"There Is More to Life Than Hunger" + Exposing Diet Culture Through Fiction with Author Paulette Stout

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by author Paulette Stout, who opens up about her own healing journey — one that moved her from self-judgement and secrecy to self-compassion and rebellion. Her act of radical defiance this year? Buying clothes that fit now. Not in May. Not “once she shrinks.” But in the body she has today. That shift alone says: I deserve to take up space. Right here, right now. Paulette’s new novel centers a character healing from an eating disorder, but it’s not just about the food — it’s about rejoining life. In our conversation, we talk about the deep loneliness that often accompanies body shame and disordered eating — the eating in the dark, the secrecy, the fear of being “found out.” We also talk about the sacred power of story: how fiction can be a mirror, a soft place to land, and a spark for change. Tune in to hear more about: - Paulette's journey with body image and dieting - How diet culture creates a constant pressure to conform to societal standards - Food as a source of joy, not shame - Writing as a powerful tool for advocacy and change - How cultural backgrounds shape perceptions of food and body image - Isolation that accompanies disordered eating - How to stand up against diet culture in everyday life - Her saying: “It's a them problem, not a me problem.” - Navigating social situations while recovering from an eating disorder - Whether to “educate” others about anti-fat bias - Self-acceptance as a journey - Setting boundaries after healing from diet culture - Using literature and story telling to challenge cultural norms - Why Paulette wrote this book and this story About Paulette Stout: Read in 43 countries, Paulette Stout is the 17-time award-winning author of fast paced contemporary women’s fiction that tackles social issues often ignored. Fans call her work “Brave”, “Spicy”, and a “Mesmerizing tapestry of realism.” Her stories feature brave characters finding their voices and transforming into their best selves, while finding love along the way. Paulette is also the co-host of The Best of Book Marketing Podcast and works by day as the Director of Brand & Content Strategy at a global software company. Her fourth novel, What We Give Away, released in February. Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching Group membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe