Sugar fasts. Daniel fasts. Lenten fasts. Churchwide fasts. Intermittent fasting. There is so much talk about fasting in our culture today, that it can become confusing to figure out what the Bible says about fasting versus what our culture (and Diet Culture) teaches about its role. Today, Amy Carlson, MS, RD, LD - a registered, non-diet dietician and I talk about all things fasting. We tackle some BIG questions and leave you to do some heart searching and questioning too. Heather shares her hilarious adventures with sugar fasting and Lent, but also talks about what happens when she tries to fast with her church because of her eating disorder history.

This is a must-listen, paradigm changing episode. The big topic in this episode (part 1 of 2) is the question: Should I fast if I had an eating disorder? 

Amy and Heather also talk about the following:
What is the biblical definition and purpose for fasting.
Why much of what we call "fasting" may actually be dieting for Jesus
How to know if fasting is triggering you to go back to ED behaviors
How to know if you can fast after recovery and ways to make sure it doesn't trigger a relapse
What the Bible REALLY teaches us about fasting (especially in Daniel)

Learn more about Amy Carlson, get the Peace with Food App, or connect with her here: https://www.hellopeacewithfood.com

Connect with Compared to Who? to take the Body Image Quiz and download your "Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison" walking workout here: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Have you read Heather's 10 Day Reading Plan on You Version yet?  Learn more here: https://comparedtowho.me/read-plans-from-heather-creekmore-on-youversion-the-bible-app/

Do you have a question you'd like to have tackled on the show? Send it to Heather at heather @ compared to who (dot) me.

Sugar fasts. Daniel fasts. Lenten fasts. Churchwide fasts. Intermittent fasting. There is so much talk about fasting in our culture today, that it can become confusing to figure out what the Bible says about fasting versus what our culture (and Diet Culture) teaches about its role. Today, Amy Carlson, MS, RD, LD - a registered, non-diet dietician and I talk about all things fasting. We tackle some BIG questions and leave you to do some heart searching and questioning too. Heather shares her hilarious adventures with sugar fasting and Lent, but also talks about what happens when she tries to fast with her church because of her eating disorder history. This is a must-listen, paradigm changing episode. The big topic in this episode (part 1 of 2) is the question: Should I fast if I had an eating disorder? Amy and Heather also talk about the following: <ul> <li>What is the biblical definition and purpose for fasting.</li> <li>Why much of what we call "fasting" may actually be dieting for Jesus</li> <li>How to know if fasting is triggering you to go back to ED behaviors</li> <li>How to know if you can fast after recovery and ways to make sure it doesn't trigger a relapse</li> <li>What the Bible REALLY teaches us about fasting (especially in Daniel)</li> </ul> Learn more about Amy Carlson, get the Peace with Food App, or connect with her here: <a href="https://www.hellopeacewithfood.com">https://www.hellopeacewithfood.com</a> Connect with Compared to Who? to take the Body Image Quiz and download your "Walk to Lose the Weight of Comparison" walking workout here: <a href="https://www.comparedtowho.me">https://www.comparedtowho.me</a> Have you read Heather's 10 Day Reading Plan on You Version yet?  <a href="https://comparedtowho.me/read-plans-from-heather-creekmore-on-youversion-the-bible-app/">Learn more here:</a> https://comparedtowho.me/read-plans-from-heather-creekmore-on-youversion-the-bible-app/ Do you have a question you'd like to have tackled on the show? Send it to Heather at heather @ compared to who (dot) me.

**The Go-to Podcast for Christian women who want to improve their body image and stop comparing themselves to others!**
Are you a Christian woman who is tired of the same old answers to your body image and comparison struggles? 
Have you "tried everything," yet still feel like your body isn't enough or should be better? 
Do you know that "God looks at the heart" or "You're fearfully and wonderfully made" yet STILL feel like maybe God should have made your body better?
Bonus: Have you ever prayed for God to zap you skinny? ;) (Your secret is safe here.)

If you answered yes to any of the above, then Compared to Who? A Biblical Approach to Body Image Issues is the show for you!

Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like feeling out of control with food, body shame, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, dieting, body dysmorphia, body hatred, and more from a practical, grace-filled, biblical, and gospel-centered perspective.

I'm Heather Creekmore, author of several books (including a forthcoming body image workbook), speaker, and Christian body image coach. Our approach to body image issues is relatable, authentic, and truth-driven. We hope every episode is filled with grace and hope for your personal struggle. I spent decades battling the scale and the mirror. But, now I help women get free from body image issues so they can stop comparing and start living. Listen to laugh about all the common ways we struggle and find encouragement for our journey.

Find out more about Heather Creekmore and the ministry of Compared to Who? or to get Christian body image coaching, visit: https://www.comparedtowho.me

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

**The Go-to Podcast for Christian women who want to improve their body image and stop comparing themselves to others!**
<ul>
<li>Are you a Christian woman who is tired of the same old answers to your body image and comparison struggles? </li>
<li>Have you "tried everything," yet still feel like your body isn't enough or should be better? </li>
<li>Do you know that "God looks at the heart" or "You're fearfully and wonderfully made" yet STILL feel like maybe God should have made your body better?</li>
<li>Bonus: Have you ever prayed for God to zap you skinny? ;) (Your secret is safe here.)</li>
</ul>
If you answered yes to any of the above, then Compared to Who? A Biblical Approach to Body Image Issues is the show for you!
Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like feeling out of control with food, body shame, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, dieting, body dysmorphia, body hatred, and more from a practical, grace-filled, biblical, and gospel-centered perspective.
I'm Heather Creekmore, author of several books (including a forthcoming body image workbook), speaker, and Christian body image coach. Our approach to body image issues is relatable, authentic, and truth-driven. We hope every episode is filled with grace and hope for your personal struggle. I spent decades battling the scale and the mirror. But, now I help women get free from body image issues so they can stop comparing and start living. Listen to laugh about all the common ways we struggle and find encouragement for our journey.
Find out more about Heather Creekmore and the ministry of Compared to Who? or to get Christian body image coaching, visit: <a href="https://www.comparedtowho.me">https://www.comparedtowho.me</a> 
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit the group here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024">https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024</a>

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

**The Go-to Podcast for Christian women who want to improve their body image and stop comparing themselves to others!**
Are you a Christian woman who is tired of the same old answers to your body image and comparison struggles? 
Have you "tried everything," yet still feel like your body isn't enough or should be better? 
Do you know that "God looks at the heart" or "You're fearfully and wonderfully made" yet STILL feel like maybe God should have made your body better?
Bonus: Have you ever prayed for God to zap you skinny? ;) (Your secret is safe here.)

If you answered yes to any of the above, then Compared to Who? A Biblical Approach to Body Image Issues is the show for you!

Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like feeling out of control with food, body shame, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, dieting, body dysmorphia, body hatred, and more from a practical, grace-filled, biblical, and gospel-centered perspective.

I'm Heather Creekmore, author of several books (including a forthcoming body image workbook), speaker, and Christian body image coach. Our approach to body image issues is relatable, authentic, and truth-driven. We hope every episode is filled with grace and hope for your personal struggle. I spent decades battling the scale and the mirror. But, now I help women get free from body image issues so they can stop comparing and start living. Listen to laugh about all the common ways we struggle and find encouragement for our journey.

Find out more about Heather Creekmore and the ministry of Compared to Who? or to get Christian body image coaching, visit: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

**The Go-to Podcast for Christian women who want to improve their body image and stop comparing themselves to others!**
<ul>
<li>Are you a Christian woman who is tired of the same old answers to your body image and comparison struggles? </li>
<li>Have you "tried everything," yet still feel like your body isn't enough or should be better? </li>
<li>Do you know that "God looks at the heart" or "You're fearfully and wonderfully made" yet STILL feel like maybe God should have made your body better?</li>
<li>Bonus: Have you ever prayed for God to zap you skinny? ;) (Your secret is safe here.)</li>
</ul>
If you answered yes to any of the above, then Compared to Who? A Biblical Approach to Body Image Issues is the show for you!
Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like feeling out of control with food, body shame, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, dieting, body dysmorphia, body hatred, and more from a practical, grace-filled, biblical, and gospel-centered perspective.
I'm Heather Creekmore, author of several books (including a forthcoming body image workbook), speaker, and Christian body image coach. Our approach to body image issues is relatable, authentic, and truth-driven. We hope every episode is filled with grace and hope for your personal struggle. I spent decades battling the scale and the mirror. But, now I help women get free from body image issues so they can stop comparing and start living. Listen to laugh about all the common ways we struggle and find encouragement for our journey.
Find out more about Heather Creekmore and the ministry of Compared to Who? or to get Christian body image coaching, visit: https://www.improvebodyimage.com
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit the group here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024">https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024</a>

Should I Fast if I Had an Eating Disorder? A Look at Fasting

Host Heather Creekmore delves deeper into the complex topic of how our relationships with our mothers can impact our body image and behaviors around food. Building on the discussion from part 1, Heather addresses the often-unspoken dynamics that influence our identity, self-confidence, and healing journey.

Heather emphasizes that the point of examining mom's role in body image issues is never to blame mom, but rather to help listeners better understand their own stories and why they've believed, thought, or felt the way they did around body issues. Heather also addresses how healing from body image issues might affect your relationship with your mother and the potential grief that comes from such changes because you no longer have your body image issues and food rules in common. 

Heather also offers practical guidance for dealing with emotional triggers, especially when returning to childhood homes or spending time in family environments that can evoke past patterns. Heather also highlights the importance of recognizing our "little girl brain" – our young, survival-driven responses to familial interactions – and offers ways to stay present with ourselves and handle these emotional cyclones.

For further exploration of related topics, check out the episode on grieving the loss of an ideal body Grieving the Ideal Body and listen as Heather prepares to delve into attachment theory in the next episode (coming December 3).

This episode challenges listeners not to fear the acknowledgment of their mom's role but to instead lamentat these past struggles and embrace them as paths to healing and transformation.

Ready to find body image healing? Join us on the 40 Day Journey that begins January 7, 2025. Learn more or reserve your spot here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Grab Heather's latest book, The Comparison-Free Life learn more here: 

Host Heather Creekmore delves deeper into the complex topic of how our relationships with our mothers can impact our body image and behaviors around food. Building on the discussion from part 1, Heather addresses the often-unspoken dynamics that influence our identity, self-confidence, and healing journey.
Heather emphasizes that the point of examining mom's role in body image issues is never to blame mom, but rather to help listeners better understand their own stories and why they've believed, thought, or felt the way they did around body issues. Heather also addresses how healing from body image issues might affect your relationship with your mother and the potential grief that comes from such changes because you no longer have your body image issues and food rules in common. 
Heather also offers practical guidance for dealing with emotional triggers, especially when returning to childhood homes or spending time in family environments that can evoke past patterns. Heather also highlights the importance of recognizing our "little girl brain" – our young, survival-driven responses to familial interactions – and offers ways to stay present with ourselves and handle these emotional cyclones.
For further exploration of related topics, check out the episode on grieving the loss of an ideal body <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/what-to-do-when-depressed-or-grieving-over-body-si">Grieving the Ideal Body</a> and listen as Heather prepares to delve into attachment theory in the next episode (coming December 3).
This episode challenges listeners not to fear the acknowledgment of their mom's role but to instead lamentat these past struggles and embrace them as paths to healing and transformation.
<hr>
Ready to find body image healing? Join us on the 40 Day Journey that begins January 7, 2025. Learn more or reserve your spot here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
Grab Heather's latest book, The Comparison-Free Life <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">learn more here: </a>

How Did Your Mother Impact Your Body Image? Part 2

Do your body image issues get worse when you're around family? Today, host Heather Creekmore digs into what may be the reason behind why you feel worse about your body at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Heather explores the question: Did your mom have an impact on your body image? While many women know she did, others can't recognize it quite as clearly. But, on today's show, Heather dives deep into the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters, exploring how maternal influence shapes our body image and how much of this shaping happened well before the teenage years. 

Today Heather uncovers some of the potential influences and connections between body image issues and the mother-daughter relationship. She also speaks to the reality that many of those who have a disordered relationship with food and body image issues will experience a flare-up of these issues when around mom--especially at the holidays!

Heather also addresses the intergenerational nature of body image issues, how they run in families and how your mom could simply be acting out of the way she was taught by her mom. Likewise Heather talks about how a healthy sense of self requires us to have agency over our bodies and our choices around food. And, though it becomes more difficult when we're around family, this "growing up" process is vital for our body image healing journeys.

The episode takes inspiration from Catherine Fabrizio's book, "The Good Daughter Syndrome."

Learn more about agency in this episode: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/finding-body-image-freedom-through-understanding-a

Learn how to forgive mom in this episode: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/forgiving-mom-or-others-for-their-roles-in-body-im

Need more help? Consider working with Heather or our team in coaching. Or, join us on the 40-Day Journey starting January 7th. Learn more at https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Do your body image issues get worse when you're around family? Today, host Heather Creekmore digs into what may be the reason behind why you feel worse about your body at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Heather explores the question: Did your mom have an impact on your body image? While many women know she did, others can't recognize it quite as clearly. But, on today's show, Heather dives deep into the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters, exploring how maternal influence shapes our body image and how much of this shaping happened well before the teenage years. 
Today Heather uncovers some of the potential influences and connections between body image issues and the mother-daughter relationship. She also speaks to the reality that many of those who have a disordered relationship with food and body image issues will experience a flare-up of these issues when around mom--especially at the holidays!
Heather also addresses the intergenerational nature of body image issues, how they run in families and how your mom could simply be acting out of the way she was taught by her mom. Likewise Heather talks about how a healthy sense of self requires us to have agency over our bodies and our choices around food. And, though it becomes more difficult when we're around family, this "growing up" process is vital for our body image healing journeys.
The episode takes inspiration from <a href="In%20this%20enlightening%20episode%20of%20&quot;Compared%20to%20Who?&quot;,%20host%20Heather%20Creekmore%20dives%20deep%20into%20the%20intricate%20dynamics%20between%20mothers%20and%20daughters,%20exploring%20how%20maternal%20influence%20shapes%20our%20body%20image%20perceptions.%20As%20the%20holiday%20season%20approaches,%20Heather%20encourages%20us%20all%20to%20be%20mindful%20of%20family%20interactions,%20particularly%20noting%20how%20comments%20on%20body%20image%20can%20impact%20us.%20%20Discover%20practical%20strategies%20such%20as%20utilizing%20spiritual%20practices%20to%20shield%20yourself%20from%20negative%20remarks,%20while%20learning%20how%20to%20effectively%20navigate%20these%20conversations%20with%20grace%20and%20confidence.%20Heather%20emphasizes%20the%20importance%20of%20acknowledging%20emotional%20hurt%20and%20offers%20reflective%20insights%20to%20gain%20independence%20from%20the%20need%20for%20parental%20approval.%20%20Gain%20new%20perspectives%20on%20how%20to%20integrate%20your%20body%20image%20with%20your%20deeper%20sense%20of%20self—mentally,%20emotionally,%20and%20spiritually.%20Heather%20also%20previews%20future%20episodes%20that%20will%20discuss%20attachment%20theory's%20connection%20to%20body%20image%20issues,%20providing%20a%20comprehensive%20understanding%20of%20early%20influences%20on%20our%20self-esteem.%20%20Heather%20shares%20her%20personal%20journey%20of%20establishing%20boundaries%20with%20family%20for%20healthier%20self-identity,%20drawing%20from%20her%20own%20counseling%20experiences%20and%20biblical%20examples,%20such%20as%20Jesus%20leaving%20his%20hometown%20for%20growth%20and%20distance.%20%20The%20episode%20takes%20inspiration%20from%20Catherine%20Fabrizio's%20book,%20though%20not%20fully%20endorsed,%20discussing%20complex%20maternal%20behaviors%20that%20impact%20daughters'%20independence—offering%20insights%20into%20&quot;The%20Good%20Daughter%20Syndrome&quot;%20and%20its%20implications.%20%20Be%20inspired%20by%20the%20promise%20of%20healing%20through%20introspection%20and%20personal%20change,%20and%20join%20the%2040-day%20journey%20starting%20January%207th%20to%20improve%20your%20body%20image%20through%20biblical%20encouragement%20and%20recognizing%20God's%20love%20beyond%20physical%20appearance.%20%20Heather's%20personal%20anecdotes%20and%20spiritual%20guidance%20offer%20a%20path%20to%20address%20body%20image%20issues%20and%20embrace%20healing%20through%20understanding%20and%20self-reflection.%20%20Tune%20into%20future%20episodes%20to%20further%20explore%20these%20deep%20emotional%20topics%20and%20their%20connection%20to%20family%20dynamics.%20%20For%20more%20resources%20and%20support,%20explore%20our%20coaching%20offerings%20or%20consider%20Christian%20counseling%20to%20guide%20your%20journey.%20Engage%20in%20this%20conversation%20and%20find%20additional%20resources%20o">Catherine Fabrizio's book, "The Good Daughter Syndrome."</a>
Learn more about agency in this episode: <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/finding-body-image-freedom-through-understanding-a">https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/finding-body-image-freedom-through-understanding-a</a>
Learn how to forgive mom in this episode: <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/forgiving-mom-or-others-for-their-roles-in-body-im">https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/forgiving-mom-or-others-for-their-roles-in-body-im</a>
Need more help? Consider working with Heather or our team in coaching. Or, join us on the 40-Day Journey starting January 7th. Learn more at <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com">https://www.improvebodyimage.com</a>

What Was Mom's Impact on Your Body Image Issues?

Ready for a quick, 7 Minutes of Scripture episode? Today, host Heather Creekmore delves into Ephesians 5  She begins by reading Ephesians 5:1-8 from the English Standard Version and focuses on the theme of imitation and influence. Heather emphasizes the idea from scripture that we are called to be imitators of God as beloved children and walking in love, as Christ did. She challenges listeners to reflect on whether they aspire to imitate Jesus or if they're more influenced by cultural figures or influencers, especially in the realm of body image. Heather encourages listeners to walk in love, focusing less on self-love and more on loving God and others, advocating for what Tim Keller calls "the freedom of self forgetfulness."

Are you ready to transform your body image? Join the 40-day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Learn more about Heather's latest book release on comparison here: https://amzn.to/3Uucwd4 (Amazon affiliate link)

Ready for a quick, 7 Minutes of Scripture episode? Today, host Heather Creekmore delves into Ephesians 5  She begins by reading Ephesians 5:1-8 from the English Standard Version and focuses on the theme of imitation and influence. Heather emphasizes the idea from scripture that we are called to be imitators of God as beloved children and walking in love, as Christ did. She challenges listeners to reflect on whether they aspire to imitate Jesus or if they're more influenced by cultural figures or influencers, especially in the realm of body image. Heather encourages listeners to walk in love, focusing less on self-love and more on loving God and others, advocating for what Tim Keller calls "the freedom of self forgetfulness."
Are you ready to transform your body image? Join the 40-day Journey here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
Learn more about Heather's latest book release on comparison here: <a href="https://amzn.to/3Uucwd4">https://amzn.to/3Uucwd4</a> (Amazon affiliate link)

Should I Fast if I Had an Eating Disorder? A Look at Fasting

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