78 - Laura Cohen defines "healthy" and explains fatphobia

78 - Laura Cohen defines "healthy" and explains fatphobia

Author: Vegan Lifestyle Coach: Jenny Cheifetz June 4, 2025 Duration: 1:01:29

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When the world shut down in 2022, Laura Cohen’s world turned upside down in a much more personal way - her 16-year-old daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder. As a former Registered Dietitian, Laura found herself navigating unfamiliar and emotionally challenging terrain, seeking answers far beyond clinical training. What she discovered sparked a transformation - not just in how she supported her daughter, but in how she viewed food, ā€œwellnessā€, and the broader culture around both.
Today, Laura serves as a Lead Family Mentor with Equip, helping other families find their footing during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. She has shifted both personally and professionally from a background rooted in traditional dietetics to embracing an anti-diet, recovery-informed approach. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Coordinated Dietetics from Syracuse University, a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition from NYU, and an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University.
Laura brings both lived experience and professional insight to the conversation—grounded, compassionate, and always learning alongside the families she serves.


Laura's Notes from the Sidelines:

  1. What is "healthy"? Get in touch with what feels good in your body. Healthy is not defined by social construct. Someone else's definition is BS.
  2. Weight is not a health marker.
  3. Society and medical world are fatphobic. They shame, ignore, and dismiss people who are fat, overweight, or larger-bodied.
  4. Changing habits should not be linked to a number on the scale. If you want to change to healthy habits, do it because you want to, not because someone shames you.
  5. Smaller body does not equal healthy. Having a smaller body does not have anything to do with you how you feel.
  6. Anorexia does not mean a small body.
  7. Social determinants of health are: connection, sleep, safety, access to food with nutrients, healthcare, stress management, and joyful movement.
  8. Body autonomy means doing what you want for your body, and knowing what and why you're doing it.
  9. Eating disorders increase in middle age, which is a step backwards from all the work women have done over the years to learn to appreciate our bodies.
  10. As you age, your body changes. It's natural, so why are we told by society that it's a bad thing??
  11. You choose what's important to focus on when you're aging, but make sure you're choosing for you and not for someone else.
  12. Instead of soothing emotions with food and drink, try: personal growth, DBT skills, self-talk, being honest with self, play online games, exercise in a way that feels good, fresh air, be with dogs, binge watch shows, and read.
  13. Find connection... somewhere... with likeminded people. Online friends are great!
  14. Find peace within yourself somewhere. You don't need external validation. Enjoy being with your thoughts.


Jenny and Leah from Anti-Diet Life Podcast

Jenny's appearance on a menopause podcast

Laura's website

Anti-Diet book by Christy Harrison


**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to constitute legal or medical advice; all information, content, and material on this site are for general informational purposes only. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience and enjoyment of the user.


Hosted by Vegan Lifestyle Coach Jenny Cheifetz, The Flirty Vegan is a warm and engaging space for anyone curious about plant-based living. This isn't about strict rules or judgment; it's about the vibrant, practical, and often deeply personal journey of aligning your choices with your values. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, exploring the many facets of a compassionate lifestyle. You'll hear discussions that go beyond food, touching on the ethical decision to honor animals, the tangible impact on planetary conservation, and the personal health benefits that come from this mindful approach. Jenny guides these inspiring and important talks, weaving together stories from guests and her own experience to demystify the transition and celebrate its joys. The podcast naturally delves into the challenges and triumphs, offering listeners a sense of community and realistic advice. Whether you're fully committed or just dipping a toe in, the dialogue here is designed to educate and connect, leaving you with both motivation and a clearer understanding of how these choices ripple out into the world. It’s an invitation to explore a more intentional way of living, filled with discovery and genuine enthusiasm for making a difference.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Flirty Vegan
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