Ever feel like food is the only way you’re allowed to rest?

In this episode, we dive into the complicated overlap between rest, productivity, and eating — especially when slowing down feels wrong.

We talk about using food to procrastinate, to collapse, or "let go" … and the cultural guilt that makes true rest so hard to claim.

If you’ve ever felt anxious doing nothing (unless snacks are involved), this one goes there.

Join our 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, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

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

This week, we’re talking boundaries—the invisible lines that protect our time, energy, and sanity (when we actually enforce them).

Stef and Sarah unpack what boundaries really are (hint: not just saying “no”), how they show up in our bodies, our relationships, and our work—and why so many of us struggle to hold them.

From family dynamics to friend drama, people-pleasing traps to food boundaries, they share real stories of what it takes to define and defend your limits without guilt.

They also get into the psychology behind rigid vs. porous boundaries, how social conditioning makes it harder for some of us to draw the line, and why clear communication isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

If you’ve ever felt like setting a boundary makes you mean—or like you’re constantly betraying yourself just to avoid conflict—this conversation is for you.

Tune in for a candid, compassionate look at how to honor your needs and why boundaries aren’t just protective… they’re a form of kindness.

Join our 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, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

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

In this episode, the hosts introduce their guest Nicola Salmon, a fertility coach with a medical science background who advocates for fat-positive fertility.

Nicola shares strategies for navigating the biases in fertility healthcare systems, especially for those in bigger bodies.

She discusses her journey, the myths around fertility in fat bodies, and the challenges posed by current medical practices, including BMI restrictions and the implications of GLP-1 medications.

Nicola also offers insights on advocating for oneself in medical settings and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment.

The conversation covers practical advice, highlights the emotional aspects of the journey, and aims to provide both hope and actionable steps for those struggling with fertility and fat bias.

MEET Nicola Salmon

Fat Positive Fertility Membership on KOFI

Join our 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, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

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

Join our 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, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT

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

In episode 199, the hosts introduce and interview Anny Johnson from The Fat Ugly Blog. Anny shares her personal story of recovering from binge eating disorder and discusses the complexities of her journey as a black woman in recovery spaces. Despite technical hiccups during the introduction, Anny remains a captivating guest, shedding light on her experience of achieving her dream job as cabin crew, the ongoing challenges in body image, and the power of self-compassion. She speaks about reclaiming terms like 'fat' and 'ugly' and navigating through diet culture to find her own path to health and well-being. The episode emphasizes the importance of owning one's story and making personal, empowering choices.

Meet Anny:

• Website
• Instagram
• Upcoming book: "Fat Ugly"

Join our 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

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

In this live-streamed episode, Stef and Sarah explore the nuanced world of cravings — what drives them, how they differ from binge or overeating urges, and why they’re often more complicated than they seem.

They discuss the physiological and emotional undercurrents behind cravings, from hormonal shifts to nervous system dysregulation, weaving in personal experiences — including Stef’s two most memorable pregnancy cravings.

The conversation unpacks how cravings show up differently for restrictors versus permitters, how appetite and craving aren't always the same thing, and what it looks like to approach cravings from a more regulated, self-led mindset.

Rather than reducing cravings to something to fix or fear, this episode invites a deeper, more compassionate understanding of them — one that honors both biology and psychology.

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.

Join our 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

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

In this episode, Stef and Sarah are talking about body image fluctuations.

They kick things off with Stef admitting she’s been in a bit of a funk lately, which has her feeling some body image blues.

They chat about how our moods can totally mess with how we see our bodies—like when you're tired or anxious, everything feels heavier and more irritating.

Stef talks about the importance of recognizing these mood shifts and working on regulating them before trying to 'fix' anything else.

They also tackle the topic of 'floods'—those visceral reactions to body image triggers—and share some strategies for managing them when they hit. They also highlight the confusing mix of emotions when weight changes feel different depending on the context.

Sarah shares an amusing anecdote about feeling self-conscious in a string bikini.

Stef touches on her past struggle with 'reverse body dysmorphia,' where she clung to an outdated image of her younger self.

They wrap up with some thoughts on how seasons influence our body image and the power of gradual exposure.

Overall, this episode is a mix of raw honesty, empathy, and practical tips for anyone navigating the ever-changing landscape of body image.

Join our 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

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

In this heartfelt episode, Sarah and Stef explore the concept of self-forgiveness, including that it isn't about excusing harmful behaviors but rather about understanding and acknowledging the underlying causes of our actions.

Sarah emphasizes the role of self-forgiveness in her personal growth, sharing how recognizing our inherent innocence can change the way we address self-blame and guilt.

Stef reflects on the interplay between self-forgiveness and accountability, discussing the importance of balancing compassion with the acknowledgment of our responsibilities.

Listeners will find relatable anecdotes about personal struggles with self-forgiveness and practical insights into how to navigate these feelings.

The conversation touches on themes of regret, grief, and the importance of staying present and regulated while addressing past actions.

Together, Sarah and Stef offer a compassionate perspective on how to hold discomfort, avoid the trap of self-victimization, and move toward a healthier, more forgiving state of mind.

Join our 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

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