Chapter Two: "To All the Nachos I've Loved Before"
In this episode, we explore the intricate relationship we have with food and the transformative power of creating a food history timeline. Through this exercise, we gain a deeper understanding of how events, emotions, and eating habits intertwine.
Chapter Four: "Jesus Is The Answer. What Was The Question?"
In this episode, we'll explore the topic of whether Jesus truly cares about our food struggles and find answers to some of the hard questions we may have. So, let's embark on this journey of faith, hope, and food freedom together.
What Is The Dear Food Program?
The Dear Food Podcast, hosted by Julia Fikse, introduces the Dear Food Program, a three-part workbook series designed to help individuals overcome food strongholds, food addiction, and other food challenges. Unlike traditional diet culture programs, this program focuses on cultivating a healthy mind, emotional well-being, and spiritual life as the foundation for achieving lasting change.
The program encourages participants to engage in a Bible study group format, with each book guiding the group through a ten-week session. However, it also emphasizes that the program can be done individually, allowing participants to work on their food-related struggles privately with God. While working alone is an option, the program encourages finding trustworthy and supportive people to share bits and pieces of the journey, fostering a support network.
The Dear Food Program is not a typical diet plan that dictates what to eat and what not to eat. It doesn't promote fasting or categorize foods as good or bad. Instead, it recognizes the importance of healthy nutrition and emphasizes that food is a gift from God. The program aims to reframe participants' relationship with food and address the emotional aspects of eating. It helps individuals understand why they turn to food for comfort and develop healthy alternatives for coping with emotions.
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Julia emphasizes that she is not a doctor, nutritionist, or therapist but rather a cheerleader for the participants. Her role is to help individuals recognize self-sabotaging behaviors and understand why they may struggle to follow professional instructions or achieve personal health goals. While the program can be done in conjunction with professional help, such as seeing a doctor, nutritionist, or therapist, Julia's focus is on providing support and guidance.
The workbook series is divided into three books. Workbook One focuses on exploring the relationship between emotions, food, and God. It aims to help individuals understand why they turn to food as a solution and how it can hinder their relationship with God. The goal is to prioritize God in their lives and consider the role of food as nutrition rather than a coping mechanism.
Workbook Two, titled "Dear Food I Love You I Hate You Don't Leave Me," delves into finding healthy replacements for using food as a soothing or coping mechanism. It provides ten power tools for lasting food freedom and helps individuals fill the void left by unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives. This book is intended to be read after Workbook One to ensure a solid foundation for progress.
Workbook Three, also known as "Dear Food I Love You I Hate You Don't Leave Me Workbook Three," focuses on food itself. It encourages individuals to make their own personalized eating plans, taking into account their unique preferences, capabilities, and nutritional needs. It emphasizes that individuals are responsible for their food choices and need to prioritize honoring their bodies as a gift from God.
Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to rely on God's wisdom and seek His guidance for their journey to overcome food challenges. The program aims to remove shame and guilt associated with food and promote living in victory through a renewed mindset and a focus on abundant life beyond food.
In summary, the Dear Food Podcast and the accompanying workbook series offer a faith-based approach to addressing food struggles. By prioritizing emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and individualized nutrition choices, the program aims to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food and experience lasting change.
Julia Fikse, FMCHC, NBC-HWC is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in Emotional Eating as well as Mental Health and Weight Loss. Julia has personally experienced the frustration of weight gain, weight loss, weight related health issues and emotional eating challenges. Julia is not a therapist or a doctor and this should not in any way replace doctor’s advice.
What Is The Dear Food Program?