What if the "healthy" habits you're proud of are actually the beginning of an illness? In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with eating disorder recovery coach Hanne Arts, who thought she was simply disciplined and health-conscious until the rules around food took over her life. Hanne shares how an eating disorder can hide in plain sight, how a sleep problem led to her diagnosis, and why it took years of "going through the motions" before real recovery began. She explains why letting go of the eating disorder feels so frightening, even when it is harmful, and what finally helped her commit to recovery. If you're struggling, wondering whether you have an eating disorder, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers understanding, practical tools, and a reminder that full recovery is possible. Hanne Arts is a an eating disorder recovery coach of 9 years, after having recovered from anorexia and orthorexia in 2015. She now uses her RESET framework to help others find their path to full food freedom.

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

  • Why an eating disorder can look like "discipline" or "healthy eating" and how to recognize when it has crossed a line
  • Why labs, outward behavior, and appearance can all look fine while someone is seriously struggling
  • Why recovery feels unsafe even when you know the eating disorder is harmful
  • How "surfing the wave" of anxiety and guilt builds the evidence that discomfort passes
  • Why making recovery non-negotiable, rather than keeping one foot in the eating disorder, can change everything

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • When "Healthy" Isn't Healthy: Hanne followed what she believed was standard health advice and found it came easily. Because she was praised for discipline and had no reason to question it, she never saw the eating disorder developing. Others noticed before she did.
  • Eating Disorders Are Easy to Hide: Labs can look normal, eating in public can seem fine, and weight may not visibly change. Hanne stresses that medical professionals need awareness of this, since shame often makes people want to hide it.
  • Why Recovery Feels Unsafe: Few people begin an eating disorder to hurt themselves. By the time someone is deep in it, it can feel like the only safe and controllable thing, so stepping toward recovery feels scary and uncertain, even when the eating disorder is harmful.
  • Surfing the Wave: Anxiety, guilt, and urges peak and then fall. Reacting with an eating disorder behavior never gives you the chance to learn this. Sitting with discomfort builds the evidence that it passes.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Hanne's message of hope and show introduction
  • 02:00 Dr. Cristina on why this podcast exists and introducing Hanne
  • 06:00 Hanne's story: from "being disciplined" to a diagnosis
  • 08:30 How sleep problems led to a diagnosis
  • 10:00 Why eating disorders are easy to hide and labs can look fine
  • 12:00 Control, safety, and why people hold on to the eating disorder
  • 14:00 A non-linear recovery: going through the motions, then relapse
  • 15:00 Hospital admission and the reset it provided
  • 16:30 Making recovery non-negotiable
  • 18:30 Sitting with discomfort and "surfing the wave"
  • 21:00 The power of lived experience and group support
  • 24:00 The RESET framework and the Reset and Recover group
  • 26:30 Virtual coaching and in-the-moment support
  • 31:30 Hanne's final words of encouragement

CONNECT WITH HANNE:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.