Her Best Self: Freedom from Disordered Eating, Body Obsession & Perfectionism EP 237: Do I Still Have Bad Body Image Days? (The Honest Truth) + My 8 Step Bad Body Image Toolkit
What does recovery actually look like years later? Do bad body image days ever completely disappear? In this vulnerable episode, Lindsey pulls back the curtain on her life after eating disorder recovery and shares exactly what she does when difficult body image moments show up - because yes, they still do sometimes.
If you've ever wondered what to expect from recovery or you're struggling with perfectionism around your healing journey, this episode will give you hope and practical tools you can use today.
Today's Truth: Recovery doesn't mean perfection - it means having the tools to navigate difficult moments with love instead of war.
Key Topics Covered:π The reality check: Do bad body image days ever completely stop?
π Why having difficult moments doesn't mean you're "not recovered enough"
π The difference between struggling in active eating disorder vs. recovery
π 8 practical tools for navigating bad body image days
π How thoughts about your body directly impact how you feel in your body
Lindsey's 8-Step Bad Body Image Day Toolkit:β¨ Give Yourself Grace Upon Grace
- Permission to feel without judgment
- Talk to yourself like your best friend
- Remember: recovery isn't about never struggling
β¨ Throw on Comfy, Baggy Clothes
- Remove physical discomfort that amplifies emotional discomfort
- Focus on how you feel, not how clothes fit
- This isn't hiding - it's self-care
β¨ Get to the Root: What Am I Trying to Control?
- Ask: "What's really going on here?"
- Often body image struggles are about something else entirely
- Address the actual issue, not just the symptom
β¨ Resist Mirror-Checking Temptation
- Avoid body-checking and analyzing
- Body-checking always makes things worse
- Redirect energy toward things that serve you
β¨ Honor Yourself with Mindful Eating
- Eat normally despite difficult feelings
- Choose nourishing foods that taste good
- Don't punish your body for emotional discomfort
β¨ Notice Exercise Compulsions and Pause
- Ask: "Am I moving from love or punishment?"
- Choose gentle movement over intense workouts
- It's okay to rest when you're struggling
β¨ No Social Media Scrolling
- Stay off platforms that trigger comparison
- Protect your mental space fiercely
- Choose books, friends, or creative activities instead
β¨ Ask "How Do I Want to Feel?"
- Shift from "How do I look?" to "How do I want to feel?"
- Focus on strength, comfort, connection, gratitude
- Research shows this actually changes body image in real-time
π Recovery isn't about never struggling - it's about struggling with love instead of war
π Bad days don't mean bad weeks or months - you have tools now
π Your humanity doesn't disqualify your recovery - difficult moments are normal
π Progress over perfection, always - you're exactly where you need to be
π You can do hard things - including sitting with uncomfortable feelings
Research Highlight:Studies show that when we focus on how we want to feel in our bodies rather than how we think we look, it directly impacts our actual body image experience. Our thoughts about our bodies influence how we experience being in our bodies - which means we have more power than we realize!
Ready for Community Support? Join The Recovery Collective!Finally, a recovery community that gets it.
If this episode resonated with you, you're exactly who The Recovery Collective was created for. This is where women in all phases of eating disorder recovery come together every other week to normalize the messy parts of healing, celebrate victories, and support each other with practical tools and genuine understanding.
What You Get:
- Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via Zoom
- Safe, judgment-free space with 10-15 women maximum
- Real-time support for your current recovery challenges
- Community of women who understand what it's like to navigate recovery in real life
- Coaching insights that help you move forward with practical strategies
Special Founding Member Pricing:
- First 10 members: $47/month for 6 months (over 50% off!)
- Regular membership: $97/month
- Less than $1.50/day for bi-weekly coaching and community support
Imagine having a safe space where you could share that you're having a difficult body image day and receive understanding, practical support, and gentle reminders of your worth instead of judgment.
Recovery is possible right now, and it's so much more beautiful when we do it together.
Ready to sign up? www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective
Ready for Support?π§ Email Lindsey: info@lindseynichol.com
π Apply for Recovery Coaching: www.herbestself.co
π Join the Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com
Limited spots available for fall coaching - only 2 slots remaining
Connect with Lindsey:π Website: www.herbestself.co π Instagram: @thelindseynichol π Client Application: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
Love this episode? Here's how you can support the show:π Share it with a woman who might need to hear this message π Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other women find the show π Screenshot and tag @thelindseynichol if any of these steps help you this week!
Remember, beautiful: Your worth is not measured by how perfectly you do recovery. Healing isn't linear, progress over perfection always, and you are exactly where you need to be right now.
Her Best Self with Lindsey Nichol is a podcast for women in eating disorder recovery who are ready to break free from perfectionism, people-pleasing, and diet culture to live authentically and wholeheartedly.
*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.