Hope on Your Plate: Conegliano’s New Space for Overeaters
Ah, Conegliano! A lovely place known for its Prosecco and… wait for it… a brand new support group for anyone who’s ever treated a tub of ice cream like a therapist! Yes, this November, local gal Laura is raising the flag for Overeaters Anonymous (OA), and it’s about to become the coolest self-help session this side of Venice! Mark your calendars: November 24th, 2pm-4pm at Via Vidal 160. There’s no entry fee—just bring your appetite for change!
Breaking Bread and Breaking Barriers
Now, what’s OA? Think Alcoholics Anonymous, but instead of pouring out whisky, it’s all about pouring your heart out about those late-night kitchen raids. Laura, who’s bravely shared her own battle with food, emphasizes that she learned through OA that healing isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon—or, in my case, perhaps a competitive food-eating contest! The association, which was founded way back in the ‘60s in the USA but only sashayed into Italy in the ‘80s, is a real gem for anyone struggling with compulsive eating. The 12 steps, reminiscent of the ’12 days of Christmas’ but less about partridges and more about sharing your inner struggles, create a non-judgmental atmosphere. Your secret is safe here—no paparazzi allowed!
Emotional Eating: The Weight of the World on Your Plate
Laura candidly describes her past: food was both a friend and a foe. “It was my escape,” she recalls, “my go-to during stress, fear, and let’s not sugarcoat it—good old loneliness.” Sound familiar? We’ve all had our emotional buffet moments; let’s be honest, who hasn’t turned nachos into a comfort blanket? But here’s the kicker: through OA, she discovered that she wasn’t the only one with a bit of a ‘foodie’ habit! It was like finding a support group of fellow lovers of dessert… except less sugar-coated and more focused on wellbeing.
Bringing Change to Conegliano
With 62* OA groups already thriving across Italy, Laura’s aim is to whip up a new spot right in our own Conegliano. Why? Because let’s face it, isolation is the enemy! If you’re struggling, you need a community that can offer hope and understanding, not just a “you can do it” pep talk from a stranger at a bus stop. Laura’s running the show here so that she and her fellow warriors can share tools for recovery, including emotional check-ups and tools to combat cravings that often make us feel like we’re starring in a food fight horror story!
The Path to Progress
In OA, self-love is key—it’s like giving yourself an emotional hug! Laura’s previous attempts to tackle her eating issues solo saw her life become a kind of yo-yo dieting game—up one minute, down the next. The compulsion to munch through her emotions was just too strong! But take heart, there’s a light at the end of this strudel-filled tunnel. Laura’s closing words are those of sheer determination: “Don’t give up! There’s a glimmer of hope, and OA is here to make a difference.”
So mark your calendars, Conegliano! It’s time to take a step towards healing, community, and learning to love ourselves, one carrot stick at a time. And if all else fails, remember—the only thing you should ever truly indulge in is a good laugh. Because when it comes to battling eating disorders, laughter might just be the best medicine. After all, who wouldn’t want to swap a cupcake for a chuckle?*
CONEGLIANO – Conegliano is set to welcome a dedicated space for individuals grappling with DCA (eating disorders) as Overeaters Anonymous (Oa) organizes an informative open meeting on 24 November. Scheduled from 2pm to 4pm at via Vidal 160, this gathering is designed to provide resources and support to those affected by compulsive eating habits. Participation is free of charge, encouraging broad attendance. Laura, a local resident from Conegliano, will share her personal journey with food and her experiences with Oa. «Overeaters Anonymous taught me that healing is a process. This program helped me to distance myself from food as a means of managing my emotions,” she reflects.
Overeaters Anonymous, established in the United States in 1960, remained largely unknown in Italy until the 1980s. Even today, it doesn’t boast widespread recognition. The foundation of the Oa recovery program is rooted in the 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, with a strong emphasis on maintaining privacy and anonymity among its members. «We are people who share the same mental obsession with food, and for this reason, we want to help each other,” Laura emphasizes. Oa primarily addresses binge-eating or compulsive eating behaviors that can manifest in various forms, ranging from the notorious “binge” to excessive control over eating habits.
«For years, I lived in a dysfunctional relationship with food: it was my escape, my solace during stressful times, fear, loneliness, and sadness. I used food to endure emotions that felt unbearable,” Laura explains. «After attending a meeting of the association, I discovered that I was not alone. I met others striving for a balanced relationship with food. The environment was supportive and free of judgment. I realized I wasn’t the only one feeling powerless against this addiction.”
THE GOAL
In Italy, there are currently 62 Oa groups available, both in-person and online. Laura’s mission is to establish a new group in Conegliano. «There are no groups in our vicinity, and it would be wonderful to extend a message of hope to those suffering and feeling isolated. The program equipped me with practical tools for managing my emotions and taught me the importance of seeking help. The community is a source of support during challenging times. Every day presents a new challenge but also a reason to celebrate,» Laura reflects. She acknowledges progress, stating, «I’m not fully healed yet, but I am on the path. Today, I maintain a healthier relationship with food and refuse to let my emotions dictate my actions. I’ve learned to listen to my body’s signals and eat mindfully. I appreciate every step I take, each encounter, and each day that I choose to rise above the compulsions.”
THE PROGRAM
Through the Oa program, participants, as Laura mentions, focus on the crucial aspect of self-love, which is foundational in order to love others effectively. «I attempted multiple times to quit independently, only to find myself failing consistently. My weight would fluctuate, but the underlying issue was always my mindset. The compulsion overshadowed my will,” Laura concludes. «To those battling similar addictions, my message is clear: do not lose hope. Oa offers invaluable resources that can change lives. We are not alone on this journey.”
What motivated Laura to establish a new Overeaters Anonymous group in Conegliano?
**Interview with Laura: Championing Change for Compulsive Eaters in Conegliano**
**Editor:** Laura, thank you for joining us today! You’re launching a new Overeaters Anonymous (OA) group in Conegliano. Can you tell us what inspired you to start this initiative?
**Laura:** Thank you for having me! I’ve battled my own issues with food for years, and I know firsthand how isolating it can feel. When I found OA, it was like discovering a lifeline. It helped me realize I’m not alone in this struggle. I wanted to create a welcoming space in Conegliano for others who might feel the same way.
**Editor:** That’s inspiring! Can you share a little more about what someone can expect during your meetings?
**Laura:** Absolutely! Our meetings emphasize a non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone can share their experiences. We’ll talk about the emotional aspects of eating, and there will be tools and strategies shared to help combat cravings and emotional eating. It’s really about building a community where we can support each other.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of community. Why do you think that’s particularly significant for those dealing with compulsive eating?
**Laura:** Isolation can be really detrimental. When we’re navigating our struggles alone, we often feel trapped. Having a supportive group makes a huge difference. It’s not just about sharing our stories; it’s about learning from each other and gaining strength through compassion and understanding.
**Editor:** You have personal experience with your eating journey. What transformation have you seen in your own life since joining OA?
**Laura:** Oh, it’s been immense! I had a dysfunctional relationship with food for years, using it to cope with stress and loneliness. Through OA, I learned to approach food differently. It’s about practicing self-love and understanding that healing is a process, not something that happens overnight.
**Editor:** That’s such a powerful message. For someone thinking about attending for the first time, what would you say to encourage them?
**Laura:** I’d say, “Don’t hesitate!” There’s no entry fee, and you won’t be judged. This could be the start of a positive change in your life. Every little step counts, and sometimes the hardest part is just showing up. We’re all there to help you on your journey.
**Editor:** Thank you, Laura. You’ve certainly given us hope and insight into this much-needed initiative in Conegliano.
**Laura:** Thank you! I hope to see many new faces at our first meeting on November 24th. Together, we can start breaking barriers and building a healthier relationship with food.