Can you be healthy in a larger body? Does BMI really measure health? In this episode of the Once Upon a Binge Podcast, registered dietitian Alice joins Becca to discuss Health at Every Size (HAES), intuitive eating, body image, menopause, eating disorder recovery, weight stigma, and why weight isn't the whole picture when it comes to health.
Many of us have been taught that losing weight automatically means becoming healthier. But is that actually true? Together, Becca and Alice explore what the research says about BMI, Health at Every Size, intuitive eating, and how to support your physical and mental health without becoming trapped in the cycle of dieting, restriction and shame.
They also talk about the emotional impact of body changes caused by menopause, cancer treatment, illness, ageing, and eating disorder recovery, and why learning to trust your body again can be one of the hardest—and most important—parts of healing.
In this episode:
00:00 – Introduction to Alice and her work as a registered dietitian
02:00 – What Health at Every Size (HAES) really means
05:20 – Supporting people through body changes after cancer treatment
10:00 – Why weight gain after illness can be so distressing
15:00 – The similarities between cancer recovery, menopause and eating disorder recovery
19:00 – Why women's bodies naturally change throughout life
24:30 – Challenging unrealistic expectations around body image
28:00 – Using science and CBT-informed strategies to build body acceptance
34:00 – The role of a dietitian alongside therapy
39:00 – Common fears about weight gain, health and identity
43:30 – Debunking myths about BMI and health
51:00 – Why BMI is a poor measure of individual health
56:30 – The dangers of weight cycling and repeated dieting
59:30 – What intuitive eating actually is (and what it isn't)
1:05:00 – Rebuilding trust in your body after illness or an eating disorder
1:10:00 – How to advocate for yourself if your healthcare provider focuses only on weight
1:17:00 – Weight stigma, anti-fat bias and navigating healthcare
1:24:00 – Gentle nutrition after eating disorder recovery
1:32:00 – How to improve your health without returning to restrictive dieting
1:38:00 – Why food is about connection, culture and joy—not just nutrition
1:44:00 – Final thoughts on healing your relationship with food and your body
If you've ever struggled with body image, binge eating, emotional eating, dieting, weight gain, menopause, or eating disorder recovery, this episode will help you understand your body with more compassion and confidence.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment below – this helps the channel grow and help others through our conversations. We'd love to hear your biggest takeaway or any questions you'd like us to answer in a future episode.
#HealthAtEverySize #IntuitiveEating #EatingDisorderRecovery #BodyImage #Menopause #FoodFreedom
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Connect with the podcast:
- Instagram - @onceuponabingepodcast
- Email - podcast.onceuponabinge@gmail.com
Connect with Becca:
- Instagram – @bingefreeandbeautiful
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccarobinson/
- Email - bingefreeandbeautiful@gmail.com
Connect with Alice:
- Instagram – @hamptonnutrition
- Website - https://hamptonnutrition.co.uk/
- Email - alice@hamptonnutrition.co.uk
