May Newsletter 2025

Allison Answers: What is recovery anyway?

A major question I’m finding coming up in my sessions more and more is, “What actually is recovery?” What does it even mean?

In a world saturated with rigid definitions of wellness, eating disorder recovery is often presented as a one-size-fits-all destination — complete abstinence from behaviors, eating a “perfect” meal plan, and loving your body unconditionally.

Has this worked for anyone out there? I’m not sure. My idea of true recovery is not about conforming to someone else’s idea of health or healing; it’s about reclaiming autonomy. It means asking yourself: What does peace with food and body look like for me? It can mean reducing harm, learning to tune into your body, or simply eating enough most days. It can mean respecting your cultural background, your mental health, your body’s needs, and your personal goals.

What matters is that it supports your life and your values — not someone else’s checklist (or the eating disorder’s).

No one is going to jump out from behind a curtain and say “you’re wrong!” for adapting recovery to suit your life rather than restructuring your life around recovery. In fact, that flexibility might be the very foundation of long-term healing.

— Allison Boyd

✨ Grace’s Playlist ✨

Newest Blog Post…

Thu, Apr 17

Food Rule vs Preference

Abbie’s newest blog explores the harmful impact of food rules and highlights the importance of distinguishing them from personal food preferences. By learning to listen to your body’s cues and challenging rigid guidelines, you can cultivate a more intuitive and compassionate relationship with food.

We are excited to celebrate Dulce’s 1-year anniversary with us!

Over the past year, Dulce has brought incredible warmth, curiosity, and deep respect to each client’s journey. With her experience from a local eating disorder treatment center and her genuine passion for personalized, non-judgmental care, she has made a lasting impact on our community.

Dulce earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods from the University of Houston, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She specializes in working with adolescents, ARFID, and PCOS, and is especially passionate about raising awareness of eating disorders within the BIPOC community.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dulce shares practical, down-to-earth advice on making peace with food, meal planning, and grocery shopping. When she’s not working, she loves diving into sci-fi and K-dramas, exploring stationery stores, and enjoying game nights with friends.

Thank you, Dulce, for all you’ve brought to our team this past year. We’re so grateful for your dedication, compassion, and the many ways you continue to inspire and support those around you. Here's to many more milestones ahead!

Steph’s One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Pasta

Looking for the perfect comfort meal after a long day? This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Pasta is rich, savory, and comes together quickly — making it perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp neutral oil (olive, canola, or avocado oil)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ½ cups beef broth
8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Pan-fry the chicken: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté the mushrooms: In the same pot, add sliced mushrooms. Cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add broth and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and stir to make sure it’s fully submerged. Cover the pot and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Add cream and cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken. Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot!