Julia Qi shares her personal journey through eating disorder recovery and her mission to support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women. The episode explores cultural challenges, family dynamics, and the complex relationship with food, body image, and societal expectations that shaped her recovery journey.

Julia is an aspiring beach resident, champion of sympathetic villain archetypes, and an eating disorder recovery coach for Asian women. She attended NYU and Columbia University and worked in education management before pursuing her CPT and CNC certifications, in alignment with her passion for working in the ED field. Inspired by her own recovery experience, she founded Solace Recovery to address the gaps she saw in minority representation and culturally-informed treatment options specifically for AAPI and APIDA communities.        

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Introduction to Julia Qi
  • Founder of Soulless Recovery
  • Focus on culturally informed eating disorder support for AAPI communities
  • Motivated by addressing gaps in eating disorder support for minority women
Julia's Personal Story
  • Struggled with body image issues rooted in traditional Chinese beauty standards
  • Internalized societal pressures leading to:
    • Restrictive eating patterns
    • Exercise compulsion
    • Bulimia
Challenges in Recovery
  • Faced social stigma
  • Initial hesitance to share struggles publicly
  • Found valuable support from culturally-aware therapists
  • Journey involved:
    • Letting go of harmful habits
    • Building new sense of identity
    • Developing self-acceptance
Impact of COVID-19
  • Pandemic intensified struggles due to isolation
  • Triggered exploration of more effective management strategies
Insights on Eating Disorders
  • Emphasized that eating disorders don't have a specific "look"
  • Often go unrecognized by others
  • Importance of breaking down societal stereotypes about:
    • Body size
    • Health relationships
Advice for Recovery
  • Encourage seeking professional therapy
  • Practice patience with the recovery process
  • Focus on self-compassion
  • Celebrate small daily victories
  • Available for guidance through Instagram

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:58 Meet Julia Chi: A Journey of Recovery
  • 02:16 Opening Up: The Power of Sharing
  • 08:30 Cultural Pressures and Early Struggles
  • 13:43 College Years: The Onset of Disordered Eating
  • 25:14 The Cycle of Restriction and Binging
  • 31:05 Personal Growth and Challenges
  • 31:15 Impact of COVID-19
  • 31:40 Study Abroad Experience
  • 32:25 Struggles with Eating Habits
  • 32:55 Return to the States
  • 33:21 Realization and Change
  • 34:20 Coping Mechanisms
  • 35:34 COVID-19 and Eating Disorder
  • 36:14 Seeking Help
  • 37:14 Life During the Pandemic
  • 38:28 Understanding Eating Disorders
  • 40:56 Recovery Journey
  • 55:22 Finding Support
  • 58:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Julia's story illuminates the hidden struggles many face with eating disorders, emphasizing the need for greater empathy and understanding. She encourages listeners to challenge societal norms and seek help, reinforcing that recovery is possible with persistence and proper support.

Visit www.behindthebitepodcast.com to access Dr. Castagnini's free 9-week e-course on understanding your relationship with food better.

HOW TO CONNECT WITH JULIA TO LEARN MORE:

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:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.