Julie Tucker-Ponder, LCSW, CADC, MAATP

05/12/2026

https://www.nprillinois.org/arts-life/2026-05-07/hillary-lamontagne-helping-a-range-of-people-such-as-postpartum-moms-and-transgender-individuals. Kudos to Hillary, a shining star in our community, for her remarkable contributions.

Hillary LaMontagne says, "I specialize as a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I see a lot of patients that want to address substance use issues. I do grief and trauma work. I like to work with postpartum moms. I really like to work with the LGBTQIA+ population, and I've worked with a lot of indi...

05/02/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Eating disorders and disordered eating are not about willpower.
They are patterns—often rooted in emotions, stress, trauma, and nervous system responses.

If you’ve ever felt:
• Out of control with food
• Stuck in cycles of “starting over”
• Frustrated because you know what to do but can’t seem to follow through

You are not alone—and there is nothing “wrong” with you.

There is a reason your patterns exist.
And more importantly… there is a way to understand and change them.

✨ I created a simple Food & Mood Awareness Tool to help you start noticing your patterns without judgment.

Comment “AWARE” or message me and I’ll send it to you.

Let’s break the cycle with compassion, not shame.
— go PONDER this

04/28/2026

It’s not a willpower problem.
It’s a pattern.

And once you understand the pattern…
everything starts to change.

04/22/2026

Which one do you need most today—slow down, breathe, or step outside?

04/17/2026

Excited to be here and be part of this weekend!

04/13/2026

The countdown is on. ⏳ Ideal Protein Super Weekend 2026 is almost here - first stop Calgary, AB, and then on to Austin, TX!
We’re getting ready to celebrate, support, and invest in the clinic partners and coaches who are the heart of the Ideal Protein mission 🧡

This weekend is built to move our partners forward with:
- Fresh clinical insights
- Deeper conversations on metabolic health and emerging trends
- Expert-led sessions on GLP-1s, menopause + metabolism, and weight maintenance
- Practical strategies to help clinics grow stronger

Plus, we’re excited to learn from members of our Scientific Advisory Board: TRAN TIEN Chanh, Douglas Rothrock, M.D., FABIM, FACC, FABOM, John Barnes, DC, and an inspiring lineup of featured guest speakers, Sonya Jones, Linda Huang, MD, Dr. Jonathan Little, Lindsay Venn, PA-C, RD, Dolores Zumbado, DC, Aransas Savas, and Julie Tucker-Ponder, who will bring even more expertise, perspective, and energy to the weekend.

Because our clinic partners’ success is our success.

👇 Heading to Super Weekend? Tell us what you’re most excited about.

04/07/2026

💭 Eating Disorder: Lifeline, Barrier… or Both?

For some, having a name like “eating disorder” can be a lifeline —
It brings clarity.
It validates the struggle.
It opens the door to support and treatment.

But for others, it can feel like a barrier —
“I’m not sick enough.”
“I don’t fit the stereotype.”
“I don’t have a diagnosis, so maybe it doesn’t count.”

The truth? Both experiences are real.

Labels can help us understand what we’re going through — but they should never determine whether you deserve help.

At ANAD, we believe in seeing the person, not the condition.

✨ Your struggle is valid
✨ Your experience matters
✨ You deserve support — with or without a diagnosis

You don’t need the “right” label to reach out.
You only need to know that something isn’t okay.

And that’s always enough. 💜

04/03/2026

Ever wonder why late-night cravings hit *harder* when you're tired? 🌙

Poor sleep messes with your hunger hormones – ghrelin goes up (hunger!), leptin goes down (no fullness signal!). Plus, cortisol rises, telling your body to store fat.

Prioritize 7-9 hours. Your willpower will thank you. Your body will too.

Need help building healthy habits for your best self? We’re here to support your whole journey. ✨

04/01/2026

Can’t wait! Ideal Protein Nation!!

12/08/2025

The horses are excited to help carve out some “you time “in the busy holiday season and set you up to start 2026 how you would like !

12/02/2025

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-help-horses-help-people-heal?fbclid=IwRlRTSAOb-GZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGs1_BGBJaXVjD7jwk81Psxpy_iI3P03tgrJ9tjfR-Se1BDSEoPwnnij3dLc_aem_2FCEWUskfX7KWCDBnNNGww

Your support helps horses connect with people seeking healing and growth.What your donation supports:Equine-assisted therapy sessions fostering hope and emotional recoveryScholarships for those who need a helping handAllows help to care for the horses that are helping so manyJoin us in making these....