Summary
In a recent episode of the podcast "Rethinking Wellness," host Christy Harrison welcomed intuitive eating co-author Elise Resch to explore her journey from disordered eating to recovery and her insights on the influence of wellness culture. Harrison, a registered dietitian and author, engaged Resch in a discussion about her early experiences with the natural food movement, which began at UCLA and intensified through her first marriage, ultimately leading to a battle with orthorexia, a condition characterized by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating.
Resch shared how she was initially unaware of the diet culture until college. An encounter with a fellow student marked her first realization of the stigma associated with certain foods, which spiraled into a fixation on natural foods influenced by her in-laws. This obsession was compounded during her pregnancy, when her doctor further restricted her diet, reinforcing the harmful belief that certain foods could negatively affect her health and that of her child.
The conversation highlighted how Resch's experiences informed her work in nutrition, leading to the creation of the "Intuitive Eating" book series. Harrison and Resch discussed how intuitive eating has been co-opted by modern wellness culture, leading to misconceptions and perpetuation of the good and bad food dichotomy. Resch emphasized the importance of authentic intuitive eating practices that promote body positivity and holistic health rather than restrictive diets.
In addition to their personal narratives, the episode addressed the intersection of wellness culture and diet misinformation, urging listeners to question the motives behind wellness trends and dietary advice. Resch stressed the significance of sustainability in food choices and the need to evaluate the credibility of sources promoting alternative health methods, especially those that profit from selling supplements.
Resch, who is currently working on a new edition of the intuitive eating workbook, also underscored the importance of understanding social justice in health discussions, along with the mind-body connection in holistic care. Listeners were encouraged to reflect on these themes as they navigate the often confusing landscape of wellness and nutrition.
Harrison concluded the episode by inviting listeners to engage with their work and offering resources for those looking to heal their relationships with food. The conversation serves as a reminder to prioritize well-being over societal pressures regarding diet and body image.
Show Notes
Intuitive Eating co-author Elyse Resch joins us to discuss her history with the natural-food movement, how trying to eat “naturally” led her into orthorexia and other forms of disordered eating, how intuitive eating is being co-opted by wellness culture, what to consider if you’re interested in “natural” foods, and more. This episode was originally published in 2024. Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDS-S, Fiaedp, FADA, FAND, is a nutrition therapist in private practice with over 40 years of experience specializing in eating disorders, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size. She is the co-author of Intuitive Eating, now in its 4th edition, the Intuitive Eating Workbook, and The Intuitive Eating Card Deck: 50 Bite-Sized Ways to Make Peace with Food. Elyse is also the author of The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens and The Intuitive Eating Journal: Your Guided Journey for Nourishing a Healthy Relationship with Food and a chapter contributor to The Handbook of Positive Body Image and Embodiment. She has published journal articles, print articles, and blog posts, and does regular speaking engagements, podcasts, and extensive media interviews. Her work has been profiled on ABC, NPR, CNN, and NBC, and in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, and USA Today, among others. Elyse is nationally known for her work in helping patients break free from diet culture through the Intuitive Eating process. Her philosophy embraces the goal of reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating and developing body liberation, with the belief that all bodies deserve dignity and respect. She is a social justice advocate, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor, a Fellow of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, a member of the Healer’s Circle of Project Heal, and a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and she supervises and trains health professionals. Find her at elyseresch.com. If you like this conversation, subscribe to hear lots more like it! Support the podcast by becoming a paid subscriber, and unlock great perks like bonus episodes, subscriber-only Q&As, early access to regular episodes, community threads, and much more. Learn more and sign up at rethinkingwellness.substack.com. Christy's book, The Wellness Trap, is available wherever books are sold! Order it online or ask for it in your favorite local bookstore. If you're looking to make peace with food and break free from diet and wellness culture, come check out Christy's Intuitive Eating Fundamentals online course.
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