Introduction:

Project HEAL CEO Akiera Gilbert joins us to discuss her relationship with food growing up, why she didn’t realize she had an eating disorder, how she finally began to find healing, the importance of community in disordered-eating recovery, what to do if community feels tricky to you, and more. 

Akiera Gilbert (she/her), CEO of Project HEAL, reminds us that eating disorders are more than personal struggles—they're a critical public health issue. 

Project HEAL is recognized as the leading national non-profit focused on creating equitable access to eating disorder care. In 2023 alone, they provided access to over $5 million worth of free services, including treatment placement, clinical assessments, cash assistance, insurance navigation, and meal support. 

Previously, Akiera founded Body Reborn to foster healing spaces for people of color who struggle with food and body image. Driven by her belief that healing is our collective right, she is actively transforming mental healthcare to be more affirming, accessible, and affordable.

To explore Akiera’s vision and the transformative impact of Project HEAL’s work, visit theprojectheal.org.

Resources Mentioned

Some of the links below are affiliate links to Bookshop or Amazon, where I earn a small commission for any purchases made.

• Subscribe to the Food Psych Weekly newsletter

• My other podcast and newsletter, Rethinking Wellness

• My online course, Intuitive Eating Fundamentals

• My first book, Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating

• My second book, The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses and Find Your True Well-Being

• My third book, The Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Binge Eating & Body Image Workbook

• The Making Peace with Food Card Deck

• Subscribe to the podcast here