Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3256: Crystal Karges shares a deeply personal account of her early struggles with dieting and eating disorders, revealing how societal and familial pressures shaped her relationship with food and body image. Through her story, she powerfully exposes the dangers of diet culture targeting children and calls for compassionate, informed parenting that prioritizes long-term well-being over quick fixes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/instead-of-a-diet-for-kids-these-healthy-habits-create-real-change Quotes to ponder: "Dieting is the most important predictor of the development of new eating disorders, increasing the risk of these mental illnesses." "Nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and rules around food do not take a person’s (or child’s) individual needs into account." "We live in a world that is extremely harsh toward people who live in larger bodies, especially kids." Episode references: Eating Disorders: About More Than Food (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders Academy for Eating Disorders: https://www.aedweb.org/ National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices