EP 234.5: How Are You Really? The Question That Breaks Through Eating Disorder Denial + Why Your Brain Believes the Lies⛓️‍💥

"I'm fine." "I don't have a problem." "Everyone else is overreacting." Sound familiar? If people around you are expressing concern about your relationship with food but you genuinely feel okay, this episode is essential listening.

Recovery coach Lindsey Nichol gets raw about the difference between denial and anosognosia—and why your malnourished brain might literally be unable to recognize the problem. She shares her own story of feeling "on top of the world" while struggling with anorexia, and introduces one powerful question that can break through the fog of eating disorder denial.

This episode is for you if:

• Others say you have a problem but you feel fine
• You're questioning whether you're "sick enough"
• You feel like you just have more willpower than others
• You're confused about whether your eating patterns are normal
• You've been told you need help but don't understand why

What You'll Discover

✨ The difference between denial and anosognosia (and why it matters for your recovery)

✨ Why malnourishment literally impairs your ability to recognize disordered eating patterns

✨ Lindsey's personal story: How she felt superior and in control while her body was failing

✨ The science behind eating disorder awareness and brain function

✨ One crucial question that can shatter the illusion and start your healing journey

✨ How to tell if your eating patterns are actually normal or adopted behaviors

Understanding Eating Disorder Denial Anosognosia vs. Denial

Anosognosia: "Without knowledge" - physiological brain damage that creates complete unawareness of the problem. You literally cannot perceive your disordered behaviors.

Denial: Knowing you have a problem but refusing to address it. Using defense mechanisms to avoid facing the truth.

Signs Your Brain Might Be Lying to You

• Feeling "on top of the world" while restricting food
• Superiority complex about your "willpower"
• Believing everyone else is jealous or crazy
• Wearing restrictive eating like a "badge of honor"
• Feeling energized despite severe calorie restriction
• Complete confusion when others express concern

Lindsey's Personal Story

"When I was struggling with anorexia, I felt like I was on top of the world. I had this superiority complex, like everyone else was just jealous that they didn't have the willpower that I had. The more I restricted, the more satisfaction I achieved and the more in control I felt."

The One Question That Changes Everything

"How are you? No, but how are you REALLY?"

Why This Question Works

• Challenges automatic "I'm fine" responses
• Forces honest self-assessment
• Breaks through subconscious denial
• Reveals underlying unsureness and hesitancy

How to Use This Question

1. Sit with yourself honestly - don't give the surface-level answer
2. Challenge your patterns - are these behaviors you've always had or recently adopted?
3. Listen to trusted voices - if people you love are concerned, investigate why
4. Assess your daily reality - survival mode isn't the same as thriving

Red Flags to Consider

🚩 Constantly telling yourself you don'