This week, we want to tell you a bit more about our stories so you can understand where we’re coming from when we talk about fighting diet culture and growing to love ourselves. We’re both now plus size, but we have very different stories. Laura grew up bigger and has had a problem with comfort eating for as long as she can remember.  Meanwhile, Lauren grew up smaller, but was made self conscious of her body from a young age, and gained weight later in life as a result of trauma.  In a culture rife with diet-culture and fatphobia, we all have similar experiences of low self-esteem and problematic relationships with our bodies and food. But we’ve also all been taught to hide it and feel ashamed. We're here to stop that, and hopefully, you can find some comfort in our stories today! If you'd like to get in touch with the show, please email goloveyourselfpod@gmail.com. TW: This episode contains references to binge eating, disordered relationships with food, and suicidal thoughts. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder and are in the UK, the Beat Eating Disorders charity has a hotline. The number is 0808 801 0677 or you can visit the website at beateatingdisorders.org.uk. Additionally, if you're experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the Samaritans at 116 123, or visit crowdnetwork.co.uk/helplines for a list of people you can go to for help.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices