Welcome to the last episode of season 3! In today’s solo chat, we’re talking about something that comes up for so many of us in recovery: weight gain. I know it can feel scary, overwhelming, and sometimes even impossible to accept. I’ll share why weight gain is actually a normal and healthy part of healing, how to manage the fear and emotions that come with it, and some practical ways to cope without letting it derail your recovery. After this, I’m taking a short break and will be...
In this episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re talking about something that can feel a little overwhelming – interpreting blood lab results during eating disorder recovery. Whether you're getting blood work to check on your health or working with a medical team, it can be tricky to understand what those numbers really mean. I’ll walk you through how to look at your results with a realistic lens, how to avoid jumping to conclusions, and why it’s important to focus on overall h...
In this episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re diving into something that can be pretty confusing in recovery: mental hunger. You’ve probably experienced that feeling of hunger in your mind rather than your body – that constant thinking about food, even after eating. I’ll talk about what mental hunger really is, why it happens during eating disorder recovery, and most importantly, how to respond to it without getting overwhelmed. I know it can be frustrating when your mind ke...
In this episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re talking about gastroparesis and how it can affect eating disorder recovery. If you’ve been dealing with delayed stomach emptying or digestive issues, you know it can complicate your relationship with food and recovery. I’ll share what gastroparesis is, how it often shows up in people with eating disorders, and why it’s so important to approach recovery with both compassion and patience when digestive issues are in the mix. ...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re talking about something many of us struggle with in recovery: social eating. Whether it’s family meals, eating out with friends, or social gatherings, eating in front of others can be tough when you're recovering from an eating disorder. I’ll share some personal experiences, tips, and strategies to help you feel more at ease with social eating and break free from the anxiety it can cause. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why social eating c...
In today’s episode, we’re diving into a tough but important topic – the truth about being “skinny” and the impact of the SkinnyTok era. With social media constantly bombarding us with images of a specific body type, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that being thin is the ultimate goal. But is it really? I’ll share my thoughts on what being “skinny” really means, how society’s obsession with thinness affects our mental health, and how we can shift our mindset to embrace body diversity an...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re diving into the fascinating world of neuroplasticity and why rewiring your brain is such a big part of eating disorder recovery. You might have heard the term “neuroplasticity” before, but in this episode, we’re going to break down how it works and why it’s crucial for shifting those old patterns and behaviors tied to your eating disorder. I’ll explain how your brain has the ability to change and adapt, and how recovery isn’t just a...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re diving deep into anorexia nervosa and bulimia – exploring the biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of these eating disorders. If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on behind the scenes, both in the body and the mind, this episode will give you a clearer picture. I’ll break down the different factors that contribute to these disorders and how they affect individuals in unique ways. We’ll also talk about how understandi...
In today’s episode, we’re talking all about meal plans – how, when, and why to use them in eating disorder recovery. Meal plans can be a helpful tool, but they can also bring up a lot of anxiety and resistance, so I want to break down how to approach them in a way that feels supportive, not restrictive. I’ll share when using a meal plan might be a good idea and how to stay flexible with food without feeling trapped by numbers or rules. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why meal plans can be usef...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, I’m joined by Meg, a lovely content creator who talks all things eating disorder and period recovery. We’re talking about Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA) – a condition where your period stops due to stress, restrictive eating, and over-exercising. If you’ve lost your period and are working on getting it back, this episode is for you! Meg shares practical advice on how to approach HA recovery, why getting your period back is a crucial step in...
In today’s episode, I’m answering some of your biggest recovery questions as submitted over on my Instagram @flourishwithciandra. We’re talking about how to navigate recovery in a world that’s still obsessed with diet culture, how to move away from an athlete identity, and how to deal with some of the other challenges that come up in eating disorder recovery. I’ll share my thoughts, personal experiences, and offer practical tips to help you work through these common hurdles. This episod...
In this episode, we’re talking about something that’s often misunderstood in eating disorder recovery: carbs and dietary fats. These nutrients are essential for healing, but they can be really challenging to incorporate when you're recovering from an eating disorder. I’ll share why both carbs and fats are crucial for your physical and mental health, and why it's so important to break free from the fear and misconceptions around them. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why carbs and fats are essential f...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re talking about bulimia recovery – an often misunderstood part of the journey. If you’ve been struggling with bulimia or know someone who has, this episode is for you. I’ll share some of the key steps to take, why recovery isn’t a straight path, and how to rebuild a healthier relationship with food and your body. Here’s what we’ll cover: The importance of addressing the cycle of binging and purging.How to focus on nourishing your body...
In this episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re diving into a question many of us in recovery ask: Should I weigh myself during eating disorder recovery? It’s a tough one, right? I’ll break down the pros and cons of weighing yourself, share my own experience, and offer some guidance on how to navigate this decision in a way that supports your recovery. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why weighing yourself can be triggering in recovery.When it might be okay, if at all, to consider weighing ...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re talking about the link between eating disorders and sleep. If you’ve struggled with insomnia or restless nights during recovery, you’re not alone. I’ll share how disordered eating affects sleep, why it’s crucial for healing, and practical tips to improve your rest. Here’s what we’ll cover: How eating disorders impact sleep quality.Why sleep is vital for recovery.Tips for improving your sleep during recovery.Managing sleep challenges...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re diving into one of the toughest parts of eating disorder recovery: letting go of control. If you’ve been struggling with the need to control food, exercise, or your body, you’re not alone. I know from personal experience how hard it is to start loosening the grip, but I’m here to talk about why it’s so essential for healing and how to take those first steps toward true freedom. In this episode, I’ll share some of my own journe...
In this episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, we’re talking about something that can be tricky to navigate: getting stuck in quasi eating disorder recovery. You know, when you’re doing enough to feel like you’re making progress, but you’re still holding on to some of the old behaviors or mindsets. It’s like you’re in recovery, but not quite fully in it yet. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how confusing it can be. In this episode, I’ll dive into why this happens and what you can do...
In this episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, I’m addressing a question that I hear a lot: Will I get unfit if I stop doing cardio during eating disorder recovery? I totally get why this might be a worry, especially if you’ve been using exercise as a way to control your body or manage your food intake. But here’s the thing – recovery is about healing your body, mind, and relationship with movement. In this episode, I’ll talk about why it’s important to take a step back from cardio in re...
In this episode, we’re talking about something that can feel really uncomfortable in recovery – the messy middle. You know, that part of the journey when things aren’t perfectly ‘recovered,’ but you’re also not in the same place as when you started. It can feel messy, confusing, and even a bit frustrating. But guess what? That messy middle is where a lot of the real growth happens. I’ll share why embracing this phase is so important and how you can learn to sit with the discomfort, without ...
In today’s episode of the Recover to Flourish podcast, I’m tackling a question that comes up a lot in recovery: Can you ever lose weight again after an eating disorder? It’s a question that can stir up a lot of emotions and confusion, and I get it – it’s not an easy one to answer. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll share my thoughts and experiences on why this question isn’t as straightforward as it may seem, and why, in recovery, the focus should be on health, not weight loss. I’ll also dive in...