In this episode of Fuel Your Awesome, we explore the deep and complex relationship we have with food—one of the most intimate and sometimes challenging relationships in our lives. When this relationship is disrupted, it can significantly affect our overall well-being. A trauma-informed approach to healing is essential to rebuild a healthy connection with food and our bodies.

Join us as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Tammy Beasley, an expert in the field of nutrition and eating disorders. Tammy shares her insights on the role of shame, the relevance of the polyvagal theory, and the transformative power of self-compassion in the journey towards healing.

This episode is packed with practical strategies and hopeful guidance for anyone looking to improve their relationship with food or help their clients do the same.

Today's episode is made possible by Polar Joe! Check out their goods here and don't forget to enter "Fuelherawesome" for 10% off.

Topics Covered:

1. Relational Intimacy and Food: Discover why Tammy views a ruptured relationship with food as a relational intimacy disorder and why a trauma-informed approach is essential for healing.

2. Understanding Shame: Learn about the role of shame in our relationship with food and our bodies, and how it can perpetuate negative cycles. Tammy shares actionable strategies for breaking free from shame and cultivating a healthier self-image.

3. Practicing Self-Compassion: We often hear about self-compassion, but how do we actually practice it in our daily lives? Tammy provides practical steps and exercises for cultivating self-compassion, which is crucial for healing our relationship with food.

4. Being a 'Holder of Hope': Explore what it means to be a 'Holder of Hope' in the context of healing from a ruptured relationship with food. Tammy offers guidance on how practitioners can embody this concept to support their clients effectively.

5. Fueling Your Awesome: We close the episode with a unique perspective from Tammy on how she likes to "fuel her awesome"—both metaphorically and literally.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the depth of our relationship with food and recognizing it as a form of relational intimacy can be a powerful tool for healing.
• Shame often drives negative cycles in our relationship with food; addressing it with self-compassion can break these cycles.
• The polyvagal theory provides a framework for understanding our emotional responses to food, offering a new lens for healing.
• Self-compassion is not just a concept but a daily practice that can significantly impact our well-being and our relationship with food.
• Holding hope for ourselves and our clients is a fundamental part of the healing journey.

Connect with Tammy Beasley:

• Connect with Tammy @Tammybeasrd

Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a fresh perspective on healing your relationship with food, and find out how you can be a 'Holder of Hope' for yourself and others!