Episode 29: We need to talk about Eating Disorders and Diet Culture, A SEAT WITH... Alli Bollinger

We need to talk more about Eating Disorders and Diet Culture, because at this point, it is an epidemic. In today’s episode we seat down with ED Recovery coach Alli Bollinger to have an honest conversation. She herself went through an Eating disorder and successfully won that battle. Now she helps others on who are on the same journey, do the same.

Understanding Eating Disorders: Breaking Free from Diet Culture

Eating disorders affect individuals across all demographics and have increasingly become a prevalent topic in mental health discussions. They carry significant implications not only for the physical body but also for emotional and psychological well-being. Addressing the misconceptions surrounding eating disorders and the interconnectedness with diet culture can be pivotal in fostering healthier relationships with food. Sitting down with Alli, we explore the core themes of eating disorders, misconceptions perpetuated by diet culture, and strategies for recovery, nourishment and a healthy relationship with food.

The Impact of Diet Culture on Perceptions of Food

As Alli explains it in the episode, Diet culture propagates harmful narratives around foods being categorised as "good" or "bad." Alli believes that the solution is to categorise all foods as “neutral”. This binary thinking creates negative associations and guilt around certain food choices, leading many to disordered eating patterns. The notion that one must adhere to strict dietary rules—the belief that weight loss is synonymous with health—narrows the understanding of nutrition and its purpose.

Furthermore, diet culture often promotes the idea that enjoyment of food is secondary to its nutritional value. In reality, both nutrition and satisfaction are integral to a healthy relationship with food. Learning to view all foods as neutral rather than labelling them allows individuals to cultivate a mindset that encourages balance, enjoyment, and mindfulness when eating. “It’s all about feeling good!” Alli says.

Understanding Eating Disorders as a Spectrum

Eating disorders are not a black-and-white issue; they exist on a spectrum that includes a range of disordered eating habits. Many individuals who experience negative feelings correlated with food don't fit the restrictive criteria for a formal eating disorder yet suffer from harmful relationships with food. This is why we need to break the taboo around Eating disorders.

Encouraging open conversations about food and body image diminishes the stigma surrounding these issues. This message is crucial for those who might fear seeking help, as it's important to understand that one does.

Eating disorders are often misunderstood, boxed into narrow definitions. But they also exist in the quiet moments: the obsessive thoughts about food, the guilt after eating, or the need to punish yourself for taking up space. Eating Disorders are a spectrum, and it starts small — so small you might not even notice it.

Here’s the truth: acknowledging it doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re brave. There’s power in naming what you’re going through, in choosing honesty over shame. You are not alone 💛.

👤 WHERE TO FIND ALLI:

Her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/your_spoonful/

🔗 LINKS

https://www.aseatwithme.com/newsletter

📫 WRITE ME:
aseatwithmepodcast@gmail.com

www.aseatwithme.com

👤 WHERE TO FIND ME:

https://www.tiktok.com/@soleneallcaps

https://www.instagram.com/soleneallcaps

With Love, always,

Solène ☀️