In this deeply compassionate and informative episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini speaks with Jane Reagan, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, counselor, and creator of The Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap for Parents. Jane shares both her professional expertise and her personal journey of supporting her own daughter through anorexia. Together, Cristina and Jane shed light on the challenges parents face when navigating their child’s eating disorder—dispelling myths, addressing guilt, and highlighting the powerful role parents can play as allies in recovery. The discussion covers practical strategies for supporting children at home, fostering open communication, managing family dynamics, and understanding that recovery is not just about food—it’s about healing what lies beneath. This episode is an essential listen for any parent who feels overwhelmed, unsure, or fearful while walking alongside their child’s recovery path.

Jane Reagan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) with a master’s degree in counseling. She believes in the transformative power of food, the value of self-awareness, and the importance of balanced well-being for lasting health. With expertise in eating disorders, digestive health, food allergies, blood sugar regulation and more, Jane uses a non-diet, whole-person approach to guide individuals and families toward healing. She created The Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap for Parents to empower parents with the tools and confidence they need to support their child’s recovery.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Why parents don’t cause eating disorders—but how they can become powerful allies in recovery.
  • How to recognize early warning signs and understand what’s beneath disordered eating behaviors.
  • Why weight restoration and meal plans are not the finish line of recovery.
  • How family food rules, diet culture, and social media influence recovery.
  • The importance of empathy, compassion, and connection over control.
  • Practical strategies for parents managing frustration, fear, or time constraints.
  • The role of family dynamics—especially in divorced or blended households—in supporting recovery.
  • Why parental biases about food and weight must be addressed for a healing environment.
  • Stories of hope from families who’ve made it through the hardest parts of recovery.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Welcome to Today's Show
  • 01:43 Introducing Jane Reagan
  • 03:26 Jane's Journey and Expertise
  • 04:49 Recognizing the Signs of Eating Disorders
  • 06:58 The Complexity of Eating Disorders
  • 08:13 Creating the Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap
  • 10:52 Parental Support and Misconceptions
  • 14:57 Challenging Diet Culture and Food Myths
  • 18:33 Promoting Balanced Eating at Home
  • 21:23 Family Meal Dynamics
  • 21:56 Addressing Food Refusal
  • 25:05 Compassion and Empathy in Parenting
  • 26:19 Supporting Single Parents
  • 27:48 Co-Parenting Challenges
  • 30:54 Parental Influence on Eating Disorders
  • 36:49 Resources for Parents
  • 38:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

CONNECT WITH JANE:

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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.