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

Recovery isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither are you! Just like animals in the wild, each of us has a unique way of navigating challenges and finding strength. In today's episode, I share how discovering my spirit animal (hello, turtle energy!) transformed my approach to recovery and gave me the hope I desperately needed. Take the FREE Recovery Spirit Animal Quiz at www.herbestself.co/resources to discover whether you're a fierce lion pushing through obstacles, a steady turtle taking life one step at a time, or another powerful animal guide. Your results will reveal personalized insights about your recovery style and help you stop second-guessing your journey. Ready to find the hope, peace, and freedom you've been searching for? Your spirit animal is waiting to guide you home to yourself. xo, lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> lindsey@herbestself.co ______ 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 powerful episode of the Her Best Self podcast, Lindsey explores what it truly means to go ALL IN on your recovery journey. Inspired by a church sermon on faith, she unpacks the different levels of commitment in recovery—from ankle-deep hesitation to full blown surrender—and challenges you to identify where you're holding back. If you're tired of partial results and ready to experience true freedom from disordered eating, this episode offers both inspiration and practical next steps for going ALL IN on yourself and your healing. What You'll Learn The four levels of commitment in recovery: ankle-deep, knee-deep, waist-deep, and ALL IN How staying in your comfort zone blocks your healing progress The exhausting reality of wearing the "eating disorder mask" and the freedom that comes from removing it Practical examples of what going ALL IN looks like in everyday recovery Biblical wisdom that supports full surrender in the recovery process One tangible action step to move toward going ALL IN this week Highlights From This Episode On Partial Commitment (3:12) "Partial commitment yields partial results. To experience the full freedom that recovery offers, you have to go ALL IN. That means complete surrender. Complete trust. Complete willingness to feel ALL of your feelings without using food or exercise to numb them." On Getting Out of Your Own Way (5:45) "How often are YOU getting in the way of your own recovery? How often are you blocking your own healing because you're trying to control everything? Because you're not willing to trust the process? Because you're holding onto the false comfort of your eating disorder?" On Removing the Mask (8:30) "The eating disorder has pulled a mask over you - a false identity that you might have worn for years or even decades... Going ALL IN means pulling away that mask and saying, 'This is who I really am. This is what I'm really struggling with. This is what I really need.'" On Redirecting Energy (10:15) "When you go ALL IN on recovery, you get to redirect all that energy toward actually living your life. Toward your relationships, your passions, your purpose. Toward the woman God created you to be." Scripture Referenced Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Psalm 139:14 – "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Your Recovery Action Step Identify ONE area where you've been holding back in recovery, and take ONE step toward going ALL IN in that area this week. Write it down, share it with someone who will hold you accountable, and commit to taking that step even when it feels uncomfortable. Connect With Lindsey Ready to go ALL IN on your recovery with professional support? Visit www.herbestself.co to apply for one-on-one coaching. Follow on Instagram: @thelindseynichol Email: info@lindseynichol.com Join our community: www.herbestselfsociety.com Subscribe to Her Best Self Podcast If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps more women find the courage to go ALL IN on their recovery journey. xo, lindsey Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> lindsey@herbestself.co ______ 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 powerful episode of Her Best SELF podcast, Lindsey shares why the messy, difficult moments in eating disorder recovery aren't signs of failure—they're actually where the deepest healing happens. If you've been beating yourself up for struggling, if recovery feels impossibly hard, or if you're wondering why you're not "further along," this episode offers the permission and compassion you need to keep going. What You'll Discover: Why the myth of "perfect recovery" sets us up for unnecessary shame The three dimensions where it's normal to struggle: body, mind, and soul How to distinguish between normal recovery challenges and actual setbacks Practical tools for embracing difficult moments without giving up Why self-compassion accelerates healing more than perfectionism ever could Featured Quotes: "Recovery isn't about becoming perfect. It's about reclaiming your voice in a world that tried to silence you with impossible standards." - Geneen Roth Key Moments: [00:03:45] Lindsey shares a personal breakthrough moment from her anorexia recovery [00:06:30] The science behind why recovery feels chaotic (and why that's normal!) [00:09:15] Understanding the body, mind, and soul dimensions of healing [00:12:00] Five practical strategies for embracing "not okay" moments [00:14:00] How to know you're still making progress even when it doesn't feel like it Practical Tools Mentioned: Creating a personal "comfort menu" for difficult moments The "pause and breathe" technique for interrupting shame spirals Documentation practices to recognize non-scale victories Community-building strategies for authentic recovery support Listener Action Step: The next time you feel like you're failing at recovery because it feels so hard, place a hand on your heart and say: "This is really hard right now, and that's okay. I'm doing my best." Notice how giving yourself permission to struggle actually creates space for healing. Ready for personalized recovery support? Lindsey's Freedom Formula Experience offers 1:1 coaching designed to help you break free from food rules through healing body, mind, and soul. Limited spots available each month – learn more and apply at www.herbestself.co  xo, lindsey ______ Coach with Me -＞Client Application ______ Email me directly -> lindsey@herbestself.co ______ 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.

Sister, I literally cannot wait to share with you the 5 "D's".... What am I talking about? The 5 "D's" are what I believe are the BIGGEST challenges you will ever face as you navigate freedom from food & that 'crazy thinking' controlling your every day. ~ In today's replay, I discuss these 5 pitfalls, so that you can recognize where you may be stuck in them...not to shame game you, but to push you to overcome! Let's rewind for a minute as I take you back to my own struggle with disordered eating... I was lost. Exhausted. Constantly thinking about what I could eat next & when I could eat it. I was miserable. & I spent years in the same wonky cycle trying to convince myself that everything was fine & I was fine....I was far from fine. Fast Forward to my "ah-ha"....I hated life & I craved a better way. But in the process of creating more for myself I came across these 5 biggest challenges. The only way out girl, was through. & the same goes for you. But the good news is, if you are in the "doldrums" right now, maybe not sure where to turn to next because your mind is constantly filled with thoughts around food & your body, then today's podcast episode will speak straight to your soul. But before you go listen, here is a quote to help you hold on to hope today: "Remember not to dig up in doubt what you planted in faith." You deserve more sis! ~ Ready to escape the 5 biggest challenges? Don't worry girl, I got you! Listen in to discover what these 5 pitfalls are & let me show you the way out to find the true & real you...the BEST you yet! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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 powerful episode of Her Best SELF podcast, we dismantle the widely misused BMI scale and reveal why this outdated measurement has no place in your recovery journey. Learn the problematic origins of BMI, the scientific evidence against its validity, and discover more meaningful ways to understand health and healing while navigating eating disorder recovery. What You'll Learn: The surprising origin story of BMI (it wasn't created by health professionals!) Scientific studies proving BMI is an inaccurate measure of individual health Why BMI disproportionately harms certain populations and body types Better alternatives for understanding your body's health during recovery Practical tips for responding when healthcare providers focus on BMI How releasing attachment to numbers supports lasting recovery Research Mentioned: International Journal of Obesity study on metabolic health markers Journal of the American Medical Association research on BMI and mortality rates University of Pennsylvania research on ethnic differences in body composition Quotes from the Episode: "Your body is not a math problem to be solved. Your worth is not determined by where you fall on a chart created for 19th-century population statistics." "True health is about how your body functions, not how you measure against an arbitrary mathematical formula." Recovery Action Step: The next time someone tries to reduce your health to a BMI number, remember the science backing why this measurement is fundamentally flawed. Practice responding with confidence about your commitment to more meaningful health markers in your recovery. I hope you enjoy today's show! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Well behaved women rarely make history". Sis, it's time you make history! It's time to lay down those nagging thoughts about food that are controlling your life once & for all. In today’s of the podcast, I share with you many of the food rules I struggled with in my own personal path to freedom. I share how you can identify the rules no longer serving you that are keeping you stuck. & I discuss how you can introduce food exposures to challenge your current rules living you trapped. ~ Each time you make a new scary choice to go agaisnt one of your food rules, your brain becomes less terrified & more accepting. This is HUGE in recovery! Rules are meant to keep us safe, but disordered rules actually generate harm. You are meant for MORE. You are meant to live a life without chains of food rules. Let me show you the way! ~ Ready to break those rules? share today's episode with someone you love! & remember that you are made for a life FREE from the chains of disordered eating. xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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 tackle the complicated emotions that arise when someone says "you look healthy" during eating disorder recovery. Drawing from personal experience, Lindsey provides compassionate guidance and practical strategies to process these well-intentioned comments without letting them derail your recovery journey. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction: Why "you look healthy" can feel triggering in recovery [02:15] The powerful quote that reframes what "healthy" truly means [04:30] Understanding our emotional reaction to appearance comments [06:45] Strategy #1: The Pause and Reframe [08:30] Strategy #2: The Curiosity Approach [10:15] Strategy #3: The Gratitude Pivot [12:00] Strategy #4: The Feeling Validation [13:45] Strategy #5: The Recovery Identity Reminder [15:30] The reality of progress: It's not linear, but it is possible [17:00] This week's challenge: Creating your personal definition of health [18:30] Closing thoughts and resources Key Takeaways: "Healthy" isn't a code word for weight gain—it encompasses mental clarity, emotional presence, and overall vitality Learning to separate appearance comments from your self-worth is a crucial recovery skill Practical techniques like curiosity, reframing, and validation can help manage triggering moments Recovery progress isn't about never feeling triggered—it's about developing new response patterns Your authentic self-returning is what people are often really noticing and celebrating xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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, Lindsey explores how shadow work can help those struggling with eating disorders, particularly anorexia and restrictive eating patterns. This episode provides a guided assignment for listeners to explore the deeper emotional roots of their disordered eating, designed to be completed in a quiet, private space. Through 11 powerful questions, Lindsey invites you to shine light on the shadows that may be manifesting through your relationship with food and your body. In This Episode Lindsey's personal story about living with anorexia and the hidden emotional pain it masked Introduction to shadow work as a complementary practice to professional eating disorder treatment 11 reflective questions to help identify the deeper wounds and needs behind disordered eating Guidance on approaching this work with self-compassion and patience The Shadow Work Questions What is the biggest lie I tell myself constantly? What is the story I tell myself about this lie? When am I the hardest on myself and why? When have I felt rejected, betrayed, or broken? What would I say to the person that hurt me? What makes me feel the most jealous? What do I wish I had that I don't? What traits do/did my parents have that I hope I don't have? What are my toxic traits? How do I push those on others? When I think about my future, what am I most afraid of? When was the last time that I forgave myself? What does happiness mean to me? Resources Mentioned Journaling supplies (recommended for completing the shadow work assignment) Finding a quiet, private space like a park bench for reflection Important Note This episode is meant to complement, not replace, professional treatment for eating disorders. If you're struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out to a healthcare professional for support. Resources Mentioned: www.herbestself.co  - Work with Lindsey one-on-one www.herbestselfsociety.com  - Join our supportive community xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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 eye-opening episode, Lindsey Nichol tackles Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and its significant overlap with eating disorders. Learn how to recognize BDD patterns, understand its impact on your daily life, and discover practical strategies to break free from appearance obsessions and reclaim your joy. In this episode, you'll discover: What Body Dysmorphic Disorder really is and how it differs from normal insecurity The surprising statistics: 25-39% of those with eating disorders also experience BDD Ella's inspiring journey from daily mirror checking to finding freedom and presence in the things that matter most to her 6 powerful, actionable strategies to begin healing from BDD today Why your body was never meant to be your life's work, but to champion you in doing your life's work Transformative quotes: "Your body was never meant to be your life's work. It was meant to champion you in doing your life's work." - Lindsey Nichol "Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." - Coco Chanel "You can't hate yourself happy. You can't criticize yourself thin. You can't shame yourself worthy. Real change begins with self-love and self-care." - Jessica Ortner The 6 Practical Strategies Covered: Practice Mindful Awareness Challenge Distorted Thinking Reduce Social Media Comparison Redirect Your Focus Practice Body Neutrality Seek Professional Support Resources Mentioned: www.herbestself.co - Work with Lindsey one-on-one herbestselfsociety.com - Join our supportive community If you're tired of obsessing over perceived flaws that others don't notice, constantly checking your appearance, or avoiding social situations because of body image concerns, this episode provides the compassionate guidance and practical tools you need to begin healing. Subscribe now and take the first step toward freedom from appearance obsessions! 💕 #BodyDysmorphicDisorder #BodyImage #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfLove Remember, you are NOT your eating disorder and you are worthy of a life that is FREE from it. xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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! Did you know that there are only 2 emotions that impact every choice you make & ever action you take? Wild right?! So what are they?  Well...without giving away all the goods, I'll encourage you to listen in to Episode 211, which is one of my favorite episodes that I wanted to replay for you on the Her Best Self Podcast so that you can hear for yourself! If you are tired of doing the same thing & you find yourself stuck in confusion, or terrified of the "what-ifs", then today's show is perfect for you! In this episode I discuss the power of understanding which emotion is leading your current reality, so that you can CHANGE the game & start living as the best version of you. ~ Emotion is energy IN MOTION.... you actually create what you fear. Let that one sink in! & come join us on the show! xo, lindsey Find All the Things -＞ wwww.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.