#96: Disordered Eating in Runners: Carb-Phobia, Weight and Performance, and Learning to Be Happy Again

The Full Plate Podcast with Abbie Attwood, MS

I can't wait for you to hear this episode, because I'm joined by Lex, a client I've worked with for many years now. She is incredibly special to me. We began working together when she was in high school struggling with an eating disorder and unable to participate in the sport she loves, and now she's a college athlete -- working through the nuances of recovery and reclaiming her relationship with food and running.

Eating disorders can show up in a multitude of ways in athletes. From how a body “should” look if we play a certain sport, to how we “should” eat for performance, to the inevitable comparison trap of teammates and competitors.

Lex shares her story about developing an ED, how that was impacted by running and family dynamics, how she fought for what she needed in her treatment team, and so much more. Whether you’re a parent, parent of a teen, or athlete, you’ll get so much out of this episode.

Topics covered include...

• Food scarcity in childhood
• Developing an eating disorder in high school
• Why runners are so vulnerable to disordered eating behaviors
• The pressure on female athletes to have certain body types
• Family dynamics and body image
• How coaches can cause harm coaches
• Finding a safe community and space to recover
• Fear mongering around carbs
• Trauma in traditional ED treatment
• Speaking up for what is really needed from a treatment team
• Working through the nuances of recovery and body image
• How romantic partners impact ED recovery
• Lex's tips for other athletes who are struggling
• The next frontier of recovery for Lex

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

Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on my website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast

Social media:

• Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast
• Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness

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

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