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

In this powerful episode, we tackle one of the biggest barriers to eating disorder recovery: waiting to feel "ready." Statistics show the average person waits seven years between eating disorder onset and seeking treatment—seven years of suffering that could be avoided sis! In Episode 208, we explore why "ready" isn't a feeling that magically appears but a decision you make despite fear and uncertainty. Through client stories, expert insights, and practical steps, you'll discover how to move forward in your recovery journey without waiting for the perfect moment. Whether you're struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or disordered eating patterns, this episode offers the perspective shift and motivation you need to take that crucial first step toward healing. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why the eating disorder voice will never tell you it's time to recover The myth of "feeling ready" and how it keeps you trapped in the cycle How to make the decision to start recovery even while feeling afraid Small, manageable steps you can take today, regardless of your "readiness" The life that awaits on the other side of this crucial decision KEY QUOTES "Ready isn't when the fear disappears. Ready is when you decide to move forward despite the fear." "You don't have to be ready for the whole journey. You just have to be ready for the next step." "Recovery doesn't happen in one giant leap. It happens in thousands of small decisions." hope you enjoy this one friend! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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 heartfelt episode, we explore the parallel between rookie seasons in baseball & the early stages of eating disorder recovery. Through a personal story about my 11-year-old son, I share with you powerful lessons about perseverance, finding purpose in setbacks, and recognizing God's work in challenging seasons. Whether you're just beginning your recovery journey or facing a difficult setback, this episode offers both spiritual encouragement and practical tools to help you step up to the plate with renewed confidence. Here are a few key points: Why setbacks in recovery are like strikeouts in baseball—necessary parts of the growth process The story of a young baseball player learning to value progress over perfection How God uses "rookie seasons" to develop dependence, resilience, and character The difference between the scoreboard mentality and the growth mentality in recovery Biblical perspectives on finding purpose in struggle and disappointment Transform your setbacks into stepping-stones by creating a Recovery Learning Log. After experiencing a slip in your recovery journey, ask yourself these three questions: What was happening right before I felt triggered? (Identify patterns) What need was I trying to meet through this behavior? (Uncover underlying issues) What's one small adjustment I can make next time I face this situation? (Build practical wisdom) This simple practice shifts your relationship with struggle from shame to growth and invites God into your development process. I hope you loved today's episode, just as I have so very much enjoyed recording it for you sis! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.

Your Path to Freedom: The Freedom Formula Experience with Lindsey Nichol THE PROBLEM: Trapped in the Cycle You wake up every morning with that familiar heaviness. Another day of obsessing over food, second-guessing every bite, and feeling like you're never doing recovery "right." Despite your best efforts, you feel stuck in an endless cycle: You're exhausted from constantly thinking about food and your body You feel like you should be "further along" in recovery by now Traditional treatment gave you tools, but you struggle to apply them in real life You're tired of having the same conversations with yourself day after day You're living in "the gap" – always focusing on how far you still have to go, never acknowledging how far you've come You feel isolated because nobody seems to truly understand what you're going through You wonder if complete freedom is even possible for someone like you The worst part? You're doing this alone. You're piecing together advice from books, podcasts, and social media, but without consistent guidance from someone who's actually walked this path, you keep falling back into the same patterns. THE SOLUTION: The Freedom Formula Experience! Girl, I've been exactly where you are. I know what it's like to feel trapped in an eating disorder, to try everything and still feel stuck, to wonder if you'll ever feel normal around food again. That's why I've created my 1:1 Recovery Coaching program – a personalized approach designed to help you break free from food obsession and finally experience the freedom you deserve. Unlike generic programs or traditional therapy alone, my coaching: Is tailored specifically to YOUR unique struggles, patterns, and recovery phase Combines practical tools with deep mindset work to address the root causes of your disorder Focuses on real-life implementation, not just concepts Offers consistent support between sessions when triggers and challenges arise Brings in the spiritual dimension often missing from traditional approaches Draws from my personal experience of complete recovery – I'm not speaking from theory, but from LIVING this transformation Through our work together, we'll untangle the complex web of your eating disorder – addressing not just the food behaviors, but the perfectionism, people-pleasing, and "never enough" mindset that keeps you trapped. THE TRANSFORMATION: What You'll Gain Working with me isn't just about stopping behaviors – it's about reclaiming your entire life. Here's what my clients experience: Freedom from the constant mental chatter about food, calories, and body size The ability to eat intuitively without rules, restriction, or compensatory behaviors A compassionate relationship with yourself, replacing the harsh inner critic Skills to manage difficult emotions without using food The confidence to show up authentically in relationships instead of hiding behind perfectionism A renewed sense of purpose beyond your body and appearance The ability to live in "the gain" – celebrating progress and practicing self-compassion The joy of redirecting all that mental energy toward the things that truly matter to you Imagine waking up and not having food be your first thought. Imagine enjoying meals with loved ones without anxiety. Imagine having the mental space to pursue your passions. This isn't just possible – it's what I help my clients achieve every day. You can find more about how to apply for the FFE here: https://www.herbestself.co/services  xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

In this deeply personal episode, I share my biggest regret from my eating disorder recovery journey – how focusing too intensely on "being recovered" almost caused me to miss the beautiful growth happening along the way. Drawing on Dr. Benjamin Hardy's powerful concept of "living in the gap vs. living in the gain," I explore how this mindset shift can transform the recovery experience and help you  find meaning even in your most challenging moments. xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.

 Hey sis, welcome back to the podcast. Am I on one right now or what? I legit just got off a client call and I was talking to my client about what she feels is not working in her life right now. She said, I just have this constant nagging feeling that I'm not doing enough. I'm not enough. I'm not productive enough. Gosh does this resonate! I wanted to bring this in to the show content because I have been right where you are if you are feeling stuck with never feeling good enough. In fact, many days I feel like I'm not performing enough in my business, but when you're trapped in an eating disorder, you feel not thin enough. You feel not disciplined enough around food and honestly not good enough AT ANYTHING. And this feeling of never enough is like a shadow that follows you everywhere, friend. It is making you feel perpetually behind. Where you're constantly striving and never quite measuring up to this invisible standard. If you are nodding your head right now, then today's episode is for you. But before we dive in, I just wanna acknowledge that talking about these feelings can bring up a lot of emotion for you. So I want you to take care of yourself as you listen. Pause if you need to. And remember that you're not alone in the struggle. I am right here with you. I'm holding your hand. In fact, I'd love to meet you. If you're looking for additional support in your journey as you navigate freedom, look no further. Listen in to Episode 204 where I share the 3 part strategy to conquer "never feeling good enough". + if you are searching for support to help you navigate freedom from your disordered relationship with food then go to www.herbestself.co and fill out a client application! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.

Hey girlfriend, How dis your week beginning? I'd love to hear all the stories of how your spring is starting off! I spent the weekend recording the pod for you, practicing yoga with my hubby & having a movie night snuggled up next to the boys. But none of that is what I wanted to chat with you about today. Today, I wanted to dive right in to GUT HEALTH! So here it goes.... How is your gut? Weird question to ask right? Well, maybe not so strange after all. If you experience high levels of anxiety or stress, don't be surprised if that comes alongside gas, bloat or other gut health issues. Another fun fact... Did you know your gut is your 2nd brain? Yep! Research shows that your gut & brain are directly linked & it's actually very common if you are stressed or overwhelmed to experience GI disfunction. In Episode 203.5, I talk all things gastro, bloat, constipation & how you can tame those tummy troubles while navigating freedom from food controlling your life! The truth in recovery from disordered eating is that you most likely will experience stomach discomfort, but the good news is that it won't last forever. So if you are currently in the thick of it, then this one is a must listen! I'll meet you on the podcast! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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 Friday!  & I am so here for it. It has been the longest week. Both of my boys, including my husband, (so all three boys) here in the Nichol household have had the worst sickness of literally the past five years of our life. I feel like it has just been constant and it has gone on all week long, and quite honestly, I'm just excited to get my house back. As crazy as that sounds, I'm glad that everybody's at work and everybody's at school, and I can sit here and enjoy some time with me and my coffee and of course you. (And yes I am so happy that my crew is on the mend!) So welcome to the show sis! Thank you so much for listening. In Episode 203 of the podcast today. I share with you the exact steps I would take if I fell back into the trap of an eating disorder. This episode is going to help you if you are are just beginning understanding the recovery process or if you have been stuck in relapse after relapse. It's indeed a MUST listen! ~ I personally feel like God has put in my heart and has called me to help as many women as possible get through to the other side and to recover from this devastating illness. And I don't want you to sit on that anymore. If you've been listening to the show, I hope you feel like this is a safe place for you and that this is your home. And I am so encouraged that you keep coming back and listening to episodes here. But here's your personal invitation. Let's take this up a notch.  It's one thing to listen and apply, and I love that you're soaking up all of the content because it's absolutely free and it is my gift to you, but I want you to take it up a notch. Let's work together sis! Go on out to www.herbestself.co and fill out a client application so that I can get you on the books for spring! I don't want you to miss out on all that God has for you! I don't want you to miss out on your version of freedom. You are worthy. You are able. You are capable. You are enough. xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.

Hey there sis! Whew it has been a start to my week. Both of my boys are sick with something awful (negative flu and strep tests) but it has got this mama worn slam out! And it got me thinking what the doctor said..."it's time to get back to the basics mom." Huh? You want my kids to "just rest" and get better? No magic antibiotic that I can refill on our way home today sir? Sadly....Nope. ARGHHHH!!!! ~ This fun story (yet not really) gave me the inspiration to share on the podcast today about how important it is to go back to the basics when you may be in a recovery slump. Recovery isn't about becoming a different person sis, it's about reclaiming the person you were always meant to be. And gosh can I not wait for you to do that! (And I can't wait for my boys to get that much needed R & R themselves.) Your worth is not measured in your productivity. In Episode 202, I share with you the 8 fundamental and foundational human needs to reclaim your motivation for recovery. You won't want to miss this one. I'll meet you on the podcast! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.

 Hey girl! Happy Friday! Oh my gosh...am I so glad to talk with you today. In Episode 201 of the Her Best Self Podcast, we are diving in to 7 different ways that you can break the cycle of "Good Girl Syndrome". Never heard of it before? Tune in if you find yourself constantly striving for perfection and people pleasing...this one is going to blow your mind. I don't know about you, but I grew up in an environment of always wanting to be good. The fear of disappointing my parents or my figure skating coach led me right into the grip of an eating disorder because the desire to be perfect took over all areas of my life. But with if you decided to stop measuring success based on your accomplishments, appearance, or other peoples opinions of you? ~ Food is a basic right friend. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to be "good" with your food choices in order to be "good" as a person. You deserve nourishment, just because. I'll meet you on the podcast! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.

How is your week going sis? I am in baseball mom mode over here. Yep, this past weekend we geared up for another season of travel baseball!  I never thought I'd actually feel proud wearing bright yellow, as it's not really "my color"....(lol, Go Pirates!), but it sure was fun over the weekend spectating, screaming & living life in the present moment. When I sat down to bring content to you on the podcast today, I thought I MUST share all about identity. I recorded this one during last baseball season and it fits perfectly with my spring ball vibes! I was reminded of all the years that being outside of my normal weekend routine would have completely thrown me for a loop. I remembered how "tied" & "chained" I felt. I remembered how I wasn't able to enjoy the moments because I was consumed with thoughts about food. Thoughts like, "when can I eat next? what am I allowed to have? haven't I already had too much today? I guess I'll save my calories for later", & God forbid I went to a sporting event....I would have ordered a diet coke, secretly wanting a bite of anything other than my chewing gum, yet never allowing myself one. I probably would have spent majority of the game wondering how other people around me could even take one bite of their hotdog.  I lived paralyzed by shame, guilt and fear. Maybe you can relate. What I came to find out, was that the only way I was ever going to escape my mind, was to realize it had been hijacked. I had to realize that I was not my anorexia. I didn't cause it. I couldn't control it. I couldn't cure it.  BUT....I could no longer contribute to the patterns and the behaviors that were keeping me chained to it. In order to do just that.....I had to separate myself FROM my ED. In Episode 200.5, I share with you the importance of separating yourself from your eating disorder. I ask you questions for you to challenge yourself this week. Yep, you won't want to miss this one girl! Bring a notebook & a pen & listen in! And remember...YOU my sweet friend may have a disordered relationship with food, but you are NOT disordered. You are not broken! You are healing. You are a warrior. xo, lindsey  Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com ______ Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com ______ Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone! Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it! Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you! YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS! * 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.