Is it just a phase, or is it something more? While many are familiar with Anorexia or Bulimia, there is another eating disorder that often flies under the radar:

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

In this episode of Be Yourself: Happy, Healthy, Hopeful, host Adriana Grande sits down with Heather Leblanc, a Registered Social Worker at BANA and a specialist in the treatment of eating disorders and body image. Heather brings her expertise in social justice and weight-neutral care to help us deconstructthe myths surrounding how and why we eat.

Together, they dive deep into the complexities of ARFID—moving beyond the "picky eater" label to understand the sensory, psychological, and biological factors at play.

In this episode, we explore:

• ARFID 101: What exactly is it, and how does it differ from other eating disorders?
• Picky Eating vs. ARFID: How to identify the "red flags" and when to seek professional support.
• The Body Image Connection: Can you struggle with ARFID and body image issues simultaneously?
• CBT-AR Explained: Understanding the treatment process and why it’s not about "changing your personality."
• Parenting Strategies: How to lower the pressure at the dinner table while ensuring your child gets the nutrients they need.

Whether you are a caregiver feeling overwhelmed by mealtime or someone navigating your own restrictive eating journey, this conversation offers the tools, clinical insights, and hope you need to move forward.