This episode delves into topic of body checking—when individuals habitually monitor their body size or shape. Sarah and Stef share personal experiences, discussing their different relationships with body checking.
Stef candidly describes how body checking was a way to manage her anxiety and provides insights into her journey towards recovery, detailing strategies such as changing her response to body checking rather than trying to stop the behavior outright.
Sarah contrasts with Stef by explaining that during her episodes of binge eating and rapid weight gain, she avoided body checking because it was too distressing. She highlights the psychological differences between those who body check for reassurance and those who avoid it to mitigate anxiety.
The hosts explore the intersection of body checking with trauma, underlining how people with histories of trauma might find body checking as a safety measure. They also touch upon the impactful role of societal norms and how they can influence habits like weighing oneself.
Throughout the episode, the importance of creating a safe environment for oneself is emphasized. The hosts provide practical advice for those struggling with body checking, such as gradually reducing the frequency of checks and changing the emotional response to the act of checking. The episode concludes with a call to reflect deeply on the meaning behind body checking behaviors and the potential for long-term change through developing safety and self-compassion.
Join our growing support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast
Email – hello@lifeafterdietspod.com
Connect with Stefanie Michele, Recovery Coach, Somatic Therapist IT
Stef's Binge Recovery Course -- www.iamstefaniemichele.com/iamstefaniemichelecourse
Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele
Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist
Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist
Sarah’s book I Can’t Stop Eating is available on Amazon
If you find this episode helpful, you can subscribe to the Life After Diets podcast, leave us a review, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram and YouTube (@lifeafterdietspodcast). Your feedback helps us create content that matters to you.
