Core beliefs are the fundamental, deeply held beliefs we develop in early childhood that shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. In this eye-opening episode, Lindsey breaks down how eating disorders stem from and reinforce negative core beliefs that can take years to heal from. Learn about the three types of core beliefs that are secretly feeding your disordered eating patterns and discover how to identify and transform these beliefs to break free from the cycle keeping you stuck. Key Takeaways Core beliefs are fundamental truths you've made into idols that need to be challenged Eating disorders stem from and reinforce negative core beliefs developed in childhood There are 3 types of core beliefs: how you see yourself, others, and the world You are becoming someone you've never been before - be patient with that process "You either quit or keep going - they both hurt. Choose your hurt wisely." The 3 Types of Core Beliefs Type 1: How You See Yourself What It Includes: Self-worth and personal value Self-competence, skills, and abilities Self-identity - who you are at your core Beliefs shaped by caretakers, feedback, and criticisms over your lifetime How It Feeds EDs: "I'm not good enough" leads to perfectionism, restriction, and rigidity False identity created by the eating disorder becomes your truth Tying worth and value to performance instead of inherent value How to Change It: Build self-compassion through recovery inspiration Embrace your identity as "daughter of the most high, warrior, queen" Recognize the voice in your head is a false narrative Understand you don't have to earn, restrict, or compensate for nourishment Type 2: How You View Other People What It Includes: Trustworthiness and reliability of others Beliefs about goodwill and kindness in people Prejudices and stereotypes Safety mechanisms developed from rejection or inconsistent caregiving How It Feeds EDs: "If I can just be perfect, I'll have less rejection" Using food and exercise to control how others perceive you "If I gain weight, will my husband/boyfriend still want me?" How to Change It: Stop comparing yourself to other people Understand most people don't actually care about your recovery journey Set boundaries with people who aren't in your corner Accept support from those who truly want what's best for you Type 3: Your Perception of the World What It Includes: Beliefs about safety vs. danger in your environment Abundance vs. scarcity mindset Beliefs about available resources and opportunities Level of control you have over your life and world events How It Feeds EDs: "The world is unsafe, so I must perform to prove my value" Searching for control and stability through food/body management Fear-based restriction during uncertain times How to Change It: Challenge wellness culture and societal body image messages Create personal meaning and purpose beyond the disorder "Stay away from processed bodies rather than processed foods" How Core Beliefs Create ED Cycles The Connection: Core beliefs affect your motivations, goals, life choices, and desires for freedom Negative self-perception breeds perfectionism and restriction Fear of others' judgment results in using food and exercise for control Worldview of unsafety heightens need to prove value through performance Powerful Quotes from This Episode "You are becoming someone you've never met before - and that's what I want you to take with you today." "What other people think of you is not your business." "No one truly cares what you are doing in your recovery outside of those closest to you." "You either quit or you get to keep going, and they both hurt. Choose your hurt wisely." "We have to stop living and breeding a culture where our daughters feel wrong for being in their own body." The Core Belief Transformation Process Step 1: Identification Recognize which of the 3 types of core beliefs are impacting your ED Identify the "fundamental truths" you'