I am delighted to have Michelle Shapiro joining me on the show today. She is a Native New Yorker and an integrative and functional registered dietitian who has worked with thousands of clients, holistically reducing anxiety, healing longstanding gut health issues, and lovingly approaching weight problems. In our conversation today, we explore shame and eating behaviors, looking at self-empathy and the inner dialogue that usually accompanies weight-loss resistance. We examine whether or not obesity is a disease and the effects of adverse childhood experiences and dive into fasting, hormesis, autoimmunity, and the concept of surrender. We also clarify what intuitive eating involves, the role of highly sensitive bodies, and some common causes of digestive distress and bloating.  Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge to today’s insightful and engaging discussion. I know you will love it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why kindness and sensitivity matter when it comes to discussing the sensitive topic of weight  Why clinicians should view obesity as a symptom of underlying metabolic issues rather than a disease How internal dialogue and protection mechanisms influence people’s food choices  How adverse childhood events and high-pressure social environments can increase the risk of eating disorders How food allergies and fear can lead to disordered relationships with food  Why safety is the key to hormone regulation Is intermittent fasting a dangerous practice? The benefits of practices like grounding, Reiki, and acupuncture for overcoming anxiety and feeling safe in the body  The importance of self-reliance in healing, and the role of practitioners in guiding their clients toward self-awareness What you need to focus on when implementing intuitive eating The unique challenges that highly sensitive people are likely to face Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Connect with Michelle Shapiro On her website Quiet the Diet Podcast The Highly Sensitive Body Hub