Welcome

Eating disorders are confusing and complex. On this month’s episode, host Claire Holtz sits down with Emily Program Site Director Jennifer Nelson to discuss what eating disorders are and what we can do to help those affected.

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Episode show notes:

In this episode of Peace Meal, we discuss what eating disorders are, what to do if we are worried about ourselves or a loved one, and how to support those in recovery. Emily Program Site Director Jennifer Nelson answers the most common questions asked by those considering eating disorder treatment and offers advice to support people. 

About the podcast:

Peace Meal is an Emily Program podcast that discusses topics related to eating disorders, body image issues, and how society may contribute to distorted thinking.

Kelsey Thomas is the Site Director for The Emily Program’s Seattle Outpatient treatment center. If she could change anything, she would eliminate diet culture.

TEP: Tell us about yourself!

Kelsey: I am the Site Director for the Seattle Outpatient treatment center. I have been working here for over 6 years in various roles and absolutely love the work I get to do! Outside of work, you can find me near or in water. I love writing letters to my loved ones and sending them off via snail mail and laughing with friends – bad dad jokes and puns are my favorite!

As we come out of the busy holiday season it can be a good time to slow down and bring attention and awareness back to our food and eating. There are several ways to bring mindfulness to the eating experience, including the One Minute Taste Test and sensory evaluation.

The One Minute Taste Test

For a quick and fun way to reconnect to the eating experience, try the One Minute Taste Test by following the steps below.

The Emily Program is thrilled to announce our new podcast, Peace Meal. Peace Meal covers topics related to eating disorders, body image issues, and how society may contribute to distorted thinking. Join us as we sit down with eating disorder field leaders, medical professionals, and those in recovery to shed a light on eating disorders, body-related biases, and so much more! New episodes are out the first Monday of every month.

Our first mini-episode, Introducing Peace Meal, is out NOW! On this episode of Peace Meal, we talk to The Emily Program founder Dirk Miller. Dirk shares how his recovery from alcoholism and bulimia set him on a mission to help others who are struggling.

*This blog was written anonymously. This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences on the road to recovery.

During my time at The Emily Program, we talked about having a “life worth living” in DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) skills groups, which meant having a life that contained relationships, activities, and coping skills outside of your eating disorder.

In 46 B.C., Julius Caeser declared that January 1st would be the first day of the year, partially to line up the calendar with the sun and partially to honor Janus, the God of Beginnings. The Romans celebrated the New Year by making offerings to Janus, exchanging gifts, and noting the holiday as a time of celebration and honor. This was the first time that the New Year was formally celebrated.

Now, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day continue to be celebrated around the world. In Spain, individuals eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each day of the month, for good luck. Those in Germany celebrate by eating doughnuts called Krapfen. In Brazil, people toss flowers into the ocean as an offering to the Sea Goddess and in Demark, plates are smashed to bring good luck. In the United States, loved ones may share a kiss based on the thought that the first person you see in the New Year will suggest how the rest of the year will go.

This is one person’s story; everyone will have unique experiences on their own path to recovery and beyond. Some stories may mention eating disorder thoughts, behaviors, and symptom use. Please use your own discretion. And speak with your therapist as needed.

Chris Camburn has been in the professional social work helping field for over 15 years. She is a wife, mom, cat lover, and avid consumer of audiobooks. Her passions also include connecting with her spiritual side and other like-minded, passionate people.

This is a story of binge eating disorder, weight loss surgery, and recovery.

Three years ago, after so many years of gaining and losing weight cycles, I made the decision to make a permanent change in my life and have weight loss surgery. I thought this would be the answer to all of the problems and I would NEVER have to worry about food or weight issues again. I thought that “controlling” my diet by weight loss surgery would put me in control of my life, but I soon found out how wrong I was.

The Emily Program would like to wish all of our clients, future clients, support systems, and community members a happy holiday. We are grateful to have a loving community around us and clients that inspire us every day. We hope that this holiday brings you a sense of peace, hope, and healing. As a holiday gift from The Emily Program, we wanted to share our favorite holiday quotes with you.