Shana Spence, a registered dietitian (who you might know as @thenutritiontea on social media), joins the pod to bust myths about processed foods and to discuss how family, culture, privilege, and societal influences shape our relationship with food.
Listen Ad-Free on Patreon!
We recorded this conversation before the election, but given the outcome, we're going to see an influx of misinformation about wellness, health, and nutrition -- so this episode feels timely.
Shana shares how her initial career path and disordered eating fueled her decision to become a dietitian, and reflects on how dietetics education perpetuates diet culture, focusing on BMI and stereotypes. She talks about her perspective shift over time, the process of moving toward an anti-diet and weight-inclusive approach, and why the social determinants of health matter more than individual food choices.
Tune in to hear more about…
-
The pressure of food restriction as a badge of honor
-
Privilege affecting food choices
-
The misleading fears about processed foods
-
The oversimplification of food into good vs. bad categories.
-
How family and cultural background impact dieting
-
External societal pressures on our relationship with food
-
Diet culture and healthism
-
Dietitian education's role in perpetuating diet culture
-
Stereotyping in healthcare
-
Shana’s perspective shift on nutrition and dieting
-
Restriction as a form of validation
-
Black-and-white thinking in nutrition
- Why we don't need to "fix" people's eating habits
Shana Spence is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New York, who considers herself an “eat anything” dietitian, and counsels on a HAES (Healthy At Every Size) and an Intuitive Eating approach. She is also the author of Live Nourished - Make Peace with Food, Banish Body Shame, and Reclaim Joy. Find her website here https://www.thenutritiontea.com/ and find her on instagram at @thenutritiontea.
Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate
Group program:
Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching
Group membership:
Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group
Social media:
Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast
Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness
WalkingPad Discounts:
Use code ABBIEATTWOODWELLNESS for 30% off their WalkingPad Use code ABBIEWELLNESS for 20% off their treadmills
Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast
Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy
Podcast Editing by Brian Walters
Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Eades
Listen Ad-Free on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fullplate
