#171: The Pressure to Perform: Body Image and ED Recovery in Female Athletes

Jun 9

In this week’s episode I'm joined by Lex, a client I've worked with for many years now. She is incredibly special to me. We began working together when she was in high school struggling with an eating disorder and unable to participate in the sport she loves, and she recently graduated college.

Eating disorders can show up in a multitude of ways in athletes. From how a body “should” look if we play a certain sport, to how we “should” eat for performance, to the inevitable comparison trap of teammates and competitors.

Lex opens up about her family dynamics, the treatment that didn’t work, and how she learned to advocate for the care she actually needed. Her story is a reminder that recovery is not a linear path — it’s a winding one, full of self-discovery, hard conversations, and quiet moments of courage.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why Lex developed an eating disorder in high school
The unique vulnerability of runners to disordered eating
What helped her actually move the needle in recovery
How romantic partners and friendships can either support or sabotage healing
Why comments from coaches about food and weight are so damaging
Overcoming food fears (hello, carbs!)
What it really means to heal your body image
What it took to return to running with a new mindset
Her advice for other athletes who are struggling — and the next frontier of her recovery journey

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Group program:

Good news! Enrollment is open for Abbie's next group program:

Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching

Group membership:

Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group