Controlling food can be a way to reduce anxiety and feel a sense of power when you have an eating disorder.
But it can also be a prison.
In the latest episode of Fear Less, an audio series on The Recovery Warriors Show podcast channel, hosts Jessica Flint and Andrea Wells dove into the intricate relationship between fear and control when it comes to food.
Keep reading to explore how letting go of control can help you find food freedom.
The Illusion of Control
Many individuals with eating disorders struggle with perfectionism and the need to control various aspects of their lives, especially when it comes to food.
Fear drives this need for control, as it provides a false sense of security and stability.
The more I held on to control with food, the more I didn’t actually have it.
Andrea Wells
However, the quest for control around food becomes a never-ending cycle, trapping individuals in a state of anxiety and preventing them from truly living.
Understanding the Root of Control
The episode highlights the importance of addressing the underlying fears that drive a need for control around food.
By examining these fears, you can gain insight into disordered behaviors and begin to unravel the grip of control.
It is vital to delve deep and identify these core fears, as they are often tied to feelings of loss of autonomy or circumstances beyond your control.
The Grocery Store Dilemma
A poignant example shared by host Jessica Flint revolves around her fear of relinquishing control when it comes to selecting bell peppers at the grocery store.
While seemingly trivial, this fear reflects a deeper need for control in life. By exploring the root fears associated with this situation, Jessica was able to uncover a deeper desire for autonomy.
If you find yourself controlling food, what’s behind that? Get to the root.
Jessica Flint
This realization paved the way for Jessica to take gradual steps towards embracing uncertainty and letting go of control around food.
Facing Fears in Small Ways
Overcoming the need to control food requires facing food fears head-on, in manageable increments.
By taking small steps outside your comfort zone, you can challenge fears and begin to reframe perceptions.
Identify your fears and find opportunities to confront them. This leads to personal growth and liberation with food.
The Power of Letting Go
Letting go of control is a pivotal step towards recovery and finding food freedom.
The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding that control is ultimately an illusion.
By embracing imperfection and accepting that mistakes are part of the journey, you can break free from the grip of perfectionism and gain a newfound sense of freedom.
Finding Food Freedom
Letting go of control is pivotal in overcoming fear and embarking on a path to finding food freedom.
By embracing imperfection and facing fears head-on, you can reclaim your autonomy and discover a life that is not dictated by the need for controlling your food.
Letting go of the concept of control helped me to bring in freedom.
Andrea Wells
Remember, fearlessness is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to transform fear into courage.
Take a listen to the full episode as hosts Jessica Flint and Andrea Wells explore the connection between fear and control, providing invaluable insights for individuals recovering from eating disorders. And join in as we continue the Fear Less journey together, one episode at a time.
Join the Courage Club Wait List
In the courage club, you can learn to alchemize fear into courage, and finally say goodbye to food struggles for good.
Get on the waitlist here → jointhecourageclub.com
