EP 259: Metabolism Myths Debunked ~ Why Your Body Isn't Broken After Disordered Eating + Hypermetabolism in Recovery

Worried that years of disordered eating have permanently damaged your metabolism? You're not alone. In this Coaching Over Coffee episode, Lindsey addresses one of the most common fears in eating disorder recovery: "Is my metabolism broken?"

The truth might surprise you—and it's actually incredibly hopeful.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The truth about metabolism: What it actually is and how it works in your body
• Can you break your metabolism? Spoiler alert: No, but you can slow it down (and speed it back up!)
• The myth of "calories in vs. calories out" and why this oversimplified formula doesn't tell the whole story
• What happens to your body during restriction: How your metabolism, digestion, heart rate, and body temperature all slow down to conserve energy
• Hypermetabolism in recovery: Why your body goes into "high gear" during the restoration process
• Science-backed hope: Research showing metabolic changes are fully reversible
• How to boost your metabolism: Practical steps to work WITH your body instead of against it
• Set point weight explained: Understanding when your body reaches its optimal performance state

Key Takeaways

Your metabolism isn't broken—it's adaptive. When you restrict food intake over months or years, your body learns to conserve energy by slowing down non-essential functions. Think of it like turning off lights in the house to save power.

Research proves recovery is possible. A University of North Carolina study found zero metabolic differences between women who never had eating disorders and those fully recovered from anorexia and bulimia. All metabolic changes are fully reversible.

50-80% of your energy goes to resting functions. Your body needs fuel for basic organ function, tissue repair, fighting infections, physical activity, and digesting food—all before you even get out of bed.

The opposite of the disorder is the path to healing. Stop restricting. Start fueling. Embrace food variety. Let go of rigid routines. Prioritize hydration, quality sleep, and self-care.

Your body knows better than you think. At set point weight, your metabolism normalizes and your body operates at peak performance—not where society says you should be, but where your body thrives.

Quotes from This Episode

"You can slow down your metabolism and you can speed up your metabolism, but you can't break your metabolism. It's not ruined, it's not wrecked."

"Your body doesn't care how you think it should look, or what society says is the best or the trendiest. Your body cares about its optimal function."

"The lie that your eating disorder mind is telling you—that your metabolism is ruined—is just to keep you stuck, to make you believe there's nothing you can do to fix this."

"Your body will heal itself, but you must learn to trust and to honor it. It's a two-way street."

Resources Mentioned

• Harvard Medical School research on metabolism variability
• University of North Carolina and Chapel Hill study on metabolic recovery

What's Next?

If you're tired of missing the magic in your life because you're trapped in those eating disorder thoughts that are eating away at your mind—I want you to take a stand.

💛 Fill out a client application and let's talk about how we can make this season about presence, not perfection.

💛 I'm taking a couple more applications for the new year for personalized coaching and my Freedom Formula experience.

👉 Visit www.herbestself.co to apply

No more missing moments. No more letting the ED steal your holidays. Let's make this season different.

Ready to sign up for our recovery support group? www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective 

📧 Email Lindsey: info@lindseynichol.com 
🌐 Apply for Recovery Coaching: www.herbestself.co 
💕 Join the Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com 

Limited spots available for fall coaching - only 2 slots remaining

Connect with Lindsey:

🌟 Website: www.herbestself.co 🌟 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 🌟 Client Application: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms

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💕 Share it with a woman who might need to hear this message 💕 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other women find the show 💕 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.