Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt stuck with your own body—in a similar way you’ve felt stuck with alcohol?
That exhausting push-pull. The promises. The shame. The “why do I keep doing this?” on repeat. If that sounds familiar, this conversation is for you. For the woman who’s tried willpower, plans, promises, and prayers—yet still feels stuck in the cycle of body image battles, emotional eating, and quiet self-criticism. Friend, you are not alone. And you are not broken. 

Leanne joins us to share her powerful story of moving from food addiction and shame to true healing—rooted in both neuroscience and the unshakable love of God. What once felt like a personal failure of discipline became a holy revelation: real change happens when we understand our nervous system, renew our minds, and invite God into the process with us.

In this episode, we talk honestly about how self-image shapes our choices, why “knowing better” isn’t the same as healing, and how faith and neuroscience beautifully work together to bring lasting freedom. Just like with alcohol, you’ll hear how the breakthrough didn’t come from trying harder—but from partnering with God differently.

You’ll also hear how Leanne learned to separate who she is from what she struggled with—and how that shift opened the door to peace, empowerment, and a new identity grounded in Christ.

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep doing the very thing you swore you wouldn’t—whether with food, alcohol, or anything else—this episode will remind you: you’re not failing—you’re in formation. And God isn’t standing at a distance. He’s right in the middle of your becoming.

📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Leanne’s journey began with years of wrestling with food, shame, and body image
• Why understanding your nervous system can change everything about emotional eating
• The role of free will—and why God invites us into transformation rather than forcing it
• Why self-image work is essential for lasting change
• How neuroscience helps explain the patterns behind our behaviors
• Why healing requires both head knowledge and heart alignment
• The freedom that comes from separating your identity from your struggles
• How God’s unconditional love becomes the foundation for real self-acceptance
• Why true transformation is always a partnership between you and God

💡 Mind–Body Renewal Practices to Try This Week

• Speak one truth about your identity in Christ every morning
• Pause and breathe when a craving hits and ask: “What is my nervous system needing right now?”
• Replace negative self-talk with: “This is who I was. This is who I’m becoming.”
• Invite God into your healing with a simple daily prayer: “Renew my mind, Lord.”
• Keep a small journal of “behavioral wins” to train your brain to notice progress

Practice mirror gratitude—thank God for one part of your body each day

💌 Links & Resources

You can learn more about Leanne's work at LeanneEllington.com and StresslessEating.com
or follow Leanne on instagram @leanneellington.

🤝 Join our community: https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community 

📖 Order your copy of Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind  https://amzn.to/42l7z9C 

📲 Connect on Instagram: @butjesusdrankwine

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The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

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