Episode 003

What to Tell Family and Friends About Your Loved One's Eating Disorder

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the complex topic of how to inform family and friends about a loved one’s eating disorder diagnosis. Drawing from their personal experiences, they outline the pros and cons of sharing the diagnosis, setting boundaries, and managing privacy versus support needs. The hosts also provide practical suggestions for navigating these conversations and emphasize the importance of finding supportive communities. They conclude by reminding listeners that eating disorders are treatable and that they are not alone in this journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:05 Navigating the Diagnosis: What to Tell Family and Friends

03:50 Pros and Cons of Sharing the Diagnosis

06:58 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

09:49 Setting Boundaries and Asking for Support

21:56 Cultural Considerations and Finding Support

26:01 Returning to School: Preparing Your Child

28:17 Final Thoughts and Resources

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST 30 Days - F.E.A.S.T.

ATDTfb - Eating Disorder Family and Carer Support | Facebook

F.E.A.S.T's Around The Dinner Table forum

Caregiver & Sibling Support Group - F.E.A.S.T.

Men of FEAST - F.E.A.S.T.

Episode 002

Food is Medicine in Eating Disorder Recovery

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura delve into the crucial role of nutrition in the recovery from eating disorders. As caregivers with lived experience, they highlight the importance of viewing food as literal medicine for those in recovery. They address common misconceptions, the need for high calorie intake, the impact of starvation on the brain, and how caregivers can support their loved ones. The episode also explores how to communicate effectively with loved ones about food and the significance of stopping other activities until proper eating is established.

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Episode Topic: Food Is Medicine

01:48 Understanding the Food as Medicine Concept in Recovery

02:48 Challenges and Misconceptions About Nutrition

07:14 The Importance of All Foods in Recovery

15:05 Practical Tips for Caregivers

24:49 Life Stops Until You Eat

29:28 Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts

34:14 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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We Only Eat Healthy Foods In Our House - F.E.A.S.T.

FEAST 30 Days - F.E.A.S.T.

Getting Started with Refeeding: A Guide to Moving Forward When You’re Not Sure What Comes Next

Up to the Plate: A FEAST Family Guide to the Importance of Nutrition for Understanding and Treating Eating Disorders

001 - Where to Start: Recognizing and Responding to Your Child’s Eating Disorder

In this inaugural episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura introduce the new F.E.A.S.T. podcast aimed at helping parents and caregivers navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of eating disorder caregiving. Both hosts share their personal experiences as mothers who supported their children through eating disorders; they discuss recognizing the signs of eating disorders, the importance of early intervention, and the initial steps parents can take once they suspect their child may have an eating disorder. The episode stresses the importance of trusting parental instincts, seeking proper medical assessment, and obtaining reliable information and support from trusted resources like F.E.A.S.T. The discussion also touches on the crucial role of nutrition in treatment, how to deal with the shock of diagnosis, and the vital importance of parent involvement in the treatment process.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:03 Meet the Hosts: Jenni and Laura

02:26 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder

04:17 Personal Stories and Early Signs

14:30 Medical Advice and Pediatrician Visits

21:38 Emergency Situations and Resources

22:47 Importance of Medical Assessments

28:13 Key Questions for Parents

29:29 Understanding Safe School Attendance

30:49 Balancing Physical Activity and Eating Disorders

33:13 The Emotional Impact of Eating Disorders

36:20 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder

44:56 The Importance of Nutritional Rehabilitation

48:36 The Role of Parents in Treatment

52:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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AED’s Guide to Medical Care of Eating Disorders

AED’s Emergency Room Guide

FEAST 30 Days

What Constitutes Good Medical Care for Pediatric Eating Disorders? (FEAST Webinar July 2025)

What Does Good Medical Care Look LIke? A Guide for Parents of Children with Eating Disorders (FEAST Webinar Slides July 2025)

Around the Dinner Table Forum

Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group

► Learn more on the F.E.A.S.T. website:

https://feast-ed.org

► Connect with our supportive parent community forum:

https://feast-ed.org/forum/

► Follow F.E.A.S.T. on Social Media:

https://feast–ed.org/linkinbio/