

Her Best Self | Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Disordered Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Body Image, Food Freedom, Calorie Counting, Obsessive Exercise, Food Restriction
Lindsey Nichol - Certified Health Coach, Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, Food Freedom Coach, Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy Certified
Transform Your Relationship with Food and Your Body - Find Freedom from Eating Disorders
Welcome to the Her Best Self podcast, where women discover lasting freedom from disordered eating, food obsession, and body shame. Hosted by Lindsey Nichol, eating disorder recovery coach and former anorexia survivor, this show provides hope, practical tools, and expert guidance for women ready to break free from the nightmare of disordered eating and reclaim their lives.
Lindsey combines her personal recovery journey with professional coaching expertise to deliver actionable strategies for eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, body image healing, and food freedom. Each episode addresses the real challenges women face when healing their relationship with food - from weight gain fears and exercise addiction to perfectionism and decision-making paralysis.
This show is perfect for you if you:
Struggle with chronic dieting, restriction or excessive exercise
Are exhausted from food rules and calorie counting obsession
Battle negative body image and weight preoccupation
Feel controlled by exercise compulsion or movement anxiety
Are high-achievers dealing with perfectionism in recovery
Want to stop the start-stop recovery cycle and commit fully to healing
Are ready to go ”all in” on recovery but need guidance and support
Desire food freedom and body peace without endless therapy or diet programs
Episode Topics Include:
Eating disorder recovery strategies and mindset shifts
Breaking food rules and challenging fear foods safely
Body image healing and weight restoration support
Exercise addiction recovery and joyful movement
Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control in recovery
Decision-making, commitment, and overcoming recovery resistance
Meal planning, intuitive eating, and mechanical eating guidance
Family relationships, social eating, and recovery in real life
Lindsey doesn’t just share recovery theory - she provides the raw truth about what recovery actually looks like, the uncomfortable parts no one talks about, and the specific tools that create lasting change. Her approach combines evidence-based recovery principles with spiritual foundation and practical implementation for busy women. Whether you’re just beginning to consider recovery, are in the early stages of healing, or are working to maintain long-term food freedom, this podcast meets you where you are with compassion, expertise, and actionable guidance.
New episodes air twice per week (Tuesday’s and Friday’s) featuring solo deep-dives, client success stories, expert interviews, and listener Q&A sessions. Join thousands of women who are choosing recovery, embracing their worth beyond their weight, and discovering that food freedom is not only possible - it’s their birthright.
Ready to take the next step? Visit www.herbestself.co for a coaching application, free resources, and community support.
Your best self is waiting. Your freedom starts now.
_____________________________________________________________________
**DISCLAIMER** Trigger warning: The episodes on Her Best Self podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to eating disorders & mental health. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be triggered or adversely impacted by any of these topics. Neither Lindsey Nichol LLC, associates nor guests, shall at any time be liable for the content covered causing offense, distress or any other reaction. The information contained comes from personal insight & education but should not be viewed as clinical support or professional diagnosis. Anything said should NOT be taken as a replacement for medical intervention & is nothing is intended to establish a therapist-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or other health professional, nor treatment. @ Copyright 2025 Lindsey Nichol LLC
Welcome to the Her Best Self podcast, where women discover lasting freedom from disordered eating, food obsession, and body shame. Hosted by Lindsey Nichol, eating disorder recovery coach and former anorexia survivor, this show provides hope, practical tools, and expert guidance for women ready to break free from the nightmare of disordered eating and reclaim their lives.
Lindsey combines her personal recovery journey with professional coaching expertise to deliver actionable strategies for eating disorder recovery, intuitive eating, body image healing, and food freedom. Each episode addresses the real challenges women face when healing their relationship with food - from weight gain fears and exercise addiction to perfectionism and decision-making paralysis.
This show is perfect for you if you:
Struggle with chronic dieting, restriction or excessive exercise
Are exhausted from food rules and calorie counting obsession
Battle negative body image and weight preoccupation
Feel controlled by exercise compulsion or movement anxiety
Are high-achievers dealing with perfectionism in recovery
Want to stop the start-stop recovery cycle and commit fully to healing
Are ready to go ”all in” on recovery but need guidance and support
Desire food freedom and body peace without endless therapy or diet programs
Episode Topics Include:
Eating disorder recovery strategies and mindset shifts
Breaking food rules and challenging fear foods safely
Body image healing and weight restoration support
Exercise addiction recovery and joyful movement
Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and control in recovery
Decision-making, commitment, and overcoming recovery resistance
Meal planning, intuitive eating, and mechanical eating guidance
Family relationships, social eating, and recovery in real life
Lindsey doesn’t just share recovery theory - she provides the raw truth about what recovery actually looks like, the uncomfortable parts no one talks about, and the specific tools that create lasting change. Her approach combines evidence-based recovery principles with spiritual foundation and practical implementation for busy women. Whether you’re just beginning to consider recovery, are in the early stages of healing, or are working to maintain long-term food freedom, this podcast meets you where you are with compassion, expertise, and actionable guidance.
New episodes air twice per week (Tuesday’s and Friday’s) featuring solo deep-dives, client success stories, expert interviews, and listener Q&A sessions. Join thousands of women who are choosing recovery, embracing their worth beyond their weight, and discovering that food freedom is not only possible - it’s their birthright.
Ready to take the next step? Visit www.herbestself.co for a coaching application, free resources, and community support.
Your best self is waiting. Your freedom starts now.
_____________________________________________________________________
**DISCLAIMER** Trigger warning: The episodes on Her Best Self podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to eating disorders & mental health. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be triggered or adversely impacted by any of these topics. Neither Lindsey Nichol LLC, associates nor guests, shall at any time be liable for the content covered causing offense, distress or any other reaction. The information contained comes from personal insight & education but should not be viewed as clinical support or professional diagnosis. Anything said should NOT be taken as a replacement for medical intervention & is nothing is intended to establish a therapist-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or other health professional, nor treatment. @ Copyright 2025 Lindsey Nichol LLC
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2025 • 35min
EP 242: Practical Meal Planning Tips & Tricks to Lessen Stress & Reduce Food Anxiety ~ HBS Interview With Dietitian Brittany Braswell
In this powerful interview, Lindsey sits down with Brittany Braswell, a registered dietitian, food freedom coach, and host of Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast. Brittany shares her unique approach to eating disorder recovery that integrates evidence-based nutrition with Christian faith, creating lasting transformation for women struggling with food guilt and body shame.
In this episode you will discover practical strategies for menu planning without restriction, overcoming fear foods, and why having a strong faith foundation accelerates recovery progress.
This episode is perfect for: Christian women in eating disorder recovery, anyone struggling with meal planning anxiety, and those seeking faith-based approaches to food freedom.
Meet Brittany Braswell:
🎓 Registered Dietitian with 12+ years experience 🎤 Public Speaker and Podcast Host of Faith-Filled Food Freedom 💝 Specializes in: Food freedom and body image coaching for Christian women 🏡 Life: Wife and mom of three in small-town Alabama ✨ Mission: Helping women break free from food guilt and body shame through Christ-centered coaching
Key Topics Covered:
Brittany's Journey to Food Freedom
How traditional nutrition education created food polarization
Discovering the connection between restrictive teaching and client struggles
Working in eating disorder treatment centers and seeing faith's impact
Why evidence-based recovery + faith = faster, sustained progress
The Power of Faith in Recovery
Why bodies created by God respond better when we trust His design
How faith provides a solid foundation vs. carrying recovery weight alone
Breaking free from "A-student recovery" perfectionism
Using truth to combat eating disorder lies
Menu Planning vs. Meal Plans
Meal Plans: Structured like a cast - helpful for stability during healing
Menu Planning: Flexible approach focusing on available ingredients
When to transition from rigid structure to intuitive flexibility
Brittany's $5 menu board system for decision fatigue
Practical Strategies Shared:
Quick 5-Minute Meal Formula
Brittany's Go-To Mexican Bowl:
Canned black beans (protein)
Microwaveable rice pouch
Salsa for seasoning
Shredded cheese
Optional: pre-cooked shredded chicken from freezer
Menu Planning Made Simple
Create a "par stock" list of always-available ingredients
Plan 3-4 flexible meals per week
Use visual menu board with clip-on recipe cards
Build in backup options for exhausting days
Prep shredded chicken in bulk for quick protein
Overcoming Fear Foods
Get education about feared nutrients (challenge the lies)
Use accountability - eat with others when possible
Categorize fears: least scary → moderately scary → terrifying
Start with least scary foods first
Rename trigger words (carbs = "components" or "cactuses")
Powerful Insights:
💡 "Our bodies were created by the Lord, so He knows them better than we do"
💡 "Clients who integrated faith made progress faster and sustained it longer"
💡 "You don't have to do recovery like an A-student - there's no perfect way"
💡 "Having a plan doesn't mean you can't be intuitive - it means ingredients are available when cravings hit"
💡 "Everything will feel scary first when incorporating new foods"
Brittany's Definition of "Best Self":
"Having total peace about saying no and setting boundaries"
Learning that "no" is a complete sentence
Prioritizing values over people-pleasing
Creating margin in calendar to avoid anxiety and rushing
Protecting time with family and serving clients authentically
Why Faith + Nutrition Works:
✅ Provides solid foundation beyond personal willpower ✅ Offers truth to combat eating disorder lies ✅ Reduces pressure of carrying recovery weight alone ✅ Creates sustainable progress vs. white-knuckling ✅ Addresses identity and worth at the core level ✅ Prevents relapse behaviors from perfectionist pressure
For Christian Women in Recovery:
🙏 Your faith matters in your food freedom journey 🙏 God designed your body and knows what it needs 🙏 Recovery doesn't have to be perfect - grace covers the messy middle 🙏 Community and accountability accelerate healing 🙏 Your identity is in Christ not in food control or body size 🙏 Boundaries are biblical and necessary for wholeness
Connect with Brittany Braswell:
🎧 Podcast: Faith-Filled Food Freedom (wherever you listen to podcasts) 🌐 Website: www.brittanybraswellrd.com 📚 Free Resources: www.brittanybraswellrd.com/herbestself
Free Resources Mentioned:
Visit www.brittanybraswellrd.com/herbestself for:
Simple menu planning strategies without restriction
Guilt-free meal planning guides
Related podcast episodes
Faith-based recovery resources
Key Takeaways:
✨ Menu planning can support intuitive eating when done flexibly ✨ Faith provides the foundation recovery needs to be sustainable ✨ Fear foods become manageable with education and gradual exposure ✨ Quick meal strategies prevent eating disorder thoughts from winning ✨ Accountability accelerates progress in recovery ✨ Boundaries protect your recovery and honor your values ✨ You don't have to be perfect at recovery to be successful
For Supporters and Family:
Understanding that:
Recovery looks different when faith is integrated
Meal planning helps reduce decision fatigue
Supporting flexible eating is more helpful than food policing
Accountability can look like simply eating together
Faith-based recovery often progresses faster
Love this episode? Here's how you can support:
💕 Rate and review to help more women find faith-based recovery content 💕 Share with a friend who's struggling with food and faith integration 💕 Follow Brittany's podcast Faith-Filled Food Freedom 💕 Connect in comments about your biggest takeaway
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.

Sep 23, 2025 • 18min
EP 241: After 10+ Years of Fighting ~ The Missing Piece in Your Recovery Journey + What You May Need Beyond Therapy
If you've been fighting eating disorder recovery for 10, 20, or even 40+ years, this episode is specifically for you. You've probably been to therapy, worked with dietitians, read all the books, and know more about nutrition than most professionals - but you're still struggling. Why?
In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing real stories from women who've been in this battle for decades and revealing the missing piece that most traditional treatment approaches overlook. Plus, I'm introducing something I've been dreaming about for months that goes beyond individual therapy to address what your recovery journey might actually need.
If you've ever thought "I should be over this by now" or "I can't keep doing this alone," this episode will remind you that you're not broken - you just might need a different approach.
What You'll Learn:
Why traditional therapy alone often isn't enough for lasting recovery
Real testimonials from women who've fought this battle for 20-40+ years
The missing component that research shows predicts recovery success
Why your recovery journey needs both professional support AND peer community
What to do when you feel stuck despite having all the "right" tools
A new approach that addresses the isolation eating disorders create
This Episode is For You If:
You've been struggling with disordered eating for 10+ years
You've done therapy but still feel stuck in patterns
You feel like you "should be better by now"
You're tired of fighting this battle alone
You want to try a community-based approach to recovery
You're ready to go beyond traditional treatment methods
You feel isolated in your recovery journey
Key Quotes from This Episode:
"You probably know more about nutrition than most dietitians. The missing piece isn't more information - it's support and community."
"Isolation is eating disorder fuel, and support and community is recovery fuel."
"Research shows us that peer support - connecting with others who truly understand your experience - is one of the most powerful predictors of lasting recovery."
"You were never meant to do recovery alone."
Client Stories Featured:
The mom who's been fighting anorexia for years and wants to model recovery for her daughter
The woman who's been in "remission" before but found herself back in the "mental prison"
The client who said "I cannot do this alone" and rated her urgency for change as 10/10
What's Announced in This Episode:
The Recovery Collective - A bi-weekly virtual support group for women in eating disorder recovery
What it includes:
Bi-weekly 60-minute Zoom calls with 10-15 women maximum
Safe space to share wins, challenges, and real recovery life
Professional guidance combined with peer support
Optional check-in prompts and private community chat
For women at ANY stage of recovery
Founding Member Special:
Only 10 founding member spots available
Special pricing: $47/month for first 6 months (less than $1.50/day)
Regular pricing: $97/month after founding period
First session: Early October 2025
Help shape the community from the beginning
Why This Goes Beyond Therapy:
Therapy focuses on individual healing - community provides ongoing support
Therapy happens weekly - community offers real-time encouragement
Therapy addresses past trauma - community helps navigate daily recovery
Therapy is professional support - community offers peer understanding
Therapy has an end date - community provides long-term connection
Note: The Recovery Collective is designed to complement, not replace, professional treatment.
Take Action:
Ready to find your recovery family? Apply to become a founding member of The Recovery Collective at www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective
The process just takes a few minutes and could be the step that changes everything for your recovery journey.
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.herbestself.co
Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com
1:1 Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
About the Host
Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom.
If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs.
*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.

Sep 19, 2025 • 13min
EP 240: How to Overcome "Never Enough" Thoughts in Your Recovery Journey + The Pep Talk You Need to Break Free From Shame📍
If you've been struggling with feeling like you're not good enough, constantly falling short, or carrying the weight of perfectionism on your shoulders, this episode is your gentle reminder that you are already enough. Host Lindsey Nichol shares a heartfelt message about breaking free from the shame cycle that keeps us trapped in eating disorder patterns and perfectionist thinking.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why the "never enough" feeling is a common trap in eating disorder recovery
How to identify where your perfectionist beliefs originated
The difference between feelings and facts when it comes to self-worth
Why getting thinner will never make you feel "enough"
Practical steps to challenge your "not enough" beliefs
How to find evidence of your inherent worth
Key Takeaways:
✨ You don't need to weigh yourself to determine your worth
✨ Feelings aren't facts - the fact is you are enough
✨ You can't hate yourself into a version you'll love
✨ Stop trying to be enough - you already are
Action Steps:
Dig into the why: When did you first start feeling "not enough"?
Label the evidence: What data proves you ARE enough?
Define enough: What would "enough" actually look like in your life?
Challenge the belief: Is perfectionism actually helping you?
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.herbestself.co
Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com
Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
About the Host
Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom.
If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs.
*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.

Sep 16, 2025 • 17min
EP 239.5: From Trauma to Triumph ~ 6 Things Your Past Can Teach You **Must Listen Fav!**
In this powerful episode, Lindsey gets vulnerable about the connection between trauma and eating disorders, sharing why sometimes it's okay to look at our past to catapult us into our future. If you've experienced trauma and are wondering how it connects to your eating disorder, this episode will provide hope, healing insights, and practical steps forward.
Discover the 6 essential things to remember about your past that can transform your recovery journey and help you move from survival to thriving.
Note: This episode addresses sensitive topics around trauma. Lindsey emphasizes that as a recovery coach, she focuses on the here and now of recovery, while encouraging professional therapy support for trauma processing.
Key Topics Covered:
💔 The trauma-eating disorder connection: Why 81% of people with eating disorders have experienced trauma
🧠 Understanding trauma types: Acute vs. chronic trauma and how it relates to ED development
🛡️ Eating disorders as coping mechanisms: How restriction becomes a false sense of control
🌅 6 powerful reminders about your past that can transform your recovery journey
🕊️ The role of forgiveness in healing and moving forward
💪 Why your deepest pain can become your greatest triumph
Shocking Statistics Revealed:
📊 25% of those with eating disorders also meet criteria for PTSD
📊 81% of people with eating disorders had at least one traumatic experience
📊 68% experienced trauma before any eating disorder symptoms appeared
These numbers show you're not alone and that the connection between trauma and eating disorders is real and valid.
Common Traumas Associated with Eating Disorders:
⚡ Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) ⚡ Bullying or social ostracism ⚡ Body shaming and weight stigma ⚡ Loss and grief experiences ⚡ Accidents or medical trauma ⚡ Intergenerational or cultural traumatic events
Remember: Trauma is subjective - what's traumatic for one person may not be for another, and that's completely valid.
6 Things to Remember About Your Past:
1. Your Past Doesn't Exist Anymore
Healing isn't linear - good and bad days are normal
Some days it may feel real, but it's no longer your current reality
Progress includes setbacks, and that's part of the process
2. Your Past Doesn't Define You
Your experiences shape you but don't determine your worth
You hold the power to grow, evolve, and change
Only you have the key to become who you want to be
3. Your Past Can Only Serve as a Teacher
All emotions about your past are valid
There's no "right way" to feel about past experiences
What matters is what you do next with that knowledge
4. Your Past Doesn't Have to Block Your Future
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
You can reinvent and recreate yourself
No matter how many times you've tried recovery, you can start again
5. Holding On May Lead to Reliving
Your wound is not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility
Memories can be imperfect, especially trauma memories
Holding on keeps you stuck in the struggle
6. Your Past Self Deserves Love and Forgiveness
You did the best you could at the time
Don't judge your past self with current wisdom
You're not damaged or broken - you're worthy of healing
Key Insights About Trauma and Eating Disorders:
🔍 Eating disorders as control: When the world feels chaotic, restricting food can feel like the one thing you can control
🔍 Numbing mechanism: ED behaviors often serve to numb overwhelming emotions from traumatic experiences
🔍 False sense of safety: The eating disorder creates an illusion of control and perfection
🔍 Survival strategy: You turned to these behaviors because you needed to survive in that moment
Powerful Quotes from This Episode:
💭 "The deepest, hardest, darkest pain you've been through is most often what's going to catapult you into your highest, best, and truest version of yourself."
💭 "Your wound is not your fault, but your healing is most certainly your responsibility."
💭 "You do not need to judge your past self with your current wisdom."
💭 "You now know better, so you can now do better."
💭 "You aren't damaged. You're not broken. Nothing needs to be fixed, including your body."
Important Reminders:
✨ Trauma-informed care is crucial for eating disorder recovery ✨ Professional therapy support is essential for processing trauma ✨ Recovery coaching focuses on the here and now, not digging up past trauma ✨ Forgiveness is part of the healing equation ✨ You're worthy of a life free from pain, regardless of your past
Questions for Self-Reflection:
🤔 What am I holding onto and why? 🤔 What can be released from my past? 🤔 What needs to be forgiven? 🤔 How can my past serve as a teacher rather than a prison? 🤔 What version of myself am I ready to let go of?
Ready for Support? Work with Lindsey:
If you're ready for accountability, support, and freedom from your eating disorder, and you're done playing small, Lindsey would love to connect with you.
Next Steps:
Visit herbest.co to fill out a client application
See if you're a good fit for 1:1 recovery coaching
Get support focusing on the here and now of recovery
What You'll Get:
Practical recovery strategies that work
Accountability from someone who's been there
Focus on present-moment healing and future growth
Support from a recovered anorexic turned recovery coach
Connect with Lindsey:
🌟 Website: www.herbestself.co 🌟 Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com 🌟 Email List: Join at www.herbestself.co for upcoming announcements about new services
Love this episode? Here's how you can support:
💕 Rate and review the podcast to help more women find freedom 💕 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear about trauma healing 💕 Join the private Facebook community for ongoing support 💕 Connect on social media and let Lindsey know how this impacted you
Special Announcement:
🎉 Podcast Anniversary Coming! Her Best Self Podcast anniversary is 10/10 - don't miss out on joining the Recovery Collective! You can find more details on how you can join our special support group for women here: www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective
If You're Struggling with Trauma and Recovery Today:
Remember that whatever you've experienced, whatever trauma you're carrying, you're still worthy of a life free from pain. Your past has served a purpose, but it doesn't have to define where you're going.
You have the power to take what you've learned and use it to catapult yourself into your highest and best self. Your healing journey matters, and you deserve nothing less than complete freedom.
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.

Sep 12, 2025 • 23min
EP 239: "Am I Eating Too Much?" ~ Understanding Extreme Hunger (What's Really Happening in Your Body & How To Cope)
Are you experiencing intense hunger in recovery and wondering if something is wrong? Feeling like you can't get full no matter how much you eat? In this essential episode, Lindsey breaks down everything you need to know about extreme hunger in eating disorder recovery - why it happens, what it looks like, and most importantly, that it's completely normal and necessary for healing.
Whether you're early in recovery or experiencing hunger waves after years of healing, this episode will help you understand your body's wisdom and navigate this phase with self-compassion instead of fear.
Today's Truth: Extreme hunger is your body's way of healing and honoring it is one of the bravest things you can do in recovery.
Key Topics Covered:
🍽️ What extreme hunger actually is - The different types and what they feel like in your body
🧠 Why extreme hunger happens - The science behind your body's need for extra nourishment
⏰ When it can occur - Early recovery, years later, or anytime your body needs healing
🚫 Myth-busting - Why extreme hunger isn't binge eating and doesn't mean you'll "blow up"
💪 Practical coping strategies - How to navigate extreme hunger with confidence and self-compassion
🤝 Dealing with others - How to handle comments from people who don't understand recovery
Types of Extreme Hunger Explained:
🔹 Mechanical Hunger: Physical growling, gnawing sensations, feeling like a bottomless pit
🔹 Mental Hunger: Obsessive food thoughts, inability to concentrate on anything but eating
🔹 Reactive Eating: Eating large amounts quickly, especially previously restricted foods
🔹 Primal Hunger: Desperate, urgent need to eat that feels impossible to ignore
What this might look like:
Eating a full meal and feeling hungry immediately after
Waking up hungry in the middle of the night
Needing snacks every hour
Intense cravings for calorie-dense foods
Remember: All of this is your body's wisdom in action.
Why Extreme Hunger Happens:
✅ Metabolic restoration - Your metabolism needs extra energy to speed back up to normal levels
✅ Physical repair - Your body is repairing damage to organs, bones, hair, skin, and tissues
✅ Replenishing stores - Restoring depleted fat stores, glycogen, and energy reserves
✅ Trust building - Your body needs to learn that food will be consistently available
Key insight: Extreme hunger can happen at ANY stage of recovery - sometimes years later when your body feels safe enough to ask for what it really needs.
Myths About Extreme Hunger (DEBUNKED):
❌ Myth: "Everyone experiences extreme hunger in recovery" ✅ Truth: Not everyone does, and that's okay - every body is different
❌ Myth: "Extreme hunger is bad or means something is wrong" ✅ Truth: It's your body's intelligence and healing in action
❌ Myth: "Extreme hunger means you're binge eating" ✅ Truth: This is biological necessity, not psychological binge eating
❌ Myth: "If you honor it, you'll gain too much weight" ✅ Truth: Your body will settle at its natural weight when fully nourished
Practical Coping Strategies:
🌟 Honor Your Hunger - Eat when hungry, as much as you're hungry for, whatever you're craving
🌟 Challenge ED Voice - Replace "This is too much" with "My body is healing"
🌟 Don't Compensate - No extra exercise, meal skipping, or restricting the next day
🌟 Include All Foods - Your body often craves calorie-dense foods for important reasons
🌟 Practice Self-Compassion - Remember your "why" and thank your body for its wisdom
🌟 Handle Outside Comments - You don't owe explanations for nourishing your body
🌟 Remember It's Temporary - Extreme hunger normalizes as your body heals and trusts
Signs Hunger Is Normalizing:
✨ Hunger cues become more predictable ✨ You can go longer between meals comfortably
✨ Food thoughts become less obsessive ✨ You naturally desire a variety of foods ✨ Physical hunger matches mental satisfaction
Key Takeaways:
💝 Your hunger is not your enemy - It's your body's wisdom guiding your healing
💝 This is normal and necessary - Extreme hunger is part of recovery, not a sign of failure
💝 Trust your body - It knows exactly what it needs to heal, even when it feels scary
💝 You're not binge eating - This is biological necessity driven by your body's needs
💝 It's temporary - Hunger will normalize as your body heals and learns to trust
💝 You don't need to justify nourishing yourself - To anyone, ever
For Those Supporting Someone in Recovery:
What NOT to say:
"Are you sure you're still hungry?"
"That seems like a lot of food"
"You just ate an hour ago"
What TO say:
"I'm proud of you for nourishing your body"
"Your body knows what it needs"
"I'm here to support you"
Ready for Community Support? Join The Recovery Collective!
Finally, a recovery community that normalizes experiences like extreme hunger.
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 confusing experiences like extreme hunger, support each other through scary phases, and celebrate victories along the way.
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 whatever recovery phase you're experiencing
Community of women who understand what it's like to question your hunger
Practical guidance from someone who's navigated extreme hunger herself
Special Founding Member Pricing:
First 10 members: $47/month for 6 months (over 50% off!)
Regular membership: $97/month
Less than what you spend on groceries for bi-weekly coaching and community support
Imagine having a safe space where you could share that you're experiencing extreme hunger and receive understanding and practical support instead of judgment or confusion.
Your body's wisdom deserves to be celebrated, not questioned.
Ready to learn more? Join us in the collective! www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.herbestself.co
Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com
Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
About the Host
Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting 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.
Experiencing Extreme Hunger Right Now? Remember:
Your hunger is not your enemy. Your body is not trying to trick you or hurt you. When extreme hunger shows up, it's your body saying "I trust you enough now to ask for what I really need."
Honor that trust. Honor that hunger. Honor that incredibly wise body of yours that's working so hard to heal.
You deserve nourishment, you deserve recovery, and you deserve to trust your body's wisdom. Progress over perfection, always.

Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
EP 238: The Truth About Recovering from an Eating Disorder Alone vs. in Community + Why I Wish I'd Had a Support Group Sooner
Have you ever felt completely alone in your eating disorder recovery? Like you're the only one dealing with food thoughts, body image struggles, and the exhaustion of pretending you're "fine"? In this vulnerable episode, Lindsey shares her personal story of trying to recover mostly in isolation and why she's now passionate about creating healing communities for women.
Discover the research-backed reasons why community isn't just nice to have in recovery—it's essential. Plus, learn about The Recovery Collective, a new support group launching in October 2025 specifically for women in eating disorder recovery.
Today's Truth: You were never meant to heal alone, and community isn't just nice to have in recovery - it's essential.
Key Topics Covered:
🤝 Lindsey's personal story: What it felt like to recover mostly alone with limited community support
🧠 The science behind community healing: Research-backed evidence of why support groups transform recovery
💔 The isolation trap: How eating disorders thrive in secrecy and why healing alone is harder than it needs to be
✨ What community provides: Normalization, accountability, shared wisdom, and hope
🌟 The Recovery Collective: A new support group launching October 2024 for women in all phases of recovery
Research Highlights:
📊 Support groups reduce symptoms: Studies show support groups helped reduce post-meal distress in young people with anorexia and can prevent disordered eating
📊 Connection drives recovery: Research confirms that eating disorder recovery is largely influenced by the individual's sense of connection to self and others
📊 Isolation increases struggle: When socially isolated, you lack the support and connection that can help protect against negative self-perception and low self-esteem
📊 Community decreases stigma: Eating disorder support groups offer safe spaces that decrease isolation and stigma while increasing engagement and motivation
📊 29 million affected: Nearly 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lifetime
What Community Provides in Recovery:
💬 Language for your experience - Finally having words for what you're going through instead of feeling "crazy"
🔍 Perspective and reality checks - Others who can distinguish between your eating disorder voice and your true self
💕 Accountability that feels like love - Gentle support that comes from care, not judgment
🌈 Proof that recovery is possible - Seeing women further along in recovery living free, vibrant lives
🛡️ Protection against isolation - Regular connection that prevents the dangerous spiral of being alone with ED thoughts
🎯 Practical wisdom - Real-life strategies from women who've faced similar challenges
Key Takeaways:
✨ You don't have to heal alone - Recovery was never meant to be a solo journey
✨ Community isn't replacement for therapy - It's the ongoing support that helps you live your recovery, not just survive it
✨ The right kind of community matters - Led by someone with lived experience who understands both clinical and personal aspects
✨ Consistency is crucial - Regular, ongoing support rather than crisis-only intervention
✨ Isolation fuels eating disorders - Breaking the cycle of secrecy and shame is essential for healing
Introducing The Recovery Collective (Launching October 2025!)
Finally, a recovery community that truly gets it.
The Recovery Collective is where women in all phases of eating disorder recovery come together every other week to lock arms, share real struggles, and heal together in a safe, supportive environment.
What You Get:
Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via Zoom
Intimate community of 10-15 women maximum
Real, honest conversations that create actual change
Support for navigating triggers, celebrating wins, and handling difficult days
Led by someone who's walked this path and understands the lived experience
Ongoing support to help you live your recovery, not just survive it
What Makes This Different:
Led by someone with personal eating disorder recovery experience
Focus on practical, real-life recovery challenges
Community of women who truly understand the struggle
Consistent, ongoing support (not just crisis intervention)
Safe space free from judgment or competition
Special Founding Member Pricing:
First 10 members: $47/month for 6 months (over 50% off!)
Regular membership: $97/month
Less than what you spend on takeout for bi-weekly coaching and community support
Who This Is For:
Women in all phases of eating disorder recovery
Those tired of feeling alone in their healing journey
Anyone seeking understanding from others who've been there
Women ready for ongoing support, not just weekly therapy appointments
Recovery is possible, and it's so much sweeter when you're not doing it alone.
Ready to learn more? www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.herbestself.co
Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com
Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
About the Host
Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom.
If this episode helped you identify the core beliefs feeding your eating disorder, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs.
*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.
Love this episode? Here's how you can support:
💕 Share it with a woman who's feeling alone in her recovery journey 💕 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help other women find hope and community 💕Reach out if you're interested in The Recovery Collective founding member spots
Feeling Isolated in Your Recovery? Remember:
You were never designed to heal alone. The exhaustion you feel from battling thoughts by yourself, the loneliness of feeling like no one understands - that's not how recovery has to be. Community changes everything, and you deserve to be seen, heard, and valued in your healing journey.
Your worth is not measured by how perfectly you recover alone. Healing is meant to happen in relationship, with support, and with women who can look you in the eye and say "I've been there too, and you're going to be okay."
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.

Sep 5, 2025 • 18min
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:
🌟 The reality check: Do bad body image days ever completely stop?
🌟 Why having difficult moments doesn't mean you're "not recovered enough"
🌟 The difference between struggling in active eating disorder vs. recovery
🌟 8 practical tools for navigating bad body image days
🌟 How thoughts about your body directly impact how you feel in your body
Lindsey's 8-Step Bad Body Image Day Toolkit:
✨ Give Yourself Grace Upon Grace
Permission to feel without judgment
Talk to yourself like your best friend
Remember: recovery isn't about never struggling
✨ 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
✨ 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
✨ Resist Mirror-Checking Temptation
Avoid body-checking and analyzing
Body-checking always makes things worse
Redirect energy toward things that serve you
✨ Honor Yourself with Mindful Eating
Eat normally despite difficult feelings
Choose nourishing foods that taste good
Don't punish your body for emotional discomfort
✨ 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
✨ No Social Media Scrolling
Stay off platforms that trigger comparison
Protect your mental space fiercely
Choose books, friends, or creative activities instead
✨ 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
Key Takeaways:
💝 Recovery isn't about never struggling - it's about struggling with love instead of war
💝 Bad days don't mean bad weeks or months - you have tools now
💝 Your humanity doesn't disqualify your recovery - difficult moments are normal
💝 Progress over perfection, always - you're exactly where you need to be
💝 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?
📧 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
Love this episode? Here's how you can support the show:
💕 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.

Sep 2, 2025 • 18min
EP 236: 7 Books Every Woman in Recovery Needs on Her Nightstand + Your Personal Invite to The Recovery Collective Support Group💕
Are you tired of self-help books that sound good but don't create real change in your recovery journey? In this episode, Lindsey shares 7 current book recommendations that she's actively using with clients and in her own healing - books that will meet you right where you are and support your next brave step toward freedom.
Whether you're just beginning to question your relationship with food and your body, or you're years into recovery and ready for that next level of freedom, there's something here for you.
Today's Truth: You deserve resources that support your healing, and recovery is possible right now....but sometimes you just need an extra boost of belief!
Books Featured in This Episode:
📚 "Feed Yourself" by Leslie Schilling
Perfect for healing your relationship with food from the inside out
Teaches intuitive eating and food freedom beyond diet culture
📚 "You're Not Enough (And That's Okay)" by Allie Stuckey
Challenges toxic positivity and "be your own everything" mentality
Offers permission to need support in your recovery journey
📚 "Goodbye Perfect" by Homaira Kabir
Essential reading for recovering people-pleasers and perfectionists
Subtitle: "How to Stop Pleasing, Proving, and Pushing for Others and Live for Yourself"
📚 "Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance" by Lisa Olivera
Medicine for anyone struggling with self-worth in recovery
Focuses on genuine self-acceptance, not fake confidence
📚 "Don't Believe Everything You Think" by Joseph Nguyen
Game-changer for dealing with loud eating disorder thoughts
Teaches you that you are not your thoughts and don't have to believe them all
📚 "A Crown That Lasts: You Are Not Your Label" by Demi Tebow
Powerful reminder that you are more than your eating disorder or diagnosis
Perfect for finding identity beyond your struggles
📚 "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown
Life-changing research on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted living
Essential for anyone who's used perfectionism as armor
Key Takeaways:
✨ Recovery is possible right now - You don't have to wait until you're "ready enough"
✨ You are not your eating disorder - Your thoughts and diagnosis don't define your worth
✨ Progress over perfection - Healing isn't linear, and that's completely normal
✨ You can do hard things - And you don't have to do them alone
✨ Your journey is unique - What works for others might look different for you, and that's okay
Exciting News: The Recovery Collective is Launching October 2025!
Finally, a recovery community that gets it.
The Recovery Collective is where women in all phases of eating disorder recovery come together bi-weekly to share wins, navigate challenges, and build lasting freedom in a safe, supportive community.
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
Optional check-in prompts and VIP offers
Coaching insights that help you move forward, not backward
Special Founding Member Pricing:
First 10 members: $47/month (over 50% off!)
Regular membership: $97/month
Less than $1.50/day for bi-weekly coaching and community support
Recovery isn't a destination - it's a journey best taken together.
www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective
Connect with Lindsey:
🌟 Website: www.herbestself.co 🌟 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 🌟 Client Application: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
Love this episode? Here's how you can support the show:
💕 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 you're reading any of these books!
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.

Aug 29, 2025 • 17min
EP 235.5: The 3 Core Beliefs That Are Secretly Fueling Your Eating Disorder + What to Do Next to Change the Way You Think
Core beliefs are the fundamental, deeply held beliefs we develop in early childhood that shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. In this eye-opening episode, Lindsey breaks down how eating disorders stem from and reinforce negative core beliefs that can take years to heal from. Learn about the three types of core beliefs that are secretly feeding your disordered eating patterns and discover how to identify and transform these beliefs to break free from the cycle keeping you stuck.
Key Takeaways
Core beliefs are fundamental truths you've made into idols that need to be challenged
Eating disorders stem from and reinforce negative core beliefs developed in childhood
There are 3 types of core beliefs: how you see yourself, others, and the world
You are becoming someone you've never been before - be patient with that process
"You either quit or keep going - they both hurt. Choose your hurt wisely."
The 3 Types of Core Beliefs
Type 1: How You See Yourself
What It Includes:
Self-worth and personal value
Self-competence, skills, and abilities
Self-identity - who you are at your core
Beliefs shaped by caretakers, feedback, and criticisms over your lifetime
How It Feeds EDs:
"I'm not good enough" leads to perfectionism, restriction, and rigidity
False identity created by the eating disorder becomes your truth
Tying worth and value to performance instead of inherent value
How to Change It:
Build self-compassion through recovery inspiration
Embrace your identity as "daughter of the most high, warrior, queen"
Recognize the voice in your head is a false narrative
Understand you don't have to earn, restrict, or compensate for nourishment
Type 2: How You View Other People
What It Includes:
Trustworthiness and reliability of others
Beliefs about goodwill and kindness in people
Prejudices and stereotypes
Safety mechanisms developed from rejection or inconsistent caregiving
How It Feeds EDs:
"If I can just be perfect, I'll have less rejection"
Using food and exercise to control how others perceive you
"If I gain weight, will my husband/boyfriend still want me?"
How to Change It:
Stop comparing yourself to other people
Understand most people don't actually care about your recovery journey
Set boundaries with people who aren't in your corner
Accept support from those who truly want what's best for you
Type 3: Your Perception of the World
What It Includes:
Beliefs about safety vs. danger in your environment
Abundance vs. scarcity mindset
Beliefs about available resources and opportunities
Level of control you have over your life and world events
How It Feeds EDs:
"The world is unsafe, so I must perform to prove my value"
Searching for control and stability through food/body management
Fear-based restriction during uncertain times
How to Change It:
Challenge wellness culture and societal body image messages
Create personal meaning and purpose beyond the disorder
"Stay away from processed bodies rather than processed foods"
How Core Beliefs Create ED Cycles
The Connection:
Core beliefs affect your motivations, goals, life choices, and desires for freedom
Negative self-perception breeds perfectionism and restriction
Fear of others' judgment results in using food and exercise for control
Worldview of unsafety heightens need to prove value through performance
Powerful Quotes from This Episode
"You are becoming someone you've never met before - and that's what I want you to take with you today."
"What other people think of you is not your business."
"No one truly cares what you are doing in your recovery outside of those closest to you."
"You either quit or you get to keep going, and they both hurt. Choose your hurt wisely."
"We have to stop living and breeding a culture where our daughters feel wrong for being in their own body."
The Core Belief Transformation Process
Step 1: Identification
Recognize which of the 3 types of core beliefs are impacting your ED
Identify the "fundamental truths" you've made into idols
Understand these beliefs reinforce unhealthy coping mechanisms
Step 2: Challenge
Question beliefs about yourself, others, and the world
Recognize many beliefs aren't even yours - they were inherited
Challenge wellness culture and societal messages
Step 3: Rebuild
Build self-compassion and embrace your true identity
Set boundaries and stop caring about bystanders' opinions
Create meaning and purpose beyond the disorder
Warning Signs Your Core Beliefs Are Feeding Your ED
Tying your worth to your performance or appearance
Believing you must be perfect to avoid rejection
Using food/exercise to control how others see you
Feeling unsafe in the world and needing control through restriction
Believing you're "not good enough" or "unlovable"
The Recovery Mindset Shifts
From: "I'm not good enough" To: "I am a warrior becoming someone I've never been before"
From: "I must be perfect to be loved" To: "I am worthy of love exactly as I am"
From: "The world is unsafe" To: "I can create meaning and purpose beyond my fears"
Journal Prompts for Core Belief Work
"What beliefs about myself are keeping me stuck in ED patterns?"
"How much influence am I allowing others to have in my recovery?"
"What worldview am I holding that makes me feel unsafe?"
"Which core beliefs are reinforcing my unhealthy coping mechanisms?"
The Call to Action
Be the Change:
Challenge societal messages about body image and success
Stand up for your truth
"Stay away from processed bodies rather than processed foods"
Stop creating negative cycles for future generations
Signs You're Ready to Transform Core Beliefs
You recognize these beliefs are "idols" you've created
You're tired of caring what everyone else thinks
You want to break generational cycles
You're ready to become someone you've never been before
You understand recovery requires belief transformation, not just behavior change
Ready to Break the Chains of Limiting Core Beliefs?
If you're ready for personalized support in transforming the core beliefs keeping you stuck, Lindsey has one slot available for personal coaching, plus amazing support coaches on her team.
Fill out a client application at herbestself.co and get the help you need to see yourself, others, and the world differently.
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.herbestself.co
Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com
Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
About the Host
Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom.
If this episode helped you identify the core beliefs feeding your eating disorder, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs.
*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.

Aug 26, 2025 • 21min
EP 235: Feel the Fear & DO IT Anyway, Get Support Anyway! ~ Why Recovery Anxiety Is Your Green Light to Freedom
What if the fear you feel about getting help for your eating disorder isn't a warning to stay away - but actually your internal compass pointing toward freedom? In this powerful episode, Lindsey shares wisdom from her 7-year-old son who said, "When I feel those flutters in my tummy, I just know I'm about to do something really brave." If you're feeling afraid to ask for help, scared to gain weight, or terrified of actually getting better, this tough-love episode will show you why those butterflies are your invitation to do the bravest thing you've ever done.
Key Takeaways
Fear isn't a stop sign - it's a compass pointing toward your breakthrough
If you could recover on your own, you already would have
Those flutters aren't warning you away from help - they're pointing you toward it
You don't feel brave first and then act brave - you act brave while feeling scared
Ready is a feeling that comes AFTER you take action, not before
Main Topics Covered
The 7-Year-Old's Wisdom
Lindsey's son facing his first day of second grade without his big brother
"When I feel those flutters in my tummy, I just know I'm about to do something really brave"
How children understand fear differently than adults
Kids feel scared and do the thing anyway - adults build cases for why they should wait
The Real Fears Keeping You Prisoner
Fear of asking for help (admitting you can't do this alone)
Fear of gaining weight (worth tied to a number on the scale)
Fear of actually getting better (losing your eating disorder identity)
Fear of investing in yourself (what if you spend money and don't change?)
The Lie You've Been Believing About Fear
If something feels scary, it must be wrong for you
Heart racing when thinking about help = "not the right time"
Anxiety about meal plans = "body not ready"
Terror about recovery = "maybe not meant for me"
Truth: Fear means it matters, it's important, you're about to grow
Why Recovery Feels More Terrifying Than Staying Sick
The "Safety" Illusion:
Staying sick feels familiar = brain labels as "safe"
Recovery feels unknown = brain labels as "dangerous"
Reality Check - How "Safe" Is:
Spending every moment thinking about food
Missing life because you're afraid of restaurants
Measuring worth by what you ate yesterday
Living in constant body anxiety
Isolating because eating around others feels impossible
What Bravery Looks Like in Recovery
Admitting you need help when you want to prove independence
Following someone's guidance who has been there and recovered when ED voice screams it's too much
Gaining weight when diet culture says smaller is better
Investing money in recovery when you've never felt worth it
Showing up to therapy and being honest instead of pretending you're fine
The Wisdom Gap: Children vs. Adults
Children: Feel scared → Do the thing anyway Adults: Feel scared → Analyze, overthink, research, wait
Adult Excuses:
"I'm not ready yet"
"I need to think about this more"
"I should try on my own one more time"
"What if it doesn't work?"
"I can't afford it right now"
Fear as Your GPS System
Sick feeling about calling a coach = "This way to freedom"
Anxiety about meals = "This way to healing"
Terror about recovering = compass pointing toward the life you've been dreaming about
Powerful Quotes from This Episode
"Fear isn't a stop sign. Fear is a compass pointing you toward your breakthrough."
"If you could recover on your own, you already would have."
"Fear doesn't mean it's wrong. Fear means it matters."
"Those flutters aren't telling you to run from recovery - they're telling you you're about to do something incredibly brave."
"You don't feel brave first and then do brave things. You do brave things while feeling scared."
The Cost of Playing It Safe
Questions to Consider:
How's playing it safe working out for you?
How's trying to manage this ED on your own been going?
How's waiting until you feel "ready" been serving your recovery?
The Reality:
Everything you're afraid of losing by being brave, you'll replace with something infinitely better
Playing it safe = staying in a familiar prison
Taking action despite fear = walking toward freedom
What Going All In Actually Means
Not perfection, but:
Being willing to be imperfect in the direction of healing
Reaching out for professional help despite vulnerability
Following meal plans despite ED resistance
Gaining weight despite diet culture programming
Investing in yourself despite never feeling worth it
Showing up to therapy even when you want to cancel
The Decision Point
Two Choices:
Let fear drive your bus (stay stuck in eating disorder)
Feel the fear and drive anyway (choose recovery despite butterflies)
The Truth:
Butterflies aren't telling you to turn around
They're telling you you're at the edge of your comfort zone
All growth happens outside your comfort zone
Signs This Episode Is For You
You feel afraid to ask for help with your eating disorder
You're waiting to feel "ready" before taking action
You've been trying to recover on your own without success
The thought of gaining weight terrifies you
You're tired of living with constant food and body thoughts
You keep making excuses for why "now isn't the right time"
The Son's Success Story Parallel
Felt nervous about first day without big brother
Could have played it safe (stayed home)
Chose to feel the butterflies and walk into brave
Result: Made three new friends, came home with huge smile
Everything he feared losing, he actually gained
This Week's Challenge
Stop waiting to feel ready. Ready comes AFTER action, not before.
Notice when you feel butterflies about recovery
Recognize this as your compass pointing toward growth
Take one brave action despite the fear
Apply for help at herbestself.co while feeling scared
Ready to Feel the Fear and Apply Anyway?
Those butterflies you feel about getting help aren't your intuition telling you to wait - they're your soul telling you you're about to change your entire life.
Stop analyzing your fear and start acting despite it. Go to www.herbestself.co right now and apply to work with Lindsey.
Feel the fear. Apply anyway. Your freedom is waiting.
Connect with Lindsey
Website: www.herbestself.co
Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com
Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms
About the Host
Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She believes the butterflies you feel about recovery aren't warning you away from help - they're pointing you directly toward your freedom.
If this episode gave you the push to finally take action, share it with someone who needs to hear that fear is their compass, not their enemy. Your support helps more women discover their brave.