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

Feeling exhausted from fighting the same eating disorder thoughts every single day? Tired of trying to navigate recovery alone while swimming against what feels like an impossible current? In this hope-filled episode, Lindsey uses powerful ocean metaphors to help you understand why recovery feels so hard and why you don't have to do it alone. If you're in the thick of the hard season and desperately want to stop carrying this burden by yourself, this episode will speak directly to your heart and give you the one step you need to finally say yes to support. Key Takeaways Recovery feels like swimming against the current because you're fighting it alone You're not broken - you're a seashell in the making, getting stronger through the storms You're not actually in control right now - your eating disorder is Putting yourself first isn't selfish - it's putting on your oxygen mask The hardest thing isn't doing recovery perfectly - it's admitting you can't do it alone Main Topics Covered 🌊 The Ocean Current Metaphor Why recovery feels like swimming against an impossible current The eating disorder voice as the force pushing you backward How every woman who found freedom had to swim this same current The difference between fighting the waves and learning to ride them 🐚 The Seashell Wisdom How seashells become beautiful through pressure and storms Every hard day in recovery is forming another layer of strength You're not broken in the storm - you're becoming a treasure The process of becoming beautiful requires surviving the tumbling 😨 The Fear That Keeps You Swimming in Circles The illusion of control that your eating disorder provides Why holding onto your ED is actually keeping you drowning Fear of weight gain, losing control, and trusting the process Reality check: You're not in control right now anyway 🙏 What Stepping Into Faith Actually Looks Like Faith as taking one stroke toward shore instead of treading water Practical faith actions in recovery (meal plans, rest, support) Trusting the process instead of controlling the outcome 💪 The Hard Things You're Trying to Carry Alone The exhaustion of managing everything by yourself Why "I should be stronger" thinking keeps you stuck The difference between being strong and being wise Even the strongest swimmers need a lifeguard ✨ What Putting Yourself First Really Means Why "putting yourself first" feels selfish but isn't The oxygen tank analogy Setting boundaries that support your recovery You can't pour from an empty cup 🌟 The Ripple Effect of Your Recovery How your healing impacts everyone around you Becoming a lighthouse for other women in the storm Modeling freedom for daughters, friends, and coworkers Your recovery story creates ripples of hope Powerful Quotes from This Episode "You think holding onto your eating disorder is keeping you safe, but it's actually keeping you drowning." "You're not broken because you're in the storm right now. You're in the process of becoming the treasure." "The hardest thing isn't doing recovery perfectly. The hardest thing is admitting you can't do it alone." "You don't have to figure out how to become a beautiful seashell while you're still in the middle of the storm." "The current is strong, but you are stronger." The Reality Check What feels like control vs. What's actually happening: You think you're controlling your food → Your ED is controlling when/what/how much you eat You think you're managing your body → Your ED is dictating your clothes, activities, social events You think you're staying safe → Your ED is keeping you drowning in the same spot Signs You're Swimming in Circles Waking up fighting the same thoughts every day Trying to manage recovery completely alone Exhausted from "being stronger" all the time Making the same promises to yourself that you can't keep Feeling like you're treading water instead of moving toward freedom The One Step That Changes Everything Stop swimming in circles and reach out your hand for help. Not tomorrow. Not next week. TODAY. Because when you reach out for support: The current doesn't disappear, but you stop fighting it alone You learn to ride the waves instead of being crushed by them You get a guide who knows the way to freedom What Professional Support Looks Like Having a guide who's already made it to the shore Learning to work with the current instead of fighting against it Getting a map for territory you've been trying to navigate alone Having someone protect you while you're forming your strength (like the seashell in deeper water) Action Step Go to herbestself.co and fill out an application to partner with Lindsey in your recovery journey. This is your moment to: Stop doing the hard things alone Say yes to the support you deserve Take one brave step toward freedom Let someone help you swim to shore Ready to Stop Swimming Alone? You don't have to earn support. You don't have to be perfect first. You just have to be brave enough to reach out your hand. Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com   Client Applications: www.herbestself.co  About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She's been where you are - swimming against the recovery current alone - and now helps women find their way to the freedom shore through guided support and proven strategies. If this episode spoke to your heart, please share it with a friend who needs this message. Your support helps more women find the hope and guidance they need to stop swimming alone. * 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.

Ready for some tough love, sis? If you've been walking around asking "Why me? Why do I have to struggle with this eating disorder? Why do I even bother trying to recover?" - this episode is your wake-up call. Lindsey delivers the reality check you need to stop playing victim in your own recovery story and start asking the question that changes everything: WHY NOT YOU? With 60-70% of women recovering from eating disorders, it's time to stop making yourself the exception and start making yourself the example. Key Takeaways You are the author of your own story - stop writing yourself as the victim 60-70% of women with eating disorders make a full recovery Your past thinking is driving your current reality - change your thoughts, change your story You're not too broken, too far gone, or too different to recover Recovery Warriors ask "Why NOT me?" instead of "Why me?" Main Topics Covered 🎭 The Story You're Telling Yourself How you've become the main character in a story you hate Why victim questions keep you stuck in the disorder cycle The difference between facts and the meaning you assign to facts How your current identity as "Woman with Eating Disorder" drives your thoughts 📊 The Recovery Statistics That Should Wake You Up 60-70% of people with eating disorders make full recovery 80% recovery rates with proper treatment (Journal of Clinical Medicine) 85% of people who complete treatment maintain long-term recovery People who believe in recovery are 3x more likely to achieve it 🚫 Stop Making Yourself the Exception Why "my eating disorder is different" keeps you stuck How victim identity protects you from scary recovery work The uncomfortable truth about avoiding weight gain fears Why playing small feels safer than playing powerful ⚡ The Identity Shift from Victim to Recovery Warrior Changing your default brain setting from ED thoughts to recovery thoughts How Recovery Warriors think vs. how victims think The power of deciding your recovery in advance New identity statement: "I am a Recovery Warrior" 🔄 The "Why NOT You" Reframe Old Questions → New Questions: "Why me?" → "Why NOT me?" "Why can't I be normal?" → "Why NOT me to have complete food freedom?" "Why do I even bother?" → "Why NOT me to inspire others with my recovery?" "What if I'm too broken?" → "Why NOT me to be fully recovered by next year?" Powerful Quotes from This Episode "You are literally writing yourself as the victim in your own life story, and then getting mad that you're playing the victim role." "Your past and current thinking is driving your entire life. How's that working for you, sis?" "Stop making yourself special in all the wrong ways." "You are one decision away from changing your entire life trajectory." "You are not a victim of your eating disorder. You are a Recovery Warrior." Scripture References 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind." Romans 8:37: "We are more than conquerors." The Come-to-Jesus Reality Check You have been playing small in your own life You're not too broken, too far gone, or the exception The women who recover aren't special - they just decided to stop being the victim You are one decision away from changing everything Recovery is not just possible for you - it's PROBABLE Your New Power Statement "I am not a victim of my eating disorder. I am a Recovery Warrior who is actively choosing healing over hiding, growth over staying small, and freedom over fear. If 60-70% of women recover, then I choose to be in that majority. Why? Because WHY NOT ME?" Homework & Action Steps Write down: "I am a Recovery Warrior, and recovery is my new identity" Memorize and repeat the Power Statement daily Replace every "Why me?" with "WHY NOT ME?" Decide in advance that you WILL recover (not hope, not maybe - WILL) Apply to work with Lindsey at herbestself.co Signs This Episode is For You You've been struggling with ED thoughts for years but are ready for real support Your biggest fear about recovery is weight gain You catch yourself asking "Why me?" or "Why do I even bother?" You feel like you might be "too far gone" or "too broken" You're tired of being the victim in your own life story The Direct Challenge Stop asking: "Why me? Why can't I recover? Why do I even bother?" Start declaring: "Why NOT me? Why NOT full recovery? Why NOT complete food freedom?" Ready to Stop Playing Victim? If this episode hit you right in the heart and you're ready to shift from "Why me?" to "WHY NOT ME?" - it's time to take action. Head to www.herbestself.co right now and fill out a client application to work with Lindsey personally. Stop doing this alone and let her help you rewrite your story from victim to Recovery Warrior. Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Client Applications: www.herbestself.co  About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She specializes in helping women stop making themselves the exception and start making themselves the example in eating disorder recovery. If this episode fired you up and shifted your mindset, please leave a rating and review! Your support helps more women discover they're not victims - they're Recovery Warriors waiting to rise.

Ready to make the hardest shift in eating disorder recovery? In this powerful episode, Lindsey tackles the most challenging aspect of healing: letting go of weight loss goals completely. If you're a high achiever who's built your identity around being "weight conscious," this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about recovery. Learn why you can't truly recover while still wanting to lose weight and get practical steps to shift your primary goal from weight loss to recovery freedom. Key Takeaways You cannot recover while still holding onto weight loss as a goal Recovery requires complete surrender and a total shift in perspective Weight loss goals keep you stuck in eating disorder behaviors Your identity isn't based on a number - it's based on who you choose to become Action before belief: You must act differently before you feel differently Main Topics Covered 🔄 The Identity Shift That Changes Everything Why high achievers struggle to let go of weight loss goals The difference between false self (diet culture) vs. true self (recovery) How "thin = win" mentality keeps you trapped Moving from weight loss as primary mission to recovery as primary goal 💔 Why Weight Loss Goals Sabotage Recovery The programming of diet culture: "You can't trust yourself with food" How before/after photos and diet products reinforce harmful beliefs Why "maintenance mode" is still diet culture thinking The slippery slope of counting macros, calories, and measuring 🧠 The Three-Step Process to Surrender Weight Loss Step 1: Self-Compassion Recognizing you've been programmed by diet culture Understanding you're not like other people - and that's okay Giving yourself grace for past beliefs about weight Step 2: Acceptance Accepting that weight loss may be okay for some, but not for you Understanding your eating disorder history changes the rules Believing you can never diet again - and that's your strength Step 3: Strategic Planning Making concrete changes to support your new mindset Discarding clothes that don't fit your natural body Setting boundaries with diet culture influences 🚫 What Has to Go (The Boundary List) Stop following diet culture social media accounts Eliminate body checking behaviors Remove scales, step trackers, and calorie counting apps Distance yourself from people who talk about restricting calories Stop contributing to wellness culture that harms women ✅ What to Focus on Instead Health and happiness as primary goals Nourishing your body to function at its highest level Getting your body to its natural state through adequate nutrition Building trust between you and your body Surrounding yourself with supportive recovery community Powerful Quotes from This Episode "You have to shift perspective of your goal... recovery requires complete surrender." "Weight loss isn't good at all costs and weight gain isn't bad." "When you give trust to your body, your body learns to trust you." "It's okay for them, but not for me." "Your identity is not based on a number, a metric, a step count, or a calorie." Expert Quote Featured Dr. Maria Rego, President of the National Eating Disorder Association: "When you no longer value the eating disorder, you don't buy in to the idea that you should be engaging in weight loss or unhealthy eating patterns." The Reality Check Questions Do you identify as someone who is super weight conscious constantly? Are you only allowing yourself to recover up to a certain weight? Are you terrified of gaining over your "maintenance zone"? Why is it okay for others to eat freely but not you? Journal Prompts for This Week "What am I so scared of when I think about not trying to lose weight?" "Where have I not been giving myself compassion and grace?" "What beliefs about weight loss am I holding onto that aren't serving me?" "How would my life change if I made health and happiness my primary goals?" "What boundaries do I need to set to support my recovery mindset?" Action Steps to Take This Week Choose ONE and go all in: Unfollow all diet culture social media accounts Throw away your scale Donate clothes that don't fit your natural body size Stop tracking calories, macros, or steps Have an honest conversation with someone about your recovery needs Join a supportive recovery community The Mindset Reframes Old Thinking → New Thinking "I need to lose weight" → "My body needs nourishment to function" "Weight gain is bad" → "Weight restoration is healing" "I can't trust myself with food" → "I'm learning to trust my body's wisdom" "I need rules around food" → "Rules have kept me trapped" "Thin = successful" → "Healthy and happy = successful" Signs You're Ready for This Shift You're tired of the constant mental chatter about weight You recognize that weight loss goals keep you stuck You're willing to challenge beliefs that no longer serve you You want freedom more than you want to be thin You're ready to take action even when it feels scary Community Support Join other women on the same journey in the Her Best Self Society Facebook community - a safe space where women celebrate recovery wins, not weight loss victories. Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Client Applications: www.herbestself.co  About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. After surrendering her own weight loss obsession and finding true freedom in recovery, she now helps high-achieving women shift their identity from weight loss warrior to recovery queen. If this episode challenged you to think differently about your goals, please leave a rating and review! Your support helps more women break free from the weight loss trap that's keeping them stuck in their eating disorders.

Struggling with watching your husband grab a banana and head out for his 5-mile run while you're sitting with your full breakfast? Feeling guilty about eating meals when your friend skips lunch because she's "too busy"? This episode tackles the comparison trap that's keeping you stuck in eating disorder recovery. Lindsey gets raw and real about why other people's food and exercise choices have absolutely nothing to do with your healing journey. Key Takeaways Other people's food and exercise choices have nothing to do with your recovery You're not comparing apples to apples - you're comparing apples to pineapples Comparison is literally increasing your risk of ED relapse Your recovery is not up for a vote Stop giving mental energy to other people's plates and start celebrating your own healing 🧠 The Hidden Truth About Why You Compare The science behind your comparison brain (Social Comparison Theory) How your ED voice hijacks normal brain processes Why comparison feels logical but leads you away from healing The difference between recovering and "normal" relationships with food 🔍 The Three Comparison Traps Exercise Comparison: "Why does he get to run when I need rest?" Food Comparison: "She only ate half her meal and I finished mine" Body Comparison: "They look amazing and barely work out" ⚡ The Real Cost of Comparison 2020 study: Social comparison = strongest predictor of ED relapse How comparison steals your present moment Why shame keeps you stuck in the disorder cycle The difference between shame vs. grace in recovery 🛠️ Practical Tools to Break Free Tool #1: The Reality Check Questions "Am I comparing my recovery to someone's normal?" "What would I tell my best friend thinking this?" "Is this thought moving me toward or away from healing?" Tool #2: The Information Gathering Technique Get curious instead of assuming Remember you don't see the full picture Challenge your assumptions about "normal" Tool #3: The Redirect and Refocus Name it: "I'm comparing again" Redirect: "My recovery is about MY healing" Refocus: "What does MY body need right now?" Powerful Quotes from This Episode "You're not comparing apples to apples - you're comparing apples to trauma recovery." "Your recovery is not a democracy. It's not up for a vote." "Comparison is the thief of joy, but it's also the thief of recovery progress." "The most rebellious thing you can do against your eating disorder is to stop caring what everyone else is doing." Scripture References Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Isaiah 43:19: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Research & Studies Mentioned 2019 Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology: Limiting social comparison reduced depression/anxiety in one week 2020 International Journal of Eating Disorders: Social comparison as strongest predictor of ED relapse Dr. Leon Festinger's Social Comparison Theory Journal Prompts "When I compare myself to others, what am I really afraid of?" "What lies is my eating disorder voice telling me when I compare?" "If I stopped caring about what others ate or exercised, what would change?" "What would I do differently if I truly believed my recovery was worth prioritizing?" "How is comparison serving my eating disorder rather than my healing?" New Identity Statement "I am not my husband. I am not my friend. I am not social media. I am a woman in recovery, and my healing journey is sacred. Other people's choices have nothing to do with my recovery needs. I choose progress over comparison, healing over hiding, and my recovery over everyone else's opinion." The Opposite Action Challenge This Week's Homework: Compare to your PAST self, not others When you catch comparison: Thank your brain → Remind yourself comparison doesn't help → Take one recovery action → Celebrate that action Practice the new identity statement daily What Recovery Really Looks Like Your meal plan matters more than what's on anyone else's plate Rest days are as important as workout days Your healing journey takes priority over fitting in Doing what YOUR body needs, regardless of others Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com  Client Application: Client Application 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 comparison traps to live their best lives in recovery. If this episode called you out (in the best way), please leave a rating and review! Your support helps more women break free from the comparison trap that's keeping them stuck. * 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 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.