Is emotional eating always bad? Or can it sometimes be a joyful, healthy part of your life? Discover why the answer might surprise you—and what it really means to break free from food strongholds. You’re just one step away from seeing food (and freedom) in a whole new way...

Welcome back to the Dear Food Podcast! In this powerful episode, Julia Fikse dives deep into the real meaning of food freedom. Is it wrong to eat for emotional reasons? Should food be only fuel? Julia shares relatable, heartfelt stories—including a sweet moment on a date night—that reveal a refreshing, grace-filled approach to food, health, and joy. You'll learn the two essential steps to experiencing true food freedom—and why your relationship with food doesn't have to be ruled by addiction, guilt, or rigid rules. Plus, discover how turning to God first can transform your food journey in ways you never imagined. 🌟 But that's just the beginning... stay tuned to hear how YOU can create your own healthy, God-centered way of eating that lasts a lifetime.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Dear Food Podcast with your host, Julia Fikse! 🌟 Join us as we dive into Chapter 10 of Workbook Three, "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant," exploring how you can know God is pleased with you, even when it's challenging to feel His love and good gifts. In this heartfelt episode, Julia shares a touching story reminiscent of Jesus' victory, tying it to the deep love God has for each one of us. Discover the everlasting rewards God pours over you and how they affirm your relationship with the Lord. 🙏 🎁 Eternal Treasures Explored: 1. Grace 2. Wisdom 3. Provision 4. Peace 5. Freedom 6. Love 7. Joy

------------ Get Julia’s Book Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3 Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Podcast ⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠ Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference. Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTM Review Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6 Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community! Disclaimer: 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.

🍽️ Welcome to the Dear Food Podcast with your host, Julia Fikse! 🎙️ Join us in today's episode, "It's a Donkey Kong Kind of Day," as we dive into the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship with food. This episode, aligned with Workbook Three of "Dear Food. I love you. I hate you. Don't leave me." explores the parallels between life's obstacles and the classic video game, Donkey Kong. 🎮 Julia shares her 1982 journey as the queen of Donkey Kong on the family Colecovision, drawing connections to the hurdles we face while adhering to meal plans. From unexpected temptations to social invitations, the podcast mirrors real-life dilemmas that can make us feel like Mario trying to navigate through pink ramps and blue ladders. 🚣‍♂️ Life is compared to a class three white water rapid, and just like in whitewater rafting, tools and guidance are essential. Julia introduces practical lifelines like "Pivot" and "No Thank You" to help you stay on course when faced with unexpected changes or tempting situations. 🙏 Lifeline number six emphasizes the importance of trusting the Lord and not giving up, especially when setbacks occur. Julia encourages listeners to pray about trusting the outcomes of their efforts, reminding them that God is ultimately in control. ------------ Get Julia’s Book Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3 Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Podcast ⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠ Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference. Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTM Review Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6 Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community! Disclaimer: 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.

🍽️ Welcome to the Dear Food Podcast with Julia Fikse! In this transformative episode, dive into Chapter 8 of Workbook Three, titled "Failure for the Win." Join Julia as she shares a powerful story about turning failures into victories and applies this concept to our relationship with food.

🌟 Julia discusses the messy yet inspiring fail-to-win journey, drawing parallels between life failures and food setbacks. Discover how embracing failures can lead to more wins and a healthier perspective on your food journey.

🍕 Julia opens up about her own struggles with food failure, inviting listeners to reflect on their eating misadventures and break down the steps to failure: failure of the mind, failure of action, and failure of focus.

🧠 Learn practical strategies to combat failure of the mind through prayer, scripture, distraction, and gratitude. Explore the importance of tracking food intake to address compulsive eating behaviors and discover tools to overcome self-sabotaging inner dialogue.

------------ Get Julia’s Book Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3 Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Podcast ⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠ Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference. Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTM Review Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6 Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community! Disclaimer: 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.

Welcome to the Dear Food Podcast! 🍽️ Join host Julia Fikse in this insightful episode alongside Workbook Three, "Hungry Isn't My Best Look." Today's focus: Fasting. Dive into Chapter Seven as Julia shares her personal experiences, struggles, and victories in the realm of fasting. 🤔 Why Fasting? Julia gets real about her reluctance towards fasting and explores the myriad ways it can be approached. Drawing inspiration from Hebrews 12:11, she reflects on the transformative power of discipline and its role in yielding the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 💪 Overcoming Fasting Fears: Julia shares a personal revelation—her journey of fasting from a specific fun food, the infamous "low cal crack." Hear about the challenges, withdrawals, and the strength derived from overcoming this chemical addiction. Discover the unexpected lessons that came from removing just one problem food. 👀 Identifying Problematic Fun Foods: Pause the episode and reflect on your own journey. List three specific unhealthy fun foods you're reluctant to give up and share why they are essential to you. Julia emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these foods as a crucial step towards food freedom. 🍲 Food as Emotional Survival: Explore the emotional connection we establish with food and the potential idolization that occurs. Julia encourages listeners to recognize specific foods that may hinder progress and initiate the process of letting go. Discover the impact of removing these foods on your health, relationship with God, and overall well-being.

------------ Get Julia’s Book Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3 Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Podcast ⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠ Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference. Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTM Review Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6 Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community! Disclaimer: 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.

🍽️ Welcome to the Dear Food Podcast with Julia Fikse! 🎙️ In this episode, we dive into Chapter Six of Workbook Three titled "Give Me Snacks or Give Me Death." Julia reflects on her journey through countless diets and the pitfalls of pay-to-play situations that promise results but often fall short. 🌱 Discover the freedom of crafting your personalized eating plan as Julia shares insights from her workbook, "Dear Food, I Love You, I Hate You, Don't Leave Me." She encourages listeners to break free from the confusing rules of past diets and embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness. 🙏 Julia emphasizes the ultimate goal of godliness, drawing inspiration from biblical verses that highlight the importance of seeking God's kingdom above all else. Learn to trust in God's plan, practice patience, and take control of your journey to food freedom. ------------ Get Julia’s Book Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3 Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Podcast ⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠ Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference. Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTM Review Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6 Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community! Disclaimer: 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.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Dear Food Podcast hosted by Julia Fikse! In today's session, Julia dives into the challenges we face as food enthusiasts in navigating unexpected food situations, or as she calls them, "food landmines." Join her as she shares personal anecdotes, practical tips, and powerful strategies to stay on course with your healthy eating goals.

📖 Episode Highlights:
- 🍰 The Turbulent Middle Ground: Julia explores the constant struggle between our well-prepared healthy food plans and the irresistible allure of scrumptious and savory treats.
- 💣 Food Landmine #1: Group Gatherings – Hear Julia's relatable experience of facing a community event on the last day of her cleanse and discover effective strategies to defuse similar situations.
- 👩‍🍳 Food Landmine #2: Being Responsible for Feeding Others – Julia, a mom herself, shares valuable tips on making two-for-dinners and snack prepping to promote healthier eating within the family.

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Get Julia’s Book
Dear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3

Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook:
⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram
⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to the Podcast
⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠

Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference.

Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTM

Review Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6

Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community!

Disclaimer: 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.

🍽️ Welcome to the Dear Food Podcast with Julia Fikse! 🎙️ Join me in today's episode, "The Scale is Not My Higher Power," as we delve into Chapter 4 of Workbook 3 from "Dear Food, I Love You, I Hate You, Don't Leave Me" – the purple workbook. In this insightful discussion, we explore the importance of knowing our starting point on the journey to health and freedom. 🚗 Just like I navigate parking lots, we all need guidance on our health journey. MapQuest revolutionized my navigation skills, and similarly, identifying our starting point is crucial for choosing the best route to our desired destination. No more punishing ourselves; it's about progress and self-love. 🌟 Remember, Jesus loves you as you are today – valuable, a beautiful masterpiece of God. Your starting point is just data, helping you take a healthy next step. Let's explore the question: Does weight really matter? While body positivity is essential, scientific facts remind us of health risks associated with obesity. A 5% weight loss can bring significant health improvements.------------Get Julia’s BookDear Food, I Love You. I Hate You. Don’t Leave Me! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGNDYJTM?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NNWXFTG2VRFVF8ZRP8B3Join the Dear Food Family on Facebook:⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dearfoodstudy/⁠⁠⁠Follow Julia on Instagram⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/juliafikse/⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Podcast⁠⁠⁠https://dearfood.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-dear-food-podcast⁠⁠⁠Love the Program? Please review the book here to help others find the support and resources they need to overcome food strongholds. Every positive review makes a huge difference.Review Workbook 1: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0BGNDYJTMReview Workbook 2: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0C524MKD6Thank you for blessing me, and the Dear Food Community!Disclaimer: 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.