Episodios

  • EP 269: 💜Eating Disorder Awareness 2026💜 ~ Ozempic, Social Media & Rising Trends Every Woman Should Know

    EP 269: 💜Eating Disorder Awareness 2026💜 ~ Ozempic, Social Media & Rising Trends Every Woman Should Know
    Feb 13 2026
    February is Eating Disorder Awareness Month. And if you're stuck in quasi-recovery, telling yourself "I'm fine," avoiding help because you're ashamed—this is your wake-up call. I'm sharing 2026 statistics you haven't heard, alarming trends getting WORSE, and the truth about Ozempic, social media, and eating disorders. Because sis, you are not a statistic. At least not a negative one. But you need to hear this. What you'll learn: Why eating disorders increased 15% since 2020 (28.8 million Americans affected)The shocking truth: Every 52 minutes someone dies, only 10% get treatmentMidlife crisis: 42% increase in hospitalizations for women 45-65Ozempic danger: 300% prescription increase, 40% of users have ED histories, 45% relapse when stoppingSocial media impact: 3+ hours/day = 60% higher ED riskPost-pandemic fallout: 25-30% global increase still climbingMy story: When I refused to be a negative statistic3-question self-assessment to know if you need help NOW The wake-up call: Every day you wait, you're missing out on life. KEY STATISTICS 📊 28.8 million Americans will have an ED in their lifetime (15% increase since 2020) 📊 Every 52 minutes someone dies from an eating disorder 📊 Only 10% receive treatment (women 40+ wait 6-8 years longer) 📊 42% increase in midlife ED hospitalizations (women 45-65) 📊 60% higher ED risk with 3+ hours daily social media use 📊 300% increase in Ozempic/GLP-1 prescriptions (60-70% for weight loss, not diabetes) 📊 40% increase in ED patients requesting weight loss drugs 📊 45% relapse rate when stopping GLP-1s (rapid weight regain triggers ED) 📊 25-30% global increase in EDs since 2020 (still climbing) THE 5 ALARMING TRENDS 1. MIDLIFE EATING DISORDERS EXPLODING 42% increase in hospitalizations for women 45-65. If you're over 40 thinking "I'm too old for this"—you're wrong. 2. SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDING THE CRISIS 3+ hours/day = 60% higher risk. #Ozempic has 1.3 billion views. You're being fed anti-aging, menopause weight loss, restriction disguised as wellness. 3. OZEMPIC NORMALIZING DISORDERED EATING 12 million Americans using GLP-1s. 30% of ED treatment centers treating patients whose ED was triggered by these drugs. These suppress appetite, reinforce that hunger is the enemy, bypass actual healing. Ask yourself: Am I healing my relationship with my body? Or medicalizing my eating disorder? 4. DIET CULTURE AS "WELLNESS" Orthorexia rising. Gluten-free, intermittent fasting, cleanses—these are eating disorders in disguise. If you have rigid food rules and anxiety around "unclean" foods, that's disordered eating. 5. POST-PANDEMIC CRISIS CONTINUES Six years later, anxiety up, depression up, eating disorders up. If your ED got worse during the pandemic and you've been saying "later"—later is NOW. LINDSEY'S STORY Years ago, someone told me most people with eating disorders don't fully recover. That I'd probably struggle forever. That the odds were against me. Something inside me snapped. I got angry—not at them, but at the eating disorder. So I decided: I'm not going to be that statistic. I refuse. I stopped avoiding, denying, pretending. I got help. I did the work. I recovered. I'm NOT a negative statistic. I'm a RECOVERY statistic. And you can be too. 3-QUESTION SELF-ASSESSMENT Answer honestly: Am I engaging in unhealthy behaviors but telling myself they're "not that bad"? (Skipping meals, restricting, overexercising, weighing obsessively, purging, binging, using appetite suppressants)Am I avoiding help because I'm ashamed, scared, or in denial? ("I'll deal with it later," "I can handle it alone," "It's not serious enough")Is my relationship with food/body stealing my joy, energy, presence, LIFE? (Missing moments, obsessing, sacrificing relationships, constant anxiety) If you said YES to even ONE: You need support! THE ONE THING YOU CAN DO TODAY Share this episode with someone who needs itDo the self-assessment - be honestIf you need help—REACH OUT Don't wait 6-8 more years. Don't become another statistic. Don't waste the second half of your life. You deserve recovery. You deserve freedom. You deserve to LIVE. WORK WITH LINDSEY 💛 THE RECOVERY COLLECTIVE Group coaching for women in midlife ready to break free. Monthly calls, sisterhood, access to me. www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective 💛 1:1 PERSONALIZED COACHING Deep work to reclaim your life. Limited spots available. www.herbestself.co KEY QUOTES 💛 "You are not a statistic. At least not a negative one." 💛 "Every 52 minutes, someone loses their life to this illness." 💛 "If you're waiting for it to get bad enough, you're already in danger." 💛 "Ask yourself: Am I healing my relationship with my body? Or am I just medicalizing my eating disorder?" 💛 "I'm NOT a negative statistic. I'm a RECOVERY statistic. And you can be too." 💛 "Every day you wait, you're missing the second half of your life." Connect with Lindsey: 🌟 Website: www.herbestself.co 🌟 Instagram: @...
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    19 m
  • EP 268.5: If I Was Trapped in My Eating Disorder Right Now, Here's Exactly What I'd Do ~ The No BS Relapse Recovery Roadmap

    EP 268.5: If I Was Trapped in My Eating Disorder Right Now, Here's Exactly What I'd Do ~ The No BS Relapse Recovery Roadmap
    Feb 10 2026
    The opposite of quitting is recommitting. And sometimes that means you need a spelled-out roadmap to help you define what steps you can take to recommit to recovery. Today's episode is different. I'm not speaking in theoretical terms or giving advice I wouldn't follow myself. I'm sharing exactly what I would do if I was trapped in an eating disorder right now. The actual steps. The concrete path forward. The golden nugget roadmap I would follow myself. Whether you're experiencing a relapse, stuck in your recovery, or wish you could go back and tell your younger self what to do—this episode is your clear, actionable guide. In this episode, you'll discover: The 6-step roadmap I'd follow if I was trapped in an eating disorder todayWhy relapse is normal and doesn't mean you've failedStep 1: Recognition and acceptance—how to get out of denial fasterStep 2: Immediate outreach—breaking the isolation that keeps you stuckStep 3: Implementing structure—what to do RIGHT NOW to support yourselfStep 4: Investigating triggers—what's really driving this beneath the surfaceStep 5: Developing a crisis response plan—how to create lasting recoveryStep 6: Reconnecting with your WHY—the values your ED is violatingWhat I wish I could tell my younger self 15+ years agoWhy recovery isn't about perfection—it's about progressHow to recommit to your best self starting TODAY If you're in the trenches, if you've relapsed, if you're struggling—this roadmap is for you. Not theory. Just honest, practical steps. THE 6-STEP RECOVERY ROADMAP STEP 1: RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE The hardest step: Admitting where you are is no longer where you want to be. If I was relapsing today, I know I'd experience a strong pull toward denial. I might tell myself: "I'm just being more careful about what I eat""I'm having a few bad days""I can handle this on my own" What I'd do instead: ✅ Name what's happening - Get out of denial faster ✅ Ask myself: Am I skipping meals? Preoccupied with food thoughts? Anxious around mealtimes? Weighing myself? ✅ Practice self-compassion - Not excusing the behavior, but acknowledging eating disorders are complex illnesses, not personal failures ✅ Say to myself: "This is really hard. I don't have to do this alone." This step creates the foundation to move forward in ACTION instead of sitting in denial. STEP 2: IMMEDIATE OUTREACH Eating disorders thrive in isolation. My counter-attack would be CONNECTION. What I'd do: ✅ Contact someone I trust - In my case, my mom. I'd say: "I'm struggling with my thoughts and behaviors. I need support." ✅ Get professional help immediately If I had a treatment team: Contact them and say "I'm experiencing relapse. I need an appointment ASAP."If I didn't: Call primary care doctor, get a referral, look into local ED treatment centers ✅ Get accountability - Schedule meals, keep appointments with myself, check in with someone Key truth: Don't wait until things get "bad enough." Early intervention makes a tremendous difference. Breaking isolation doesn't mean everyone needs to know. It means strategically connecting with people who can provide support. STEP 3: IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE What I'd put in place immediately: ✅ Regular eating patterns - Have a plan ready, no reinventing the wheel during vulnerable times. Use the same meals daily to reduce decision fatigue. ✅ Clean up social media & entertainment Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison or food obsessionAvoid shows glorifying thinness or dietingCurate recovery-supportive contentJoin communities like Her Best Self Society (HerBestSelfSociety.com) ✅ Set clear boundaries with exercise - Temporarily pause formalized exercise, focus on gentle movement (This requires support—I couldn't do this alone) ✅ Document thoughts & feelings - Not to be perfect, but to increase awareness of patterns and triggers. Rebuild trust with body and mind. Structure = support. Not rigidity, but safety. STEP 4: INVESTIGATING TRIGGERS Eating disorders aren't just about food or weight. What's really happening beneath the surface? Questions I'd ask myself: ❓ What changes in my life have happened recently? (Transition, loss, increased responsibility, relationship change) ❓ What emotions am I struggling to manage? ❓ What am I trying to numb, distract from, or control? ❓ What needs aren't being met right now? ❓ What external pressures am I responding to? ❓ What beliefs am I believing about my worth, body, or identity? The truth: Eating disorders flare during periods of change and loss of control. Understanding triggers helps you heal beyond just the behaviors—you learn to process emotions in healthier ways. STEP 5: DEVELOPING A CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN Lasting recovery requires more than just putting out fires. What I'd create: ✅ Coping strategies - Tools to use when urges arise ✅ Relapse prevention plan - Document early warning signs, high-risk situations, actions to take ✅ Support system - Who to call, when, and...
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    22 m
  • EP 268: Eating Disorders in Midlife ~ Women 40+ Are Finally Recovering After Decades (Here's Why NOW Is the Perfect Time)

    EP 268: Eating Disorders in Midlife ~ Women 40+ Are Finally Recovering After Decades (Here's Why NOW Is the Perfect Time)
    Feb 6 2026
    I just turned 40 last month. And I don't know what shifts inside at midlife, but something changes when you hit this milestone. You start asking different questions: "Is this it?" "Is this who I really am?" "Is this all there is for me?" And if you've been battling an eating disorder for decades—maybe 10 years, maybe 20, maybe 30—you're asking an even harder question: "Who am I without this?" It's Eating Disorder Awareness Month. And this year, I want to talk about something we don't talk about enough—eating disorders in midlife. Did you know that eating disorder hospitalizations for women aged 45-65 have increased by 42% in the last decade? And yet, we still act like eating disorders are just a "young woman's problem." But if you're a woman in your late 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, and you're still struggling, I see you. This is NOT just a young woman's issue. And this episode? This one's for you. Because here's the truth: Midlife is an identity crisis. And breaking up with your eating disorder? That's an identity crisis too. And when those two collide, it can feel overwhelming. But what if this collision isn't a crisis at all? What if it's a crossroads? What if midlife is the PERFECT time to finally break free? IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why midlife identity crisis and ED identity crisis are shockingly similarThe statistics: 42% increase in ED hospitalizations for women 45-65, 13% of women over 50 engage in disordered eatingWhy more women are reaching out for support in midlife (and why that's powerful)The 5 reasons why NOW is the perfect season to go all in on recoveryWhy menopause/perimenopause can actually SUPPORT your recovery, not hinder itHow to answer "I've had this for 30 years—how can I possibly recover now?"Real client stories: Women who recovered at 47, 52, and 61What life AFTER ED in midlife actually looks likeThe reframe: This isn't a crisis, it's a crossroadsWhy the second half of your life is waiting for you to reclaim it KEY QUOTES 💛 "Midlife is an identity crisis. And breaking up with your eating disorder? That's an identity crisis too." 💛 "In midlife you ask: 'Who am I now that my kids don't need me?' In ED recovery you ask: 'Who am I without my eating disorder?' And the hardest question: 'I don't recognize myself anymore. So who AM I?'" 💛 "Eating disorder hospitalizations for women aged 45-65 have increased by 42% in the last decade. This is NOT just a young woman's issue." 💛 "You don't want to waste the second half of your life still trapped in this. You've already given the eating disorder the first half. You're not giving it the second." 💛 "Your body is changing whether you restrict or not. So what if you nourished it through this transition instead of punishing it?" 💛 "The question isn't 'How can I recover during menopause?' The question is 'How can I NOT recover during menopause?' 💛 "Recovery doesn't have an age limit. And it's not too late for you. The only thing that's too late? Waiting another decade to start." 💛 "This isn't a crisis. It's a crossroads. Midlife isn't the end. It's the beginning of the second half." 💛 "This is YOUR era. This is YOUR time." THE STATISTICS 📊 42% increase in eating disorder hospitalizations for women aged 45-65 in the last decade 📊 13% of women over 50 report disordered eating behaviors 📊 62% of women in midlife report weight and shape concerns significantly impact quality of life 📊 Women who seek treatment in their 40s and 50s have recovery rates comparable to—and sometimes BETTER than—younger women The truth: It is NOT too late. THE 5 REASONS WHY MIDLIFE IS THE PERFECT TIME TO RECOVER 1. You're running out of patience, not time You've tried everything. You're DONE. That urgency is your fuel. 2. "If not now, then when?" You're not wasting the second half of your life on this. 3. Your kids need less of you = space for YOU Finally, permission to ask: "What do I need?" 4. You're wiser now You're chasing presence, connection, LIFE—not perfection. 5. You have the resources now Financial, emotional, relational—you're ready to invest in yourself. MENOPAUSE & RECOVERY: WHY THEY WORK TOGETHER Your body is changing whether you restrict or not → Nourish it through the transition Hormonal shifts require MORE nourishment, not less → Support bone density, muscle mass, mental health Perimenopause forces you to let go of control → Exactly what recovery requires Recovery sets you up for a healthier second half → Bone health, heart health, energy, longevity REAL CLIENT STORIES ✨ Age 52: 33 years with bulimia. Today she's free, travels, eats without fear, rebuilding relationships. ✨ Age 47: Restricted her entire adult life. Today she's in the best health of her life—strong, energized, PRESENT. ✨ Age 61: "I spent 40 years believing I'd never be free. But I'm free now. And I have so much life left to live." WHAT LIFE AFTER ED IN MIDLIFE LOOKS LIKE 🌟 You wake up without immediately ...
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    25 m
  • EP 267.5: The Cost of Perfection ~ “Be Thin but Not Too Thin” (& Other Impossible Standards Destroying Your Mental Health)

    EP 267.5: The Cost of Perfection ~ “Be Thin but Not Too Thin” (& Other Impossible Standards Destroying Your Mental Health)
    Feb 3 2026
    The cost of perfection left me perfectly exhausted. Be thin, but not too thin. Be confident but not overly confident. Be successful, but not too successful. If you're with me and you experience the pressure to be perfect, this is a perfect paradox—and it is time to dump the impossible standards that are destroying your mental health and that are so tied to eating disorders. In this episode, I'm diving into the relentless pressure to be perfect and how it's literally rewiring your brain to keep you stuck. Whether you're just starting your recovery journey or you've been on this path for years, perfectionism might feel like both an old friend and your biggest obstacle. And when you couple perfectionism with the pressure from culture and society to be Instagram-ready? The output you receive is simply exhaustion. You're exhausted, sis. And trying to live up to these impossible standards. But today, we're going to dissect this. We're going to look at what science says about breaking free. Because you don't just have to take my word for it—research shows your brain can actually change. In this episode, you'll discover: The impossible standards we're all trying to live up to (and why they're literally impossible)The shocking statistics: 68% of individuals with eating disorders display clinically significant perfectionismWhy perfectionism often appears YEARS before any eating disorder behaviorsThe deep roots of perfectionism: family dynamics, trauma, social media (users who spend 3+ hours/day are 60% more likely to develop body image issues)The neuroscience: How perfectionists have heightened activity in the brain's "error detection center"How altered serotonin and dopamine systems make it harder for perfectionists to feel "good enough" or satisfiedThe vicious cycle: threat detection → anxiety → perfectionist behaviors → temporary relief → reinforced neural pathwaysThe HOPE: How mindfulness, self-compassion, and exposure to imperfection can actually change your brainWhy true recovery happens when you stop trying to do it perfectly and start doing it honestlyA powerful devotional insight: "God won't bless who you pretend to be"The truth: Your worth isn't measured by impossible standards—it's measured by your courage to show up If you're tired of being tired, if you're exhausted from trying to be "perfect," if you feel stuck in the perfect paradox—this episode will give you both the science and the hope you need to break free. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "The cost of perfection left me perfectly exhausted." 💛 "Be thin, but not too thin. Be confident but not overly confident. Be successful, but not too successful. This is a perfect paradox and it is time to dump the impossible standards that are destroying your mental health." 💛 "That perfection you're chasing? It's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. Not humanly possible. It's just not possible." 💛 "I remember thinking that if I could just get everything perfect—my meals, my exercise, my body—then finally I'd be enough." 💛 "Research shows that up to 68% of individuals with eating disorders display clinically significant perfectionism. And perfectionism often appears even years before any eating disorder behaviors." 💛 "Perfectionists have heightened activity in the brain's error detection center. It acts like this oversensitive alarm system that's constantly scanning for things you're doing wrong or for mistakes." 💛 "The 'feel good' chemical—serotonin—is altered if you're a perfectionist, meaning the chemical that affects your mood regulation, your satisfaction, and the ability to feel good enough is altered." 💛 "Altered dopamine reward circuits make it harder to feel satisfied. It makes it harder for you to feel good enough. This creates that constant drive, that constant need to do better, to achieve more, to be smaller." 💛 "This cycle is created: Your threat detection system becomes hyperactive. This leads to increased anxiety. Anxiety triggers perfectionist behaviors. This gives you temporary relief. But it simply reinforces the cycle." 💛 "There is hope. With mindfulness practices, with self-compassion, with the opposite of perfection—being exposed to situations where you're almost forced to be imperfect—research shows you can actually change that hyperactivity in the brain." 💛 "Even if you feel like recovery is impossible, even if you feel like you've been doing this forever, I want you to understand that there is a neurobiological connection and research shows you can change. Your brain can change." 💛 "True recovery happens when you stop trying to do it perfectly and you start doing it honestly." 💛 "In a world filled with protocol, a never-ending list of do's and don'ts, and the pressure to be perfect, it can seem impossible to discover who you really are. But God uniquely made you. Nothing about you is a mistake, and He won't bless who you pretend to be." 💛 "Stop ...
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    16 m
  • EP 267: Stop 'Shoulding' All Over Yourself ~ The One Word Keeping You Stuck in Your ED & How to Break Free

    EP 267: Stop 'Shoulding' All Over Yourself ~ The One Word Keeping You Stuck in Your ED & How to Break Free
    Jan 30 2026
    There's ONE word that's absolutely destroying your progress in recovery. One word that's keeping you stuck, paralyzed, and living in a constant state of shame and disappointment. That word? Should. And sis, you need to stop shoulding all over yourself. Like, right now. Today. Because every time you tell yourself what you "should" be doing, what you "should" have accomplished by now, where you "should" be in your recovery—you're not motivating yourself. You're actually making it HARDER to take action. In this episode, I'm breaking down the science behind why "should" keeps you stuck, where all these "shoulds" come from in the first place, and giving you 5 powerful reframes you can start using TODAY to break free from the shame cycle and actually move forward. In this episode, you'll discover: The ONE word you need to stop using if you want to become the best version of yourselfWhere your "shoulds" come from (diet culture, perfectionism, family expectations, trauma, comparison)The science: Why "should" is the language of obligation, not empowermentResearch from Stanford showing how "should" keeps your brain stuck in self-criticism instead of problem-solvingHow "shoulding" shows up specifically in eating disorder recoveryLindsey's personal story: "I should be over this by now" (like a bad boyfriend from 3 months ago)5 powerful reframes to replace your "shoulds" with choice and compassionWhy you're not behind, not failing, and not brokenThe edge: How to stop using "should" as an excuse to stay stuckA tangible homework assignment to catch yourself "shoulding" and reframe it If you've ever thought "I should eat this," "I should start today," "I should be further along," or "I should be over this by now"—this episode is your wake-up call. Stop shoulding. Start choosing. Become who you're BECOMING, not who you "should" be. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "Every time you tell yourself what you 'should' be doing, what you 'should' have accomplished by now, where you 'should' be in your recovery—you're not motivating yourself. You're actually making it HARDER to take action." 💛 "Your 'shoulds' didn't just appear out of nowhere. They were planted. They were taught. They were absorbed from every message you've ever received about who you're supposed to be." 💛 "These 'shoulds' create this distortion in your mind that where you currently are is SO far behind where you 'should' be. And so you live in this constant state of not enough." 💛 "'Should' is the language of obligation, not empowerment. It's the language of shame, not choice." 💛 "When we focus on what we 'should' be doing but aren't, our brain gets stuck in a loop of self-criticism rather than problem-solving. We're so focused on the gap that we can't actually take action to close it." 💛 "'Should' keeps you stuck focusing on what you AREN'T doing rather than what you ARE doing or COULD do." 💛 "I remember thinking, 'I should be over this by now. It's been YEARS. This is like a bad boyfriend I dated for three months—why am I still thinking about him?' And I felt so much shame." 💛 "I asked a different question: 'But should I? Should I be "over" something that was part of my life for so long? Should I expect perfection from myself?' And the answer? No." 💛 "You are not behind. You are not failing. You are not broken. You're healing. And healing doesn't follow a script." 💛 "If you're constantly 'shoulding' yourself but not taking action, you're using 'should' as an excuse to stay stuck." 💛 "Stop talking about what you 'should' do and start choosing what you WILL do." 💛 "The words you use shape the life you live. And if you're constantly shoulding yourself, you're living in a prison of obligation and shame." THE SCIENCE: WHY "SHOULD" KEEPS YOU STUCK Dr. Albert Ellis, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, identified "should statements" as one of the core irrational beliefs that lead to emotional disturbance. He called it "shoulding" and "musturbation"—the belief that things MUST or SHOULD be a certain way. When reality doesn't match that "should," we experience anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology study: People who use obligatory language like "should," "must," and "have to" experience higher levels of stress and lower levels of intrinsic motivation compared to people who use choice-based language like "choose to," "want to," or "could." Stanford University research: When we focus on what we "should" be doing but aren't, our brain gets stuck in a loop of self-criticism rather than problem-solving. We're so focused on the gap between where we are and where we "should" be that we can't actually take action to close that gap. The bottom line: "Should" keeps you stuck focusing on what you AREN'T doing rather than what you ARE doing or COULD do. WHERE YOUR "SHOULDS" COME FROM Your "shoulds" were planted, taught, and absorbed from: ❌ Diet culture - You should be smaller, ...
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    20 m
  • EP 266: You Won't Recover If You Don't Believe You Can ~ Here's How to Build That Belief (6 Proven Steps)

    EP 266: You Won't Recover If You Don't Believe You Can ~ Here's How to Build That Belief (6 Proven Steps)
    Jan 27 2026
    Let me be real with you: You won't experience healing if you don't lean in. And you won't lean in if you don't believe it's possible. This is the hardest thing about eating disorder recovery. Not the meal plan. Not the weight restoration. Not even the challenging of thoughts. It's the BELIEF. The belief that recovery from this terrible, horrifying, very no good, unfortunate eating disorder that has taken over your life is actually possible for YOU. Maybe you listen to this podcast and think, "Great, Lindsey. I love that this is inspirational, but I'm just not sure I'm fully bought in to the possibility that I can experience freedom. That I could actually change." If that's you, this episode is your game-changer + it's a ⭐ Fan Favorite that we knew we wanted to re-share with you this week. Recently, I had conversations with women who asked me, "Lindsey, I love what you do, but how do you help these women create that belief that this is possible for them?" And I said, "That IS the hardest thing. It's believing that this is possible." So today, I'm giving you a proven framework—a tangible acronym that spells out BELIEF—to help you overcome the limiting beliefs that are keeping you stuck and preventing you from your very best life. In this episode, you'll discover: Why so many women stay stuck in the destructive cycle (hint: they don't believe freedom is possible)The truth: Belief CAN be created, and it's a crucial step in the healing processThe BELIEF Framework: 6 proven steps to create unwavering faith in your recoveryB - Begin Small: Why trying to change everything at once keeps you stuckE - Embrace Support: The game-changing power of working with someone specialized in ED recoveryL - Learn and Learn Again: How educating yourself builds reassurance and hopeI - Imagine Your Future: The science behind visualization and why your brain can't tell the differenceE - Establish Positive Practices: How to challenge negative thoughts and speak kinder to yourselfF - Focus on Why: Why your "why" is greater than your "now"The powerful William James quote: "Belief creates actual fact"Why recovery is scientifically and clinically possible (yes, even for you)How to answer the question: "Can I believe there is something greater on the other side of all this?" If you want to recover, if you want freedom so badly, if you're tired of running in circles, if you're exhausted from your unhealthy relationship with food and exercise—this episode will show you how to build the belief you need to finally break free. Because if I can do it, then so can you, friend. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "You won't experience healing if you don't lean in. And the possibility of it being possible is dependent upon your belief." 💛 "If you choose to stay in that fixed mindset of 'I doubt myself, I will always be this way, there's no room for any of that freedom for me,' then that is where you will stay. But belief can be created." 💛 "A lot of women will stay stuck in this destructive cycle because they just don't believe that freedom's possible for them." 💛 "We are bounce back creatures. Anything is possible for us. But the possibility of it being possible is dependent upon your belief." 💛 "It doesn't matter which direction you go, as long as you continue to look forward and you continue to build forward." 💛 "Well, if she can do it, why can't I?" 💛 "Understanding that recovery is scientifically and clinically possible—this is gonna build that reassurance for you and give your brain some safety that leads to hope with belief." 💛 "It does not matter if you've done something before or if you have visualized something before—if you can visualize it, you can become it. If you can visualize it, you can be it." 💛 "Trust that your why is greater than your now. Trust that your why is bigger than your present reality." 💛 "Belief creates actual fact." - William James, Father of American Psychology 💛 "Can I believe that there is something grander, that there is something greater on the other side of all this? Can I believe that there is something more for me than this? And if your answer's yes, you already have the belief you need right now to create the life that you want." THE BELIEF FRAMEWORK: 6 PROVEN STEPS This acronym will help you build the belief you need to recover. Grab a piece of paper and jot this down—or come back to this section whenever doubt creeps in. THE POWERFUL TRUTH: BELIEF CREATES ACTUAL FACT William James, the father of American psychology, stated: "Belief creates actual fact." So when the enemy tries to steal your joy this week—when the enemy tries to bring you doubt and discouragement, when the enemy tries to have you staring at your step count, giving yourself shame thoughts, looking at your mirror and telling your body that you hate yourself—I want you to lean in. Remember these core fundamentals to step into belief: B - Begin Small E - Embrace Support L - Learn and Learn Again...
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    19 m
  • EP 265: "Don't Try to Fix Her" ~ A Husband's Guide to Supporting His Wife in Eating Disorder Recovery with Kevin Nichol💙

    EP 265: "Don't Try to Fix Her" ~ A Husband's Guide to Supporting His Wife in Eating Disorder Recovery with Kevin Nichol💙
    Jan 23 2026
    Today is a very special episode. For the first time ever, I'm bringing on a guest. And not just any guest—my husband, Kevin. If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you know I talk a lot about my recovery journey, the tools, the strategies, the mindset shifts. But what I don't talk about as much is the man behind the scenes. The man who supports me. The man who holds down the fort so I can record this podcast, run my business, and continue to show up for you every single week. Kevin is that man. He's the anchor. And it's time for you to meet him. Here's the truth: Recovery doesn't just affect the person struggling. It affects the whole family. And the support of a partner can make or break the journey. Kevin met me shortly after my recovery, but he's watched me navigate ups and downs with body image and restrictive behaviors throughout our marriage. He's a law enforcement officer, lifts heavy weights, is in tip-top shape, and constantly pushes himself to the limit. He's an alpha personality—strong, driven, disciplined. And he's also a man of God, a father to our two boys, and the most supportive partner I could ever ask for. But supporting someone in eating disorder recovery didn't come naturally to him. He had to learn. And today, he's sharing what he learned—for the men listening, and for the women who want their husbands or partners to understand what real support looks like. In this episode, you'll hear: How Kevin met me shortly after recovery and realized it's an ongoing journey, not a one-and-doneWhy his instinct to "fix" me actually created distance instead of intimacyThe words he thought were supportive that actually made me feel dismissedWhat he did that made me feel the MOST safe and supportedHow he learned not to react in passion or frustration, but to actively listen insteadWhy asking "What do you need right now to feel safe?" changed everythingHow Kevin had to recognize that what HE needs for his body is very different from what I needThe learning curve of being an alpha male married to someone in ED recoveryWhat it really looks like to be "the man behind the biz" (spoiler: it's cooking, cleaning, and holding down the fort)Kevin's 5 practical takeaways for men supporting their wives through ED recovery or body image strugglesA sneak peek at future episodes where Kevin will come back to share more of his perspective If you're a woman in recovery, send this episode to your husband or partner. If you're a man listening, thank you for being here. Thank you for wanting to support your wife. This episode is for you. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "Your wife doesn't need you to fix her. She needs you to support her. And those are two very different things." - Lindsey 💛 "You don't have to understand everything she's going through to support her. You don't have to have all the answers. But you do have to be willing to listen. And I mean really listen—without trying to fix it, without pressuring her, without making unnecessary comments." - Kevin 💛 "Early on, my instinct was to say things like, 'You're fine. You look great. Just go eat more.' And I thought I was being supportive. But what I didn't realize was that those kinds of comments actually created more distance between us." - Kevin 💛 "That disconnect—it affected intimacy. Not just physical intimacy, but emotional intimacy too." - Lindsey 💛 "I had to learn that sometimes the most supportive thing I can do is just listen. Ask questions. Ask what you need to feel safe. And then do that." - Kevin 💛 "When you asked what I needed instead of assuming, I felt seen. I felt heard. I felt like you were on my team." - Lindsey 💛 "I can't take away the struggle. I can't make the eating disorder voice go away. But I can support you in climbing out of the struggle. I can listen. I can be present. I can remind you who you are." - Kevin 💛 "You don't have to sit in the struggle with her. But you can support her in climbing out. You can be her safe place." - Kevin 💛 "I had to grant you permission to have a different relationship with your body than I have with mine. Your recovery doesn't look like my fitness journey. And that's okay." - Kevin 💛 "Supporting your wife's recovery—or supporting her business, her calling, her purpose—sometimes looks like doing the dishes or making dinner or getting the kids to bed so she can have space to breathe. It's not glamorous. But it matters." - Kevin 💛 "Your job is just to be the anchor." - Kevin MEET KEVIN NICHOL Kevin is: A law enforcement officerA fitness enthusiast who lifts heavy and pushes himself to the limitAn alpha personality—strong, driven, disciplinedA man of GodA father to two boysLindsey's husband and "the man behind the biz"The anchor who holds down the fort so Lindsey can do this work Kevin met Lindsey shortly after her initial recovery, but quickly realized that recovery is ongoing. He's watched her navigate ups and downs with body image and ...
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    40 m
  • EP 264.5: Food Isn't the Problem (Control Is)—6 Steps to Stop Counting Calories for Good **Must Listen Fav!**

    EP 264.5: Food Isn't the Problem (Control Is)—6 Steps to Stop Counting Calories for Good **Must Listen Fav!**
    Jan 20 2026
    Let me start this one hot and spicy for you: Counting calories isn't the answer because food isn't the problem. That's right. Food is not the problem. Especially when you've had an unhealthy obsession with calorie counting and diet culture. It's actually about control. And we give calories all the glory when in reality, choosing food based on calories doesn't even equate to the essential nutrients and vitamins that we need to thrive. Calories are simply a unit of energy. Energy that you need, sis, to function, to live, to be your best. Energy that you need to play with your kids, go out with your friends, dress up cute for a date night, do your job, clean your house, take that walk. But restrictive diets and disordered relationships with food cause this obsession with control and counting calories. And while we continue to be chained to numbers and the fixation of numbers, we're missing out on LIFE. Maybe you don't count calories, but you count other things—steps, fat grams, your weight on the scale. It's time to hang it up. It's time to stop. But I'm not just gonna ask you to stop cold turkey because we all know how that typically goes. In this episode, I'm giving you six practical steps you can take TODAY to stop counting calories so you can start counting moments that matter in your life. In this episode, you'll discover: Why food isn't the problem (control is) and what you're really searching forThe shocking truth about calorie tracking apps (73% of MyFitnessPal users reported it contributed to disordered eating!)6 actionable steps to stop counting calories for goodHow to transform your thinking around calories (they're energy, not the enemy)What triggers to eliminate from your life RIGHT NOWHow to face the fear and challenge yourself in restaurants and at homeWhat to count INSTEAD of calories (hint: Episode 56 has 30 ideas!)Why honoring your hunger is the key to freedomThe powerful statement that will shift everything: "100 more calories won't change your life, but the decision to avoid them will" If you're obsessively counting calories, tracking your food, or constantly calculating like a mathematician how many calories you have left for the day—this episode is for you. Let's stop counting calories and start counting moments that matter. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE 💛 "Counting calories isn't the answer because food isn't the problem. Food is not the problem. It's actually control." 💛 "Calories are simply a unit of energy. Energy that you need to function, to live, to be your best." 💛 "Your body wasn't created to be restricted from the very thing that it needs to survive and thrive at its best." 💛 "Every single time you're thinking about restricting your calories, I want you to put on this thought: 'I'm making the choice right now to restrict my energy.' How does that feel?" 💛 "In 2018, researchers reviewed the effects of the MyFitnessPal calorie tracker, and 73% of users reported that the app contributed to disordered eating behaviors and eating disorders. Yet we're still using these things expecting different results." 💛 "Your brain is searching for control. It just wants some safety in an unsafe world." 💛 "You will actually start to forget calorie counts over time. I remember feeling like I could be on The Price is Right, but instead of knowing the price of food, I could tell you the calorie counts of food." 💛 "Calories won't kill you, but your eating disorder will." 💛 "100 more calories won't change your life, but the decision to avoid them—the decision to stay chained in the illness, the decision to not fight back, the decision to continue counting meaningless numbers as if they somehow measure the weight of your worth—that will alter your life every time." 💛 "You're allowed to take up space. You're allowed to be who you are created to be. And counting calories is not gonna be the answer for you." THE REAL ISSUE: IT'S NOT FOOD, IT'S CONTROL Food isn't the problem. Control is. Counting calories is about control, rigid routines, and the desire to provide assurance when we're feeling like we aren't assured. When we're needing security. When we're wanting comfort. When we just need something to cope with, something to have structure around. It gives you peace, but it's FALSE. It's a false sense of control. The counting started small, right? You wanted to track what you were eating, maybe to lose some weight. And it became an obsession. Now you know probably how many calories are in everything. You're tracking on paper, on an app, on your phone. This fear to control your weight, maintain your weight, or avoid gaining weight is what's leading you. But this is led by distorted standards of diet culture and worldly labels or traumas you've faced in your life. And sis, it has to stop. THE 6 STEPS TO STOP COUNTING CALORIES FOR GOOD STEP #1: ACKNOWLEDGE WHY YOU'RE COUNTING IN THE FIRST PLACE Counting calories has taken over your life. It didn't start out like that,...
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    16 m