Her Best Self | Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Disordered Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Body Image, Food Freedom, Calorie Counting, Obsessive Exercise, Food Restriction

If you exercise too much but can't stop, if rest days fill you with anxiety, if you've convinced yourself that constant movement equals worthiness—this episode is your permission slip to finally rest. Lindsey shares her personal journey from exercise addiction to freedom, revealing the powerful 4-letter word and method that saved her life: REST. You'll discover why your brain equates rest with laziness, learn the REST acronym that breaks the compulsive exercise cycle, and understand why rest isn't a reward for work—it's part of the recovery work itself. What You'll Learn ✨ Why exercise addiction is common in eating disorders (and how to recognize it) ✨ The false beliefs that keep you trapped in compulsive exercise patterns ✨ How "dedicated" becomes destructive (and when to be concerned) ✨ The REST method: A practical 4-step approach to breaking exercise addiction ✨ Why rest days anxiety is normal in recovery (and how to manage it) ✨ Biblical perspective on rest and recovery (Matthew 11:28) Exercise Addiction Warning Signs Do you recognize yourself in these patterns? Exercising every single day, multiple times per day Eating while standing to "burn more calories" Doing random exercises throughout the day (crunches, etc.) Believing rest makes you lazy or weak Feeling anxious or guilty about missing workouts Exercising even when injured or exhausted Viewing movement solely through a calorie-burning lens Isolating from friends/activities that involve sitting The REST Method Breakdown R - RELAX Surrender and give up control Pause, pray, stop, step away Let go of the bondage to constant movement Practice: Try stopping your workout 1 minute earlier each day E - EVALUATE Get in tune with your feelings and emotions Reframe emotions with facts Challenge thoughts: "Will I really 'blow up' if I don't go to the gym?" Ask: "Am I actually going to heal my disordered relationship with exercise?" S - SET AN INTENTION Define what your best self means to you Plan and pre-decide your actions Ask: "What's one thing I can do to step in her direction?" Focus on who you want to become, not what you want to avoid T - TAKE ACTION Put that step in motion and practice The hardest part: actually doing what you've been thinking about Don't wait for your eating disorder to give permission Remember: The action here IS resting Key Mindset Shifts Rest Isn't Laziness—It's Living "You aren't lazy, you're living. You're allowed rest." Rest Is Part of Recovery Work "Resting isn't a reward for work. It's part of the work. It's part of the recovery work." Your Body Needs Repair "If you don't rest, you can't repair. If you don't rest, you can't restore. If you don't rest, you can't reflect." Cultural Lies vs. Recovery Truth Culture says: Hustle and go, go, go Recovery truth: Two rest days in a row is exactly what you need to heal The Deeper Issue: Fear of Self Why Rest Feels Impossible Fear of sitting with yourself Not knowing who you are without constant motion Anxiety about having more time to think about food Fear of "losing control" around food when home longer The Weekend Challenge Weekends felt harder because more time at home More food available = more food thoughts Fear of "going off the rails" Solution: Learning to sit with discomfort Biblical Foundation for Rest Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who feel weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." God himself rested after creation Rest is divinely designed, not humanly weak Weariness and burden are invitations to rest Rest is both physical and spiritual restoration Practical Steps to Implement This Week Start Small One Minute Method: Stop your workout 1 minute earlier each day Sitting Practice: Sit for 5 minutes without doing anything productive Weekend Rest: Allow yourself one full rest day this weekend Challenge the Thoughts When you think "I'm being lazy": Remind yourself "I'm healing" When you feel guilty: Remember "Rest is part of recovery work" When you fear weight gain: Focus on "My body needs repair" Find Your Rest Activities Rest isn't just napping—it's anything that makes your nervous system feel safe: Yoga or gentle stretching Meditation or prayer Reading for pleasure Warm baths Nature walks (for joy, not calorie burn) Professional Support Recommendations Lindsey emphasizes the importance of working with qualified professionals: Clinicians: For DBT therapy and emotion management Dietitians: For nutrition guidance during recovery Coaches: For lived experience and practical support "The best thing you can do is give yourself permission and work with someone who has lived experience." Recovery Encouragement You're Not Alone Exercise addiction is common in eating disorders Your struggle with rest is valid and normal Recovery is possible, even from severe exercise addiction Permission Granted You have permission to rest You deserve to discover who you are without constant motion Your worth isn't determined by calories burned The Promise "If I can have an addiction with exercise, if I can completely break the chains of that bondage, I know that's God's plan in your life too." Ready for Professional Support? If this episode resonated and you're ready to break free from exercise addiction, you don't have to do this alone. Next Steps: Email the team: info@lindseynichol.com Join the private community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Fill out a client application: www.herbestself.co  Remember: You deserve freedom from the chains of compulsive exercise. Rest isn't your enemy—it's your healing. Share This Episode If this episode gave you permission to rest: ✨ Leave a review about your exercise addiction recovery journey ✨ Share with a friend who needs permission to rest ✨ Tag us on social with your rest day victories using #PermissionToRest "Grant yourself permission to rest this week. Grant yourself love and compassion and grace. The world is not gonna crumple and fall apart if you don't get in your exercise this week." Your rest day starts now. 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.

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 meal Call a friend for support Practice 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 thinking Perfectionism creates impossible standards Black-and-white thoughts feel "safer" but create more suffering How Both/And Thinking Heals Reduces perfectionist pressure Allows for human complexity Creates space for growth and mistakes Normalizes the recovery process Ready to Live the Both/And Approach? If this episode resonated but you're unsure how to implement Both/And thinking in your daily recovery, you don't have to figure it out alone. Take Your Recovery to the Next Level: In Lindsey's one-on-one coaching, you'll dive deep into applying the Both/And approach to your specific struggles—trigger foods, difficult emotions, body image challenges, all of it. Because knowing about this approach and actually living it are two different things. Next Steps: Fill out a client application at www.herbestself.co to work together on finding your gray area, your Both/And space, where your real life and real recovery can finally coexist. Remember: You can both be exactly where you are right now AND be on your way to somewhere beautiful. Connect With Lindsey 🎙️ Website: www.herbestself.co  📱 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 💌 Email: info@lindseynichol.com 👥 Private Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Share This Episode If the Both/And approach shifted something for you: ✨ Leave a review sharing how this reframe changed your perspective ✨ Share with a friend who's stuck in all-or-nothing recovery thinking Remember: You really can move from perfection to purpose, from black-and-white to beautiful gray, from all-or-nothing to Both/And. Your beautifully imperfect recovery journey starts now. xo, lindsey 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 application See if you're a good fit for coaching If 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 * 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.

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 mindset The difference between scarcity and abundance thinking with food 7 practical steps to start eating earlier and honoring your body How to challenge the rules you've created around "worthy" foods The "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 abundance Abundance: Allowing food in and out like energy/currency The Truth: You were created to have all things abundantly Why You Save Calories Classic eating disorder tactic based on scarcity Underlying belief that you don't deserve good things now Fear of overeating if you have something earlier Coping 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 from Pre-decide the night before to challenge morning rules 2. Eat Consciously Every 1-2 Hours Start with every 2 hours if needed Eat even when not hungry to create consistent patterns Break the "save up for later" cycle 3. Address Negative Emotions Ask "why" repeatedly to get to root fears Challenge 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 NOW Don't procrastinate on things you want Apply 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 things Make that choice without guilt 6. Switch Up Meal Times Try "breakfast for dinner" or eating 2 hours earlier Make it a game with small, achievable goals Focus on one goal at a time 7. Daily Reflection Journal each evening about restriction patterns Identify when unpleasant emotions came up Look 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 episodes One-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.

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 either Summer is actually the PERFECT time to prioritize recovery and put yourself first The brain feels unsafe with change - use this knowledge to your advantage Create structure that supports recovery, not rigid control Practice "doing the opposite" of what your ED voice demands Main Topics Covered 🌞 Why Summer Triggers Eating Disorders Schedule changes and routine disruptions Cultural pressure around "bikini bodies" Increased social eating situations Vacation anxiety and food fears The restrict-before-and-after-vacation cycle 🛡️ Your Summer Recovery Armor Creating a flexible summer schedule that supports healing Pre-planning and pre-deciding for events and vacations Setting boundaries with family and friends Packing recovery essentials for travel Choosing comfort over societal expectations 🎯 Practical Recovery Tools The Opposite Action Strategy: Do the opposite of what your ED voice tells you Truth-Telling Conversations: Being honest with friends about your recovery needs Comfort-First Approach: Choosing clothing and activities that honor your body Permission 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 situations Practice the opposite action when your ED voice speaks up Create your summer recovery toolkit (snacks, journal, comfortable clothes) Set boundaries and communicate your needs to loved ones Remember 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.

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 system Why you get stuck in the "capacity to act" phase of recovery How to reconnect with your creative imagination and dreams The 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 thoughts Key to taking responsibility for where you are and where you want to go Action Step: Write your Best Self Statement (Episode 51 reference) 2. Conscience Your internal guidance system for right and wrong Connects 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 patterns Where many people get stuck in recovery The part of you that's "starving for independence" 4. Creative Imagination Gives you purpose and dreams beyond current reality Hard 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 truth Breastplate of righteousness Shield of faith Helmet of salvation Sword of the Spirit Resources Mentioned Best Self Statement: Pinned in Her Best Self Society Facebook community Episode 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 application See if you're a good fit for coaching If 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 wants Honor your True North - Connect with your real values and conscience Exercise your independent will - Make one choice that goes against ED thoughts Use creative imagination - Dream about life without obsessive food thoughts Ask the key question: "What's the best that could happen?" Connect & Share Love this episode? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts Share with someone who needs to hear this message Join the private Facebook community for ongoing support Tag @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.

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.

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 dieting 22% 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 routine 95% of diets fail long-term, yet women continue the cycle of restriction 85% 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 belonging and vulnerability research Harvard Study of Adult Development (relationships and happiness correlation) National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (dieting statistics) Center for Mindful Eating (restriction and social connection studies) Ready for Your Revolution? If this episode lit a fire in your soul and you're ready to stop earning worth through restriction and start claiming power through presence, it's time to take action. The belonging you're seeking isn't hiding in a smaller dress size or waiting at your goal weight. It's available right now, in this body, in this moment, as you are. Take the Next Step: Fill out a client application at www.herbestself.co to learn about my Breakthrough Experience and Freedom Formula programs. We don't just heal your relationship with food—we revolutionize your relationship with your worth. Your revolution starts now. Let's break the chains together. Connect With Lindsey 🎙️ Website: www.herbestself.co  📱 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 💌 Email: info@herbestself.com 👥 Private Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  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.

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 them Being "the woman who doesn't need carbs" has become a prison disguised as discipline True 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 regulation Carbs 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 requirements Journal of Nutrition: Cognitive performance and carb intake MIT Research: Carbohydrates and serotonin synthesis International 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.

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 episode Why settling for your eating disorder is actually addiction in disguise 8 specific ways life becomes dramatically better in recovery The shocking statistics about eating disorders and relationships that no one talks about How to identify where you're settling vs. truly living Why your brain chooses "guaranteed misery" over uncertain freedom The 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 coffee No more "I don't drink my calories" badge of honor True nourishment vs. running on empty 2. CARBS & FREEDOM 🥞 Pancake breakfasts without guilt Snacks on snacks on snacks Being known as the "snack queen" instead of the restriction queen 3. PRESENCE WITH YOUR PEOPLE 👥 Breaking the isolation cycle Showing up fully for those who matter most No more avoiding social situations due to food fear 4. HEALTHY HAIR & YOUTHFUL SKIN ✨ Trading thin, brassy hair for healthy locks Getting your glow back through proper nourishment Looking younger, not older, through recovery 5. SAYING YES TO LIFE 🎉 Ice cream with your kids just because Dinner with friends without menu anxiety Breaking rigid rules and embracing spontaneity 6. INTIMACY & CONNECTION 💕 Restored libido and energy for relationships No longer too tired for life's pleasures 80% higher sexual satisfaction in recovery 7. CAPACITY FOR PEACE 🕊️ Mental freedom from obsessive food thoughts Learning to distinguish your voice from ED voice Getting out of your own way 8. FREEDOM FROM METRICS 📊 Walking without counting steps Grocery shopping without reading every label Eating dinner without pre-checking menus Cooking 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 without According to the certainty effect, people choose guaranteed lesser gains over potential greater gains Research 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 less Respond with compassion - Answer as if advising your best friend Choose one area to stop settling in today Take 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.

In this powerful episode, Lindsey breaks down why former athletes face unique challenges in eating disorder recovery that go far beyond what most people understand. If you're a former athlete struggling with an eating disorder and wondering why freedom feels so impossible, this episode will finally give you the answers you've been searching for - plus a roadmap to use your competitive edge as your greatest recovery asset. What You'll Learn: The shocking statistics about eating disorders in former athletes that no one talks about Why your athletic training is actually making your eating disorder stronger (and how to reverse this) The 4 specific reasons freedom feels impossible when you have an athletic background How your perfectionism became your eating disorder's best friend (and worst enemy) The strength misconception that's keeping you trapped in restriction Why asking for help feels like admitting weakness (and why that's actually your eating disorder talking) How to turn your competitive edge into your recovery superpower The ultimate game plan for athletic-minded recovery Key Takeaways: ✨ "You're not failing at recovery. You're just applying the wrong strategy." ✨ "Your eating disorder isn't your perfectionism. Your eating disorder is a counterfeit version of perfectionism." ✨ "The strongest thing you can do is feel scared about gaining weight and eat the meal anyway because you value your freedom more than your fear." ✨ "Breaking free from an eating disorder requires more mental toughness than any sport you've ever played." Episode Highlights: [1:30] The International Skating Company moment that changed everything [4:30] Why former athletes are 60% less likely to seek treatment [7:00] The perfectionist's paradox in eating disorder recovery [9:00] What real strength looks like vs. what your ED tells you [11:00] How to compete against your eating disorder instead of other women [12:30] Your step-by-step game plan for freedom Powerful Statistics Mentioned: Athletes are 2-3 times more likely to develop eating disorders than non-athletes Former athletes are 60% less likely to seek treatment for eating disorders 89% of elite athletes score high on perfectionism scales vs. 32% of general population 78% of former athletes fear recovery will make them "soft" or "undisciplined" Athletes who reframe competitive drive toward recovery have 73% higher success rates Action Steps: Redefine strength - Strength isn't restriction, it's resilience Reframe your competition - You're competing against your ED, not other women Apply athletic goal-setting to recovery milestones Embrace the training mindset - expect good days and challenging days Stop trying to recover perfectly - aim for freedom, not perfection Resources Mentioned: Best Self Breakthrough Program - Apply at www.herbestself.co/services National Eating Disorders Association statistics Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology research Stanford University eating disorder studies Perfect For: Former competitive athletes struggling with eating disorders High-achievers who feel like they "should be able to handle this alone" Women whose perfectionism feels like both their biggest asset and biggest problem Anyone who's been told they're "too disciplined" to have an eating disorder Former athletes afraid that recovery will make them weak or undisciplined About the Host: Lindsey Nichol is an eating disorder recovery coach, former professional figure skater, and founder of Her Best Self Co. After her own journey from elite athletic performance to eating disorder struggle to complete freedom, she now specializes in helping former athletes and high-achieving women break free from eating disorders using strategic, results-driven approaches. She understands the unique challenges former athletes face because she's lived them. 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.