you can watch this episode on the MyIBSLife YouTube Channel!

content warning: this episode discusses food anxiety, disordered eating, and weight loss.

i know, this topic is a heavy one... it feels uncomfortable just typing out a summary for this episode. but let's talk about it.

spoiler alert: my relationship with food... is not great. but we're working on it.

my food anxiety began when i was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome 16+ years ago. my lifelong struggle with emetophobia certainly hasn't helped, either.

but it's not just being afraid of food itself... but also the fear of my own body. and the feeling having no control of how my body will react when i eat food.

but what i've noticed through the years is that:

1. i CAN get control of my IBS symptoms

2. my food anxiety comes in waves. i'll go through periods of time where it's incredibly overwhelming (especially during/after a really bad IBS flare), and then go through periods of time where it calms down. i build confidence again. i get control again. i can enjoy meals and my favorite snacks once again. i feel free again.

if you can relate, i'm so sorry. but i promise, you are not alone. i'm right there with you. and let me reiterate: this. $h*t. comes. in. waves. there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. you are strong enough to get through this. i'm sending you all my love.

thank you so much for listening. if you have a moment, i would appreciate it so much if you would subscribe, rate & review this podcast. you can also follow & subscribe to me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for more (lighthearted) IBS and emetophobia content.

talk again soon. xo