Orthorexia, Quasi-Recovery, & Lifelong Eating Disorder Struggles With Dr. Lara Zibarras @drlarazib

What does true food freedom really look like—and why is it so hard to recognize when you're stuck in quasi-recovery? In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, I sit down with Dr. Lara Zibarras (@drlarazib), psychologist, eating disorder recovery coach, and the voice behind The Food Freedom Psychologist. Lara shares her powerful lived experience with bulimia, orthorexia, and the trap of “wellness culture” that masqueraded as health—but kept her stuck in restriction for years. Together, we explore the societal pressures that shape eating disorders across the lifespan, including postpartum body image expectations, the lure of perfectionism, and the explosion of weight stigma online. We also unpack how mindset shifts—like moving away from all-or-nothing thinking and embracing flexibility—can be a critical part of recovery. Whether you're healing from disordered eating, supporting a loved one, or questioning the messages you've received about your body, this episode offers real talk, compassion, and insight.

ABOUT DR. LARA

Dr. Lara Zibarras is a Psychologist and Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, a.k.a The Food Freedom Psychologist. After spending her 20s and 30s battling food anxieties and disordered eating, finding food freedom was life-changing. Now, Lara is on a mission to help women break free from chaotic, out-of-control eating patterns to feel confident around food and in their bodies. She uses a powerful blend of psychology, mindset work and nutrition science to support her clients in making mindful food choices and building body acceptance.

 

Dr. Lara is located in the UK and mostly work with women in the UK. In addition, she provides coaching via Zoom and has international clients.

 

CONTACT & FOLLOW DR. LARA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlarazib/

Website: https://drlarazib.com/

Email: lara@drlarazib.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLaraZib

 

LISTEN TO OTHER EPISODES ON ORTHOREXIA & EATING DISORDERS ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN.

• Orthorexia Uncovered: Causes, Challenges, & Pathways to Healing on Apple & Spotify.
• An Orthorexia Recovery Story With Sabrina Magnan, @sabrina.magnan.health on Apple & Spotify.
• Why is Anorexia Showing Up in Midlife? You're Not Imagining It on Apple & Spotify.

INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND?

• Follow me on Instagram @drmariannemiller
• Check out my virtual, self-paced ARFID and Selective Eating course
• Learn about my self-paced, virtual, anti-diet subscription-based curriculum. It is called Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership.
• Live in California, Texas, or Washington D.C. and interested in eating disorder therapy with me? Sign up for a free, 15-minute phone consultation HERE or via my website, and I'll get you to where you need to be!
• Check out my blog.
• Want more information? Email me at hello@mariannemiller.com