Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Heather Creekmore interviews Kirsten Schmidt, a health coach who shares her personal story of disordered eating and how she found healing. They discuss the misconceptions and societal messaging surrounding cravings, and the importance of listening to our bodies' signals. Kirsten also provides insights into the impact of chronic stress and anxiety on our overall health and the role of cravings in indicating nutrient deficiencies. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever felt guilty or frustrated with your cravings. Kirsten shares her personal journey towards peace with food and how her body may have been at it's least healthy (in terms of inflammation and chronic struggles) when she was following all the popular food "rules." Kirsten also offers valuable perspectives on building a healthier relationship with our bodies and nourishing them in a balanced way.  Learn more about Kirsten and her health coaching services here: https://www.totuswellness.com/ Learn more about Heather, Compared to Who? and how to start on your body image freedom journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Are you ready to start a journey to body image freedom in the new year? Sign up for the Body Image Freedom Framework this week and save 30% using the code: THANKFUL Learn more at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather Creekmore is joined by Erin Todd and Char-Lee Cassel from the Intuitive Eating for Christian Women podcast for a holiday intuitive eating coaching call. The discussion delves into the principles of intuitive eating, including unconditional permission to eat and habituation with foods, as well as the impact of mental restriction and scarcity around food during the holidays. Heather shares her journey to food freedom and her recent experiences with intuitive eating, while Erin and Char provide insightful coaching on how to find satisfaction and delight in holiday foods and foods we eat all year round. Navigating the transition to Intuitive Eating isn't always neat or simple. Heather, Erin, and Char talk through how to navigate the messy nature of overcoming diet culture, embracing mistakes, and finding hope and freedom in our relationship with food. Connect with Erin & Char and check out their holiday membership here: https://www.intuitiveeatingforchristianwomen.com Connect with Heather and find out more about her new book: 40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian Find out more about Heather's coaching and course and the 30% off Thanksgiving offer (code: THANKFUL) here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Podcast host and author, Michelle Rayburn shares her powerful journey out of Diet Culture and into intuitive eating that may have been inspired by reading Heather's first book, "Compared to Who?" In this episode, Michelle discusses her struggles with body image and food, reflecting on the shame and pressure she felt for over 40 years. Michelle and Heather highlight the importance of addressing body image work before focusing on food changes. Michelle also delves into her personal journey with intuitive eating, emphasizing the freedom it brings and the ability to focus on relationships rather than food. The episode concludes with Michelle sharing her latest project, a bible study series called "Remade," which focuses on finding hope in difficulties and struggles.  Other topics in this episode: Michelle's journey from restrictive plans and twice weekly weigh ins to finding freedom with food and comfort in the body God gave her. How Michelle's experiences with diet culture and beauty standards affected her relationship with faith and spirituality, and how did she navigate these challenges. How Michelle's decision to remove triggers such as wrong-sized clothes that were incentives for her body size contribute to her journey towards a healthier body image. How Michelle's shift away from diet culture and intuitive eating has positively influenced her relationships, daily life, and mental well-being. Learn more about Michelle Rayburn and her "Remade" Bible Study here: https://michellerayburn.com/ Learn more about Compared to Who?, the Body Image Freedom Framework online course and coaching program, AND the new 40-Day Body Image Workbook here: www.improvebodyimage.com   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather continues her conversation with Jessie Cruickshank about Generation Z, their anxieties, the differences in the way they want to relate and the ways the learn, and how to help them with body image issues. Here are some key take aways from today's episode: Jessie explained how the, "Heart seeks belonging, brain seeks identity, spirit seeks truth. The rest of us isn't that interested in truth. But self loathing fractures the psyche." Jessie encourages each of us with the reality of our unique creation and that there is a purpose in way God did it. "Most think God made us wrong. We have bought into the lie that God made us wrong." Jessie explains. "But this pushes back against the identity he determined for us." Jessie also explained the importance of connection. "People don't know who they are because we become formed in relationships with others. We're not connected, we're not being formed as God created us to be formed. Accepting how God created us is foundational to us accepting our bodies." Jessie's new book, "Ordinary Discipleship" is based on the hero's journey and how applying the principles of the hero's journey can help us disciple. Ordinary people can make a disciple. Today we also discuss the importance of discipling this next generation and how it may be easier than expected. Jessie explains how Gen Z has an institutional mistrust, but they want mentors and they really want to learn. Research shows that the church has become an institution they struggle to trust. They're not sure if it's a safe place for them or their friends. For this reason, Jessie believes this generation needs nontraditional opportunities to find spiritual formation. What forms us are strong connections or highly emotional experiences. These things will be most formative for them. They want purpose, deeper discussions, and connections. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Yourbrainbyjess Visit her site at: www.Ordinarydiscipleship.com or at www.Whoology.co where you can get the free Gen Z info download by putting your info in the pop-up. Learn more about Heather's new book, the 40 Day Body Image Workbook: Hope for Christian Women Who've Tried Everything here: https://amzn.to/3Mrl94o (Amazon affiliate link - a tiny portion of your purchase supports this ministry without any added cost to you.) Visit: www.improvebodyimage.com for more information on Heather's other books and programs. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's show is a must-listen if you have children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren or folks in your ministry who are a part of Gen Z categorized as those between the ages of 12 and 26. Heather's guest, Jessie Cruickshank, has been studying the older set of this generation since they were in middle school. She has a Master's degree from Harvard in experiential education and has studied how our brains work and learn best. Here's where we go today: Generation Z looks different: More than 50% are biracial. This is changing the way they see and think about race. And Gen Z doesn't mind having more than one "tag" in this arena. We talk about how this may change the standard of beauty in the future. This generation has more anxiety because they've grown up in a more volatile and complex world and they're aware of so many things that are completely out of their control. They have a "precocious" awareness of the world. Many of those Jessie interviewed admitted to crying at night. Gen Z has more social experiences through the phone, so they're missing the regulation impact of being with people in person. Gen Z doesn't prefer the "tech" solution. They prefer non-zoom in-person communications compared to tech connections. Be gracious for how awkward this may be for them, they haven't had enough practice here. The lack of agency Gen Z has felt, has led to a great desire to speak into things, as an agent, with an opinion that matters (even if there's still some maturing to do.) Asking them questions and offering options is the best way to invite them into the conversations. What does Gen Z dream about? You'll be amazed by Jessie's startling answer here. Learn more about Jessie on her website: https://www.whoology.co Connect with Jessie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/who_ologist/ Ready to stop stressing over body image? Check out Heather's brand new book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, available wherever Christian books are sold. (Amazon affiliate link. A tiny portion of your purchase (at no additional cost to you) will go to support this ministry.) Join the Body Image Freedom Framework Online Course and Coaching Program - Watch for a special discount coming soon! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather answers three listener questions related to body image and self-worth. These questions were taken from the Facebook group "Body Image for Christian Women" (Join anytime and look for opportunities to submit your questions!) Heather's first question today tackles the issue of when you "arrive" on your body image journey, if you finally stop hating your body. The listener asks if there's a certain point you reach when you either decide that you love your body or decide that your body doesn't matter. The second question today hits the topic of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) and what to do about it. Heather has addressed this topic before in this episode here: https://www.comparedtowho.me/what-to-do-if-you-hate-your-stomach-or-other-body-parts/ Heather also addresses a question about how to respond when others make comments about dieting, body size, looks, or other people's bodies. Finally, Heather tackles a question about what good could possibly come from gaining weight or getting fat. Heather delicately approaches the issue to encourage the listener that God can use all things for his good, even that! Want to learn more about Heather's new book, the 40-Day Body Image Workbook? Learn more here: https://amzn.to/3SmjuRh (Amazon affiliate link - tiny portion of purchase through this link supports this ministry) Learn more about group coaching or the new Body Image Freedom Framework online course: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This thought-provoking episode of "Compared to Who?" explains the connections between being a good "steward" of our money and the stewardship of our bodies. Looking at Matthew 6, Heather answers a listener's question: How can I know what it means to be a good steward of my body when it's so easy to believe diet culture's definition of health and stewardship? Here are three key takeaways from the episode: 1️⃣ We can learn to focus on eternal investments: The passage in Matthew 6 reminds us that our focus should be on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first rather than getting caught up in worrying about material possessions. Investing in things that will last for eternity is more valuable than earthly wealth. This applies to our bodies. They will die one day. So, how do we invest them well, here on earth, without getting caught up in trying to make them last (or avoid aging) forever? 2️⃣ Stewardship of our bodies may not be as complicated as we've made it to be. While the Bible doesn't specifically lay out rules for taking care of our physical bodies, we can extrapolate from scripture that we are to care for them as we are to care for other good gifts God gives us. But this doesn't mean prioritizing health, fitness, weight, or beauty goals, above the pursuit of godliness and holiness. 3️⃣ Beware of misplaced priorities: If at any time "stewarding" our bodies leads us to shift our focus away from God and his eternal purpose or keeps us tied to earthly priorities and agendas, we can be pretty sure that we're no longer stewarding but idolizing. Stewardship will never requires us to make our bodies a priority over loving God and others or pursuing God's purpose and plan for our lives. In other words, if you're too busy "stewarding" your body to have time to use your spiritual gifts, then you're no longer stewarding it well.  Listen to Heather's previous episode about money and body image connection here: Money, Body Image, Stewardship, Hoarding and All the Connections  Ready to learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework Online Course and Coaching Program? Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"The behaviors and information were the problem, my body was trying to help!" Christie Dondero Bettwy Heather Creekmore is joined today by Christie Dondero Bettwy, the executive director of Rock Recovery, an organization dedicated to helping those struggling with eating disorders. Heather and Christie dive deep into their personal experiences with eating disorders, sharing their journeys from struggling to recognizing and seeking help. They discuss the barriers that individuals without financial resources face when it comes to accessing treatment and the importance of organizations like Rock Recovery, which offer specialized and affordable help. Throughout the episode, Heather and Christie explore various aspects of eating disorders, such as body image, coping skills, the role of restrictions in binge behavior, and the impact of societal messages on our relationship with food. They also touch on the intersection of faith and recovery, sharing their own spiritual experiences and how these have played a vital role in their healing. With honesty and vulnerability, Heather and Christie challenge the misconceptions surrounding eating disorders, emphasizing the significance of clinical care, community support, and taking small steps forward in the recovery journey. They offer practical tips for handling triggering situations and assertively advocating for one's needs. Here's more about Christie: Christie has served for nearly a decade as the Executive Director for Rock Recovery, a DC-based nonprofit that helps clients and communities overcome disordered eating by combining clinical and spiritual care. Having experienced full recovery herself, she is passionate about spreading the message that complete freedom from disordered eating is possible and helping remove barriers that keep people from experiencing it. She is an active speaker and shares her story with organizations and media outlets across the country. While a true city girl at heart, Christie now resides in the suburbs of Washington, DC with her husband, Ryan.  Rock Recovery holiday program begins in November! Connect with Rock Recovery or learn more: www.rockrecoveryed.org Facebook: Rock Recovery, ED, Instagram: Rock Recovery or get a free consult on their website. Connect with Compared to Who? here: www.improvebodyimage.com Find out more about the Body Image Freedom Framework Course and Coaching program here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/christian-body-image-course-coaching Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather talks with Dr. Aimie Apiagan, MD, MS, MPH, a medical doctor who has committed her life's work to studying how trauma impacts our physical bodies.  In today's show, Dr. Aimie shares her own experiences with trauma, revealing patterns of disordered eating and the connection between trauma and how our bodies respond. Dr. Aimie offers a helpful and understandable definition for trauma as experiences that overwhelm us. She discusses how often we store these experiences away for future review yet never get back to processing it and the toll this "storing" of the traumas has on our bodies. Throughout the conversation, the hosts stress the importance of understanding and healing trauma, particularly for individuals struggling with body image issues. Also covered in this episode:*Why women may turn to over-exercising or specifically to running when there is unprocessed trauma.  *How Dr. Aimie sees how she used food in childhood to cover for her traumatic experiences she couldn't recognize or understand. *Why talk therapy alone is not enough to fully heal trauma. *How health symptoms can sometimes be related to unprocessed or stored trauma. *Why many people believe they're just battling stress but they could be battling stored trauma. Learn more about Dr. Aimie and her work here: https://www.traumahealingaccelerated.com Connect with Compared to Who? or learn more about coaching and online course options here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Save $50 off the Body Image Freedom Framework course by using the code: PODCAST     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather has a fascinating discussion with Tamara Rosier, PhD about the connections between ADHD and body image issues and eating disorders. Heather explores this topic as an extension of personal research she's been doing about her own undetected ADHD type symptoms and traits. Dr. Rosier walks Heather through several ways that ADHD connects and may contribute to body image issues and eating disorders including: *How the ADHD (neurodivergent) brain operates from the limbic system instead of the prefrontal cortex, making our bodies stay in a "fight or flight" response, which makes us constantly feel threatened or unsafe. *How ADHD often is found in high functioning women. *How ADHD can make us perfect victims for narcissists. *How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria connects to body image issues and potential eating disorders or disordered eating. *Why the hyper vigilance of the ADHD brain may cause us to overdo it in exercise. *Why the neurodivergent may experience the feelings of being "all or nothing" - Either working too hard/overworking or doing nothing at all. *How ADHD responses are similar to trauma responses, though some have both operating at same time. *Why being curious about what's going on in your brain is helpful. Learn more about Dr. Tamara Rosier and her book, "Your Brain's Not Broken" here: https://www.tamararosier.com/ (Amazon affiliate link) Ready to get free from your body image issues? Learn more about the Body Image Freedom Framework group coaching and online course. Choose just to do the 12-module course online or add some coaching along the way. Find out more here: www.improvebodyimage.com   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.