The Other Side Of The Plate

Episode 013Title: Voices of Hope: A Mother and Daughter Reflect on Their Eating Disorder Journey (with Alexa Cohen)This episode is part of our Voices of Hope series. In these conversations, you’ll hear from individuals who have walked through an eating disorder and come out on the other side. Our intention is to highlight that recovery is possible, relationships can survive, and even during the most challenging moments, hope is real. In this episode, Laura Cohen sits down with her daughter, Alexa Cohen, to talk openly about Alexa's eating disorder diagnosis at 16, the hard road through family-based treatment and higher levels of care, and what their relationship looks like on the other side. Alexa, now 22 and working in inpatient eating disorder care, shares her perspective from both sides of recovery.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:02 Guest Introduction: Alexa Cohen04:06 Life Before the Diagnosis: Ages 13–1606:49 The Role of Lockdown, Social Media, and the ED Voice10:02 How Laura First Learned Something Was Wrong11:44 Starting FBT: Refeeding at Home During COVID16:17 What FBT Felt Like from Alexa's Perspective19:11 Why Giving In Was Never an Option20:44 Finding the Right Treatment Team (and How Long It Took)25:26 Deciding to Pursue a Higher Level of Care32:00 College, Contracts, and Choosing Recovery37:18 Alexa's Work in Eating Disorder Care Today40:12 Advice for Caregivers Whose Kids Are in Treatment45:49 What Alexa Would Tell Her 13-Year-Old Self47:26 Advice to Caregivers: It Won't Ruin the RelationshipSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Nathalia Trees, a certified eating disorder Registered Dietitian, to unpack ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a diagnosis that often gets mistaken for simple picky eating. Nathalia breaks down the three presentations of ARFID, explains why a malnourished brain makes food trials nearly impossible without nutritional rehabilitation first, and offers a realistic picture of what success actually looks like in treatment. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of when to raise a red flag with their pediatrician, who should be on their child's treatment team, and how to manage the anxiety and fatigue that come with supporting a loved one through recovery.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:11 Guest Introduction: Nathalia Trees03:20 What Is ARFID? The Three Presentations05:20 How ARFID Differs from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Anxiety Disorders07:30 Motivation vs. Anxiety in ARFID Treatment09:10 Picky Eating vs. ARFID: Where's the Line?11:20 First Steps for Caregivers: Advocating with Your Pediatrician15:06 What Does ARFID Treatment Look Like?16:20 Why Nutrition Rehabilitation Comes Before Food Trials18:15 Weight Gain Goals and Growth Curve Realities19:55 The Malnourished Brain: Why Food Trials Can't Come First23:26 What Does Success Actually Look Like?25:45 Tracking Progress and Celebrating Small Wins26:00 Common Setbacks: Travel, Illness, and Food Fatigue29:40 Building Your Treatment Team: Who Does What33:15 Caregiver Anxiety and Distress Tolerance at the Table36:01 Is There a Timeline for ARFID Recovery?38:08 When to Consider a Higher Level of CareSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST Webinar - Feeding Without Fear: Navigating Nutrition in ARFIDFeeding Without Fear: Navigating Nutrition in ARFID - YouTubeFEAST Family Guide - Beyond Picky Eating: Strategies for Navigating ARFID and Supporting Your Loved One (with Nathalia Trees)https://feast-ed.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FamilyGuide_BeyondPickyEating_2026_v1.2.pdfGuest Bio:Nathalia Trees is a certified eating disorder Registered Dietitian and consultant specializing in the treatment of adults and adolescents with eating disorders. She was granted a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado and a Master of Science in clinical nutrition from Tufts University. She completed her dietetics internship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA.Nathalia’s experience spans over 13 years in medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, public speaking, and eating disorder related research. Her passion is advocacy, training, and education for current and future dietitians and helping individuals rebuild their relationship with food. Nathalia’s approach focuses on non-diet centered, weight inclusive, and compassionate care. Nathalia’s leadership style focuses on community, connection, and striving for clinical excellence in the field of eating disorders.

Episode 011Title: Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports RecoveryIn this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen dive into the vital but often overlooked topic of caregiver alignment. They discuss how eating disorders can exploit "cracks" in relationships and the profound impact—both positive and negative—that caregiver unity has on a child’s recovery trajectory. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing disagreements, setting non-negotiable boundaries, and balancing the heavy lifting of treatment with the need to protect their own relationships.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:02 Defining Caregiver Alignment03:09 Why Alignment is Critical for Recovery07:46 The Consequences of Misalignment09:10 Common Conflict Areas: Meals, Consequences, and Parenting Styles11:02 Balancing the Workload: Resentment vs. Appreciating Strengths16:53 External Alignment: Grandparents, Teachers, and Coaches20:25 Navigating Co-Parenting and Divorce24:59 Practical Strategies: Education and the Family Recovery Plan30:34 Managing Disagreements in Front of Your Loved One40:03 The Power of the 10-Minute Check-In42:16 Trusting Yourself When Alignment Isn’t PossibleSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/The Other Side of the Plate podcast episode:The Importance of Male Caregivers in ED Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)https://player.captivate.fm/episode/19f1d2bb-799e-4111-823d-e0db02f3e6c5(FEAST Blog Post-Abby Sarrett-Cooper) Parental Alignment in FBT(FEAST Blog Post-Judy Krasna) Parenting and Partnership(FEAST Blog Post-Sarah) Not on Board But Weathering the Same StormHost BiosJenni Gaines and Laura Cohen are caregivers with lived experience who have supported their loved ones through eating disorder treatment. Together, they serve the FEAST community by sharing personal insights and connecting parents with the professional resources necessary to navigate recovery.

Episode 010A Personal Recovery Journey: Insights for Caregivers (with Hannah Hickinbotham)In this episode, Jenni speaks with Hannah Hickenbotham, founder of the UK-based "Full of Beans" podcast about eating disorder awareness. Hannah shares her personal journey through atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia, and the late ADHD diagnosis (after 14 years of struggling) that finally unlocked her path to recovery. This conversation offers caregivers rare insight into what recovery looks like from the inside: why resistance happens, what support actually helps, and how to find "glimmers" of hope even in the darkest moments.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast06:19 What Caregivers Can Learn from Lived Experience10:03 Hannah's Journey: Diet Culture and Feeling Different15:53 Atypical Anorexia: The Pain of "Not Quite There"17:22 Eating Disorders as Emotional Regulation26:33 Advice for Parents: What Helped and What Didn't34:21 Understanding Resistance: "Facing Your Worst Nightmare"44:46 Thanking and Releasing the Eating Disorder (EMDR)47:32 Supporters Who Made a Difference54:41 Finding Daily Glimmers: Advice for Struggling FamiliesSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Hannah’s website:https://www.wearefullofbeans.com/Listen to Hannah’s podcast on your favorite app: The Full of Beans PodcastGuest BioHannah Hickinbotham is the founder of Full of Beans, an eating disorder awareness podcast all about reducing stigma and amplifying lived experience. Through inspiring conversations with people with lived experience of an eating disorder, alongside clinicians and researchers, Hannah creates a space where listeners can feel understood, validated, and a little less alone.Hannah has lived experience of atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia, and ADHD, and found her path to recovery after finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis 14 years later. Passionate about widening the conversation beyond stereotypes, she reminds people that recovery is possible, even when it doesn’t look how you expected.

Episode 009Navigating Family Based Treatment (with Dr. Amy Boyers)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura and Jenni welcome Dr. Amy Boyers, co-founder and president of Galen Hope and a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience treating eating disorders. Laura and Amy's friendship stretches back to childhood in Miami, making for a warm and candid conversation about family-based treatment (FBT). Dr. Boyers traces the evolution of eating disorder treatment from the "parentectomy" era of the eighties and nineties through the emergence of FBT, explaining the three phases of the manualized protocol while advocating for what she calls "FBT with a twist": adding meal support coaches, dietitians, respite from grandparents, and regular therapy sessions for burnt-out caregivers. She addresses common reasons families stall (inconsistent monitoring, "clean eating" that can't achieve caloric density, reluctance to enforce meaningful consequences) and offers a memorable reframe: when one part of a family system changes, the other parts engage in "change back behaviors" to restore the status quo. Dr. Boyers emphasizes that FBT is only the "gold standard" if it works for your family, and encourages parents to develop a Plan B before they need it.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 Meet Dr. Amy Boyers: From Childhood Friends to Eating Disorder Expert06:42 What Is FBT? From Maudsley to Lock and Le Grange13:25 When FBT Isn't the Right Fit: Recognizing Family Dynamics21:52 Common Reasons Families Stall: "Change Back Behaviors"27:07 Caloric Density and the "Two Entire Birds" Problem29:25 Consequences That Signal Commitment37:00 FBT with a Twist: Adding Coaches, Dietitians, and Therapy45:02 When to Transition Away from FBT51:35 The Future of FBT and Treatment53:57 Advice for Families Starting Their FBT JourneySUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/Link from Dr. Amy Boyers:https://www.galenhope.com/eating-disorders/10-foods-for-anorexia-refeeding/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/(FEAST webinar August 2025)When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment (FEAST webinar slides August 2025)When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment(FEAST Webinar-July 2024)How We Developed FBT and Why it Works(FEAST webinar December 2025)Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in Recovery(FEAST webinar slides December 2025)Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in RecoveryTreating Eating Disorders - F.E.A.S.T.Anorexia Weight Gain: 13 Foods For Anorexia RefeedingGuest BioDr. Amy Boyers is the co-founder and president of Galen Hope, which is a physician-led program providing eating disorder and mental health treatment for adolescents and adults across a wide range of diagnoses. Galen Hope emphasizes community integration, family support, and fostering a sense of connection and belonging as essential to healing.She has been in private practice in Miami since 2001, where she provides therapy to adolescents and adults, with a focus on women’s health, eating disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and behavioral medicine.After graduating with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, she was awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Defense psychological research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she completed her masters and doctoral degrees.Dr. Boyers is adjunct faculty at the University of Miami Counseling Center and has spoken locally and nationally on the topics of eating disorders, stress, trauma, and adolescent development. She has also co-authored several articles in professional journals. She was the founding president of the Miami Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) and served on the national board.

Episode 008Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a clinical psychologist and globally respected expert on eating disorders and DBT. Dr. Federici challenges the common assumption that body image naturally improves after weight restoration, explaining that for many people, body disturbance isn't a "lag" but a core neurobiological feature of eating disorders rooted in sensory and perceptual differences. The conversation explores the distinction between body dysmorphia and negative body image, the power of validation as a "safety signal," and practical communication strategies for caregivers—including Dr. Federici's four-step framework: validate what makes sense, reinforce adaptive behavior, invite rather than impose help, and offer sensory-based coping tools. Drawing parallels to how clinicians treat psychosis and dementia, Dr. Federici makes a compelling case for believing patients' lived experiences rather than dismissing them. This episode offers caregivers both scientific grounding and practical hope for supporting loved ones through the often-misunderstood struggles of living in their "earth suit."00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:02 Meet Dr. Anita Federici: 25 Years in the Eating Disorders Field 06:30 The Body Image "Lag": Why It May Not Be a Lag at All 14:36 Validation as a Safety Signal 17:39 Body Dysmorphia vs. Negative Body Image: The "Earth Suit" 24:27 Normal Body Dissatisfaction vs. Warning Signs 30:35 What to Say: The "You Make Sense" Conversation 41:33 Hair on Fire: Sensory Tools During Acute Treatment 44:47 Lessons from Treating Psychosis and Dementia 50:01 A Message of Hope: Start Where You AreSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.Workshop 8 (Sunday – December 21, 2025)What To Say When You Don’t Know What To SayLed by Dr. Anita FedericiBio:Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, emotion regulation challenges, and trauma. A sought-after international trainer, consultant, and researcher, she is also co-author of Treating Eating Disorders with DBT: The MED-DBT Protocol (Guilford Press, 2024) https://www.guilford.com/books/Treating-Eating-Disorders-with-DBT/Federici-Wisniewski/9781462558483?srsltid=AfmBOooqJiiIH63_128Czz7N-n3W5tZvzP_8I5o5mOPsw0JhVuQN5PAZ

Episode 007The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the often overlooked role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery with special guest Kevin Dunn. Kevin, a seasoned volunteer and the Director of Family Mentorship at Equip, shares insights from his eight-year journey supporting his daughter through an eating disorder. The conversation covers the emotional challenges men face, the importance of humility, validation, distress tolerance, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kevin emphasizes the need for male caregivers to be present, practice active listening, and collaborate openly with other caregivers. This episode aims to shed light on how inclusive caregiving can enhance recovery outcomes and the unique strengths men bring to the table.00:00  Introduction to the Podcast01:02  Meet Kevin Dunn: From Caregiver to Men of FEAST Founder04:01  Kevin's Personal Story: A Daughter's Diagnosis at Age 810:55  The Birth of Men of FEAST14:56  Creating a Safe Space for Male Caregivers18:16  Why Male Voices Matter in Recovery22:26  Getting Aligned as a Team: "Same Bookstore, Not Same Page"27:29  Essential Skills: Humility, Acceptance, and Validation42:58  Baby Steps for Dads: Be Present, Be Available, Listen51:18  Silver Linings and a Message of HopeSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/Men of FEAST: https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Episode 006Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder RecoveryIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery.Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home. 00:00  Introduction to the Podcast01:14  The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder04:13  Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently05:01  Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses08:52  Navigating Challenging Family Conversations15:30  Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans"19:35  Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions25:45  Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary30:12  Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible33:58  Closing and Preview of Next EpisodeSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Resources:Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcasthttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder.FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.  There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series: Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UKLed by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive DirectorOther resources:Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinarThe Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna

Episode 005The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy KrasnaIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura sit down with a very special guest: Judy Krasna, the Executive Director of FEAST. Judy shares her powerful personal journey from finding FEAST as a parent in Israel to leading FEAST as a global organization. She discusses the core mission of FEAST—parents helping parents—and what makes its community so unique. The episode covers the vital role of volunteers, key resources for new families like 'FEAST 30 Days' and the 'Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and a message of hope that recovery is possible and parents are not to blame.00:10  Introduction to the Podcast 01:02  Welcoming Judy Krasna, Executive Director of FEAST 01:41  Judy's Personal Journey: From Parent to Executive Director 03:42  The Mission and Values of FEAST: Parents Helping Parents 05:23  What Makes the FEAST Community Special? 07:05  Clarifying Misconceptions about FEAST: All Ages and Treatment Types 08:53  The Heart and Soul of FEAST: The Volunteers 11:10  Where to Start: FEAST 30 Days & The Caregiver Skills Toolkit 15:07  Judy's Biggest Hope for Families: Feeling Less Alone 16:44  Key Advice for New Parents: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 19:13  Common Threads: The Universal Caregiver Experience 22:34  The Reality of Caregiver Self-Care 25:25  The Future of FEAST: Opportunities and Challenges 28:31  How Listeners Can Support FEAST's Mission 30:44  A Personal Story Illustrating the Heart of the Community 33:35  Final Message: Hope, Recovery, and You Are Not to Blame 35:53  Conclusion and How to Get InvolvedBIO - JUDY KRASNAJudy Krasna has been involved in the eating disorders space as a parent advocate and an expert by experience for over 15 years. She was an active volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a staunch advocate for incorporating lived experience into research and treatment. After serving on the F.E.A.S.T. Board of Directors and taking on multiple volunteer roles within the organization, Judy stepped into the position of F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director in early 2021. Judy is passionate about helping families of people with eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life after a fierce and prolonged battle with anorexia.SUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Resources:FEAST 30 Days  FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit Around the Dinner Table ForumAround the Dinner Table-Facebook groupBecome a Parent Support Volunteer at F.E.A.S.T.Donate to F.E.A.S.T.

Episode 004A Roadmap to Key F.E.A.S.T. ResourcesIn this episode of 'The Other Side of the Plate,' host Jenni Gaines provides an in-depth look at crucial resources offered by FEAST, an organization dedicated to supporting families dealing with eating disorders. The episode covers educational programs such as the 'FEAST 30 Days' program, the 'FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and the 'Family Guide series,' which provide vital information on managing eating disorders. Jenni also highlights peer support options like caregiver and sibling support groups as well as the 'Men of FEASTt' community for male caregivers. The episode aims to offer caregivers actionable insights, emotional support, and a sense of community, emphasizing that they are not alone in their journey.00:00 Introduction 01:02 Jenny's Personal Journey and Key Resources03:16 FEAST 30 Days Program08:20 Caregiver Skills Toolkit12:57 Family Guide Series15:21 Peer Support Resources18:57 Online Communities and Email Support22:59 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/Resources:FEAST 30 Days  FEAST 30 Days - SpanishFEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit Using Leverage: A Guide To Promoting Compliance And Striking A Balance Between Compassion And Limits In Eating Disorder TreatmentGetting Started with Refeeding: A Guide to Moving Forward When You’re Not Sure What Comes NextCaregiver & Sibling Support Group - F.E.A.S.T.Men of FEASTAround the Dinner Table ForumAround the Dinner Table-Facebook groupEmail Support: parentsupport@feast-ed.org

Episode 003What to Tell Family and Friends About Your Loved One's Eating DisorderIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the complex topic of how to inform family and friends about a loved one’s eating disorder diagnosis. Drawing from their personal experiences, they outline the pros and cons of sharing the diagnosis, setting boundaries, and managing privacy versus support needs. The hosts also provide practical suggestions for navigating these conversations and emphasize the importance of finding supportive communities. They conclude by reminding listeners that eating disorders are treatable and that they are not alone in this journey.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:05 Navigating the Diagnosis: What to Tell Family and Friends03:50 Pros and Cons of Sharing the Diagnosis06:58 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned09:49 Setting Boundaries and Asking for Support21:56 Cultural Considerations and Finding Support26:01 Returning to School: Preparing Your Child28:17 Final Thoughts and ResourcesSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST 30 Days - F.E.A.S.T.ATDTfb - Eating Disorder Family and Carer Support | FacebookF.E.A.S.T's Around The Dinner Table forumCaregiver & Sibling Support Group - F.E.A.S.T.Men of FEAST - F.E.A.S.T.

Episode 002Food is Medicine in Eating Disorder RecoveryIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura delve into the crucial role of nutrition in the recovery from eating disorders. As caregivers with lived experience, they highlight the importance of viewing food as literal medicine for those in recovery. They address common misconceptions, the need for high calorie intake, the impact of starvation on the brain, and how caregivers can support their loved ones. The episode also explores how to communicate effectively with loved ones about food and the significance of stopping other activities until proper eating is established.00:00 Introduction01:06 Episode Topic: Food Is Medicine01:48 Understanding the Food as Medicine Concept in Recovery02:48 Challenges and Misconceptions About Nutrition07:14 The Importance of All Foods in Recovery15:05 Practical Tips for Caregivers24:49 Life Stops Until You Eat29:28 Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts34:14 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - We Only Eat Healthy Foods In Our House - F.E.A.S.T.FEAST 30 Days - F.E.A.S.T.Getting Started with Refeeding: A Guide to Moving Forward When You’re Not Sure What Comes NextUp to the Plate: A FEAST Family Guide to the Importance of Nutrition for Understanding and Treating Eating Disorders

001 - Where to Start: Recognizing and Responding to Your Child’s Eating DisorderIn this inaugural episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura introduce the new F.E.A.S.T. podcast aimed at helping parents and caregivers navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of eating disorder caregiving. Both hosts share their personal experiences as mothers who supported their children through eating disorders; they discuss recognizing the signs of eating disorders, the importance of early intervention, and the initial steps parents can take once they suspect their child may have an eating disorder. The episode stresses the importance of trusting parental instincts, seeking proper medical assessment, and obtaining reliable information and support from trusted resources like F.E.A.S.T. The discussion also touches on the crucial role of nutrition in treatment, how to deal with the shock of diagnosis, and the vital importance of parent involvement in the treatment process.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 Meet the Hosts: Jenni and Laura02:26 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder04:17 Personal Stories and Early Signs14:30 Medical Advice and Pediatrician Visits21:38 Emergency Situations and Resources22:47 Importance of Medical Assessments28:13 Key Questions for Parents29:29 Understanding Safe School Attendance30:49 Balancing Physical Activity and Eating Disorders33:13 The Emotional Impact of Eating Disorders36:20 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder44:56 The Importance of Nutritional Rehabilitation48:36 The Role of Parents in Treatment52:58 Final Thoughts and ResourcesSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AED’s Guide to Medical Care of Eating Disorders  AED’s Emergency Room Guide FEAST 30 DaysWhat Constitutes Good Medical Care for Pediatric Eating Disorders?  (FEAST Webinar July 2025) What Does Good Medical Care Look LIke? A Guide for Parents of Children with Eating Disorders (FEAST Webinar Slides July 2025) Around the Dinner Table ForumAround the Dinner Table-Facebook group ► Learn more on the F.E.A.S.T. website: https://feast-ed.org  ► Connect with our supportive parent community forum: https://feast-ed.org/forum/► Follow F.E.A.S.T. on Social Media: https://feast–ed.org/linkinbio/