Despite the countless diets and weight loss plans, the mental and emotional turmoil associated with food and body image remains unresolved for many. The real issue lies not in the food itself but in the deeper, often hidden emotional and psychological wounds that drive unhealthy eating behaviors. These underlying issues are like the submerged part of an iceberg—vast and largely unseen, yet crucial to understand and heal. Ignoring these deeper problems perpetuates a cycle of temporary fixes and long-term dissatisfaction. In this episode, we dive into Anita Johnston's "Eating in the Light of the Moon," a book that uses powerful metaphors to shed light on the complex relationship between food and emotions. By exploring stories like 'the log in the river', 'the red herring', 'the woman in the moon', 'the peasant quest', 'the princess and the pea', and 'the iceberg', we reveal how diet mentality distracts from true healing. Through these metaphors, we learn the importance of connecting with our inner wisdom and addressing the real issues beneath the surface. Join us as we uncover the path to true food freedom, where emotional mastery and self-empowerment replace the constant battle with diet mentality. By listening to this episode, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to start your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with food and yourself. "These stories and metaphors serve as powerful tools to help the reader understand and relate to their experiences with eating disorders, encouraging a deeper exploration of their emotions and fostering a path to recovery." - Leslie Thornton What you will learn from this episode: 00:01 - Insights from the book "Eating in the Light of the Moon" by Anita Johnston which delves into the psychological and emotional dimensions of eating disorders and unhealthy relationship with food 05:40 - How to truly heal: Listening to not just what you say but focusing on the pattern that goes inside your brain 06:53 - Advocating for intuitive eating as a key component of healing 07:59 - Focusing on the concept of self-discovery and healing as integral to transforming one's relationship with food and oneself 09:32 - Building community and the need to seek support from others 11:18 - Discussing the first metaphor, 'the log in the river' 14:09 - Talking about the metaphor of 'the red herring' 18:00 - What does the metaphor 'woman in the moon' illustrate  20:03 - 'Peasant quest': What does this metaphor represent 21:16 - 'The princess and the pea' and what this reveals about the food and body weight issues 22:07 - Understanding this 'metaphor of the iceberg'  Valuable Resources: Free Monthly Hypnosis for Weight Loss Session Join the 8-week Fastrack to Food Freedom Program -Guaranteed mental and emotional freedom from food  Connect With Leslie Thornton: Book A Clarity Call Free 2 Hour Masterclass—How I Lost Weight Permanently and Stopped Stress Eating without Dieting or Strenuous Exercise Website Facebook LinkedIn Email: Leslie@hpwl.co If you enjoy the podcast, Would you please consider leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes in under 60 seconds? It brightens our day and helps us bring you incredible guests for top-notch content. Plus, I cherish reading every review! Click here to make a difference!