S2 Episode 6: Reframing Body Dysmorphia with Strength and Resilience
In Episode 6 of Season 2, Natalie & Chelsea sit down with their guest, Ariel, an eating disorder survivor, to discuss how her growth mindset helped her reframe her relationship with food, health and exercise and recover from Anorexia.
Show Notes:
Hosts:
Natalie M.
Chelsea M.
Timestamps:
**00:00** - Introduction
**00:24** - Content Disclaimer
**01:02** - Guest Intro
**01:27** - Beginning of Episode
**02:51** - Ariel takes us through the beginning journey.
**09:45** - Natalie asks Ariel about her experience at Curves.
**12:55**- Natalie asks Ariel if, around her time going to Curves, was she being educated on nutrition or was there some type of nutritional system that was being offered to her.
**16:24**- Chelsea asks Ariel to take us back to the point where her eating disorder was fully triggered and tell us about what was going on at that time.
**23:46**- Chelsea asks Ariel if her personality changed along with her physical changes.
**26:16** - Chelsea asks Ariel how she recognized that she was harming herself.
**28:49** - Natalie asks Ariel if she experienced or still experiences any long term physical challenges from the eating disorder.
**30:43**- Chelsea asks Ariel what changes she begins to make to get herself well again.
**32:06** - Natalie asks Ariel how she felt when she was no longer restricting her food intake. Were there feelings of guilt, etc.? And how did she navigate that?
**35:26** - Break
**35:57** - The conversation continues as Chelsea asks Ariel about her therapist - if she worked with someone who had experience with eating disorders and what helpful guidance/tools was she given.
**37:26** - Ariel talks about her relationship with exercise and the gym and how it evolved to become an important and most importantly, a healthy part of her recovery process.
**46:31** - Chelsea asks Ariel if she has connected with anyone in her fitness community who has also struggled with the same challenges she did.
**49:59** - Chelsea asks Ariel what advice she would give to women who are struggling with their body image.
**1:00:29** - Natalie asks Ariel what she did to get herself excited about weight lifting in the beginning.
**1:04:33** - Chelsea asks Ariel what her #1 pump up song for the gym is.
**1:07:13** - Natalie asks Ariel what her preferred training outfit is.
**1:19:06** - Chelsea asks Ariel if there is a word that she would use to capture her journey or a word that enabled her to navigate all of the challenges that she’s encountered and overcome.
**1:21:36** - Closing
**1:23:48** - End of Episode
**1:24:07** - Stay Tuned
**1:24:49** - Outro
Key Takeaways:
1. “Fixed Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits are fixed or inherent and cannot be significantly changed.
Example: Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.
2. “Growth Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits can be developed and improved through effort and learning.
Example: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.
3. **Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset**
Self-Awareness
Identify Your Fixed Mindset Triggers: Recognize the situations that trigger a fixed mindset (e.g., challenges, setbacks, or criticism).
Reflect: Make it a habit to reflect on your thoughts and feelings regularly, identifying instances where a fixed mindset held you back.
Change Your Language
Switch Your Language: Instead of saying “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never . . .,” say “I can’t do this yet,” or “I am moving towards . . . .”
Embrace Constructive Feedback: When you or others fail, #fail forward by focusing on what can be learned from the experience.
Reframe Challenges and Setbacks
Stretch Goals: Set an objective that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as a validation of an inability or shortcoming.
Embrace Feedback and Prioritize Learning Over Validation
Constructive Criticism: Actively seek out feedback that helps you improve or refine your skills.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment or cultivate relationships where open and constructive feedback is welcomed and regular.
Value the Process: Prioritize learning and improving over success or perfection.
Focus on Yourself: Prioritize yourself, focus on your personal development, and celebrate your achievements. Avoid seeking approval or validation from others.
Additional Resources:
ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association)
To connect with Ariel directly please DM her on IG at either @ariel.metta or @ag_authenticfitness
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