Lenka, 43 and from Prague, recognizes a pattern with food that many of us will relate to: turning to food as a form of self-abuse. At the age of 15, Lenka developed bulimia, beginning a troubled relationship with food, and body dysmorphia that told her she wasn’t good enough if she wasn’t thin.   Now an academic with a very busy life, Lenka has improved her relationship with eating, even finding herself somewhat relaxed around food at times. But in general, Lenka is not relaxed - not about food, and not particularly about anything else in her life. She’s single and can’t quite understand why, has been called a workaholic by her family and friends, and often feels alone and confused about her path in life.    In their coaching episode - part of the “In Session with Marc David” series on The Psychology of Eating Podcast, Marc David works with Lenka to uncover what’s really at the root of her eating challenges.   As Marc teaches, our relationship with food often mirrors our relationship with life itself. And our challenges with food and body are always asking us to learn and grow, and to be open to what they’re here to teach us.   As they explore, at an early age Lenka developed a core toxic belief that she needs to make her life perfect. And that deep desire to get everything “right” inevitably sets her up for failure. In this light, turning to food to self-abuse makes great sense if we think we’re to blame … and therefore deserve punishment.   So tune into this episode of the podcast where we take a deep look at the core beliefs that hurt and hold us back, and how we can instead find the flow, beauty, and freedom with food and life that we all deserve.   ---------------------   Learn more about The Institute for the Psychology of Eating: https://psychologyofeating.com/    Sign up for our free professional series on training with us as a health coach: https://lp.psychologyofeating.com/eating-psychology-video-series/   Follow us on social:  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IPEfanpage - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatingpsychology/ - Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eatingpsych   #psychologyofeating #foodpsychology #nutritionexpert #foodandbody #EDrecovery #bulimia #foodandbody #disorderedeating #perfectionism #embraceimperfection #journaling #grounding #yoga #relationshipwithfood #simplepleasures #healthymindset #loveyourbody #marcdavid