Creating an Eating Disorder Recovery-Friendly Christmas with Alix Walker

When everything feels too much, remember you're not alone.

In this week's episode, Hannah is joined by Alix Walker. Alix is an eating disorder counsellor and coach, and a wellbeing speaker, who works with clients to overcome eating and body image difficulties following on from her own personal experience.



This week's festive episode brings a real perspective of being in recovery at Christmas, with advice on how to navigate this season that isn't just a few quick tips that feel like they diminish the struggles of Christmas.


This week, we discuss:

  • Common challenges Alix supports her clients with during the festive period
  • The pressure and overwhelm caused by Christmas markets
  • Making recovery-focused decisions when challenging your eating disorder
  • Giving yourself permission to engage in what feels right to you
  • Finding compassion for others who are also stuck in diet culture thought patterns
  • Visiting home for Christmas and experiencing emotional triggers
  • Finding time for reflection or space during the festive season
  • Redefining what Christmas means to you and making it what you need
  • The impact of social media on your own Christmas experience


Timestamps:

  • 01:20: Common Eating Disorder Struggles at Christmas
  • 03:20: Christmas Markets and Knowing When to Challenge
  • 06:13: Managing Guilt After Social Events
  • 07:41: Navigating Work Parties
  • 10:47: Finding Balance and Compassion
  • 14:17: Navigating Diet Talk
  • 16:57: Handling Comments from Family Members
  • 23:05: Taking Responsibility for Triggers
  • 26:29: Finding Personal Space
  • 29:14: Redefining the Meaning of Christmas Away from Social Media


Resources & Links


Connect with Us:

  • Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here
  • Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here
  • Check out our website here


⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders. Please take care when listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.


Have the most Christmassy time (whatever that means for you), my lovely beans, Han 💛

Recent Posts

By Hannah Hickinbotham August 10, 2026
Learning how to spot toxic wellness culture with Elle Mace on 17 years of disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and finding real food freedom.
By Hannah Hickinbotham August 3, 2026
From Control to Connection through Recovery and Transitioning
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 27, 2026
Art Psychotherapist Jessica Mackney shares how art therapy can offer a way into eating disorder recovery when words aren't enough, and what it really looks like beyond "just drawing or painting."
By hannah July 20, 2026
Hannah Whitfield shares her inpatient psychiatric care, restrictive practice, and eating disorder recovery, and how she turned survival into activism with Legally Detained.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 13, 2026
Eva Echo shares her experience of eating disorders, trans identity, and AuDHD, and what years of medical gatekeeping in UK healthcare really looks like.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 6, 2026
When we focus on weight in eating disorder treatment, are we doing more harm than good?
Show More