Embracing Recovery and Reclaiming Joy: A Candid Conversation with Victoria and Julia
In a world dominated by body image pressure and diet culture, embarking on a journey of recovery from disordered eating can feel both daunting and isolating. Thankfully, Victoria and Julia are here to guide us through the messy, magnificent middle of recovery with authenticity, compassion, and a healthy dose of humour. In their latest podcast episode, they discuss some of the most pressing questions from listeners, sharing their own experiences and practical advice for those on a similar path.
When Is It Safe to Reintroduce Exercise?
One of the most common questions in eating disorder recovery is how to know when it’s safe to start exercising again. Both Victoria and Julia have personal experience with exercise addiction and share their insights on navigating this tricky transition.
Victoria’s approach involved taking a short break from all exercise and then slowly reintroducing movement in a mindful, self-compassionate way. She made a firm decision to only move her body out of love, never to punish or change it. Instead of her former gruelling regime of HIIT, running, and weight training, she opted for gentle movement, intentionally stopping before reaching her previous limits. This helped her break the compulsion and establish a healthier relationship with exercise.
Julia, on the other hand, had to take a full year off from exercise due to severe oedema and her body’s inability to cope with movement. After a failed attempt to reintroduce training too early, she realised that true readiness meant exercising for joy, not control. When she eventually returned, it was with a new mindset that prioritised enjoyment over performance.
Takeaway Tip: Ask yourself, “Would I still do this exercise if it didn’t change my body in any way?” If the answer is yes, you’re likely moving from a place of self-care rather than self-punishment.
Navigating the Messy Middle of Recovery
The “messy middle” of recovery is an unavoidable phase where the food aspect may be under control, but body image struggles persist. It’s the part of recovery where you’re caught between your old disordered habits and the freedom you’re striving for.
For both Victoria and Julia, the messy middle involved a great deal of discomfort with their changing bodies. They found themselves questioning whether recovery was worth the pain of weight gain and the anxiety it brought. But ultimately, they pushed through by reminding themselves why they started recovery in the first place and refusing to let fleeting fears dictate their future.
One vital piece of advice they share is to “embrace the mess.” Don’t rush the process. Acknowledge that feeling messy and uncomfortable is part of the healing journey. Celebrate small victories and remind yourself of the progress you’ve made.
Affirmation: “What would freedom do right now?” In every moment, choose acceptance and compassion over fear and judgement.
Conquering Food Obsession and Mental Hunger
Many listeners wanted to know if the constant obsession with food and the fear of being hungry ever truly go away. Victoria and Julia reassured them that, yes, it does. Food preoccupation is a sign of mental hunger and unresolved restriction, and the key to diminishing it is to honour that hunger fully.
Julia emphasised that mental hunger is often a sign that your body still needs more nourishment, even if you feel like you’re eating plenty. The brain is simply trying to protect you from future scarcity. When you consistently feed yourself without guilt or fear, the obsession gradually fades.
Recovery Insight: Food thoughts will decrease as your body realises that food is available and there is no longer a need to worry about scarcity. Keep nourishing yourself abundantly and without restriction.
Facing the Fear of Judgement
Many people in recovery struggle with societal judgement, particularly when their body size changes. One listener shared their fear of being judged for resting or not exercising despite being in a larger body.
Victoria and Julia agreed that it’s important to own who you are and release the need to meet others’ expectations. Instead of shrinking yourself to fit societal norms, stand proudly in your truth. They recommend reframing guilt as a positive sign – a marker that you’re stepping out of old patterns and into freedom.
Mindset Shift: Embrace the guilt as evidence that you’re moving in the right direction. Recovery is about letting go of the pressure to conform and giving yourself permission to rest and heal.
Top Tips for Recovery Success
Here are some of the most powerful strategies shared by Victoria and Julia during the episode:
Get Support: Whether it’s a coach, a support group, or close friends, recovery is not a solo journey. Find people who can guide and encourage you.
Challenge the Eating Disorder Brain: When the urge to restrict or over-exercise hits, challenge it. Your brain is just trying to keep you safe, but you are in charge now.
Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s eating an extra snack or skipping a workout to rest, acknowledge your progress and how far you’ve come.
Embrace the Mess: Recovery is not linear, and setbacks are part of the journey. Trust that the discomfort won’t last forever.
Stay Present: Avoid future-tripping about body changes. Focus on one meal, one moment at a time.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
“Recovery is not about avoiding fear – it’s about stepping into it every damn day.”
“You can’t truly overcome a fear unless you face it head-on.”
“What would freedom do right now? Choose that.”
“Your worth has never been in your body size – it’s in who you are and how you live your life.”
“Recovery is messy and magnificent. Embrace the mess and keep moving forward.”
A Final Thought
Recovery isn’t about getting it perfect; it’s about consistently choosing freedom, even when it feels impossible. Take things one day at a time, lean on those who understand your journey, and trust that the uncomfortable moments are temporary. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
For more insights and candid conversations, check out Victoria and Julia’s podcasts, where they tackle real-life recovery questions with honesty, wisdom, and a touch of humour. You’ve got this – and you don’t have to do it alone.
