Peace Meal

Episode description: Shena Washburn, Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition and Culinary Services at The Emily Program, joins us for a timely conversation about the newly released Food Guide Pyramid—what it says, what it doesn't, and what it means in the context of eating disorder recovery. Together, Shena and Jillian explore how public nutrition messaging can reinforce the kind of food hierarchies and moral judgments that make recovery harder, how eating disorder treatment approaches nutrition differently, and what the role of a dietitian in eating disorder care looks like. About Shena: Shena Washburn is the Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition and Culinary Services at The Emily Program, with over 15 years of experience in nutrition, mental health, and eating disorders. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), Shena leads efforts to advance the integration of nutrition and culinary services within eating disorder care. Her clinical interests include sports nutrition, digestive health, nutrition-focused physical exam, mindfulness-based approaches, and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). In addition to her leadership role, Shena is passionate about supporting individuals in developing a balanced and sustainable relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. She is equally dedicated to fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary care, with a strong focus on mentoring professionals, improving systems, and cultivating leadership within her teams. Outside of work, Shena enjoys dancing, gardening, and spending time with her two young children. We cover: How and why nutrition messaging has shifted from the 1990s Food Guide Pyramid to today's inverted triangle The moral weight our culture places on food, and how that complicates recovery What “all foods fit” means in eating disorder treatment Why the work of an eating disorder dietitian is similar to that of an archaeologist What Shena would change about cultural nutrition messaging In Shena’s words: On why she became an eating disorder dietitian: "I sought out eating disorder care as a dietitian because I don't like to tell people what not to eat… We're here to help you repair the relationship with food and get curious about messaging and curious about your body's needs.” On what public nutrition messaging can't capture: "These public guidelines are population-level tools. They don't know you, they don't know me… This is where that 'all foods fit' comes in...It doesn't mean nutrition doesn't matter. It means food shouldn't be governed by fear and by morality." On approaching nutrition in eating disorder care: "The focus is more on restoring nutritional adequacy, consistent eating patterns, metabolic stability, and flexibility with food… We work to deconstruct a lot of the morality that gets assigned to food and eating." About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is "Discover the Power of Nutrition." For folks struggling with an eating disorder or navigating recovery, the word "nutrition" can feel powerfully loaded. Eating disorders disrupt your ability to nourish yourself—to eat consistently, to eat enough, to eat with variety and flexibility. Diet culture makes that even harder, reinforcing the idea that food is something to earn or control. In this episode, Jillian talks about what it looks like to reclaim nutrition in recovery, and how the work of nutritional rehabilitation, as hard as it is, can ultimately move you toward a more peaceful and empowering relationship with food. We cover: What makes nutritional rehabilitation so difficult How diet culture can keep people stuck The role of an eating disorder dietitian in recovery About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Jason shares his story of recovering from an eating disorder as a male, including why, after more than 25 years of recovery, he felt called to share his story publicly. Jason traces the roots of his eating disorder back to the weight-cutting culture of competitive wrestling in high school, where restrictive and binge eating cycles were normalized and even encouraged by coaching staff. Those patterns followed him into college, where isolation and stress deepened his struggles. Without many resources or relatable voices to turn to, Jason navigated much of his recovery on his own. Today, Jason channels the wisdom of his journey into raising his two young daughters with open conversations about feelings, balanced approaches to food, and a foundation of unconditional love. His message to anyone still fighting in silence: you are loved, you are enough, and recovery is possible. About Jason: Jason Peterson is an advocate for eating disorder awareness—especially among males. He is passionate about sailing, meditation, and gratitude. If you are interested in connecting with Jason, you can send him an email at Jasgooday@gmail.com. Read Jason’s previous guest blog for The Emily Program: A Letter To Those Fighting in Silence. We cover: The role of competitive sports culture in the development of eating disorders The unique challenges males face in seeking help and feeling seen How self-affirmation practices can support recovery The importance of modeling emotional openness and a balanced relationship with food for kids In Jason’s words: On the impact of his self-affirmation practice: "I started to put sticky notes up and around my dorm room, literally like, 'you are loved.' Honestly, it was those notes that helped me truly [feel] like, ‘okay, I’m going to make it through one more day’ and ‘let’s just take it one day at a time.’” On promoting self-worth and self-love with his daughters: “Having open conversations, really of just sharing your feelings, you can cry, you can have all these different emotions, helping you regulate emotions…that is what I've been doing for them. Having that [kind of] support at four, five, six, seven, it’s instrumental. My oldest is in competitive dance, and it’s really important to know that it’s not about winning the competition. It’s about loving yourself, and just doing your best every day and having fun, you know, bringing joy. It's a gift that you're able to even do this…That's the attitude that we're taking and that she embraces.” On the possibility of recovery and moving forward: "I have compassion for [anyone who feels like recovery isn’t possible], because I went through that. I was in that chair where I didn’t know how to get up. We tell ourselves these things that are limiting beliefs. [Try to] catch that and replace it with an empowering belief that ‘it is possible.’ Even if it feels like a lie…yes, I have the possibility to no longer have [the eating disorder] be a part of my life and to have more connection, more peace, more calm. Have grace for yourself, one day at a time, one hour at a time, and just keep repeating it.” About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: Recovery is hard work. Eating disorders are tenacious illnesses that fight to stick around, convincing you they’re keeping you safe even as they chip away at your joy, health, and freedom. When you’re in the thick of your healing work, it’s natural to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this again?” In this episode, Jillian validates the natural ebb and flow of recovery motivation while exploring the many reasons to keep going. You'll find practical tools for the tough moments, and hear why people who’ve walked this path say it’s both the hardest and the best thing they’ve ever done. We cover: Why eating disorders can feel protective Why your reasons for recovery are uniquely yours (and allowed to shift) Strategies you can return to when recovery ambivalence shows up About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, dietitian Gretchen Wallace joins us to explore how we can protect the next generation’s relationship with food. Together, we unpack why body image struggles in adolescence shouldn’t be dismissed as a harmless phase—and why the fact that these struggles are common doesn’t mean they’re acceptable or something young people should simply have to endure. Gretchen sheds light on the environmental influences that shape kids’ views of food and bodies, from developmentally inappropriate health class curricula to the highly curated world of social media. She challenges the idea that nutrition should feel like a math problem, offering a more compassionate, body-trusting framework instead. With warmth and wisdom, Gretchen outlines a hopeful, practical roadmap for families—one that emphasizes supportive boundaries, curiosity, and compassion as the foundation for lasting food freedom. About Gretchen: Gretchen Wallace, MS, RD, LD (she/her) has worked in the eating disorder field since 2016, with extensive experience treating adolescents and young adults. She has served in a variety of settings—including college campuses and eating disorder treatment facilities—and has developed early intervention programs. Today, she offers her services through her own private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Gretchen’s practice style is evidence-based and collaborative, grounded in the belief that her clients know themselves best. Her sessions focus on understanding what each person is experiencing, identifying what they want to change, and partnering with them to work toward those goals. When she’s not with clients, Gretchen enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs (Rita and Barry), trying new restaurants, hiking, camping, or catching up on a favorite TV show. We cover: Why parents and caregivers are “a necessary and vital part” of the treatment team The dangers of normalizing adolescent body dissatisfaction and restrictive eating patterns Why certain health class activities can cause unintended harm What it means to shift from “math-based” nutrition toward internal body trust How to curate your social media feed to support recovery values Why the first step toward recovery doesn’t have to be a “giant swoop” In Gretchen’s words: On the myth that body‑dissatisfaction is just part of growing up: “There is so much…almost pro-eating disorder content all around us…pro-dieting, pro-trying to change your body, hating our bodies, or seeing our bodies as wrong. I've had parents say, ‘Isn't that just what teenagers have? Isn't that just normal?’ And to that I say: normal doesn't mean good. Normal doesn't mean ideal. It is so incredibly normal for teenagers and young adults to struggle with body image, and sometimes we don't just grow out of that. Oftentimes, that can follow us throughout life.” On health class lessons that miss the mark: “I’ve heard health classes talking about making kids calorie count or…calculating their ideal BMI. All of that is building these skills [that] we don’t actually want kids to have. I don’t need kids worrying about their weight and their BMI. I need kids learning to trust their body, learning to understand what feels good and what doesn’t feel good…When we can help kids actually cue into their body, we're giving them these life skills that they can use forever.” On the challenge—and ultimate reward—of recovery: “You’re essentially forging an entirely new path up a mountain...it’s going to feel more difficult than staying with your eating disorder. [But] once that path is forged and you figured out your way to the top without your eating disorder, the next time, it’s not as hard; the trail is there...And after a while, the eating disorder path is going to grow over and be the harder trail to go up.” Additional Resources: Gretchen maintains a regularly updated list of anti-diet, body-inclusive social media accounts and newsletters on her Substack, The Full Life. Explore the list: Anti-Diet Online Resources. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: It happens like clockwork: a new year arrives, and with it, renewed pressures to shrink, sculpt, or “fix” ourselves. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 80% of people who set New Year’s resolutions focus on changing their bodies, eating habits, or fitness routines. For those living with an eating disorder, working to protect their recovery, or simply feeling worn down by body talk over the holidays, this seasonal flood of body-focused messaging can feel particularly destabilizing. In this episode, Dr. Jillian Lampert shares how to move through this season with greater awareness and support—and what actually helps when eating disorder thoughts get stirred up. We cover: How to recognize when resolution talk is activating disordered thoughts What to do when eating disorder patterns start to resurface in January How to carry recovery tools into the new year What support can look like during a season that often demands self-discipline instead of self-care About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: Coming home for the holidays when an eating disorder is in the mix can be deeply complicated—for the person navigating it, and for the people who love them. In this episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert reflects on her own experience returning home from college while struggling with an eating disorder, and offers clear, compassionate guidance for young adults facing similar homecomings. Whether the eating disorder is known, hidden, or somewhere in between, Jillian shares tangible strategies to help make this season feel more manageable. With deep care, she holds space for anyone who might be quietly struggling—and for those who want to help, or say something, but aren’t sure how. We cover: What the holiday season can feel like when you’re living with an eating disorder How to prepare for coming home when your loved ones know about it How to navigate the holidays when no one knows what you’re going through How loved ones can show up with care About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we’re joined by two North Carolina-based Emily Program clinicians, Mem Wood and Elysse Thebner Miller, to talk all things Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID. Mem and Elysse unpack what makes ARFID different from ordinary food preferences, why it can emerge at any age, and how symptoms may affect nutrition, growth, medical stability, and daily life. They describe the three ARFID subtypes, share what treatment actually looks like, and highlight signs that often indicate it’s time to seek support. This episode also introduces The Emily Program’s new specialized residential and inpatient programming for adults with ARFID in the Raleigh–Durham area—the only dedicated adult program of its kind nationwide. About Mem & Elysse: Mem Wood (she/her) is the Regional Clinical Director, North Carolina at The Emily Program. She holds an MS in clinical mental health counseling from Florida International University. Mem trained and worked at the Renfrew Center of South Florida before joining The Emily Program, where she has served in various roles for nearly eight years. Elysse Thebner Miller (she/her) is the Regional Nutrition Manager at The Emily Program’s North Carolina centers. She holds a BS in health sciences from Ithaca College and an MPH in nutrition from UNC-Chapel Hill. Elysse previously worked at the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders as both a clinician and research dietitian, supporting clients across all levels of care. We cover: How ARFID develops and why it’s often misunderstood as “picky eating” Key differences among the three ARFID subtypes What ARFID looks like in real life—at school, in college, at home, and in social settings How food avoidance can intensify and narrow someone’s world What renourishment, exposure-based food discovery, and body-awareness skills look like in treatment How clinicians determine the appropriate level of care for ARFID Practical signs that it may be time to seek help for a child, teen, or adult In Mem & Elysse's words: On how ARFID can shrink a person’s world: “Often by the time folks come into our care, they're eating a really limited number of foods…They might have only four or five foods that they're eating at all, or they might have such a high degree of brand specificity. I think that degree of avoidance and limitation is sometimes what brings folks in. They're like, my world has gotten smaller and smaller. I can't really function anymore.” On the importance of taking ARFID concerns seriously: “If there is a suspicion that there’s something going on, it's worth investigating…especially if you've known somebody maybe at a point where their relationship with food was more normative, and now things feel like they're different and [you] can't quite pinpoint why…Getting early care and early treatment [offer] a way to change course and help somebody get back on track.” On how to support a loved one in seeking help for ARFID: “If it feels like something's going on for your loved one, you know you're probably right… expressing concern calmly and not judgmentally is helpful, and then doing whatever you can to support them in taking the next step. If we're talking about a young adult, it's really helpful to sit with them and look at a website or make that initial call to a provider… because we know how hard it can be to take that first step to getting help.” Additional Resources: Mem and Elysse welcome questions about eating disorders from individuals, families, and providers. They can be reached at mem.wood@emilyprogram.com and elysse.miller@emilyprogram.com. If you or someone you love may be experiencing ARFID and The Emily Program isn’t in your area, the following organizations offer valuable support: The National Alliance for Eating Disorders: A national nonprofit offering a therapist-staffed helpline, free virtual support groups, and personalized referrals to eating disorder treatment providers. iaedp Foundation: Provides education, training, and a directory of eating disorder–informed providers, including therapists and dietitians who work with ARFID. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert explores Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—an eating disorder characterized by limited food intake in terms of total volume, variety, or both. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn't driven by concerns about weight or body image. Jillian breaks down the three main ways ARFID can present: lack of interest in eating, fear-based avoidance (often after choking or vomiting), and sensory sensitivities that make certain foods feel impossible to approach. She also discusses how restricted intake affects physical health, growth, and participation in everyday life—and how life transitions like starting school or moving away to college often bring these challenges to the surface. You'll hear how ARFID is treated, what makes that treatment different from other eating disorder care, and why specialized support can make recovery possible. We cover: How to tell if it’s ARFID and not just “picky eating” Why ARFID rarely resolves on its own What to expect from ARFID treatment About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

**Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Please use your discretion when listening and connect with your support system as needed. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. Text or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Episode description: When their daughter Grace developed an eating disorder, John and Kathy experienced the heartbreak and confusion familiar to many parents. In this episode of Peace Meal, they speak with raw honesty about the helplessness of those early years, the shock of seeing Grace’s personality shift under the illness, and the mix of fear and relief that came with entrusting her to treatment. When Grace turned 18, she left treatment, and John and Kathy lost the ability to make decisions for her care. She struggled through a college relapse that felt devastating at the time. John and Kathy talk about learning to support Grace through those years—finding community with parents who truly understood, separating their daughter from the illness even when it felt impossible, and accepting that recovery had to be something Grace wanted for herself. John and Kathy share their story because they remember desperately needing to hear from parents further along. Grace eventually chose recovery for herself, and their family reached a place that once felt impossible. Their hope in speaking publicly is that other families navigating the same fears will know that recovery remains possible. We cover: Why finding community with other parents matters How eating disorders can temporarily change behavior and personality The complexity of supporting an adult child through treatment Why brain healing continues long after weight restoration Why setbacks during recovery don't mean failure In John and Kathy's words: On the isolation families can face: "One of the biggest benefits was to have a community of people that understood what we were going through. Even though we have good friends and family that supported us, I don't think they really understood the magnitude of what was going on. These [other parents in treatment] were parents that we felt—OK, they're not judging us. They're great parents. They have great kids. They just have this disease." On what recovery has meant for their family: "We've had a lot of joy around dining room tables for years, gone for years…having [Grace] attend a meal was like walking on eggshells. And it took a wonderful holiday or a family event and turned it into kind of a stressful event. Not, not that she did it, but the illness did. You have to really separate those two things because they're two very different things. And now for at least the last two or three years, family gatherings are truly what they should be. They're family gatherings. And I don't even really think about it." On John rebuilding his relationship with Grace: "After so many years of this illness, I figured that the relationship that I had with her was going to be beyond damaged... Now she and I talk at least once or twice a week. She calls me for counsel. She calls to say hello. And to be perfectly honest with you, it’s really the reason that we reached out to share the story…and I want parents to have hope that that can be their story too." For families seeking support: Explore our Resources for Families or call The Emily Program at 1-888-364-5977. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: Halloween kicks off months of food-focused holidays, and for people with eating disorders, the candy-centered celebration can create significant stress. In this Between Bites episode, Dr. Jillian Lampert discusses how to approach Halloween, whether you're supporting the kids in your life or navigating your own recovery. She explains why limiting kids' access to candy can intensify their desire for it, offers specific ways to plan for a challenging day, and suggests treating Halloween as practice for the upcoming holiday season—with an emphasis on open communication and asking for the support you need. We cover: Why forbidding Halloween candy often backfires (for kids and adults) Why sharing your Halloween plan with others can help (and what to tell them) How to make the holiday season different this year About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Abby Kurszewski reflects on how years of weight-related comments from family and doctors shaped her relationship with food and body image. She explains that these experiences—along with a ninth-grade calorie-tracking assignment—were among the factors that fueled disordered eating during her teenage years. Abby recalls the painful disconnect of being praised for weight loss while suffering inside. She also speaks candidly about weight bias in healthcare, where providers dismissed her concerns because she lived in a larger body—barriers that delayed access to the care she needed. In 2022, Abby entered The Emily Program’s intensive day treatment and finally felt seen. With support from her treatment team and her dad—her “rock” throughout recovery—Abby began to reclaim herself: “It gave me part of my spark back.” About Abby: Abby Kurszewski is a mental health advocate and clinical mental health graduate student from Wisconsin. If given the opportunity, she won’t hesitate to show you pictures of her senior chihuahua, Hugh, and talk your ear off about Taylor Swift. As an advocate, Abby is passionate about sharing her story of being in recovery from mental health issues, including OCD, an eating disorder, complex trauma, depression, and anxiety. When she’s not in class, studying, or working, you can probably find her watching reality TV (most likely Survivor or RuPaul’s Drag Race), trying out local coffee shops, or at the barricade to see her favorite band. We cover: How OCD and depression can intersect with eating disorder treatment Why celebrating weight loss can be harmful (even when well-intended) How stereotypes about eating disorders can create barriers to care The importance of finding weight-neutral healthcare providers How loved ones can help enforce recovery boundaries The critical need for eating disorder care in rural and underserved areas What it means to reclaim joy with food (including Tater Tot poutine at a Taylor Swift concert) In her words: On the confusion of being praised while unwell: "I knew I was struggling with depression, especially, and anxiety. So I knew people were trying to be helpful when they were complimenting me and saying things like 'you look so good’...But it just reinforced the eating disorder when I was already mentally unwell." On the power of comprehensive treatment: "All sides were great—the medical aspect, the therapeutic support, the dietitians…The meal support and all that, it was so helpful and so beneficial. Quite honestly, that treatment program told me, 'Hey, maybe you don't have to live your life hating yourself." On her dad’s unwavering support: "Throughout my entire recovery journey, by far my biggest support has been my dad... He has always had this mentality of, 'I'm here to support you with whatever you need.' And he's not afraid to own up to mistakes or if he says the wrong thing... He just wants [my sister and me] to be happy and healthy." On why recovery is possible for everyone: "In the same way that eating disorders don't discriminate, recovery doesn't discriminate either... Respectfully, you're not the exception. It is possible." Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert explores the topic of weight stigma and its harmful effects on health and healthcare. She defines weight stigma as judgment or discrimination based on body size, shape, or appearance—and explains how it shows up in everyday life, from jokes in the media to treatment in the doctor’s office. Dr. Lampert highlights how weight stigma in healthcare can lead to serious consequences, including patients avoiding care altogether. She underscores the importance of separating weight from health and focusing on holistic well-being instead. With Weight Stigma Awareness Week approaching, she shares opportunities to learn more, take action, and create change through kindness, education, and advocacy. About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. We cover: What weight stigma is and how it shows up in our society Why weight stigma is especially harmful in healthcare settings How weight stigma prevents people from receiving needed care The importance of separating weight from health Small and large ways we can address and reduce weight stigma Resources and opportunities available during Weight Stigma Awareness Week Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we hear from Jami Schadler, a mom of four and passionate eating disorder advocate from Dyersville, Iowa. Jami opens up about her 25-year struggle with an eating disorder, how unresolved childhood trauma played a role, and the turning point that sparked her recovery. Now in recovery, Jami is dedicated to helping others find hope and healing. She shares how her advocacy began with a single social media post and grew into something much larger: facilitating a support group with NAMI Dubuque, working as an Ambassador with the Eating Disorders Coalition, and even spearheading a proclamation to recognize National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in her community. Throughout the conversation, Jami emphasizes the importance of education, connection, and advocacy in breaking down stigma. She offers heartfelt advice to families, encouragement for those who feel isolated, and reflections on what recovery has brought to her life and her children’s lives. We cover: Jami’s journey from unresolved trauma to recovery Why eating disorders thrive in isolation—and how to break free from it The role of grace, patience, and support in healing Misconceptions about who can develop an eating disorder Jami’s advocacy work in Iowa and beyond Her hopes for others navigating recovery today In her words: On the turning point in recovery: “I was tired of continuously relying on that toxic friend, which was my eating disorder… This time was different because I was a mother of four kids and they needed me.” On stigma: “I’ve been told before through my journey, 'Why can’t you just eat?' I wish it was that easy.” On advocacy: “I’ll continue to advocate for eating disorder awareness because when I was going through my eating disorder, my voice hadn’t been heard yet. And those who struggle with an eating disorder are still waiting for their voice to be heard.” On advice for those struggling: “Don’t isolate… recovery is possible. It’s hard work and I’m a testimony of that.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Introducing Between Bites: The Peace Meal podcast is launching Between Bites, a new series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert. Designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery, these bite-sized conversations will explore practical topics in a more accessible format. Episode description: In this inaugural episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert explores the common concern of how eating disorder treatment fits into school life. She highlights that recovery and academics are not mutually exclusive, and delaying care for school can have lasting consequences. The episode addresses questions parents and students often ask—from middle school through college—about balancing coursework, treatment schedules, and future goals. Dr. Lampert emphasizes that prioritizing health is the best way to ensure long-term academic success and a fulfilling recovery journey. About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her) is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. We cover: Why families often wonder how eating disorder treatment will affect school How eating disorder recovery and academic progress can happen at the same time What parents and students should consider when balancing treatment with school demands Common concerns for middle school, high school, and college students in treatment The importance of prioritizing health and recovery over delaying care for school How The Emily Program supports students in continuing education while receiving treatment Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email podcast@emilyprogram.com or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we sit down with Mallary Tenore Tarpley, journalist, professor, and author of the forthcoming book Slip. Mallary opens up about her personal journey with anorexia, her path to treatment, and her concept of the “middle place” in recovery—a space between acute illness and full recovery that is rarely discussed but widely experienced. Mallary shares how her early experiences with grief, media influences, and cultural messages about food and bodies contributed to the development of her eating disorder. She also talks about the power of persistence, small steps toward healing, and the importance of support and community along the recovery journey. About Mallary: Mallary Tenore Tarpley is a journalism and writing professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communications and McCombs School of Business. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She graduated from Providence College and has an MFA in nonfiction writing from Goucher College. Mallary lives outside of Austin, TX, with her husband and two children. We cover: How Mallary’s mother’s death and suppressed grief contributed to the onset of her eating disorder Her treatment experiences, including a 17-month stay in residential care The concept of the “middle place” and why she wants to destigmatize slips in recovery The five pillars of recovery that guided her healing journey Why persistence, small victories, and community support are essential How Slip blends personal narrative with research and the voices of others In Mallary’s words: On why she titled her book Slip: “Sometimes we think that slips equal failure. And that is the reason I titled the book Slip... I want to destigmatize slips in the recovery process and recognize that slips can be opportunities for growth rather than grounds for failure.” On the “middle place” in recovery: “For a long time I thought that I was the only one in this space, because I never heard anyone else talk about it... when I began to interview people for the book, I realized that this space is quite populous, and yet it's not talked about very often.” On persistence and progress: “Sometimes the idea of trying to attain full recovery can feel a bit daunting and insurmountable... I like to think a lot about ‘more recovery.’ Maybe that's a half [of] a percent one day, maybe it's ten percent another day. Those very tiny steps can accumulate over time.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  Mallary’s book, Slip, comes out on August 5, but you can preorder it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore today. You can connect with Mallary, learn more about her, and follow her newsletter on her website, mallarytenoretarpley.com. You can also follow her on Instagram (@mallarytenoretarpley) and LinkedIn. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we hear from Jenny Beck and Sarah Bergen, two passionate leaders at The Emily Program’s Ohio treatment centers. Jenny, the Site Director, and Sarah, the Regional Medical Director, offer personal and professional insight into eating disorder recovery—what they love about their work, what makes it challenging, and what they wish more people knew about treatment. Reflecting on the rewarding but often difficult journey of supporting people with eating disorders, while drawing from years of experience—and in Sarah’s case, a personal history with anorexia—they discuss:  What happens behind the scenes in treatment The misconceptions they frequently encounter The deep hope they hold for their clients  Together, they emphasize that while recovery is never easy, it is always worth it. About Jenny and Sarah: Jenny Beck, LPCC-S, is the Site Director of The Emily Program’s Residential and Outpatient Treatment Centers in Columbus, Ohio. As Site Director, Jenny oversees all clinical services provided for children, adolescents, and adults at the outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential levels of care. Jenny has worked as a therapist since 2006 and has specialized in eating disorder care since 2014. A high point in Jenny’s professional journey was overseeing the launch of the Columbus Residential treatment center in January 2022. Sarah Bergen, RN, MS, PMHNP-BC, is the Regional Medical Director of The Emily Program’s Ohio locations, working closely with the Site Director, Senior Regional Director, and medical lead to ensure the best quality care for clients, and provide support to the amazing medical and psychiatry staff. Sarah has been with The Emily Program since 2016, first as the psychiatric provider in Spokane, Washington, covering partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programming before she moved back home to Ohio. Sarah was in Columbus as The Emily Program opened its second Ohio location in 2020. She worked with clients in residential care for two years before her transition to Medical Director. We cover: How Jenny and Sarah each found their way into eating disorder care The most rewarding and the most difficult parts of their work Common barriers to seeking treatment and how to overcome them Why treatment can feel worse before it feels better—and why that’s okay What they want families, friends, and communities to understand about eating disorders Hopes for the future of eating disorder treatment and awareness in Ohio and beyond In their words: Jenny on what makes recovery worth it: “It probably will feel worse before it feels better. But please don’t give up during the worst… If you give up during the worst, you don’t get the better.” Jenny on the invisible nature of eating disorder treatment: “People can't see the toll it takes to get well. It's easy to assume it's not that hard. It’s so hard.” Sarah on barriers to care: “Eating disorders do such a good job telling folks that they are not ‘ill enough.’” Jenny on holding hope: “There’s always a reason to say no... But what if it does [work]?... The future is a beautiful thing, terrifying and beautiful... It equally holds the possibility of goodness as it does hard things.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we hear from Darby Kellogg, a former collegiate runner who spent years in pseudo-recovery after receiving treatment for anorexia. Darby reflects on how her eating disorder took root in the culture of competitive running, where an intense focus on performance, discipline, and “clean eating” often normalized or hid her disordered behaviors. When medical concerns forced her to stop training and enter inpatient care, she felt like she was losing the identity she had built around her sport. In the years that followed, Darby felt stuck in what she now recognizes as pseudo-recovery: doing what “looked right” externally while still following disordered rules internally. It’s an experience she says is more common than people realize, but rarely talked about. In this conversation, Darby shares how she came to recognize that surface-level recovery wasn’t enough, and what helped her begin the deeper, lasting work of true healing. About Darby: Darby Kellogg lives in Michigan and is on a mission to help others in eating disorder recovery. Darby has been in recovery from anorexia for six years and is currently in PA school. A former collegiate runner, she has firsthand experience navigating eating disorder treatment at multiple levels of care. Now, she’s especially passionate about challenging misconceptions around recovery, including giving voice to the role of neuro-rewiring and the process of unlearning ingrained beliefs.  We cover: The role of sport and perfectionism in Darby’s eating disorder experience Darby’s early eating disorder warning signs What it was like to lose her sport and identity as an athlete Why pseudo-recovery can keep someone stuck How eating disorders can get in the way of showing up fully in relationships How recovery has reshaped Darby’s relationship with movement and her future in medicine In Darby’s words: On her experience with pseudo-recovery: “I was eating the food I was supposed to. I was resting my body…I was doing just enough to make my providers and parents happy, but also serve the eating disorder. I was doing these things on paper, but none of the mental processes were changing. I was still looking to the eating disorder for guidance. I wasn’t pushing against those thought patterns that the eating disorder is rooted in.” On relationships and recovery: “Recovery is about relationships...And if you prioritize your relationships, you will realize that the eating disorder is not in your best interest. You can't have these relationships if you want to keep your eating disorder. You have to, in a sense, choose one.” On choosing recovery: “The phrase that I have always come back to when I have been struggling is ‘choose your hard.’ It's going to be hard no matter what you do. You have to accept that…it's really extremely difficult to recover from an eating disorder. But it's also extremely hard to never recover and not see all the beautiful things on the other side of it. You get to choose which path you want to take and which hard you want to do. Instead of doing the ‘safe scary’ things, do the ‘scary scary’ things.” On reclaiming her relationship with movement: “I've thought of it more now as building my body rather than tearing it down. I’m training more for functional strength now. Am I gonna be able to hold my grandkids when I’m 80? I'm training for health and longevity. I'm not training to beat any records.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode, Dr. Dev Seacrest returns to Peace Meal to reflect on how his evolving understanding of gender, body image, and disability has shaped his recovery from both anorexia and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).  Since first joining us in 2020, Dev has gained deeper clarity on how gender dysphoria influenced his relationship with food and body image. He talks about embracing fatness as a trans man, finding support in a men’s body image group, and receiving a revised diagnosis that helped explain his chronic pain and changing mobility needs. Through these experiences, Dev shares what it means to recover on his own terms—honoring gender identity, disability, and fat embodiment, and building a more peaceful relationship with his body along the way. About Dev: Dr. Dev Seacrest (he/him) is a transmasculine professor who uses his lived experience to identify areas for growth among individuals and communities. He has found that advocating for people with eating disorders, disabilities, chronic illness, and/or who are in larger bodies has been effective and rewarding. It has also helped him to better understand and accept himself as a member of all of these groups. We cover: How gender dysphoria and weight stigma shaped Dev’s eating disorder How evolving language helped him make sense of his body and identity The relief and clarity of receiving accurate chronic illness diagnoses How chronic illness complicates food access, hunger cues, and body trust What affirming, weight-neutral, and trauma-informed care can look like How advocacy has helped Dev find greater self-acceptance and community In Dev's words: On embracing his identity: “One thing that was really hard for me since the beginning was the idea of being a fat woman. And there's nothing wrong with being a fat woman, but I finally realized that the part that I was afraid of wasn't the fat part; it was the woman part. Being a fat man is something that I can accept and embrace…I needed to have the gender concept down before I could start adding to it.” On rejecting healthism and reclaiming rest: “I’ve come a long way [with] healthism…I don’t have to earn respect or earn food or earn rest. Fat people deserve rest, too.” On the importance of affirming, compassionate care: “One of the things that really helped was being diagnosed and having doctors say, ‘I see that you're in pain,’ ‘I see that you're having issues’—so many people don't get that. It’s so important to have doctors and providers who believe you." On defining his body on his own terms: “My body is a man's body. And is that because of various surgeries or anything like that, or the clothes that I wear? No, it's because it's my body, so it's a man's body.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we’re joined by Mindy Elliott, Director of Education at The Emily Program, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting students in eating disorder treatment. With over a decade of experience, Mindy speaks to the concerns that many families face: What happens to school during treatment? Will my child fall behind? She offers both reassurance and practical insight, emphasizing that recovery and academic progress are not mutually exclusive. In fact, with the right support, they can go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or student yourself, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between your health and education. With compassionate, individualized care, students can keep learning—and keep healing. About Mindy: Mindy Elliott, MS, (she/her) is the Director of Education and leads the education and school services at The Emily Program (TEP). She developed the academic programming for our Southeast sites beginning in 2012 and currently works with all TEP sites. She is dedicated to removing barriers to treatment by meeting the unique educational needs of each individual. A leader in the hospital educator field, Mindy serves on the executive board of the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association, the North American organization supporting professionals who work to improve the educational outcomes of students with medical and mental health needs. Mindy is also an Associate Editor of the international journal, Continuity in Education, focusing on the education of children and young people with medical and mental health needs. She holds degrees in English and curriculum and instruction, earned additional graduate certificates in school leadership and gifted education, and is a licensed principal in North Carolina. We cover: What school looks like during eating disorder treatment—and how it’s built into The Emily Program’s care Why delaying treatment for school can backfire What affirming support looks like for neurodivergent students How families and schools can work together to support recovery What to remember when treatment feels like “bad timing” In Mindy's words: On the myth that school has to come first: “There doesn't need to be a choice between school and treatment. Programs like The Emily Program offer school integrated into the treatment setting so that as your child gets well, they can continue making progress in school.” On how academic accommodations work in care: “Our teachers are barrier busters. They look at each student individually…they can make a plan that’s both supportive of the child’s academic goals as well as their treatment goals.” On the danger of waiting for the “perfect time:” “Eating disorder treatment is not something that can be done quickly and just timed perfectly for a school break. And so, kind of releasing that idea that school is the major decision maker…can help you focus on your recovery.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977.  – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email podcast@emilyprogram.com for more information.