation about these thoughts, why they surface, and  supportive tools to nurture yourself through challenging times. I hope this is a compassionate reminder on why and how we are reclaiming our power when we choose food, rest, and radical self-care. We're in this together -- you are not alone. PS: This is an expanded version of my newsletter from Friday. You can read that newsletter as a member of Patreon right 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 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 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 BONUS episode! To hear the full episode, make sure you're subscribed on Patreon. Your support is what keeps the lights on around here, so, thank you! It's Halloween time. And that means...plenty of candy. Maybe more than usual? Maybe not. In this special bonus episode, I'm answering a listener question about what to do if you feel like you can't eat candy without binge-eating it, how to approach candy with your kids, and whether we can truly give ourselves unconditional permission to eat all that sugar. 👉 Listen to the full episode right here! You'll hear more on: Whether it's possible to no longer feel out of control around candy, especially if you've had a history of binge eating Dealing with the fear and anxiety of having tons of candy around Strategies for helping kids develop a positive relationship with candy Fears associated with eating "too much" sugar or being "addicted" to sugar The truth about health impacts of eating a lot of candy Interacting with other people's perspectives on sugar What self-compassion has to do with all of this Releasing the scarcity mindset to feel more at ease around food (and candy)   Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate That's where you'll find this bonus episode, right at the top of the feed.  If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Patreon or on my website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Enroll for Group Support: 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, which kicks off in January: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching 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  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 public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Author and well-being educator Nakeia Homer joins us to talk about releasing things (habits, people, beliefs) we've clung to for years—sometimes decades. As Nakeia beautifully explains, letting go is rarely about the thing or person itself, but rather what it symbolizes for us. We discuss self-forgiveness, finding our people, making peace with other people’s opinions of us, and what real self-care is all about. Nakeia also walks us through the process of building habits that help us heal; that help us become whole; that help us find ourselves. Things that stood out to me most: How to know when it’s time to let go, and what it might be costing you to hold on The courage required to "give up" on something that no longer aligns with your values How we can reframe letting go as a powerful act of self-care and strength Why we seek validation and how we can get what we actually need instead How to know when you've found your people Practical tools for caring less about external judgment and other people's opinions Not comparing our experiences to others', especially when it comes to trauma Nakeia Homer is a Well-Being Educator, Author, and the founder of Heal & Grow Daily, a well-being community and private membership. Through programs, speaking, workshop facilitation, and corporate wellness consulting, Nakeia helps people sustain their well-being, operate in their brilliance, and show up in their lives and work as the best versions of themselves. Her first books, I Hope This Helps (2020) and All the Right Pieces (2022), have been great resources for those seeking healing and growth all over the world. Her thrid book, Habits For Healing: Reclaim Your Purpose, Peace, & Power was released in the Fall of 2024 and is already dubbed "A Roadmap to Healing". Nakeia is a sought-after wellness & well-being expert and trauma-informed educator, facilitating powerful workshops and keynotes on the power of story, self-love/self-care, and purpose. You can find her course, Healing Inequality Through Allyship, at David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah. To stay connected, hire her to speak at your next event, or join her community, visit nakeiahomer.com and follow Nakeia on social media @nakeiahomer. 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 public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Chrissy King is BACK for her second round on the pod. This time, we’re diving deep into the intricate ways diet culture, body autonomy, dating culture, and yes, even childless cat ladies, are all connected. I promise there’s a through-line here—and it’s more liberating than any “hot girl summer” meme you’ve ever scrolled past. Some of the things we chat about... What is on Chrissy’s Plate How she is accepting rest as a part of achievement  How we can think of rest as a privilege and as freedom Childless cat ladies and being child-free by choice The parallels between dating culture and diet culture What Chrissy means when she says she is decentering men in her life The choice to not have children  Why chasing men is like chasing thinness  Breaking free of rules for how to live as a "good" woman Liberation beyond the body How to know what we want and choose that No longer organizing our life around our appearance Reclaiming time and energy from chasing what isn’t meant for us And so much more!   Good news! Enrollment is open for Abbie's next 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   Buy Chrissy's book "The Body Liberation Project" right here. Chrissy King is a writer, speaker, strength coach, and educator with a passion for creating a diverse and inclusive wellness industry.  She empowers individuals to stop shrinking, start taking up space, and use their energy to create their specific magic in the world. She has been featured in SELF, SHAPE, Health, Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed, Muscle and Fitness, and Livestrong, among others.  With degrees in Social Justice and Sociology from Marquette University, Chrissy merges her passion for Social Justice and her passion for fitness to empower individuals within the fitness and wellness industry to create spaces that allow individuals from all backgrounds to feel seen, welcome, respected, and celebrated.  She empowers individuals to stop shrinking, start taking up space, and use their energy to create their specific magic in the world. When she’s not serving her clients by empowering them to create stress-free and sustainable lifestyles and feel confident and empowered in their skin, she spends her time lifting all the weights, reading, traveling, and hanging with friends and family.   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       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 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 is a free preview of a paywalled episode. To hear the FULL episode, join Patreon here. Patreon supporters make this show possible and keep the lights on around here, so, thank you! In this bonus episode, I'm answering a listener question about why seeing photos of ourselves—especially in group settings—can trigger feelings of body shame and comparison. The question is specifically about hating a photo and feeling the strong desire to lose weight (despite knowing intellectually that all bodies are worthy bodies, and believing in the anti-diet culture movement). Tune in to hear more about:  body neutrality and emotional triggers how diet culture conditions us to view our bodies through a critical lens why photos can be another form of body checking how to cope with photos we hate social comparison theory and why we compare ourselves to others unraveling the habit of comparison intersectionality and body hierarchies using self-compassion as a tool for navigating body grief practical tips for how to reclaim your body from guilt and shame using mindfulness to separate our thoughts from our self-worth actions we can take to reduce the negative feelings that accompany photos   GOOD NEWS! Enrollment has opened for my next 10-week group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for the next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   You can also apply to join my monthly group membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for a compassionate community-based monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group   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   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