August 10, 2024 • 31 mins
OUTWEIGH: Welcome back for Part 4 of the official crossover series of the "What’s God Got To Do With It?" and Outweigh podcasts.
If you’ve been struggling with disordered eating patterns, restrictive diets, or feeling chained to unhealthy eating habits, this conversation is for you. We talk about how inviting God into your journey can help break those chains, allowing you to step into a new identity rooted in peace, love, and TRUE freedom.
We explore the concept of the "food brain" and how it’s wired to seek comfort and connection through unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating, mindless scrolling, or other habits that distract from what your soul truly needs.
This episode isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level solutions; it's about understanding the root of your struggles and learning to meet them with compassion, solution-focused care, and faith.
If you’re ready to shift your focus from fighting with your body to truly healing your relationship with food, this conversation will guide you toward that transformation, with God right by your side.
HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington
To learn more about re-wiring your brain to heal from the all-or-nothing diet mentality for good....but WITHOUT restricting yourself, punishing your body, (and definitely WITHOUT ever having to use words like macros, low-carb, or calorie burn) check out Leanne's FREE Stressless Eating Webinar @ www.StresslessEating.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
I won't let my body out be outwait everything that
I'm made done, won't spend my life trying to change.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
I'm learning love who I am again. I'm strong, I
feel free, I know every part of me it's beautiful
and that will.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Always out way if you feel.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
It, but you are, She'll some love to the food.
Why get there? Take good day and did you and
die out way?
Speaker 1 (00:35):
I am so excited as this is the very first
official crossover series of What's God Got to Do with
It in the Outweigh podcast, Because if you've been listening
to me on Outwigh, you know that that podcast is
all about helping women break themselves out of the food
and body prison, end the dieting madness, and take control
of their health for good, but without all that restriction, obsession,
(00:58):
and shame, and without dragging it out for years to
address it. And if you've been listening to me on
What's God Got to Do with It, you know that
we are all about the fusion of where science meets
faith and where faith meets transformation and miracles. So this
is a beautiful opportunity to talk about the crossover of
where science meets food and body image and self image
(01:22):
struggles and where that intersects faith or what's God got
to do with all of that. And that's exactly what
this six part series is all about. So Part one
is really just an introduction where we're simply going to
set up this massive topic. Part two is all about
the big picture of where faith meets science meets food
(01:45):
and body image struggles. In Part three, we go deep
into the self image and identity that you would need
to actually step into the version of you that would
have that health, that would have that relationship with food
in her body, and who would actually be at peace
and feel free, and of course how that fuses with
this faith brain conversation. In Part four, we dive deeper
(02:08):
into what God has to do with what I call
your food brain and disordered eating patterns and filling voids
in your head hard in spirit with food or netflix
or wine or whatever your drug of choice is, and
it's a whole that will never be filled by those things.
In Part five, we dive into the complicated relationship that
(02:29):
women have with their bodies and their body image and
physical pain, which is not talked about enough in my opinion,
and how to heal all of that from a faith
meets science perspective and invite God into the conversation, and
then wrapping it up in part six, we get into
the strategy side of things, as in, what does it
(02:49):
look like to use what you've learned about neuroscience and
faith and healing your relationship with food in your body
image to go create a winning game plan that sets
you up to win and one that your brain just
learns so you can go live your life. Food can
be food and you can feel comfortable in your skin
and free from the chains of restricting or punishing your body.
(03:11):
So let's dive on in. Here's part four. Welcome back
to the Outweigh and What's God Got to Do with
It crossover series, and we are back to go narrower
and deeper into this food and body image conversation while
we invite God into the conversation. And so if you
(03:32):
missed parts one, two, and three, definitely check those out
because we talked about the big picture of this entire
faith meets science meets food and body image conversation, and
we took a deep dive into the self image and
identity that you need to actually step into the version
of you that would have that health that would have
that relationship with food in her body and who would
(03:54):
actually be at peace and feel free, and of course
how that fuses with this faith brain conversation. And so
today we're going to talk all about what I call
your food brain. But just remember, and you've heard me
talk about this a lot, that as we're having this
science meets faith conversation, it's all under the umbrella of
stepping into a new identity. Like we talked about before,
(04:17):
you have to become a new version of yourself, and
you have to radically transform your being like the version
of you that would live that way and.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Have that relationship with food. Who is she right? What
is she thinking and believing and feeling and doing? And
notice I didn't say what is she eating? Right?
Speaker 1 (04:34):
And then from that place, the what you do or
don't do side of things is downstream from that identity
and self image of the woman that you're living as
each and every day.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
I know that might sound daunting if.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Food in your body is something that you've been struggling
with for a long time, but trust me, it is imperative.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Okay. And so like I said today, here in.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Part four, we're going to really dive deep into what
God has to do do with what I call your
food brain and really disordered eating patterns and filling voids
in your head, your heart, your spirit with food or
netflix or wine or whatever your drug of choices, and
we've all have our own, but it's a whole that
will never be filled by those things. Okay, but first
(05:18):
a little disclaimer. Of course, this is a massive topic,
and so I'm not here claiming that this one podcast
episode is going to solve years of struggles with food
or disordered eating or even addiction, because yeah, we're going
to be broaching that topic too, because I can't even
tell you how many times someone has said to me
that they feel like a food or sugar addict, and
(05:39):
so yeah, we're going to be talking about that too.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
But this is not.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Even close to a substitute for actually getting the support
and one on one guidance that you need. And so
a lot of women and men, if you're listening, have
a really complicated relationship with food in their bodies and
the stuff that we're going to cover today. I work
with people very intensively to four months at a time
to help them really heal this and put the problem
(06:04):
to bed and get off the put a band aid on.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
It roller coaster, and so to try to distill.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
It down into one podcast episode where we are going
to cover a lot of ground. But it's obviously not
a promise for a one and done solution, okay, And
that's why I'm super mindful about not just giving you
band aids. And I want to be clear about what
I am and what I'm not promising. And really this
is about inviting you into a conversation where you can
explore this massive topic but from a place of no
(06:31):
fluff and truly, you know, addressing the problem from its roots.
But again, not just giving you a one and done solution.
This is literally just the beginning of the conversation. And
I'm here to simply help you understand a bit more
about why you do what you do, and of course
invite God into the conversation. And so my hope is
just to help you understand more so that you can
(06:53):
approach your struggles with compassion and care rather than judgment
or shame. And so I'll start by kind of bottom
lining it for you. And if I were at the
bottom line, how to heal your food and body struggles
through the lens of faith, I would literally just put
it into two main categories. And so the first part
is literally exactly what we've covered the last couple of weeks.
(07:14):
It's the identity and like we talked about and I
probably sound like a broken record, you've got to become
a new version of yourself.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
You have to radically transform your being.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Because let's say you had all the strategy and habit
and brain change stuff, and let's just say you had
the perfect plan and the perfect steps to take, who's
to say you would actually show up for yourself and
use it and stick with it. And so that's why
you must become the version of yourself that thinks, lives
and believes this new way of being. And then from
(07:44):
that place you can address the habits and the behaviors.
And yes, this is the part that most skip over
because it's not as sexy to a lot of people
as lose ten pounds and ten minutes, but again it's imperative.
And then after that we can talk about the other
part of it, which is you have to heal the
cycle and the habits and the behaviors.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Okay, and that's really a given.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Okay, So in other words, you've got to address the
wiring in your brain that's causing you to eat the
way you eat or don't eat, and move the way
that you move or don't move, and just treat yourself
in your body the way that you treat it or
don't treat it, and feel the way that you feel
or don't.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Feel about yourself.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
And you've got to ditch what I call the weight
of the weight if you truly want to be free.
And I actually talk about this idea of the weight
of the weight a lot over on Outweigh. And what
I mean by that is that when you've been stuck
in the food and body struggle for years or decades
or sometimes it's a lifetime, it's like there's these heavy
chains of thoughts and beliefs and behaviors that you've been
(08:46):
carrying around in your brain and heart and spirit for
as long as you can remember. And those heavy, rusty
chains are what is so heavy, okay, And so the
weight on your body isn't the real weight.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
The real way is all of this other.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Stuff like aka those chains of beliefs and behaviors and shame, right,
those chains that you've been carrying around with you, And
there's no shame in that whatsoever.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
It's what I learned and it's what my clients learn too.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
But until you break the chains, you'll keep walking around
with them, and they just keep getting heavier. It's not
like they magically get lighter. They get worse, they get heavier,
and so if you're anything like I was, you kind
of also become desensitized to them and you start to
feel normal because maybe it's disguised as being air quotes
health conscious or watching what you eat. I know, for me,
(09:35):
I was like, oh, but I'm doing the right things,
and it's like, no, that was the weight of the
weight in disguise, and that's why it's not normal and
it's not healthy. These are the chains that bog down
your head and heart and spirit and really in turn
your body. And they are chains that do not have
to be there. And so we're having these important conversations
today because you don't want to be carrying them around anymore.
(09:57):
But again, it's probably just been happening so long it's
kind of become normal, and so let's break those chains
so that.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
We can ditch that weight.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Okay, on today's episode, we're going to cover two main
weight of the weights that are so relevant to this
food and brain conversation. And so just for the record,
I also feel very aligned sharing this because this is
where I start with all of my clients, and so
I know that if I'm being a good stored of
your time and energy and spiritual life, then this is
(10:28):
what I really want you to get. So let's start
with the first chain that we have to break and
we have to ditch the fight. So let's start with
the first chain that we have to break and we
have to ditch the fight, which is the first weight
of the weight which is the weight of chronic restrictive
(10:50):
dieting or obsession. Okay, it's the weight of that restriction, deprivation, punishment, persuasion,
and stress that typically comes alongside food and your body.
And it does not have to But I'll also say this,
God did not design us to have such a toxic
relationship with food in our bodies. But that's so much
(11:10):
easier said than done. Right, So what is the solution
and what's the alternative to that? What's the alternative to
the restriction and the dieting. Well, you know, most people
I talk to, they think that the alternative is feeling
out of control of food. If they aren't on something
or going off the rails or gluttonously overstuffing themselves. But
I believe that the true alternative to the toxic dieting
(11:33):
and restrictive mentality is to go make peace with food
and make peace with your body and really like wave
the white flag. Right, if we're talking about a fight here,
to end the fight, we've got to wave the white
flag and lay down the weapons of destruction and really
end this war that you've been in with yourself and
with food and with your body.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
And so this is where, yeah, I am, I'm inviting
you to just go get so sick and tired of
the fight and just simply declare that you're ready to
make peace with food and get on the same team
as your body, or at least learn what that looks like.
And even if you don't know what that looks like,
I'm just inviting you to be open to ending the
cycle of the fight after fight after fight, and really
(12:17):
it's that false sense of control, right, And I'm inviting
you to just vow here and now to go in
the direction of peace and love and freedom. And what
better way to do that than with God on your side.
And so you might be thinking like, but leanne, I
tried inviting God into this, and and nine times out
of ten when I ask a woman what that means,
(12:39):
it typically means that they asked God to give them
more willpower and discipline and self control so they can
keep dieting and restricting and obsessing. But that's the opposite
of what I'm saying. What I'm saying is invite God
into the conversation of you actually healing your relationship with
food and your body. And that is something that not
(13:01):
only have most women never done, but they've never invited
God into that. And so remember we've talked about this
the last couple episodes, What's Possible through the Eyes of
the Lord, where in Philippians four six it says do
not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Your requests to God.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
And so when was the last time you brought your
desires for peace with food and peace with your body
to God instead of praying for weight loss or praying
for more self control or discipline or whatever. Right, And
so I'm inviting you into a new conversation with God
around food and your body and really a new prayer
life on this subject.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
And that's where I'm inviting you.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
To start praying for peace, or at least to end
the war that you've found yourself in. And again in
Philippians four, God is literally telling us that if you're
anxious about something, change the things that you think about.
But he's also saying to bring it to him, don't
try to do it through your own strength, right, And
so change the things that you're thinking about is very
(14:06):
different than just focus on what you're eating, right, And
so in Matthew six twenty five through thirty four, he says, therefore,
I tell you do not worry about your life what
you will eat or drink, or about your body what
you will wear is not life more than food, and
the body more than clothes. And to me this is
simply a reminder that there is so much more to
(14:27):
your life than food and your body. And so yes,
take care of your health and focus on healing. But
to me, this just reinforces to ditch the fight and
ditch the weight of the weight of all of that
restriction and deprivation and punishment and persuasion and stress that
typically comes alongside food and your body. And it does
(14:49):
not have to, and so FYI again, this is a
much bigger conversation, one that I have, you know, over
months with individuals, and obviously we are just scratching the surface.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
But I wanted to just get the.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Wheels turning in your brain so that you can head
in a new direction and break the chains in your
own head, heart and spirit. Now, before we go any further,
there is one other set of chains that we have
to break. And the next weight of the weight that
I want to talk to you about is the weight
of your triggers. And I definitely am putting the word
triggers in air quotes, and really what I mean by
(15:23):
that is the weight of all the physical, mental, emotional
stress that if it's not released or addressed, it triggers
your deepest, ingrained habits, as in, that is how your
brain works. Okay, when you are physically, mentally or emotionally stressed,
it actually triggers your oldest habits. And so how do
(15:44):
we stop it. Well, let's look at where faith meets
science on an evidence based research perspective. So do you
remember how last week when we were talking about the
acc or that social brain, how I briefly mentioned that
the ACC is also a big player in addiction and
coping mechanisms and just kind of feeling dependent or out
(16:06):
of control of something and that side of things, okay,
And so I believe the ACC is also primarily where
addiction and coping mechanisms live. And so when I say
addiction and coping mechanisms, this really does go for anything
that we use to numb, distract, procrastinate, or just use
as our own drug of choice.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
And we all have our own. Again, but here's what
I mean.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
So I'm gonna kind of describe this cause and effect
cascade that happens in the brain to really help you
understand this. And so I'm going to use sugar for example,
but you know, sometimes it's wine, Netflix, mindless TV, online shopping,
scrolling Instagram, like anything that numbs you out, distracts you,
causes you to procrastinate, and again, no shame, we all
(16:49):
have our own drug of choice. But just know that
this is a small snapshot of how your ACC works,
like what I'm about to share with you, and of
course I'm just giving you the very oversimplified version. So
when you're reaching for your drug of choice, your social brain,
your ACC is actually looking for oxytocin, the love, comfort
(17:11):
and emotional or psychological safety hormone. And so the ACC
has one of the highest densities of opioid receptors in
your brain. And so just remember that, all right. And
so here's the thing your ACC or social brain as
I call it, it will get it. It's not just
something that your ACC desires. It requires oxytocin. But it
(17:34):
becomes a matter of what you feed your brain because
here's what's also happening, and oftentimes it's happening without you
even knowing it. So, like I said, your brain requires connection.
It's oxytocin, the safety love connection hormone that we just
talked about. Instead, in those moments, we feed ourselves that
quick fix, right, food, mindless TV, mindless web scrolling, compulsive shopping.
(17:59):
Maybe it's actual drugs, wine, whatever it is, But it's
really any activities that numb, distract, or comfort, and it's
that immediate gratification.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
And so, in turn, instead of.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Giving our brains what it really needs, which is that oxytocin,
we are giving it endless amounts of the high of
the drug itself, which is actually creating a dopamine serotonin payoff.
But in those moments, what our brain is truly craving
is again connection oxytocin, and in turn, our social brain
(18:30):
remains hungry for that oxytocin because it's still not getting
it right. It's getting dopamine instead, or it's getting TV
or sugar instead of oxytocin. And so essentially we're more
or less feeding loneliness and sadness and stress and boredom
with kind of like this fake connection like TV, food,
you know, other drugs of choice. And so in turn
(18:52):
we remain overfed but undernourished. Right, We're overfed with dopamine
and undernourished with that oxytocin. And then this is the
vicious cycle that keeps happening over and over and over again.
And that's why you're like, why did I just eat
a bag of cookies and I'm still hungry? It's because
your brain's not hungry for dopamine, it's hungry for oxytocin.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
And the other side of it, too, is it's not
a willpower thing.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
It's fired and wired in your brain, right, And that's
why willpower or just trying to outmotivate or white knuckle
your way through it isn't working because it's never going
to be solved with logic or reason because it's emotional.
It's in your social brain, and it must be unwired
and rewired if you ever want to feel like air
(19:38):
quotes in control of it. In fact, honestly, your brain
is just doing what it's been programmed to do. It
requires oxytocin and expect to get that hit of dopamine
in return, because that's what it's gotten fired and wired
to do. But also this is the perfect place to
invite God into the conversation, right because in reality, this
is your brain screaming.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
At you to feed what it really needs.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Okay, And a little hint here it's oftentimes a spiritual
need and an emotional need, not physical, even though in
those moments it so feels like it's physical, or it
so feels like it's about the food. But in the moment,
your brain thinks it wants sugar or Netflix or drugs
or alcohol or sex or whatever, right, But in reality,
it doesn't want that thing. It wants oxytocin and heart
(20:25):
soul spirit connection. But it's just been programmed and fired
and wired to get that other thing. It's been programmed
to really live in a state of being overfed by
that thing, but undernourished by the thing that it really wants.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
And needs, which is oxytocin.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
So I really want you to start seeing this through
the eyes of Okay, what spiritual need and emotional need
am I filling with my own drug of choice? And
how can I invite God in there so I can
learn to become emotionally and spiritually available to myself without.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
Turning to food or my choice.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
And this conversation and these questions felt so revelatory to
me because again it made me realize, like, Okay, I'm
not crazy or weak willed or weird or different. I
really just need to learn how to take care of
my brain like I take care of my body, right,
And so now I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
It to you flat out.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
You are not crazy, and you are not weak willed,
and you are simply doing what your brain got fired
and wired to do. But this is a brain that
God created and if you feel lost or in the dark,
then this is the perfect place to meet God and
invite him.
Speaker 2 (21:35):
To meet you in that place as well.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
But let's take it a step further and see where
faith meets science when it comes to addiction. And you
know those out of control tendencies and coping mechanisms.
Speaker 2 (21:45):
In the research world.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
Let's take it a step further and see where faith
meets science when it comes to addiction and you know
those out of control tendencies and coping mechanisms in the
research world. A national study by the Association of Religion
Data Archives where they basically coalated one hundred and eighty
five different studies on faith's impacts on different things. So
(22:12):
they looked at things like depression and mental health, like
you name it. They put it in one hundred eighty
five different studies, and they concluded that of the eight
of the one hundred eighty five studies that they located,
eighty four percent of them, So eighty four percent of
one hundred and eighty five studies found that faith reduced
(22:33):
the risks of drug abuse. And so this study of studies,
as I'm calling it, first of all, it's literally called belief,
behavior and belonging. How faith is indispensable in preventing and
recovering from substance abuse. And so it's no wonder that
seventy three percent of addiction treatment programs in the USA
include a spiritual.
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Based element and you know, it's part of twelve.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
Step programs, and of course it was initially made popular
by alcoholics anonymous, where you know a lot of its
core principles emphasize relying on God or a higher power
to stay sober. But as you learned, when we talk
about that acc that social brain, it might not necessarily
be drugs or alcohol or sex, or maybe it is
(23:15):
any or all of those things, but it can also
feel like we're addicted to food or social media or
dating apps or.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Fill in the blank.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
And so again, yes, it's a conversation of taking radical
ownership and responsibility and doing the work to rewire your brain.
But it's also literally proven that inviting God into this
conversation will miraculously help and speed up recovery. And I'll
add like keep you on that path. So that's what
(23:44):
science says about the faith brain connection. Let's take a
look at what God has to say about it. And
so I love this from First Corinthians ten thirteen. It says,
the temptations in your life are no different from what
others experience, and God is faithful. He will not allow
the temptation to be more than you can stand.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
When you are tempted. He will show you.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
A way out so that you can endure. And this
is where I'll say it again. You are not crazy,
you are not weak willed. You are human and your
temptations are also the human part of you. But God
will not allow the temptation to be more than you
can stand. And if you feel lost or in the dark,
then this is the perfect place to meet God and
(24:25):
ask him to meet you there. But this is where
I also I love you enough to tell you the
truth about this, that this is where your own free
will comes into right. This is about personal responsibility. And
God will meet you there, but you have to meet
him there first, right, But not meet him in this
conversation of more control or more weight loss or more disorder, right,
(24:49):
and like give you strength and the disorder. It's like, no,
ask him to meet you in the conversation of genuine
healing this time around. And I promise you he will
meet you there. But I'm guessing you've probably just never
asked him to meet you there, as most women have
never done that or even known to do that. It's
always been like, hey, God, like, help me have more
willpower to stay on this diet, or help me have
(25:10):
you know, white knuckle some more like give me the
strength to not you know, cave into my temptations because
I'm on a twelve hundred calorie restricted diet, you.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
So most women have never invited God into a big picture,
healing the root conversation. Okay, but here's another scripture that
I feel is actually so relevant to this piece of
the puzzle, and it's from one Corinthians six twelve, where
it says, you say, I am allowed to do anything.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
But not everything is good for you.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
And even though I'm allowed to do anything, I must
not become a slave to anything. And to me, that
reminds me that, yeah, you have free will, but not
everything serves you right.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
And for me, this was about looking at what I
was a slave to.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
And I was a slave to so many things throughout
my life, like food was just one of them. But
I was a slave to opinions of others, and a
slave to weed, and a slave to relationships.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Or friendships, I mean, you name it.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
But I finally did just have to acknowledge like, wow,
this does.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
Own me and I'm not really free.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
And I had to get to that point where I
said Okay, I refuse to go another day without figuring
out how to heal this. Like, it's not just about
giving it to God. It's about radical personal responsibility and
ownership while you give it over to God to help
you sort it out. And I feel like that in
itself is an important distinction. But I promise, promise, promise
(26:36):
that when you do.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
That, He will meet you there.
Speaker 1 (26:39):
And one Peter five point ten even tells us that
he will even if you've been struggling or suffering for
a long time. It says, in his kindness, God called
you to share in his eternal glory by means.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Of Jesus Christ.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore,
support and strengthen you, and he will place you on
a firm foundation. And so to that, I say, like,
even if you feel like you're at rock bottom or unhelpable,
or a lost cause or destined to just struggle with
your vice forever, there is a restorative healing power in
(27:14):
the name of Jesus that can strengthen you and give
you a new healthy.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
Foundation and a new identity.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
God's love will restore and support and strengthen you, and
he will place you on a firm foundation, and again like,
don't just take my word for it blindly, try all
of this on, like ask God to fill you with
new beliefs and new faith and new elements of your
identity and step into your own rebirth. And I'm just
(27:43):
giving you examples of scripture that resonated with me, because
you know, resonance is everything. So make sure that you
find scripture that resonates with you, or totally steal the
scripture that I'm sharing too if it resonates. But these
are just some examples of the healing power of God's
word and the healing power of faith and the healing
power of Jesus. And so it's up to you to
(28:04):
meet God there, right, And that's all I'm inviting you
to do. And really the big point of this conversation
like what if you simply started looking at your relationship
with food and you're coping mechanisms or maybe just parts
of your life where you feel bondage, And what if
it was all a God conversation. And this is the
kind of stuff that's happening in our own accs, whether
(28:26):
we are aware of it or not. But this is
also the part of the brain that I believe if
we invite God in absolute miracles can happen, and our
minds can be renewed, identities can be reshaped, and hope
and healing in our own mental emotional health can be
something that we continually invite God into the conversation. In fact,
(28:46):
you know, this study that we just looked at showed
us that eighty four percent of the time faith reduced
the risks of drug abuse. And again, like that's for
actual illicit drugs. So just imagine what faith can do
if you feel like you're addicted to food, sugar or
whatever you turn to when you're bored or lonely, Your
stressed are sad, right, And as always, everything I share
is simply an invitation without expectation, to just try on
(29:09):
a new story or a new perspective and just see
what meets you where you are in your own journey.
But now you're also seeing like this is the perfect
place to invite God into the conversation and He wants
to meet you there.
Speaker 2 (29:21):
He actually delights in supporting you. At least that's what
I believe. And so if you are still.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Wondering what God's got to do with your relationship with
food and your food brain. I'm here to tell you everything,
everything you know, and everything you didn't know. You didn't know,
so we will be back next week for part five,
so I'll see you then.
Speaker 2 (29:42):
Bye.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
That's it for today's episode of the What's God Got
to Do With It and the Outweigh podcast Crossover. Thanks
for tuning in, And if you want to learn more
about the work that I do or catch either of
the podcasts on a regular base, there's a couple of
ways you can do that. First off, if you want
to learn how to turn off the part of your
brain that's obsessed with food or obsessed with your weight
(30:09):
and rewire your own brain for peace and freedom, then
head on over to stressless Eating dot com and sign
up to watch the Stressless Eating Sneak preview, where I've
literally peeled the curtain and walked you through the exact
strategy I teach my clients to heal themselves from the
all or nothing diet mentality for good, but without restricting themselves,
(30:31):
punishing their bodies, and definitely without ever having to use
words like macros, low carb, or calorie burn. It's there
for you to access over at stressless Eating dot com
and if you're listening to this series over on What's
God Got.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
To Do With It?
Speaker 1 (30:45):
I also co host the Outweigh podcast with radio personality
Amy Brown, where we help women break themselves out of
the food and body prison, end the dieting madness, and
take control of their health for good, but without all
that restriction of and shame, and without dragging it out
for years.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
To address it.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
It's called Outweigh and you can find it wherever podcasts
are streamed. And if you're listening to this crossover series
on Outweigh, check out my other podcast called What's God
Got to Do With It? Where I talk about all
this self image and body image stuff but from the
perspective of where brain science, intersex faith.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
It's called What's God Got to Do With It?
Speaker 1 (31:25):
And you can access it on iHeart or wherever you
get your podcasts. So that's it for this episode of
the What's God Got to Do With It? And the
Outway podcast crossover series. I'm your host, Leanne Ellington, and
I'm so grateful to walk alongside you on this beautiful journey.
So thank you so much for listening, and I hope
you got whatever you needed to get from it.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Bye. For now,
I won't let my body out be outwait everything that
I'm made done, won't spend my life trying to change.
Speaker 2 (00:08):
I'm learning love who I am again. I'm strong, I
feel free, I know every part of me it's beautiful
and that will.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Always out way if you feel.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
It, but you are, She'll some love to the food.
Why get there? Take good day and did you and
die out way?
Speaker 1 (00:35):
I am so excited as this is the very first
official crossover series of What's God Got to Do with
It in the Outweigh podcast, Because if you've been listening
to me on Outwigh, you know that that podcast is
all about helping women break themselves out of the food
and body prison, end the dieting madness, and take control
of their health for good, but without all that restriction, obsession,
(00:58):
and shame, and without dragging it out for years to
address it. And if you've been listening to me on
What's God Got to Do with It, you know that
we are all about the fusion of where science meets
faith and where faith meets transformation and miracles. So this
is a beautiful opportunity to talk about the crossover of
where science meets food and body image and self image
(01:22):
struggles and where that intersects faith or what's God got
to do with all of that. And that's exactly what
this six part series is all about. So Part one
is really just an introduction where we're simply going to
set up this massive topic. Part two is all about
the big picture of where faith meets science meets food
(01:45):
and body image struggles. In Part three, we go deep
into the self image and identity that you would need
to actually step into the version of you that would
have that health, that would have that relationship with food
in her body, and who would actually be at peace
and feel free, and of course how that fuses with
this faith brain conversation. In Part four, we dive deeper
(02:08):
into what God has to do with what I call
your food brain and disordered eating patterns and filling voids
in your head hard in spirit with food or netflix
or wine or whatever your drug of choice is, and
it's a whole that will never be filled by those things.
In Part five, we dive into the complicated relationship that
(02:29):
women have with their bodies and their body image and
physical pain, which is not talked about enough in my opinion,
and how to heal all of that from a faith
meets science perspective and invite God into the conversation, and
then wrapping it up in part six, we get into
the strategy side of things, as in, what does it
(02:49):
look like to use what you've learned about neuroscience and
faith and healing your relationship with food in your body
image to go create a winning game plan that sets
you up to win and one that your brain just
learns so you can go live your life. Food can
be food and you can feel comfortable in your skin
and free from the chains of restricting or punishing your body.
(03:11):
So let's dive on in. Here's part four. Welcome back
to the Outweigh and What's God Got to Do with
It crossover series, and we are back to go narrower
and deeper into this food and body image conversation while
we invite God into the conversation. And so if you
(03:32):
missed parts one, two, and three, definitely check those out
because we talked about the big picture of this entire
faith meets science meets food and body image conversation, and
we took a deep dive into the self image and
identity that you need to actually step into the version
of you that would have that health that would have
that relationship with food in her body and who would
(03:54):
actually be at peace and feel free, and of course
how that fuses with this faith brain conversation. And so
today we're going to talk all about what I call
your food brain. But just remember, and you've heard me
talk about this a lot, that as we're having this
science meets faith conversation, it's all under the umbrella of
stepping into a new identity. Like we talked about before,
(04:17):
you have to become a new version of yourself, and
you have to radically transform your being like the version
of you that would live that way and.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
Have that relationship with food. Who is she right? What
is she thinking and believing and feeling and doing? And
notice I didn't say what is she eating? Right?
Speaker 1 (04:34):
And then from that place, the what you do or
don't do side of things is downstream from that identity
and self image of the woman that you're living as
each and every day.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
I know that might sound daunting if.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Food in your body is something that you've been struggling
with for a long time, but trust me, it is imperative.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
Okay. And so like I said today, here in.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Part four, we're going to really dive deep into what
God has to do do with what I call your
food brain and really disordered eating patterns and filling voids
in your head, your heart, your spirit with food or
netflix or wine or whatever your drug of choices, and
we've all have our own, but it's a whole that
will never be filled by those things. Okay, but first
(05:18):
a little disclaimer. Of course, this is a massive topic,
and so I'm not here claiming that this one podcast
episode is going to solve years of struggles with food
or disordered eating or even addiction, because yeah, we're going
to be broaching that topic too, because I can't even
tell you how many times someone has said to me
that they feel like a food or sugar addict, and
(05:39):
so yeah, we're going to be talking about that too.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
But this is not.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Even close to a substitute for actually getting the support
and one on one guidance that you need. And so
a lot of women and men, if you're listening, have
a really complicated relationship with food in their bodies and
the stuff that we're going to cover today. I work
with people very intensively to four months at a time
to help them really heal this and put the problem
(06:04):
to bed and get off the put a band aid on.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
It roller coaster, and so to try to distill.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
It down into one podcast episode where we are going
to cover a lot of ground. But it's obviously not
a promise for a one and done solution, okay, And
that's why I'm super mindful about not just giving you
band aids. And I want to be clear about what
I am and what I'm not promising. And really this
is about inviting you into a conversation where you can
explore this massive topic but from a place of no
(06:31):
fluff and truly, you know, addressing the problem from its roots.
But again, not just giving you a one and done solution.
This is literally just the beginning of the conversation. And
I'm here to simply help you understand a bit more
about why you do what you do, and of course
invite God into the conversation. And so my hope is
just to help you understand more so that you can
(06:53):
approach your struggles with compassion and care rather than judgment
or shame. And so I'll start by kind of bottom
lining it for you. And if I were at the
bottom line, how to heal your food and body struggles
through the lens of faith, I would literally just put
it into two main categories. And so the first part
is literally exactly what we've covered the last couple of weeks.
(07:14):
It's the identity and like we talked about and I
probably sound like a broken record, you've got to become
a new version of yourself.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
You have to radically transform your being.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Because let's say you had all the strategy and habit
and brain change stuff, and let's just say you had
the perfect plan and the perfect steps to take, who's
to say you would actually show up for yourself and
use it and stick with it. And so that's why
you must become the version of yourself that thinks, lives
and believes this new way of being. And then from
(07:44):
that place you can address the habits and the behaviors.
And yes, this is the part that most skip over
because it's not as sexy to a lot of people
as lose ten pounds and ten minutes, but again it's imperative.
And then after that we can talk about the other
part of it, which is you have to heal the
cycle and the habits and the behaviors.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Okay, and that's really a given.
Speaker 1 (08:06):
Okay, So in other words, you've got to address the
wiring in your brain that's causing you to eat the
way you eat or don't eat, and move the way
that you move or don't move, and just treat yourself
in your body the way that you treat it or
don't treat it, and feel the way that you feel
or don't.
Speaker 2 (08:22):
Feel about yourself.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
And you've got to ditch what I call the weight
of the weight if you truly want to be free.
And I actually talk about this idea of the weight
of the weight a lot over on Outweigh. And what
I mean by that is that when you've been stuck
in the food and body struggle for years or decades
or sometimes it's a lifetime, it's like there's these heavy
chains of thoughts and beliefs and behaviors that you've been
(08:46):
carrying around in your brain and heart and spirit for
as long as you can remember. And those heavy, rusty
chains are what is so heavy, okay, And so the
weight on your body isn't the real weight.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
The real way is all of this other.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Stuff like aka those chains of beliefs and behaviors and shame, right,
those chains that you've been carrying around with you, And
there's no shame in that whatsoever.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
It's what I learned and it's what my clients learn too.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
But until you break the chains, you'll keep walking around
with them, and they just keep getting heavier. It's not
like they magically get lighter. They get worse, they get heavier,
and so if you're anything like I was, you kind
of also become desensitized to them and you start to
feel normal because maybe it's disguised as being air quotes
health conscious or watching what you eat. I know, for me,
(09:35):
I was like, oh, but I'm doing the right things,
and it's like, no, that was the weight of the
weight in disguise, and that's why it's not normal and
it's not healthy. These are the chains that bog down
your head and heart and spirit and really in turn
your body. And they are chains that do not have
to be there. And so we're having these important conversations
today because you don't want to be carrying them around anymore.
(09:57):
But again, it's probably just been happening so long it's
kind of become normal, and so let's break those chains
so that.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
We can ditch that weight.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Okay, on today's episode, we're going to cover two main
weight of the weights that are so relevant to this
food and brain conversation. And so just for the record,
I also feel very aligned sharing this because this is
where I start with all of my clients, and so
I know that if I'm being a good stored of
your time and energy and spiritual life, then this is
(10:28):
what I really want you to get. So let's start
with the first chain that we have to break and
we have to ditch the fight. So let's start with
the first chain that we have to break and we
have to ditch the fight, which is the first weight
of the weight which is the weight of chronic restrictive
(10:50):
dieting or obsession. Okay, it's the weight of that restriction, deprivation, punishment, persuasion,
and stress that typically comes alongside food and your body.
And it does not have to But I'll also say this,
God did not design us to have such a toxic
relationship with food in our bodies. But that's so much
(11:10):
easier said than done. Right, So what is the solution
and what's the alternative to that? What's the alternative to
the restriction and the dieting. Well, you know, most people
I talk to, they think that the alternative is feeling
out of control of food. If they aren't on something
or going off the rails or gluttonously overstuffing themselves. But
I believe that the true alternative to the toxic dieting
(11:33):
and restrictive mentality is to go make peace with food
and make peace with your body and really like wave
the white flag. Right, if we're talking about a fight here,
to end the fight, we've got to wave the white
flag and lay down the weapons of destruction and really
end this war that you've been in with yourself and
with food and with your body.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
And so this is where, yeah, I am, I'm inviting
you to just go get so sick and tired of
the fight and just simply declare that you're ready to
make peace with food and get on the same team
as your body, or at least learn what that looks like.
And even if you don't know what that looks like,
I'm just inviting you to be open to ending the
cycle of the fight after fight after fight, and really
(12:17):
it's that false sense of control, right, And I'm inviting
you to just vow here and now to go in
the direction of peace and love and freedom. And what
better way to do that than with God on your side.
And so you might be thinking like, but leanne, I
tried inviting God into this, and and nine times out
of ten when I ask a woman what that means,
(12:39):
it typically means that they asked God to give them
more willpower and discipline and self control so they can
keep dieting and restricting and obsessing. But that's the opposite
of what I'm saying. What I'm saying is invite God
into the conversation of you actually healing your relationship with
food and your body. And that is something that not
(13:01):
only have most women never done, but they've never invited
God into that. And so remember we've talked about this
the last couple episodes, What's Possible through the Eyes of
the Lord, where in Philippians four six it says do
not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Your requests to God.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
And so when was the last time you brought your
desires for peace with food and peace with your body
to God instead of praying for weight loss or praying
for more self control or discipline or whatever. Right, And
so I'm inviting you into a new conversation with God
around food and your body and really a new prayer
life on this subject.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
And that's where I'm inviting you.
Speaker 1 (13:45):
To start praying for peace, or at least to end
the war that you've found yourself in. And again in
Philippians four, God is literally telling us that if you're
anxious about something, change the things that you think about.
But he's also saying to bring it to him, don't
try to do it through your own strength, right, And
so change the things that you're thinking about is very
(14:06):
different than just focus on what you're eating, right, And
so in Matthew six twenty five through thirty four, he says, therefore,
I tell you do not worry about your life what
you will eat or drink, or about your body what
you will wear is not life more than food, and
the body more than clothes. And to me this is
simply a reminder that there is so much more to
(14:27):
your life than food and your body. And so yes,
take care of your health and focus on healing. But
to me, this just reinforces to ditch the fight and
ditch the weight of the weight of all of that
restriction and deprivation and punishment and persuasion and stress that
typically comes alongside food and your body. And it does
(14:49):
not have to, and so FYI again, this is a
much bigger conversation, one that I have, you know, over
months with individuals, and obviously we are just scratching the surface.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
But I wanted to just get the.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Wheels turning in your brain so that you can head
in a new direction and break the chains in your
own head, heart and spirit. Now, before we go any further,
there is one other set of chains that we have
to break. And the next weight of the weight that
I want to talk to you about is the weight
of your triggers. And I definitely am putting the word
triggers in air quotes, and really what I mean by
(15:23):
that is the weight of all the physical, mental, emotional
stress that if it's not released or addressed, it triggers
your deepest, ingrained habits, as in, that is how your
brain works. Okay, when you are physically, mentally or emotionally stressed,
it actually triggers your oldest habits. And so how do
(15:44):
we stop it. Well, let's look at where faith meets
science on an evidence based research perspective. So do you
remember how last week when we were talking about the
acc or that social brain, how I briefly mentioned that
the ACC is also a big player in addiction and
coping mechanisms and just kind of feeling dependent or out
(16:06):
of control of something and that side of things, okay,
And so I believe the ACC is also primarily where
addiction and coping mechanisms live. And so when I say
addiction and coping mechanisms, this really does go for anything
that we use to numb, distract, procrastinate, or just use
as our own drug of choice.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
And we all have our own. Again, but here's what
I mean.
Speaker 1 (16:29):
So I'm gonna kind of describe this cause and effect
cascade that happens in the brain to really help you
understand this. And so I'm going to use sugar for example,
but you know, sometimes it's wine, Netflix, mindless TV, online shopping,
scrolling Instagram, like anything that numbs you out, distracts you,
causes you to procrastinate, and again, no shame, we all
(16:49):
have our own drug of choice. But just know that
this is a small snapshot of how your ACC works,
like what I'm about to share with you, and of
course I'm just giving you the very oversimplified version. So
when you're reaching for your drug of choice, your social brain,
your ACC is actually looking for oxytocin, the love, comfort
(17:11):
and emotional or psychological safety hormone. And so the ACC
has one of the highest densities of opioid receptors in
your brain. And so just remember that, all right. And
so here's the thing your ACC or social brain as
I call it, it will get it. It's not just
something that your ACC desires. It requires oxytocin. But it
(17:34):
becomes a matter of what you feed your brain because
here's what's also happening, and oftentimes it's happening without you
even knowing it. So, like I said, your brain requires connection.
It's oxytocin, the safety love connection hormone that we just
talked about. Instead, in those moments, we feed ourselves that
quick fix, right, food, mindless TV, mindless web scrolling, compulsive shopping.
(17:59):
Maybe it's actual drugs, wine, whatever it is, But it's
really any activities that numb, distract, or comfort, and it's
that immediate gratification.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
And so, in turn, instead of.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Giving our brains what it really needs, which is that oxytocin,
we are giving it endless amounts of the high of
the drug itself, which is actually creating a dopamine serotonin payoff.
But in those moments, what our brain is truly craving
is again connection oxytocin, and in turn, our social brain
(18:30):
remains hungry for that oxytocin because it's still not getting
it right. It's getting dopamine instead, or it's getting TV
or sugar instead of oxytocin. And so essentially we're more
or less feeding loneliness and sadness and stress and boredom
with kind of like this fake connection like TV, food,
you know, other drugs of choice. And so in turn
(18:52):
we remain overfed but undernourished. Right, We're overfed with dopamine
and undernourished with that oxytocin. And then this is the
vicious cycle that keeps happening over and over and over again.
And that's why you're like, why did I just eat
a bag of cookies and I'm still hungry? It's because
your brain's not hungry for dopamine, it's hungry for oxytocin.
Speaker 2 (19:13):
And the other side of it, too, is it's not
a willpower thing.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
It's fired and wired in your brain, right, And that's
why willpower or just trying to outmotivate or white knuckle
your way through it isn't working because it's never going
to be solved with logic or reason because it's emotional.
It's in your social brain, and it must be unwired
and rewired if you ever want to feel like air
(19:38):
quotes in control of it. In fact, honestly, your brain
is just doing what it's been programmed to do. It
requires oxytocin and expect to get that hit of dopamine
in return, because that's what it's gotten fired and wired
to do. But also this is the perfect place to
invite God into the conversation, right because in reality, this
is your brain screaming.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
At you to feed what it really needs.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Okay, And a little hint here it's oftentimes a spiritual
need and an emotional need, not physical, even though in
those moments it so feels like it's physical, or it
so feels like it's about the food. But in the moment,
your brain thinks it wants sugar or Netflix or drugs
or alcohol or sex or whatever, right, But in reality,
it doesn't want that thing. It wants oxytocin and heart
(20:25):
soul spirit connection. But it's just been programmed and fired
and wired to get that other thing. It's been programmed
to really live in a state of being overfed by
that thing, but undernourished by the thing that it really wants.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
And needs, which is oxytocin.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
So I really want you to start seeing this through
the eyes of Okay, what spiritual need and emotional need
am I filling with my own drug of choice? And
how can I invite God in there so I can
learn to become emotionally and spiritually available to myself without.
Speaker 2 (20:58):
Turning to food or my choice.
Speaker 1 (21:01):
And this conversation and these questions felt so revelatory to
me because again it made me realize, like, Okay, I'm
not crazy or weak willed or weird or different. I
really just need to learn how to take care of
my brain like I take care of my body, right,
And so now I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (21:18):
It to you flat out.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
You are not crazy, and you are not weak willed,
and you are simply doing what your brain got fired
and wired to do. But this is a brain that
God created and if you feel lost or in the dark,
then this is the perfect place to meet God and
invite him.
Speaker 2 (21:35):
To meet you in that place as well.
Speaker 1 (21:37):
But let's take it a step further and see where
faith meets science when it comes to addiction. And you
know those out of control tendencies and coping mechanisms.
Speaker 2 (21:45):
In the research world.
Speaker 1 (21:51):
Let's take it a step further and see where faith
meets science when it comes to addiction and you know
those out of control tendencies and coping mechanisms in the
research world. A national study by the Association of Religion
Data Archives where they basically coalated one hundred and eighty
five different studies on faith's impacts on different things. So
(22:12):
they looked at things like depression and mental health, like
you name it. They put it in one hundred eighty
five different studies, and they concluded that of the eight
of the one hundred eighty five studies that they located,
eighty four percent of them, So eighty four percent of
one hundred and eighty five studies found that faith reduced
(22:33):
the risks of drug abuse. And so this study of studies,
as I'm calling it, first of all, it's literally called belief,
behavior and belonging. How faith is indispensable in preventing and
recovering from substance abuse. And so it's no wonder that
seventy three percent of addiction treatment programs in the USA
include a spiritual.
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Based element and you know, it's part of twelve.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
Step programs, and of course it was initially made popular
by alcoholics anonymous, where you know a lot of its
core principles emphasize relying on God or a higher power
to stay sober. But as you learned, when we talk
about that acc that social brain, it might not necessarily
be drugs or alcohol or sex, or maybe it is
(23:15):
any or all of those things, but it can also
feel like we're addicted to food or social media or
dating apps or.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
Fill in the blank.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
And so again, yes, it's a conversation of taking radical
ownership and responsibility and doing the work to rewire your brain.
But it's also literally proven that inviting God into this
conversation will miraculously help and speed up recovery. And I'll
add like keep you on that path. So that's what
(23:44):
science says about the faith brain connection. Let's take a
look at what God has to say about it. And
so I love this from First Corinthians ten thirteen. It says,
the temptations in your life are no different from what
others experience, and God is faithful. He will not allow
the temptation to be more than you can stand.
Speaker 2 (24:03):
When you are tempted. He will show you.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
A way out so that you can endure. And this
is where I'll say it again. You are not crazy,
you are not weak willed. You are human and your
temptations are also the human part of you. But God
will not allow the temptation to be more than you
can stand. And if you feel lost or in the dark,
then this is the perfect place to meet God and
(24:25):
ask him to meet you there. But this is where
I also I love you enough to tell you the
truth about this, that this is where your own free
will comes into right. This is about personal responsibility. And
God will meet you there, but you have to meet
him there first, right, But not meet him in this
conversation of more control or more weight loss or more disorder, right,
(24:49):
and like give you strength and the disorder. It's like, no,
ask him to meet you in the conversation of genuine
healing this time around. And I promise you he will
meet you there. But I'm guessing you've probably just never
asked him to meet you there, as most women have
never done that or even known to do that. It's
always been like, hey, God, like, help me have more
willpower to stay on this diet, or help me have
(25:10):
you know, white knuckle some more like give me the
strength to not you know, cave into my temptations because
I'm on a twelve hundred calorie restricted diet, you.
Speaker 2 (25:18):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
So most women have never invited God into a big picture,
healing the root conversation. Okay, but here's another scripture that
I feel is actually so relevant to this piece of
the puzzle, and it's from one Corinthians six twelve, where
it says, you say, I am allowed to do anything.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
But not everything is good for you.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
And even though I'm allowed to do anything, I must
not become a slave to anything. And to me, that
reminds me that, yeah, you have free will, but not
everything serves you right.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
And for me, this was about looking at what I
was a slave to.
Speaker 1 (25:56):
And I was a slave to so many things throughout
my life, like food was just one of them. But
I was a slave to opinions of others, and a
slave to weed, and a slave to relationships.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Or friendships, I mean, you name it.
Speaker 1 (26:08):
But I finally did just have to acknowledge like, wow,
this does.
Speaker 2 (26:12):
Own me and I'm not really free.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
And I had to get to that point where I
said Okay, I refuse to go another day without figuring
out how to heal this. Like, it's not just about
giving it to God. It's about radical personal responsibility and
ownership while you give it over to God to help
you sort it out. And I feel like that in
itself is an important distinction. But I promise, promise, promise
(26:36):
that when you do.
Speaker 2 (26:37):
That, He will meet you there.
Speaker 1 (26:39):
And one Peter five point ten even tells us that
he will even if you've been struggling or suffering for
a long time. It says, in his kindness, God called
you to share in his eternal glory by means.
Speaker 2 (26:51):
Of Jesus Christ.
Speaker 1 (26:52):
So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore,
support and strengthen you, and he will place you on
a firm foundation. And so to that, I say, like,
even if you feel like you're at rock bottom or unhelpable,
or a lost cause or destined to just struggle with
your vice forever, there is a restorative healing power in
(27:14):
the name of Jesus that can strengthen you and give
you a new healthy.
Speaker 2 (27:19):
Foundation and a new identity.
Speaker 1 (27:21):
God's love will restore and support and strengthen you, and
he will place you on a firm foundation, and again like,
don't just take my word for it blindly, try all
of this on, like ask God to fill you with
new beliefs and new faith and new elements of your
identity and step into your own rebirth. And I'm just
(27:43):
giving you examples of scripture that resonated with me, because
you know, resonance is everything. So make sure that you
find scripture that resonates with you, or totally steal the
scripture that I'm sharing too if it resonates. But these
are just some examples of the healing power of God's
word and the healing power of faith and the healing
power of Jesus. And so it's up to you to
(28:04):
meet God there, right, And that's all I'm inviting you
to do. And really the big point of this conversation
like what if you simply started looking at your relationship
with food and you're coping mechanisms or maybe just parts
of your life where you feel bondage, And what if
it was all a God conversation. And this is the
kind of stuff that's happening in our own accs, whether
(28:26):
we are aware of it or not. But this is
also the part of the brain that I believe if
we invite God in absolute miracles can happen, and our
minds can be renewed, identities can be reshaped, and hope
and healing in our own mental emotional health can be
something that we continually invite God into the conversation. In fact,
(28:46):
you know, this study that we just looked at showed
us that eighty four percent of the time faith reduced
the risks of drug abuse. And again, like that's for
actual illicit drugs. So just imagine what faith can do
if you feel like you're addicted to food, sugar or
whatever you turn to when you're bored or lonely, Your
stressed are sad, right, And as always, everything I share
is simply an invitation without expectation, to just try on
(29:09):
a new story or a new perspective and just see
what meets you where you are in your own journey.
But now you're also seeing like this is the perfect
place to invite God into the conversation and He wants
to meet you there.
Speaker 2 (29:21):
He actually delights in supporting you. At least that's what
I believe. And so if you are still.
Speaker 1 (29:27):
Wondering what God's got to do with your relationship with
food and your food brain. I'm here to tell you everything,
everything you know, and everything you didn't know. You didn't know,
so we will be back next week for part five,
so I'll see you then.
Speaker 2 (29:42):
Bye.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
That's it for today's episode of the What's God Got
to Do With It and the Outweigh podcast Crossover. Thanks
for tuning in, And if you want to learn more
about the work that I do or catch either of
the podcasts on a regular base, there's a couple of
ways you can do that. First off, if you want
to learn how to turn off the part of your
brain that's obsessed with food or obsessed with your weight
(30:09):
and rewire your own brain for peace and freedom, then
head on over to stressless Eating dot com and sign
up to watch the Stressless Eating Sneak preview, where I've
literally peeled the curtain and walked you through the exact
strategy I teach my clients to heal themselves from the
all or nothing diet mentality for good, but without restricting themselves,
(30:31):
punishing their bodies, and definitely without ever having to use
words like macros, low carb, or calorie burn. It's there
for you to access over at stressless Eating dot com
and if you're listening to this series over on What's
God Got.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
To Do With It?
Speaker 1 (30:45):
I also co host the Outweigh podcast with radio personality
Amy Brown, where we help women break themselves out of
the food and body prison, end the dieting madness, and
take control of their health for good, but without all
that restriction of and shame, and without dragging it out
for years.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
To address it.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
It's called Outweigh and you can find it wherever podcasts
are streamed. And if you're listening to this crossover series
on Outweigh, check out my other podcast called What's God
Got to Do With It? Where I talk about all
this self image and body image stuff but from the
perspective of where brain science, intersex faith.
Speaker 2 (31:23):
It's called What's God Got to Do With It?
Speaker 1 (31:25):
And you can access it on iHeart or wherever you
get your podcasts. So that's it for this episode of
the What's God Got to Do With It? And the
Outway podcast crossover series. I'm your host, Leanne Ellington, and
I'm so grateful to walk alongside you on this beautiful journey.
So thank you so much for listening, and I hope
you got whatever you needed to get from it.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Bye. For now,
Hosts And Creators
Amy Brown
Leanne Ellington
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