When the Book Transforms the Author
The Elephant in the Room: Reclaiming Body Wisdom Beyond Diet Culture
In this Writing & Thriving conversation, Sally-Shakti speaks with Christine Thomas, author of the forthcoming book The Elephant in the Room: Is Weight Loss Worth It? Christine brings her unique perspective as both a health economist studying real-world healthcare interventions and a woman who has lived the cycle of weight loss and the search for self-acceptance.
Christine explores three powerful questions that guided her book: Why do we believe we have to be thin to be happy? Why do we think diets will provide that answer? And why do women inevitably regain the weight they lose?
Through Book Coaching and Developmental Editing with Sally-Shakti, Christine discovered that writing The Elephant in the Room wasn't just about sharing her story—it was the healing practice that helped her make crucial connections between childhood grief, somatic memory, and her relationship with food and body image.
During the writing process itself, Christine made profound connections—discovering how sugar had become somatic comfort stored in her body from childhood grief, and how yoga and embodied practices helped her shift from external control to inner knowing. This conversation explores the healing that happens when we stop looking outward for solutions and start honouring what our bodies already understand.
Christine shares her vision for The Table Tribe, a safe Facebook community where women can share their experiences with weight loss and self-worth without judgment, alongside practical yoga classes designed for connection rather than perfection.
Connect with Christine:
Website: christinemthomas.com
Community: The Table Tribe
