July 25, 2025 • 33 mins
This week on What's God Got To Do With It? With Leanne Ellington:
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 Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.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 (00:09):
If you want to go on a journey. If you're skeptical,
don't worry. Not here to preach, want to keep clean
and talk to me and recad where faith need starts nature.
Get in touch with your creat with a vagul love
and jew She even speaks Hebrew.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Gotzat?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Sapsation? You should talking transformation? What's that? Gonzato?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
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 Outwegh, you know that that podcast is all
about helping women break them selves out of the food
and body prison, end the dieting madness, and take control
of their health for good, but without all that restriction,
(01:08):
obsession and shame, and without dragging it out.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
For years to address it. And if you've been.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
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 struggles and where that intersects faith or what's
(01:36):
God got to do.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
With all of that.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
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 and body image struggles. In Part three,
we go deep into the self image and idea that
(02:00):
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 into what God has to do with
what I call your food brain and disordered eating patterns
(02:24):
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 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
(02:47):
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 look like to use what
you've learned about neuroscience and faith and healing your relationship
with food and your body image to go create a
winning game plan that sets you up to win and
(03:10):
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. 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
(03:32):
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 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
(03:54):
the self image and identity that you need to actually
step into the version of you that would have that
health would have that relationship with food in her body,
and who.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Would actually be at peace.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
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.
(04:25):
Like we talked about before, 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 have that relationship with food.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Who is she right?
Speaker 3 (04:37):
What is she thinking and believing and feeling and doing?
And notice I didn't say what is she eating?
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Right?
Speaker 3 (04:44):
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. I know that might sound daunting
if food in your body is something that you've been
struggling with for a long time, but trust me, it
is imperative.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
And so like I said today, here in part four,
we're going to really dive deep into what God has
to 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.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Or whatever your drug of choices. And we've all have
our own.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
But it's a whole that will never be filled by
those things. Okay, but first 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
(05:45):
has said to me that they feel like a food
or sugar addict, and so yeah, we're going to be
talking about that too. But this is not 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
(06:07):
very intensively for three to four months at a time
to help them really heal this and put the problem
to bed and get off the put a band aid
on it roller coaster, and so to try to distill
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
(06:29):
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
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
(06:51):
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
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 a to
(07:11):
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.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
It's the identity and.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Like we talked about and I probably sound like a
broken record, you've got to become a new version of yourself.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
You have to radically transform your being.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Because let's say you had all the strategy and habit
and brain change stuff, and let's just say you have
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.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
This new way of being.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
And then from 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.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Again it's imperative.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
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. Okay, and that's
really a given. 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 and your body the way that you
(08:27):
treat it or don't treat it, and feel the way
that you feel or don't.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Feel about yourself.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
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.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Lot over on Outweigh.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
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 carrying around in your brain and heart and
spirit for as long as you can remember.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
And those heavy, rusty chains are.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
What is so heavy, okay, And so the weight on
your body isn't the real weight. The real weight is
all of this other 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 (09:21):
It's what I learned and it's what my clients learn too.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
But until you break the chains, you'll keep walking around
with them, and they just keep getting heavier.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
It's not like they magically get lighter.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
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, 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
(09:53):
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. 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 (10:14):
We can ditch that weight.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
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 steward of
your time and energy and spiritual life, then this is
(10:37):
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
(10:58):
have to ditch the fight, which is the first weight
of the weight which is the weight of chronic restrictive
dieting or obsession. Okay, it's the weight of that restriction, deprivation, punishment, persuasion,
and stress that typically comes alongside food and your body.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
And it does not.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
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 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
(11:38):
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 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 and the fight we've got,
(12:00):
wave the white flag and laid down the weapons of
destruction and really end this war that you've been in
with yourself and with food and with your body. Right,
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
(12:21):
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
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
(12:41):
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,
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
(13:05):
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
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
(13:25):
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 your requests to God.
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
(13:47):
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. And that's where I'm inviting you
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
(14:09):
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
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
(14:30):
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
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
(14:52):
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
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.
(15:14):
But I wanted to just get the 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.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Of chains that we have to break.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
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 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
(15:51):
you are physically, mentally or emotionally stressed, it actually triggers
your oldest habits. And so how do 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,
(16:12):
how I briefly mentioned that the ACC was also a
big player in addiction and coping mechanisms and just kind
of feeling dependent or out 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.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
And so when I say addiction and coping.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
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 (16:41):
And we all have our own. Again, but here's what
I mean.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
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 out, distracts you, causes
you to procrastinate, and again, no shame, we all have
(17:04):
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
(17:25):
and emotional or psychological safety hormone. And so the ACC
has one of the highest densities of opioid.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Receptors in your brain. And so just remember that, all right.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
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 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
(17:58):
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. Maybe it's actual drugs, wine, whatever it is,
But it's really any activities that numb, distract, or comfort,
(18:19):
and it's that immediate gratification.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
And so, in turn, instead of.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
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
(18:44):
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 with
kind of like this fake connection like TV, food, you know,
other drugs of choice. And so in turn we remain
(19:08):
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. And
(19:28):
the other side of it, too, is it's not a
willpower thing. 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
(19:48):
be unwired and rewired if you ever want to feel
like air 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,
(20:11):
this is your brain screaming at you to feed it
what it really needs. Okay, and 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,
(20:34):
But in reality, it doesn't want that thing. It wants
oxytocin and heart 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 under nourished by the
thing that it really wants.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
And needs, which is oxytocin.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
So I really want you to start seeing this through
the eyes of Okay, what's spear siritual need and emotional need?
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Am I filling with my own drug of choice?
Speaker 3 (21:05):
And how can I invite God in there so I
can learn to become emotionally and spiritually available to myself
without turning to food or my drug of choice. 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
(21:26):
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 it.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
To you flat out.
Speaker 3 (21:34):
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 to meet you.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
In that place as well.
Speaker 3 (21:52):
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 in
the research world. Let's take it a step further and
(22:12):
see where faith meets science when it comes to addiction
and you know, those out of control tendencies and coding
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 they looked at things like depression and
(22:33):
mental health, like you name it. They put it in
one hundred eighty five different studies, and they concluded that
of the of the one hundred and eighty five studies
that they located, eighty four percent of them, So eighty
four percent of one hundred and eighty five studies found that.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
Faith reduced the risks of drug abuse.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
And so this study of studies, as I'm calling it,
first of all, it's literally called belief that 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 (23:12):
Based element, and you know it's part of twelve.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
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.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
To stay sober.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
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 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 (23:41):
Fill in the blank.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
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 like keep.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
You on that path.
Speaker 3 (24:02):
So that's what 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 one 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. When you are tempted. He will show
(24:24):
you 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
(24:45):
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,
(25:08):
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
(25:30):
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.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
You know what I mean.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
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 (25:56):
But not everything is good for you.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
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. And for me, this was about
looking at what I was a slave to. And I
was a slave to so many things throughout my life,
like food was just one of them. But I was
(26:21):
a slave to opinions of others, and a slave to weed,
and a slave to relationships or friendships, I mean, you
name it. But I finally did just have to acknowledge like, wow,
this does own me and.
Speaker 2 (26:32):
I'm not really free.
Speaker 3 (26:34):
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.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
That when you do that, He will meet you there.
And first p.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Five' 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.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
By means Of Jesus.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
Christ so after you have suffered a little, while he will,
restore support and strengthen, you and he will place you
on a firm.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Foundation and so to, THAT i, say, like even if
you feel like.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
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 the name Of jesus
that can strengthen you and give you a new healthy
foundation and a new. Identity god's love will restore and
support and strengthen, you and he will place you on
(27:46):
a firm, foundation and, again, like don't just take my
word for it.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Blindly try all of this, on, like Ask god to.
Speaker 3 (27:54):
Fill you with new beliefs and new faith and new
elements of your identity and step into your own. Rebirth
And i'm just 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
(28:17):
Of god's word and the healing power of faith and
the healing power Of. Jesus and so it's up to
you to 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.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
Bondage and what if it was all A god.
Speaker 3 (28:39):
Conversation and this is the kind of stuff that's happening
in our own, accs whether we are aware of it or.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
Not but this is also the part of the brain
THAT i.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
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 own mental emotional
health can be something that we continually Invite god into the.
Conversation in, fact you, know this study that we just
looked at showed us that eighty four percent of the
(29:09):
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 or sugar or whatever you turn to when you're
bored or, lonely you're, stressed are, sad, Right and as,
always EVERYTHING i share is simply an invitation without, expectation
to just try on a new story or a new
(29:30):
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.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
There he actually delights in supporting. You at least that's
WHAT i.
Speaker 3 (29:44):
Believe and so if you are still 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.
Speaker 2 (29:56):
Know you didn't, know so we will be back next
week for part. Five, hi So i'll see you Then.
Bye that's it.
Speaker 3 (30:05):
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, basis 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.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Obsessed with food or obsessed with.
Speaker 3 (30:26):
Your weight 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
(30:47):
without restricting, themselves 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 To Do With? IT i
also co host The outweigh podcast with radio Personality Amy,
(31:07):
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,
obsession and, shame and without dragging it out for years
to address. It it's Called outweigh and you can find
it wherever podcasts are. Streamed and if you're listening to
(31:27):
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.
Speaker 2 (31:40):
Faith it's Called What's God got To Do With?
Speaker 3 (31:43):
It 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?
Speaker 2 (31:50):
It and The outway podcast crossover.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
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 AND i hope you got whatever
you needed to get from.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
It by for, now we'll be back with More What's
God got To do With?
Speaker 3 (32:08):
It but in the, MEANTIME i would definitely love to
hear from, you so just tell me where you are
in your story or maybe what questions you, have like
where do you feel you need clarity or support or
wisdom in your own. JOURNEY i definitely want to hear from,
You so head on over To What's God got To
do With? It dot com and scroll down to the
(32:29):
form to share your, thoughts your, questions your, feedback and
you can do that. Instantly So What's God got To
do With? It dot Com you'll find all the ways
to do. That and if you like this podcast and
want to hear, more go ahead and, follow, like and
subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to get your weekly
dose Of.
Speaker 2 (32:47):
What's God got To do With?
Speaker 3 (32:48):
It new episodes drop every Single, tuesday and while you're,
there be sure to rate and review to show your.
Support it really means so. Much What's God got To
Do With? It is an iHeartRadio podcast on The Amy
Brown Podcast.
Speaker 2 (33:03):
Network it's written and hosted.
Speaker 3 (33:05):
By Me Leanne, Ellington executive produced By Elizabeth. Fazio post
production and editing By Houston tilley and original music written
By Cheryl stark and produced By Adam.
Speaker 2 (33:16):
Stark
If you want to go on a journey. If you're skeptical,
don't worry. Not here to preach, want to keep clean
and talk to me and recad where faith need starts nature.
Get in touch with your creat with a vagul love
and jew She even speaks Hebrew.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Gotzat?
Speaker 2 (00:31):
What's that?
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Sapsation? You should talking transformation? What's that? Gonzato?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
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 Outwegh, you know that that podcast is all
about helping women break them selves out of the food
and body prison, end the dieting madness, and take control
of their health for good, but without all that restriction,
(01:08):
obsession and shame, and without dragging it out.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
For years to address it. And if you've been.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
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 struggles and where that intersects faith or what's
(01:36):
God got to do.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
With all of that.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
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 and body image struggles. In Part three,
we go deep into the self image and idea that
(02:00):
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 into what God has to do with
what I call your food brain and disordered eating patterns
(02:24):
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 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
(02:47):
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 look like to use what
you've learned about neuroscience and faith and healing your relationship
with food and your body image to go create a
winning game plan that sets you up to win and
(03:10):
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. 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
(03:32):
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 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
(03:54):
the self image and identity that you need to actually
step into the version of you that would have that
health would have that relationship with food in her body,
and who.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Would actually be at peace.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
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.
(04:25):
Like we talked about before, 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 have that relationship with food.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Who is she right?
Speaker 3 (04:37):
What is she thinking and believing and feeling and doing?
And notice I didn't say what is she eating?
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Right?
Speaker 3 (04:44):
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. I know that might sound daunting
if food in your body is something that you've been
struggling with for a long time, but trust me, it
is imperative.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
And so like I said today, here in part four,
we're going to really dive deep into what God has
to 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.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Or whatever your drug of choices. And we've all have
our own.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
But it's a whole that will never be filled by
those things. Okay, but first 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
(05:45):
has said to me that they feel like a food
or sugar addict, and so yeah, we're going to be
talking about that too. But this is not 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
(06:07):
very intensively for three to four months at a time
to help them really heal this and put the problem
to bed and get off the put a band aid
on it roller coaster, and so to try to distill
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
(06:29):
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
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
(06:51):
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
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 a to
(07:11):
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.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
It's the identity and.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Like we talked about and I probably sound like a
broken record, you've got to become a new version of yourself.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
You have to radically transform your being.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
Because let's say you had all the strategy and habit
and brain change stuff, and let's just say you have
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.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
This new way of being.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
And then from 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.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Again it's imperative.
Speaker 3 (08:05):
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. Okay, and that's
really a given. 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 and your body the way that you
(08:27):
treat it or don't treat it, and feel the way
that you feel or don't.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
Feel about yourself.
Speaker 3 (08:33):
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.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Lot over on Outweigh.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
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 carrying around in your brain and heart and
spirit for as long as you can remember.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
And those heavy, rusty chains are.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
What is so heavy, okay, And so the weight on
your body isn't the real weight. The real weight is
all of this other 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 (09:21):
It's what I learned and it's what my clients learn too.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
But until you break the chains, you'll keep walking around
with them, and they just keep getting heavier.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
It's not like they magically get lighter.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
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, 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
(09:53):
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. 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 (10:14):
We can ditch that weight.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
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 steward of
your time and energy and spiritual life, then this is
(10:37):
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
(10:58):
have to ditch the fight, which is the first weight
of the weight which is the weight of chronic restrictive
dieting or obsession. Okay, it's the weight of that restriction, deprivation, punishment, persuasion,
and stress that typically comes alongside food and your body.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
And it does not.
Speaker 3 (11:16):
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 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
(11:38):
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 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 and the fight we've got,
(12:00):
wave the white flag and laid down the weapons of
destruction and really end this war that you've been in
with yourself and with food and with your body. Right,
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
(12:21):
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
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
(12:41):
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,
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
(13:05):
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
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
(13:25):
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 your requests to God.
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
(13:47):
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. And that's where I'm inviting you
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
(14:09):
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
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
(14:30):
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
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
(14:52):
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
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.
(15:14):
But I wanted to just get the 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.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Of chains that we have to break.
Speaker 3 (15:27):
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 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
(15:51):
you are physically, mentally or emotionally stressed, it actually triggers
your oldest habits. And so how do 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,
(16:12):
how I briefly mentioned that the ACC was also a
big player in addiction and coping mechanisms and just kind
of feeling dependent or out 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.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
And so when I say addiction and coping.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
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 (16:41):
And we all have our own. Again, but here's what
I mean.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
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 out, distracts you, causes
you to procrastinate, and again, no shame, we all have
(17:04):
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
(17:25):
and emotional or psychological safety hormone. And so the ACC
has one of the highest densities of opioid.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Receptors in your brain. And so just remember that, all right.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
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 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
(17:58):
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. Maybe it's actual drugs, wine, whatever it is,
But it's really any activities that numb, distract, or comfort,
(18:19):
and it's that immediate gratification.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
And so, in turn, instead of.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
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
(18:44):
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 with
kind of like this fake connection like TV, food, you know,
other drugs of choice. And so in turn we remain
(19:08):
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. And
(19:28):
the other side of it, too, is it's not a
willpower thing. 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
(19:48):
be unwired and rewired if you ever want to feel
like air 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,
(20:11):
this is your brain screaming at you to feed it
what it really needs. Okay, and 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,
(20:34):
But in reality, it doesn't want that thing. It wants
oxytocin and heart 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 under nourished by the
thing that it really wants.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
And needs, which is oxytocin.
Speaker 3 (20:55):
So I really want you to start seeing this through
the eyes of Okay, what's spear siritual need and emotional need?
Speaker 2 (21:01):
Am I filling with my own drug of choice?
Speaker 3 (21:05):
And how can I invite God in there so I
can learn to become emotionally and spiritually available to myself
without turning to food or my drug of choice. 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
(21:26):
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 it.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
To you flat out.
Speaker 3 (21:34):
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 to meet you.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
In that place as well.
Speaker 3 (21:52):
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 in
the research world. Let's take it a step further and
(22:12):
see where faith meets science when it comes to addiction
and you know, those out of control tendencies and coding
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 they looked at things like depression and
(22:33):
mental health, like you name it. They put it in
one hundred eighty five different studies, and they concluded that
of the of the one hundred and eighty five studies
that they located, eighty four percent of them, So eighty
four percent of one hundred and eighty five studies found that.
Speaker 2 (22:51):
Faith reduced the risks of drug abuse.
Speaker 3 (22:55):
And so this study of studies, as I'm calling it,
first of all, it's literally called belief that 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 (23:12):
Based element, and you know it's part of twelve.
Speaker 3 (23:14):
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.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
To stay sober.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
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 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 (23:41):
Fill in the blank.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
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 like keep.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
You on that path.
Speaker 3 (24:02):
So that's what 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 one 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. When you are tempted. He will show
(24:24):
you 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
(24:45):
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,
(25:08):
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
(25:30):
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.
Speaker 2 (25:38):
You know what I mean.
Speaker 3 (25:39):
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 (25:56):
But not everything is good for you.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
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. And for me, this was about
looking at what I was a slave to. And I
was a slave to so many things throughout my life,
like food was just one of them. But I was
(26:21):
a slave to opinions of others, and a slave to weed,
and a slave to relationships or friendships, I mean, you
name it. But I finally did just have to acknowledge like, wow,
this does own me and.
Speaker 2 (26:32):
I'm not really free.
Speaker 3 (26:34):
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.
Speaker 2 (26:55):
That when you do that, He will meet you there.
And first p.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
Five' 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.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
By means Of Jesus.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
Christ so after you have suffered a little, while he will,
restore support and strengthen, you and he will place you
on a firm.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Foundation and so to, THAT i, say, like even if
you feel like.
Speaker 3 (27:24):
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 the name Of jesus
that can strengthen you and give you a new healthy
foundation and a new. Identity god's love will restore and
support and strengthen, you and he will place you on
(27:46):
a firm, foundation and, again, like don't just take my
word for it.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Blindly try all of this, on, like Ask god to.
Speaker 3 (27:54):
Fill you with new beliefs and new faith and new
elements of your identity and step into your own. Rebirth
And i'm just 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
(28:17):
Of god's word and the healing power of faith and
the healing power Of. Jesus and so it's up to
you to 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.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
Bondage and what if it was all A god.
Speaker 3 (28:39):
Conversation and this is the kind of stuff that's happening
in our own, accs whether we are aware of it or.
Speaker 2 (28:46):
Not but this is also the part of the brain
THAT i.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
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 own mental emotional
health can be something that we continually Invite god into the.
Conversation in, fact you, know this study that we just
looked at showed us that eighty four percent of the
(29:09):
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 or sugar or whatever you turn to when you're
bored or, lonely you're, stressed are, sad, Right and as,
always EVERYTHING i share is simply an invitation without, expectation
to just try on a new story or a new
(29:30):
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.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
There he actually delights in supporting. You at least that's
WHAT i.
Speaker 3 (29:44):
Believe and so if you are still 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.
Speaker 2 (29:56):
Know you didn't, know so we will be back next
week for part. Five, hi So i'll see you Then.
Bye that's it.
Speaker 3 (30:05):
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, basis 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.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Obsessed with food or obsessed with.
Speaker 3 (30:26):
Your weight 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
(30:47):
without restricting, themselves 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 To Do With? IT i
also co host The outweigh podcast with radio Personality Amy,
(31:07):
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,
obsession and, shame and without dragging it out for years
to address. It it's Called outweigh and you can find
it wherever podcasts are. Streamed and if you're listening to
(31:27):
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.
Speaker 2 (31:40):
Faith it's Called What's God got To Do With?
Speaker 3 (31:43):
It 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?
Speaker 2 (31:50):
It and The outway podcast crossover.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
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 AND i hope you got whatever
you needed to get from.
Speaker 2 (32:02):
It by for, now we'll be back with More What's
God got To do With?
Speaker 3 (32:08):
It but in the, MEANTIME i would definitely love to
hear from, you so just tell me where you are
in your story or maybe what questions you, have like
where do you feel you need clarity or support or
wisdom in your own. JOURNEY i definitely want to hear from,
You so head on over To What's God got To
do With? It dot com and scroll down to the
(32:29):
form to share your, thoughts your, questions your, feedback and
you can do that. Instantly So What's God got To
do With? It dot Com you'll find all the ways
to do. That and if you like this podcast and
want to hear, more go ahead and, follow, like and
subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to get your weekly
dose Of.
Speaker 2 (32:47):
What's God got To do With?
Speaker 3 (32:48):
It new episodes drop every Single, tuesday and while you're,
there be sure to rate and review to show your.
Support it really means so. Much What's God got To
Do With? It is an iHeartRadio podcast on The Amy
Brown Podcast.
Speaker 2 (33:03):
Network it's written and hosted.
Speaker 3 (33:05):
By Me Leanne, Ellington executive produced By Elizabeth. Fazio post
production and editing By Houston tilley and original music written
By Cheryl stark and produced By Adam.
Speaker 2 (33:16):
Stark
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