Role Models Around Food with Ali

Understanding Body Matters Podcast

On this week’s episode I am super excited to be introducing you to our next special guest and one of the Client Care Specialists here at BodyMatters Australasia, Allison Bennett. Ali has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle and has started completing her honours program. Where Ali aspires to complete a Master of Clinical Neuropsychology to become a Registered Neuropsychologist. As Ali has always had an interest in understanding how the brain functions as well as looking at how the brain reacts and adapts to challenges. Ali is hoping to one day contribute to the understanding of how the brain directly affects thoughts, behaviours, and feelings in both a research and in a clinical setting.

On this week’s episode Ali so kindly shares her lived experience of disordered eating and her experiences with the Eating Disorder, Binge Eating Disorder. As someone who has grown up in a family of boys and was recently diagnosed with ADHD this year, Ali has taken a major step in her journey in being able to overcome disordered eating. Experiencing neurodiversity without support and trying to find one’s identity in a diet culture filled world Ali ended up finding true self- worth, value, friendship, and community. On this episode Ali shares her experiences of trying to make sense of the female relationship with food and body in a world filled with so much misinformation. Having to really look deeply into the relationship that we have with ourselves and the mindsets that we carry day to day. Through all the lessons learnt from her recovery journey Ali really advocates for people who experience eating disorders, neurodiversity and mental health concerns. On that note, please enjoy our lovely guest Ali.

Podcast Summary:

1. Growing up in a family with boys

2. Looking for role models with food

3. The role of support in recovery

4. Finding your true value and worth within oneself

5. Learning that mistakes are okay

Links from the episode:

BMA Support wise courses to support parents: ⁠https://www.supportwise.com.au/⁠

BodyMatters Australasia Website: ⁠https://bodymatters.com.au/⁠

BodyMatters Instagram: bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on ⁠1800 33 4673⁠. You can also ⁠chat online⁠ or ⁠email