Food anxiety in female athletes is a big issue.

There is a way to find with peace with food.

My conversation with my guest, Jessica Salle, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, explores the connection between stress, anxiety and eating behaviors.

In my practice as a sports dietitian, the issue of anxiety around food is a big deal. I’ve experienced it myself with my own struggles with an eating disorder, and I see it all the time with my clients. The world of sports attracts high-achieving women, along with the tendency for control and perfectionism, which too often contributes to eating anxiety.

My interview with Jessica covers a lot of range, from the impact of your family history, short-term stress versus long-term stress, the effects of an increase in cortisol on your eating habits and food cravings, and how your mental, emotional, and biological systems work together.

She explains mindfulness practices to develop a healthier relationship with food, and gives practical tools and strategies for both under-eating and over-eating, and how to calm yourself down when feeling anxious.

“I think the important thing to remember is that your body under stress is lying to you a little bit. So we need to be kind and understanding that, okay, I’m going through something just like you would talk to a friend, be willing to be curious about yourself rather than passing immediate judgment and anger about your situation.” ~ Jessica Salle

Video Chapters:

• 2:02 – Understanding the Roots of Eating Anxiety
• 4:33 – The Biological Connection Between Stress and Eating
• 7:04 – Practical Tools for Managing Eating Anxiety
• 9:12 – Mindfulness Techniques for a Healthier Relationship with Food
• 12:01 – The Journey of Self-Compassion
• 13:21 – Self-Compassion Tools to Combat Anxiety Around Eating
• 15:26 – How to Set Boundaries with Family Members and Friends
• 21:19 –Meal Planning as a Tool for Reducing Anxiety
• 23:32 – Long-term Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Food
• 25:19 – Resources for Further Support

Supporting Resources:

My Personal Struggle With an Eating Disorder

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Want more nutrition tips geared toward female athletes? Tune in to my podcast:

Female Sports Nutrition

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