Episodes

  • EP 228: The Recovery Mindset Shift That Ends All-or-Nothing Food & Body Thinking Forever + The 3 Step Framework to Implement it Just for You!

    EP 228: The Recovery Mindset Shift That Ends All-or-Nothing Food & Body Thinking Forever + The 3 Step Framework to Implement it Just for You!
    Jul 15 2025
    If you're trapped in the exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking around food and recovery, this episode will revolutionize your entire approach. Fresh back from vacation, Lindsey shares the powerful "Both/And Recovery" strategy that finally breaks you free from black-and-white extremes and helps you find the beautiful gray area where real healing happens. You'll discover why perfectionist recovery keeps you stuck, learn specific Both/And reframes for common recovery struggles, and walk away with a tangible 3-step practice to implement this week. This isn't about being perfect at recovery—it's about being human while healing. What You'll Learn ✨ Why all-or-nothing thinking keeps you trapped in recovery cycles ✨ The revolutionary Both/And approach that changes everything ✨ Specific reframes for "good vs. bad" food thinking ✨ How to hold space for fear AND commitment simultaneously ✨ Why the "gray area" is where your freedom actually lives ✨ A practical 3-step method to implement Both/And thinking this week Key Takeaways The All-or-Nothing Prison Your brain categorizes everything as perfect or disaster, on-track or off-track, good foods or bad foods. This binary thinking keeps you swinging between extremes and never experiencing the freedom you crave. The space between extremes isn't the danger zone—it's where all the magic happens. The Both/And Revolution You can hold two seemingly opposite truths simultaneously, and this is where real healing occurs. Recovery isn't about choosing sides—it's about embracing complexity and being beautifully, imperfectly human. Why This Changes Everything The Both/And approach removes the pressure that keeps you stuck. When you stop trying to be perfect at recovery, you actually start recovering. Recovery isn't about eliminating difficult thoughts—it's about learning to hold space for all of it. Powerful Both/And Recovery Examples Fear & Courage Instead of: "I have to be brave to start recovery" Both/And: "I can be both scared of recovery AND committed to it" Restriction & Nourishment Instead of: "I either restrict or I'm out of control" Both/And: "I can both want to restrict AND choose to nourish myself" Body Image Struggles Instead of: "I have to love my body all the time" Both/And: "I can both love my body AND have days when I struggle with it" Food Morality Instead of: "Foods are either good or bad" Both/And: "I can be both 'good' at eating AND have chaotic food days" Recovery Process Instead of: "I'm either perfect at recovery or failing" Both/And: "I can be both in recovery AND not perfect at it" Weight & Health Instead of: "I'm either fat or skinny" Both/And: "I can both be my natural weight AND not love every inch every day" Structure & Flexibility Instead of: "I need rigid routine or I'm lost" Both/And: "I can both crave routine AND need flexibility" Your Both/And Recovery Practice (This Week) Step 1: Notice Your All-or-Nothing Thoughts Catch yourself thinking in extremes about food, body, or recovery. Examples: "I ruined the day""I'm either on track or off track""I have to be perfect at this" Step 2: Practice the Both/And Reframe Transform extreme thoughts with "both/and" language: "I both had a challenging food day AND I can nourish myself at my next meal""I both struggled today AND I'm still committed to my healing" Step 3: Choose Your Next Right Action From this Both/And space, take one small step toward recovery: Eat your next planned mealCall a friend for supportPractice self-compassion instead of self-criticism Revolutionary Quotes to Remember "The gray area you've been afraid of? That's not the danger zone—that's where your freedom lives." "Recovery isn't about eliminating all the difficult thoughts and feelings. Recovery is about learning to hold space for all of it—the fear AND the courage, the struggle AND the strength." "The moment you stop trying to be perfect at recovery is the moment you actually start recovering." "You can both feel uncertain about this approach AND try it anyway. You can both be scared of letting go of control AND take one small step toward freedom." "Your recovery doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. Your healing doesn't have to be linear to be real." Personal Story: Post-Vacation Recovery Evolution Lindsey shares her transformation from post-vacation restriction panic to flexible re-entry into routine. Learn how the Both/And approach allows you to both crave structure AND ease back into real life without rigidity—a perfect metaphor for recovery itself. The Science Behind Both/And Thinking Why All-or-Nothing Thinking Develops Eating disorders thrive on binary thinkingPerfectionism creates impossible standardsBlack-and-white thoughts feel "safer" but create more suffering How Both/And Thinking Heals Reduces perfectionist pressureAllows for human complexityCreates space for growth and mistakesNormalizes the recovery process Ready to Live the Both/And Approach? If this episode resonated but you're...
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    21 mins
  • EP 227: The Real Reason You Save Food & Calories for Later + 7 Steps to Break This ED Pattern Now🙌

    EP 227: The Real Reason You Save Food & Calories for Later + 7 Steps to Break This ED Pattern Now🙌
    Jul 11 2025
    On this MUST listen episode I share a listener question that will probably resonate with you: "I want to nourish my body more, but I save my calories until the end of the day. Why do I do this? Is this part of my eating disorder or just who I am?" If you find yourself waiting to eat certain foods until later, saving up calories for dinner, or only allowing treats at specific times, this episode is for you. Lindsey breaks down the psychology behind this behavior and gives you 7 concrete steps to break free from the scarcity mindset that's keeping you stuck. What You'll Learn The real reason you save calories (hint: it's not about hunger)Why this is classic eating disorder behavior rooted in scarcity mindsetThe difference between scarcity and abundance thinking with food7 practical steps to start eating earlier and honoring your bodyHow to challenge the rules you've created around "worthy" foodsThe "Best First Rule" - why you should tackle the hardest thing first Key Concepts Explained Scarcity Mindset vs. Abundance Mindset Scarcity: Living from lack, believing you don't deserve abundanceAbundance: Allowing food in and out like energy/currencyThe Truth: You were created to have all things abundantly Why You Save Calories Classic eating disorder tactic based on scarcityUnderlying belief that you don't deserve good things nowFear of overeating if you have something earlierCoping mechanism that turned sour 7 Steps to Stop Saving Calories 1. Honor Your Mornings Make a new rule: "Why wait for later what I can nourish now?"Question where your restrictions came fromPre-decide the night before to challenge morning rules 2. Eat Consciously Every 1-2 Hours Start with every 2 hours if neededEat even when not hungry to create consistent patternsBreak the "save up for later" cycle 3. Address Negative Emotions Ask "why" repeatedly to get to root fearsChallenge illogical thoughts ("Will toast really make me gain weight?")Lean into uncomfortable feelings to change them 4. Honor Yourself - Act Now If you're dreaming of food freedom, act on it NOWDon't procrastinate on things you wantApply the "hardest thing first" principle 5. Remove All Rules Mentally Ask: "If all foods were zero calories and my rules didn't exist, what would I choose?"Give yourself permission to want thingsMake that choice without guilt 6. Switch Up Meal Times Try "breakfast for dinner" or eating 2 hours earlierMake it a game with small, achievable goalsFocus on one goal at a time 7. Daily Reflection Journal each evening about restriction patternsIdentify when unpleasant emotions came upLook for opportunities to do the opposite Powerful Episode Quotes "Stop fooling yourself into thinking that you aren't worthy. This is a classic eating disorder tactic based on a scarcity mindset." "The way to experience life is living life in abundance. We were made to have all things abundantly." "No amount of food can fill an emotional void. And no amount of food restriction can fill it either." "You are deserving of the now. You are deserving of a now life." "Put the salad later in the day. Start with the hard thing first." The Best First Rule Core Concept: Put the thing that will help you become your best self FIRST in your day. Don't save the challenging foods for later - tackle them first thing in the morning. Mindset Shifts Old Thinking: "I need to save calories for later when I really want them" New Thinking: "I deserve abundance now, not later" Old Thinking: "I'll overeat if I have this earlier" New Thinking: "Food is energy that flows in and out naturally" Old Thinking: "I'm not allowed to have carbs in the morning" New Thinking: "Who made this rule? I'm making a new one." Resources Mentioned Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfesociety.com Submit Questions: info@lindseynichol.com for Coaching Over Coffee episodesOne-on-One Coaching: www.herbestself.co (currently accepting waitlist applications) Share the Revolution If this episode revolutionized your perspective on belonging and worthiness, please: ✨ Leave a 5-star review - Your words help this message reach more women who need to hear it ✨ Share with a friend - Tag someone who needs permission to stop earning their worth xo, lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
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    16 mins
  • EP 226.5: Your Summer Recovery Survival Guide ~ How to Navigate BBQs, Vacations & Bathing Suit Season

    EP 226.5: Your Summer Recovery Survival Guide ~ How to Navigate BBQs, Vacations & Bathing Suit Season
    Jul 8 2025
    Summer schedules, vacations, and seasonal changes can trigger intense anxiety for those in eating disorder recovery. Host Lindsey Nichol shares how to navigate BBQs, beach trips, bathing suit season, and schedule disruptions while prioritizing your healing journey. Learn practical tools used in private coaching sessions to "armor up" for summer recovery success. Key Takeaways Your eating disorder doesn't take a vacation, so your recovery can't eitherSummer is actually the PERFECT time to prioritize recovery and put yourself firstThe brain feels unsafe with change - use this knowledge to your advantageCreate structure that supports recovery, not rigid controlPractice "doing the opposite" of what your ED voice demands Main Topics Covered 🌞 Why Summer Triggers Eating Disorders Schedule changes and routine disruptionsCultural pressure around "bikini bodies"Increased social eating situationsVacation anxiety and food fearsThe restrict-before-and-after-vacation cycle 🛡️ Your Summer Recovery Armor Creating a flexible summer schedule that supports healingPre-planning and pre-deciding for events and vacationsSetting boundaries with family and friendsPacking recovery essentials for travelChoosing comfort over societal expectations 🎯 Practical Recovery Tools The Opposite Action Strategy: Do the opposite of what your ED voice tells youTruth-Telling Conversations: Being honest with friends about your recovery needsComfort-First Approach: Choosing clothing and activities that honor your bodyPermission and Grace: Allowing flexibility without shame Powerful Quotes from This Episode "Your eating disorder doesn't take a vacation, so your recovery can't either.""We wouldn't go into battle without armor - we're not gonna do that in recovery either.""You're allowed to put your recovery first.""There is never shame in standing against the version of you that isn't serving you anymore." Lindsey's Personal Story Lindsey shares her recent experience at her brother-in-law's wedding, contrasting her current freedom with past wedding anxiety. She also tells the powerful story of ordering pizza after a weekend away - choosing recovery over restriction. Action Steps for Listeners Map out your summer schedule and identify potential trigger situationsPractice the opposite action when your ED voice speaks upCreate your summer recovery toolkit (snacks, journal, comfortable clothes)Set boundaries and communicate your needs to loved onesRemember your why - where do you want to be next summer? Questions for Reflection What am I waiting for in my recovery journey?How can I prepare for upcoming events in a way that supports my healing?What boundaries do I need to set this summer?What would freedom look like in my summer experience? Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com Client Applications: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejRMF7DKM5Zf9pGFDqA9crfSHD2y0UGjvvbkuTfuxTsR8lrg/viewform About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. After finding freedom from her own eating disorder, she now helps women break free from obsessive food thoughts and disordered behaviors to live their best lives. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review! Your support helps more women find freedom from food and body struggles. xo, Lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
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    20 mins
  • EP 226: What's the Best That Could Happen? 4 Keys to Ultimate Freedom to Declare Your Independence from ED **Must Listen Fav!**

    EP 226: What's the Best That Could Happen? 4 Keys to Ultimate Freedom to Declare Your Independence from ED **Must Listen Fav!**
    Jul 4 2025
    Happy Independence Day! In this inspiring episode, Lindsey connects the spirit of American independence to your personal freedom from disordered eating. Drawing from Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," she breaks down the four human endowments that give us ultimate freedom: self-awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. If you're tired of living for everyone else's approval and ready to declare independence from your eating disorder, this episode will show you exactly how to break free using the power you already have within you. What You'll Learn The 4 human endowments that create ultimate freedom (from Stephen Covey)How your eating disorder hijacks your internal guidance systemWhy you get stuck in the "capacity to act" phase of recoveryHow to reconnect with your creative imagination and dreamsThe power of asking "What's the best that could happen?"How to put on your "full armor" against disordered eating The 4 Keys to Ultimate Human Freedom 1. Self-Awareness Allows you to think about your thoughtsKey to taking responsibility for where you are and where you want to goAction Step: Write your Best Self Statement (Episode 51 reference) 2. Conscience Your internal guidance system for right and wrongConnects actions to your highest values (your "True North Compass")Gets jaded when eating disorder is in the driver's seat 3. Independent Will Your capacity to act and break patternsWhere many people get stuck in recoveryThe part of you that's "starving for independence" 4. Creative Imagination Gives you purpose and dreams beyond current realityHard to access when living "chained in the disorder"When attached to willpower, makes you unstoppable Key Questions to Ask Yourself "What's the best that could happen if..." I surrender control?I sit with my dreams and imagine life without unhealthy behaviors?I stop counting calories or weighing myself?I become the natural version of me I'm supposed to be? Powerful Episode Quotes "Independence is freedom from the need of everyone else's approval." "You have the key. No one else. Freedom isn't really free - it's won by you, but you don't have to go at it alone." "When your willpower is attached to your creative imagination, nothing can stop you." "Fears keep us stuck. The fear of weight gain is real... but it kept me stuck for so long. These are the handcuffs around you, and you have the key." Biblical Foundation - Ephesians 6:10-18 Lindsey references putting on the "full armor of God" to stand against the eating disorder, including: Belt of truthBreastplate of righteousnessShield of faithHelmet of salvationSword of the Spirit Resources Mentioned Best Self Statement: Pinned in Her Best Self Society Facebook communityEpisode 51: "Why Some Find Freedom from Disordered Eating and Others Don't"Stephen Covey: "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfesociety.com Ready for Recovery Coaching? Lindsey offers personalized recovery coaching for women ready to do the work. If you're in the "messy middle" and feel stuck despite listening to inspirational content, working with someone who's walked the path could be your game changer. Next Steps: Visit www.herbestself.co Fill out the client applicationSee if you're a good fit for coachingIf not the right match, Lindsey will connect you with other qualified coaches on her team or additional resources to support you along your journey to freedom Take Action This Week Practice self-awareness - Reflect on what you truly want vs. what your ED wantsHonor your True North - Connect with your real values and conscienceExercise your independent will - Make one choice that goes against ED thoughtsUse creative imagination - Dream about life without obsessive food thoughtsAsk the key question: "What's the best that could happen?" Connect & Share Love this episode? Rate and review on Apple PodcastsShare with someone who needs to hear this messageJoin the private Facebook community for ongoing supportTag @thelindseynichol on social media with your independence declaration Independence Challenge: This week, declare independence from one ED behavior or thought pattern. Share your declaration in the Facebook community for support and accountability! xo, lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
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    14 mins
  • EP 225.5: Reflection from My 2007 Journal - Here's The #1 Truth No One Talks About in Eating Disorder Recovery **Must Listen Fav!**

    EP 225.5: Reflection from My 2007 Journal - Here's The #1 Truth No One Talks About in Eating Disorder Recovery **Must Listen Fav!**
    Jul 1 2025

    In this raw and vulnerable episode, Lindsay shares the one truth about eating disorder recovery that no one wants to discuss: it gets harder before it gets easier. She opens up her personal recovery journal from 2007 to give you an unfiltered look at what the healing journey really looks like.

    If you're struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, this episode will prepare you for the reality of recovery while giving you the encouragement to keep fighting for your freedom.

    What You'll Learn
    • The #1 thing about eating disorder recovery that no one talks about
    • Why your eating disorder voice gets louder when you start healing
    • What to expect during the "stuck" phase of recovery
    • How to push through when recovery feels impossible
    • Why zero women who've recovered live with regret
    • The difference between existing and truly living your life
    Key Takeaways

    "If it's hard, it's working. If it's hard, it's worth it."

    "Things tend to scream before they die." - Your eating disorder will fight harder as you get stronger

    "Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe life is actually about collecting the scars to prove that you showed up for it."

    Raw Recovery Journal Entry

    Lindsey reads from her November 13, 2007 journal entry, revealing her internal struggle with:

    • Trying to restrict while knowing it's harmful
    • Feeling guilty for even thinking about food rules
    • The exhaustion of analyzing every meal and calorie
    • The confusion between hunger and forced eating
    • The obsession with control and letting go
    Resources Mentioned
    • Her Best Self Society: www.herbestselfesociety.com
    • One-on-One Recovery Coaching: Limited slots available at www.herbestself.co
    Connect with Lindsey

    Ready to start your recovery journey? Lindsey has two one-on-one coaching slots available. Fill out the client application at herbestself.co to discuss what personalized recovery support looks like for you.

    Love This Episode?

    If this episode resonated with you:

    • Rate and review on Apple Podcasts (85+ five-star reviews help other women find the show!)
    • Share with someone who needs to hear this message
    • Join the private Facebook community for ongoing support
    Episode Quotes

    "The world isn't gonna stop for your unhealthy relationship with food. People are going to still experience life - the beauty, the fear, the joy of it all - and maybe you'll be 40 or 50 or 30 or 60 or 89 and you will have just existed. Is that what you want?"

    "While it may be painful for a while, you are a conqueror, you are a warrior. Hold on one more second, one more day."

    "The hard is temporary and what you experience on the other side of recovery - that my friend, that's permanent."

    Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment. If you're struggling with an eating disorder, please seek help from qualified healthcare professionals.
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    16 mins
  • EP 225: Why 91% of Women Diet to Belong + 3 Revolutionary Strategies to End the Cycle This Week⛓️‍💥

    EP 225: Why 91% of Women Diet to Belong + 3 Revolutionary Strategies to End the Cycle This Week⛓️‍💥
    Jun 27 2025
    If you're a high-achieving woman who has built an empire of accomplishments but still feels like an outsider looking in, this episode will revolutionize everything you thought you knew about your relationship with food and your body. Today we're exposing the truth behind the staggering statistic that 91% of women diet to belong, and why your weight obsession is actually a belonging crisis in disguise. You'll discover the research-backed connection between restriction and worthiness, learn why your "disciplined" identity is actually a prison, and walk away with 4 revolutionary strategies to reclaim your power this summer. This isn't just another episode about food freedom—this is your call to revolution. What You'll Discover ✨ Why 91% of women use dieting as a belonging strategy (and why it backfires) ✨ The Harvard research that proves relationships matter 10x more than weight for happiness ✨ How your "disciplined identity" around food is actually keeping you small ✨ Why validation addiction through restriction is sabotaging your authentic connections ✨ The revolutionary truth about weight, worth, and belonging that changes everything ✨ 3 power practices you can implement this week to break free from the cycle Shocking Statistics Revealed The Belonging Crisis Numbers 91% of women surveyed on college campuses had attempted to control their weight through dieting22% of women diet "often" or "always" (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)95% of people struggling with food restriction report feeling "different" or "misunderstood" (Center for Mindful Eating) The Research That Changes Everything Harvard's Study of Adult Development: Quality of relationships determines happiness and health more than any other factor—not dress size, not workout routine95% of diets fail long-term, yet women continue the cycle of restriction85% of eating disorders start as "normal" dieting behavior Key Revelations The Belonging Wound Your obsession with weight has nothing to do with your weight and everything to do with your wounded belief that you don't belong. You've convinced yourself that belonging is conditional—requiring the right size, perfect discipline, most controlled relationship with food. The Identity Prison You've made restriction your religion and your body your altar. The identity keeping you "safe" from rejection is the same identity keeping you small. When you define yourself as "the disciplined one," you're not building strength—you're building a prison with bars made of other people's opinions. The Validation Addiction Every compliment about your discipline gives you a temporary hit, but validation addiction works like any other addiction—the highs get shorter and the lows get deeper. You need more external approval to feel momentarily worthy. Powerful Quotes to Remember "True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world." - Brené Brown "The belonging you're seeking through their approval will never be sustainable because it's not real. Real belonging comes from the inside out, not the outside in." Your Belonging Revolution Toolkit: 3 Power Practices Practice 1: The Belonging Mirror Method Every morning before checking your phone, stand in front of your mirror and say: "I belong here. In this body, in this life, in this world. Not because of what I weigh, but because of who I am." Then name three things you're grateful your body can do. This rewires your brain from criticism to celebration. Practice 2: The Summer Freedom Food Challenge This week, choose one food you've been restricting and eat it mindfully in a social setting. Maybe it's ice cream on a date, bread at dinner with friends. The goal isn't the food—it's practicing belonging while nourishing yourself. Notice how no one cares what you're eating as much as you think they do. Practice 3: The Energy Reclaim Ritual Instead of over-exercising to earn belonging, move your body in ways that make you feel powerful. Dance in your living room. Walk in nature. Stretch on your porch. Ask: "How does my body want to move today?" then honor that answer. Transform movement from obligation to celebration. Bonus Practice: The Validation Redirect When you catch yourself seeking approval about food choices, body, or discipline—pause and ask: "What validation do I need to give myself right now?" Then give it to yourself. Out loud. With conviction. The Summer Revolution Challenge This summer, stage a revolution for your body, not against it. For freedom, not restriction. For your soul, not your size. Ask Yourself: What would it look like to show up to summer gatherings as the woman who belongs because she's claimed it through courage?What would it feel like to order what you want because you want it, not because you've "earned" it?What would it mean to wear the swimsuit because you realize your body was always perfect for living your life? Research Sources Brené Brown's ...
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    23 mins
  • EP 224: "I Don't Eat Carbs" & Other Lies You're Believing + 3 Strategies to Break Free from Fear Foods This Summer

    EP 224: "I Don't Eat Carbs" & Other Lies You're Believing + 3 Strategies to Break Free from Fear Foods This Summer
    Jun 24 2025
    If you're the woman everyone sees as "having it all together" but you secretly battle food thoughts every day, this episode is for you. Today we're exposing the lies high-achieving women tell themselves about carbs and revealing why your fear of bread, pasta, and fruit has nothing to do with discipline and everything to do with identity. You'll discover the science behind why your brain needs carbohydrates to function, hear a powerful client transformation story, and walk away with 3 tangible strategies you can implement this week to start eating freely this summer. What You'll Learn ✨ Why your identity as "the disciplined one" might actually be keeping you trapped ✨ The scientific truth about carbs and brain function that diet culture doesn't want you to know ✨ How restriction is literally impacting your cognitive performance and mood ✨ Why the most successful women struggle most with food freedom ✨ 3 immediate action steps to break free from carb fear this summer Key Takeaways The Identity Trap Your fear of carbs isn't really about carbs—it's about who you think you'll become if you eat themBeing "the woman who doesn't need carbs" has become a prison disguised as disciplineTrue discipline looks like nourishing your body, not restricting it The Science You Need to Know Your brain uses 120 grams of glucose daily (480 calories worth of carbohydrates)Glucose is the primary fuel source for your prefrontal cortex (decision-making center)Low-carb diets can impair cognitive performance and mood regulationCarbs are essential for serotonin production (your happiness neurotransmitter) The Summer Shift This summer can be different, but it requires challenging the identity you've built around restriction and embracing a new definition of what it means to be disciplined and successful. 3 Strategies to Break Free From Fear Foods This Summer Strategy 1: The Summer Food Dare Choose one carb you've been avoiding and eat it mindfully this week. Notice how your body feels and remind yourself: "I am safe. I am nourished. I am worthy of enjoyment." Strategy 2: The Identity Reframe Journal Practice Every morning write: "I am a woman who nourishes herself well." List what you WILL eat to fuel your life instead of what you WON'T eat. Strategy 3: The Carb Curiosity Experiment For one week, approach carbs with curiosity instead of fear. When the voice says "you don't need that," respond with "I'm curious how this will make me feel." Featured Client Story Hear how Lindsey's client, a doctor by trade and marathon runner, went from being unable to eat a bagel without spiraling to enjoying pizza with her kids and pasta on date nights—while actually improving her energy and work performance. Research Mentioned American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Brain glucose requirementsJournal of Nutrition: Cognitive performance and carb intakeMIT Research: Carbohydrates and serotonin synthesisInternational Journal of Eating Disorders: Flexible vs. rigid eating patterns Quotes to Remember "Your fear of carbs isn't about the carbs—it's about losing control of an identity built on restriction." "The only bad thing about carbs is the people who tell you not to eat them." "Your brain runs on glucose, not willpower." "You don't earn carbs. You deserve them because you're alive." Ready to Go Deeper? If this episode hit you right in the chest and you're ready to break free from food fear this summer, you don't have to do this alone. Take the Next Step: Fill out a client application at www.herbestself.co to learn about partnering with Lindsey through her Breakthrough Experience or Freedom Formula programs. These aren't quick fixes—they're deep identity work that helps you become the woman who eats freely while living fully. Your future self—the one eating pasta at sunset dinners and ice cream with your kids—is waiting for you to take the first step. Connect With Lindsey 🎙️ Website: www.herbestself.co 📱 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 💌 Email: info@herbestself.com 👥 Private Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com Leave a Review If this episode resonated with you, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a rating and review. Your words help this podcast reach more women who need to hear that food freedom is possible. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear that she's worthy of nourishment and that breaking free from food rules is the most disciplined thing she can do. xo, Lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
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    18 mins
  • EP 223.5: The Day I Stopped Pretending Black Coffee Was Enough + 8 Things That Are So Much Better Than Settling for Starving **Must Listen Fav**

    EP 223.5: The Day I Stopped Pretending Black Coffee Was Enough + 8 Things That Are So Much Better Than Settling for Starving **Must Listen Fav**
    Jun 20 2025
    In this deeply personal and transformative episode, Lindsey shares a powerful message that came to her during her morning devotions: "It is possible to miss who you've been called to be because you're addicted and attached to who you've settled to be." If you've been settling for a life controlled by your eating disorder, this episode will open your eyes to the incredible life waiting for you on the other side of recovery. What You'll Learn: The powerful devotional quote that sparked this entire episodeWhy settling for your eating disorder is actually addiction in disguise8 specific ways life becomes dramatically better in recoveryThe shocking statistics about eating disorders and relationships that no one talks aboutHow to identify where you're settling vs. truly livingWhy your brain chooses "guaranteed misery" over uncertain freedomThe exact moment Lindsey knew she had to stop pretending and start living The 8 Things Better Than Settling for Disordered Eating: 1. ENERGY ☕ Energy to tackle today with cream in your coffeeNo more "I don't drink my calories" badge of honorTrue nourishment vs. running on empty 2. CARBS & FREEDOM 🥞 Pancake breakfasts without guiltSnacks on snacks on snacksBeing known as the "snack queen" instead of the restriction queen 3. PRESENCE WITH YOUR PEOPLE 👥 Breaking the isolation cycleShowing up fully for those who matter mostNo more avoiding social situations due to food fear 4. HEALTHY HAIR & YOUTHFUL SKIN ✨ Trading thin, brassy hair for healthy locksGetting your glow back through proper nourishmentLooking younger, not older, through recovery 5. SAYING YES TO LIFE 🎉 Ice cream with your kids just becauseDinner with friends without menu anxietyBreaking rigid rules and embracing spontaneity 6. INTIMACY & CONNECTION 💕 Restored libido and energy for relationshipsNo longer too tired for life's pleasures80% higher sexual satisfaction in recovery 7. CAPACITY FOR PEACE 🕊️ Mental freedom from obsessive food thoughtsLearning to distinguish your voice from ED voiceGetting out of your own way 8. FREEDOM FROM METRICS 📊 Walking without counting stepsGrocery shopping without reading every labelEating dinner without pre-checking menusCooking without calorie counting Key Takeaways: ✨ "Settling for crumbs doesn't keep you fed - it keeps you starving" ✨ "At any given second, you have the power to say 'this is not the life that I want'" ✨ "We prefer 100% certainty of something, even when it doesn't benefit us" ✨ "You're not alone and you don't have to live like this" Episode Highlights: [Opening] The devotional quote that changed everything[Energy Section] Why "I don't drink my calories" was a lie Lindsey told herself[Presence Section] How eating disorders create dangerous isolation[Intimacy Section] The 80% statistic about sexual health and eating disorders[Peace Section] Learning to distinguish your voice from your eating disorder voice[Certainty Effect] Why our brains choose guaranteed $30 over potential $45 Powerful Statistics Mentioned: Women with eating disorders have 80% fewer sexual encounters than those withoutAccording to the certainty effect, people choose guaranteed lesser gains over potential greater gainsResearch shows our brains constantly search for comfort and certainty, even when it harms us Reflection Questions: Where are you settling in your life right now?Are you living or just surviving?What would you tell your best friend if she shared your settling list with you?Are you missing who you've been called to be because you're attached to who you've settled to be? Action Steps: Make your settling list - Write down all the areas where you're settling for lessRespond with compassion - Answer as if advising your best friendChoose one area to stop settling in todayTake radical responsibility for the life you want to create Rate & Review: If this episode resonated with your athletic experience and gave you hope that freedom is possible, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps other former athletes find the specialized support they need to reclaim their lives. xo, lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
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    17 mins