In this episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen explore the nuanced connections between food, emotional well-being, and self-worth with special guest Ali Shapiro, a health coach, speaker, and creator of the Truce with Food program. Ali brings a unique perspective to our understanding of food and body image, diving deep into how they shape—and often complicate—our personal stories

Ali breaks down big questions: How does food influence our sense of safety and belonging? What role does diet culture play in our self-worth? And how can we begin to reclaim our autonomy over our eating choices? Listeners will find Ali’s candid discussion on media messaging and societal expectations especially valuable, with practical advice on setting personal standards that nurture self-respect and belonging.

Throughout the episode, Ali addresses key concepts like body image, emotional eating, and the hidden impact of attachment chemicals on our relationship with food. Listeners will also hear about “self-authoring” our values—moving away from discipline and control and toward devotion to personal well-being. This episode covers functional medicine insights and tangible tools for aligning with our internal sense of self-worth.

Ali also opens up about her own personal story, reflecting on her early experiences with body image struggles and loneliness that many can relate to. Through her honesty, she shares how those moments shaped her journey to find true belonging, and how each of us can start unearthing our food and body stories to reclaim joy and freedom in our lives.

This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ali Shapiro and her background
[00:01:13] Functional medicine and cognitive behavioral approach
[00:02:00] The intersection of food and sobriety
[00:04:45] Unearthing the stories we tell ourselves about food and body
[00:06:35] The willpower and discipline myth in dieting
[00:07:57] The concept of food as safety and belonging
[00:10:04] Kathleen shares her earliest food memory
[00:12:45] Food as a source of comfort for loneliness
[00:13:39] Attachment chemicals released by food
[00:17:14] Media’s impact on body image and self-worth
[00:21:40] Transitioning to self-authority in adulthood
[00:23:14] Self-worth and evolving the sense of belonging
[00:26:32] Kathleen discusses finding a supportive partner
[00:28:20] Building a community that aligns with self-worth
[00:30:53] The lasting impact of family messages on body image
[00:31:42] Moving from discipline to devotion in self-care
[00:33:32] Foods and drinks that impact blood sugar levels
[00:34:00] Outro and preview of part two with Ali Shapiro

Links

Get In Touch With Ali -

• Free breakfast experiment
• Truce with Food group program

• Sisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and community
• Sisters In Sobriety Email
• Sisters In Sobriety Instagram
• Kathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast
• Kathleen’s Instagram