Understanding Disordered Eating

Have you ever considered what the limitations of scientific research are? What do we do with the limitations in nutrition science? Much of the conversation among nutrition scientists, outside the realm of eating disorders, revolves around various fad diets or approaches involving highly processed foods, intermittent fasting, and keto diets, among other trends. But the majority of this evidence may lack comprehensive scientific support. During this conversation, I want you to stay in the gray area with us. In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. A’nna Roby. Dr. A'nna Roby is an esteemed physiologist, author, speaker, and Registered Dietitian specializing in disordered eating and eating disorders. She received her Bachelor of Science from Cornell University where she studied nutritional sciences. A'nna was then accepted to the combined PhD/Registered Dietitian position at Cornell where she did her dietetic internship and PhD simultaneously, focusing on metabolism and body weight regulation. After her doctoral training, A'nna moved to Washington, D.C. and conducted research at the National Institutes of Health. She now runs a private practice in the Minneapolis area helping individuals cultivate a healthy relationship with food and their body. Tweetable Quotes “There's all this hype about intermittent fasting and keto and what so many people were so quick to jump on is that it is terribly restrictive. It's it's horrible for you. But it's not that there's zero evidence.” - Rachelle Heinemann “It's somewhat of a privilege problem. Some people don't have access to real food or the resources to prepare real food.” - Dr A’nna Roby "We have shown that intermittent fasting is no better than a traditional diet in terms of weight loss. There's nothing magical about it.” - Dr A’nna Roby “For those of you who are eating breakfast at seven and lunch at one, we're talking to you. Have a snack.” - Rachelle Heinemann Resources Dr. A’nna Roby’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.annaroby/?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D Dr. A’nna Roby’s Website -  https://drannaroby.com/

Is BetterHelp actually providing better help? Since 2020, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp have become very popular, mainly because of their convenience and affordability. With a subscription-based model, easy therapist switching, and 24/7 accessibility, they promise an accessible and hassle-free mental health solution. But are these platforms really a replacement for traditional therapy? Are these platforms providing true therapeutic value? Let's dive into this debate. Tweetable Quotes "Therapy is a lot more complex... It's about so much more than just the specific issue you're going for." - Rachelle Heinemann "Therapy changes aren't necessarily measurable in the ways that you think they are." - Rachelle Heinemann "It's not actually therapy... It's cheaper, but its not actually therapy." - Rachelle Heinemann "If you're not investing in therapy, then you probably won't get much out of it." - Rachelle Heinemann   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected].

In moments of high emotions, like feeling stressed from work, angry at your spouse, or sad from grieving, how are you regulating your emotions? Do you bury them deep down and move on? Do you let them take control of you and guide your actions? There has to be a balance on the emotional scale, but where does the balance lie? In this solo episode, we’re covering how our emotions play into eating disorders and how emotion regulation is crucial. Tweetable Quotes “It sucks that you have to teach yourself this stuff, but you can, and you absolutely will.” - Rachelle Heinemann "In order to get to a place where you can identify and organize your emotions and have the ability to soothe yourself and tolerate uncomfortable emotions, it has to be learned. It has to be internalized." - Rachelle Heinemann "Eating disorders are an emotion regulation issue. It's not about food, it's about emotions." - Rachelle Heinemann Resources  DBT Skills Dr. Marsha Linehan: The 4 Skills Modules of DBT   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected].

  Join Dr. Elizabeth Hamlin and me to discuss the age old concept of eating disorders as a means of communication in a new way. Eating disorders are far more than a struggle with one’s food and body image. It’s a larger emotional battle that emerges to communicate pain without words. Learn more about how we know that and what you can do about it in this episode.      Elizabeth Hamlin, MD, is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychoanalytic candidate who has spent her career working intensively with patients with severe eating disorders.  Dr. Hamlin has worked for many years on both inpatient and residential eating disorder units at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc, WI, where she has also served as the medical director of the adult inpatient eating disorder program.  Dr. Hamlin is clinical faculty at the Medical College of Wisconsin and teaches and supervises psychiatry residents on eating disorders and psychotherapy.  Dr. Hamlin has published psychoanalytic papers and book chapters on eating disorders, including on fluid restriction.  She has presented regionally and nationally on the intersection of psychoanalysis and eating disorders.  Dr. Hamlin is currently a psychoanalytic candidate at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.  She maintains a private practice in Delafield, WI.   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected].

In this episode Dr. Doug Bunnell and I talk about the differences between behavioral treatments and “deep work” or psychodynamic psychotherapy. (Dynamic and analytic used interchangeably.)    If you want to know more about what any of this means or if you’ve ever heard the term “evidence based” or “gold standard” for treatment of eating disorders, this is for you.    Spoiler: Anyone who is die hard anything, probably isn’t giving enough of a full picture of what actually works.      Douglas W. Bunnell, PhD, FAED, CEDS-S is a clinical psychologist in Fairfield, Connecticut. He has specialized in the treatment of people with eating disorders for the past 30 years. Dr. Bunnell is a past board chair of the NEDA and recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award.  Dr. Bunnell has helped to design, develop and manage PHP and residential programs for several national eating disorder programs. He is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders and Certified Eating Disorder Supervisor for IAEDP. Dr. Bunnell has co-authored numerous chapters and journal articles on the treatment of eating disorders and the training of clinicians. He is particularly focused on the integration of evidence-based treatment into higher levels of eating disorder treatment programming. More recently, Dr. Bunnell has been working on clinical protocols for addressing eating disorders and co-morbid psychiatric issues such as PTSD.  He is currently a Senior Clinical Advisor for Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Treatment Programs.  Dr. Bunnell is a co-editor, along with Dr. Margo Maine and Dr. Beth McGilley, of Treatment of Eating Disorders: Bridging the Research Practice Gap.    LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]

Here’s the scenario: You have a, let’s say, complicated relationship with food. You’re trying to work toward healing and get rid of these freaking food obsessions and weird binges. You crack open the Intuitive Eating book and love it. Eat when hungry? Stop when full? Honor cravings? This sounds amazing! You try it. And it totally backfires. Then you start wondering if it even works at all. Today I am talking with Hilmar Wagner about what eating should actually look like at the beginning of recovery. Spoiler: not like the eating described above.  Hilmar Wagner is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), licensed in Minnesota and Washington State. Hilmar has experience working in a variety of clinical, outpatient, community, and management settings. Hilmar joined the Emily Program in 2006 and has served in a number of clinical and management roles, both at the site, regional and organization-wide levels. He currently serves as the Dietetic Internship Coordinator and Clinical Outreach Specialist. In these roles he oversees dietetic intern experiences for all Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative locations. As a Clinical Education Specialist Hilmar has presents ona wide range of eating disorders and related nutrition topics at local, regional, and national conferences. Hilmar received his bachelor’s degree in Nutrition/Dietetics and Master’s in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. He has worked in the field of eating disorders for the past 16 years. Hilmar has extensive experience working with clients of all eating disorder diagnoses in both individual and group settings. He has a particular interest in the application of mindfulness and body-centered, somatic approaches to the nutritional treatment of eating disorders.   Resources Where to find Hilmar Wagner The Emily Program  Veritas Collaborative Email: [email protected] Intuitive Eating Book   Tweetable Quotes “Intuitive Eating by its name is intuitive- not a thought process.”  - Hilmar Wagner “Jumping straight into Intuitive Eating without addressing the nuances of early recovery can lead to misunderstanding, misapplication, and continued cycles of disordered eating.” - Rachelle Heinemann “The goal is not to never have deviations but to always return to regular eating habits after any deviation.”- Rachelle Heinemann   Related Episodes Episode 88. Did We Take Intuitive Eating Too Far? Episode 54. When Intuitive Eating Isn’t the Answer.  Episode 87- Ultra Processed Food, Food Addiction and Eating Disorders  Episode 45. Basics of Intuitive Eating.  Episode 40- 5 Tips for After a Binge   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]

Do you find yourself questioning your own thoughts and decisions? (esp with your eating habits) If so, you are not alone!  Today we have Diane Barth talking all about trusting oneself. F. Diane Barth, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice. She also teaches and supervises other therapists. Her articles have been published in professional journals and in popular online magazines including Think and Quartz. Her most recent book is I Know How You Feel: The Joys and Heartbreaks of Friendship in Women’s Lives. She has a blog on Psychology Today, called “Off the Couch” and a blog on Substack called “Aging Without a Map.” Tweetable Quotes “Even when you have an awareness of the different signals and messages, trusting yourself can still be challenging.”  - Rachelle Heinemann  “A therapist provides a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or external influence.” - Rachelle Heinemann “In today’s culture, there is often a perceived “right answer,” which makes people fear making a mistake or being wrong. “ - Diane Barth   Resources Where to find Diane: Website Substack: Aging Without a Map Psychology Today Blog:    Off The Couch I Know How You Feel: The Joy and Heartbreak of Friendship in Women’s Lives (HMH February 6, 2018) Integrative Clinical Social Work: A Contemporary Perspective Facebook   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]

The journey of recovery from an eating disorder is filled with fear of the unknown, anxiety of the future, and lots of bumps in the road.  Today is all about finding and embracing your WHY for your recovery, especially in those moments when nothing seems worth it. We have TedX speaker Alana Van Der Sluys sharing personal insights, tools, and acronyms (so many acronyms!) to help you along your recovery journey.  Alana Van Der Sluys is a TedX speaker, entrepreneur, author, and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is dedicated to empowering women to heal their relationship with food and their bodies to step into their potential, take up space, and pursue true health. Her debut book, Freedom with Food and Fitness: How Intuitive Eating is the Key to Becoming Your Happiest, Healthiest Self, on November 7, 2023 with Urano World USA, Inc. She is also the host of the Finally Free Podcast. Find Alana online at freedomwithfoodandfitness.com, or to work with her, visit www.freedomwithfoodandfitness.com/discover. Resources Find Alana: Ted Ex Talk Instagram Website  Free Chill the Fuck Out Worksheet: www.freedomwithfoodandfitness.com/chillout  Related Episodes 74. The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get 67. Is It All About Control? 60. Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life with Jen Diaz     LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]  

Starting off with a loaded question I keep asking myself (& you keep asking me): Did we take intuitive eating too far? Today's episode is a follow-up from last week's with Dr. David Wiss, all about ultra-processed foods. I stand by the content of the information and data shared last week, and I know David only speaks about information he can completely back up. However, I do want to reiterate the intent of the conversation. It was not to make more rules in your brain or tell you to be more restrictive. We were mostly talking about issues with policies and the general food industry, the research, and the biases in research. We highlighted where some information out there may actually be false.  This is a much larger conversation— not just about me or you. Seeing how this problem will not be solved by just myself or any individual was eye-opening. Which means that the answer is not to change the way you as an individual eat (IE cutting out all UPF.)  To reiterate, I very much agree with the idea of all foods fit model, food neutrality, and listening to your cravings. However, I think when we end at that, it feels like something is missing.  Tweetable Quotes  "I very much agree with the idea of all foods fit model, food neutrality, and listening to your cravings." -Rachelle Heinemann "For someone with a restrictive eating disorder, relearning means eating more regularly, eating more types of food (especially UPF), and challenging food rules." -Rachelle Heinemann "I always say this, and I’ll say it again, intuitive eating doesn’t start at honoring hunger and fullness and cravings. It starts at relearning to eat and then, and only then, reintroducing the rest. " -Rachelle Heinemann   Resources  Christy Harrison's Books Episode 87 LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who may need this podcast by sharing this episode. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here! You can connect with me on Instagram @rachelleheinemann, through my website www.rachelleheinemann.com, or email me directly at [email protected]

Today we are talking about ultra processed food with Dr. David Wiss. David became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in 2013 and founded Nutrition in Recovery, a group practice of RDNs specializing in treating eating and substance use disorders. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Health with a minor in Health Psychology from UCLA by investigating links between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes among socially disadvantaged men. Dr. Wiss can be your nutrition and health consultant, functional medicine practitioner, recovery coach, or provide psychoeducation related to his expertise.  Ultra processed food is defined as food that is completely comprised of processed culinary ingredients. Meaning that the food does not contain any non-processed foods or minimally processed foods. The eating disorder community needs to recognize this exists because it is so alienating and invalidating to some people to hear that there is no difference between foods whatsoever. Pretending that it doesn’t exist is not true, but perhaps it’s the way we talk about it that makes the difference. *To clarify, I promote intuitive eating and all foods fit approach, AND there may be room for this to at least be in the conversation.* If you currently have an active eating disorder and have a lot of rules in your mind, this episode may be best for you to listen later until you have fewer rules in your mind   Resources: Learn more about the intersection of nutrition and mental health using Dr. David Wiss's new app called Wise Mind Nutrition  Find Dr. David Wiss: Wise Mind Nutrition Nutrition Recovery Instagram Tik Tok