Her Best Self ~ Eating Disorder Recovery, Anorexia, Bulimia & Food Freedom

You're at a family dinner. Someone makes a comment about your body or what's on your plate. Suddenly your chest is tight, your mind is racing, and you're already planning tomorrow's restriction or extra workout. Sound familiar? In this episode, Lindsey Nichol gives you a real-time, actionable game plan for working through triggers as they happen—not tomorrow, not after the holidays, but RIGHT NOW. Whether it's an upcoming holiday gathering, a comment from a loved one, or scrolling social media, you'll learn exactly what to do in those moments when you feel completely out of control. Lindsey walks you through six powerful steps to move through triggering situations without falling back into restriction, over-exercising, or shame spirals. This isn't theory—this is practical, do-it-now guidance that will help you act from your healed self instead of your wounded self. What You'll Learn: Why your body's physical response to triggers is actually giving you valuable information The 6-step method to work through any triggering situation in real-time How to identify what your body and emotions are actually asking for (hint: it's not restriction) The "Act As If Now" principle that changes everything about how you respond to triggers A real client story of working through a triggering family gathering Why you have to stop operating from your unhealed self and start making decisions from freedom Key Takeaways: ✨ Your body isn't broken—it's trying to protect you based on old experiences that aren't happening right now ✨ You can't heal what you won't feel—naming your emotions is essential to moving through triggers ✨ The emotions you feel during triggers exist because they once kept you safe, but you get to choose differently now ✨ What would your best self do? Your future self who's already free? Act as if you're already her—because you are ✨ One triggering moment doesn't define your recovery—how you respond does The 6-Step Trigger Game Plan: Notice Your Body - Is your chest tight? Shoulders tense? Jaw clenched? Your body is giving you information Breathe - Hand on belly, breathe in for 4 counts, out for 6. Create space between the trigger and your reaction Name the Sensation - Where is the tension? The tightness? The heaviness? What is your body saying? Name the Emotion - I feel scared. Sad. Ashamed. Out of control. Unworthy. Name it out loud Compassion - That emotion exists because it once kept you safe. Your body is being reminded of an old experience. Give yourself grace Meet Your Now Needs - What do you need right now? A break? A phone call? Food? To do the opposite action? Then ACT AS IF you're already recovered Powerful Quotes from This Episode: "What you do in the next few minutes after you feel triggered will either keep you stuck in the same cycle or move you one step closer to the freedom you're desperately craving." "You can't heal what you won't feel." "That old experience isn't happening right now. You're not that little girl anymore who learned she had to earn love or approval." "Stop operating from your unhealed self. Stop letting the wounds make the decisions. Stop letting the fear drive the bus." "You ARE that future version of yourself. She's not some distant dream. She's you—making the next right choice in this moment." Ready for More Support? If you need help working through triggers and breaking free from the restrict-binge cycle, join The Recovery Collective—Lindsey's group support program where you get live weekly coaching, a supportive community, and the exact tools you need to find lasting food freedom. Learn more at: www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com  1:1 Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms Love this episode? Here's how you can support: 💝 Rate and review to help more perfectionists find freedom 💝 Share with a friend who's stuck in the perfection trap 💝 Join the Facebook community for recovery hugs and support 💝 Apply for 1:1 coaching if you're ready for personalized guidance Special Announcements: Subscribe to the email list at www.herbestself.co to get first access 🎉 Free FB Community at www.herbestselfsociety.com  If You're Reading This and Struggling: You don't have to be perfect at recovery. You don't have to check all the boxes. You don't have to be further along than you are. Success is showing up today, even when yesterday was hard. Success is choosing growth over perfection. Success is becoming who you're meant to be, not achieving some impossible standard. You are worthy. You are strong. You are perfectly capable right now, today, to lean into the biggest struggle of your life. Consider this your virtual hug from Lindsey. You've got this, beautiful. Her Best Self with Lindsey Nichol is a podcast for women in eating disorder recovery who are ready to break free from perfectionism, people-pleasing, and diet culture to live authentically and wholeheartedly. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.  

In this insightful conversation originally recorded with dietitian Brittany Braswell on Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast, I open up about the restrict-binge cycle that keeps so many women trapped—saving calories all day only to overeat at night. This episode dismantles the myth that it's about willpower and reveals the biological and spiritual truths behind this destructive pattern. What You'll Learn Why saving calories backfires: Understanding the biological response to restriction and how scarcity thinking drives the restrict-binge cycle The worthiness wound: How diet culture has taught women they need to earn, ration, and delay food instead of deserving consistent nourishment Lindsey's personal story: Her years-long struggle with anorexia and calculating every meal, and how she found freedom Practical action steps: Four concrete strategies to start eating earlier in the day and breaking the restrict-binge pattern Identity in Christ: How knowing you're fearfully and wonderfully made changes how you treat your body as a temple Key Takeaways ✨ The restrict-binge cycle is biological, not about willpower - When you don't eat enough during the day, your body forces a response ✨ Scarcity thinking is rooted in worthiness issues - Diet culture has taught us food must be earned, rationed, and controlled rather than something we deserve consistently ✨ Comfort isn't the goal, freedom is - Breaking the cycle requires doing uncomfortable opposite actions ✨ Ask yourself: Is this decision from fear or love? - If you're making food choices out of fear, that's a signal to do the opposite ✨ You are fearfully and wonderfully made - Your identity is larger than the vessel you came here with Practical Strategies Discussed 1. Combat the Lie of Unworthiness Recognize you are deserving of good things NOW, not later Your worth is tied to being made in God's image—period Feelings aren't facts when you feel undeserving 2. Set New Non-Negotiables Create mechanical eating boundaries (2-3 meals + snacks) regardless of hunger cues Commit to eating 1-2 hours earlier than your current pattern Make a specific plan: What time? What food? Write it down. 3. Do the Opposite Action When the voice says "wait until later," immediately do the opposite Rewire your brain by not taking orders from "Regina George" anymore Break the rules that keep you trapped—the world won't fall apart 4. Start with Half Portions Earlier If eating a full meal earlier feels overwhelming, start with half Build consistency with small steps, not overnight overhauls Change happens with consistent small actions 5. Get Logical About Time Challenge arbitrary eating times—it's already mealtime somewhere else in the world Do the hard thing first to get it out of the way Make concrete plans, not optional intentions Powerful Quotes "You were created by God, made in His image, and you are so worthy of love and nourishment—period. There's no arguing, no bargaining about that." "Comfort isn't the goal. Freedom is the goal." "Your body deserves consistent fuel. What would I tell my daughter, my best friend, you over coffee? I would never tell you that you can't have that coffee because there's cream in it." "Is this decision coming from a place of fear or a place of love? If it's fear, pluck that thought." "God's grace is built from abundance. Your identity is something larger than the vessel that you came here with." Key Questions for Reflection What am I believing that is false? What do I know is true when I'm feeling I don't deserve nourishment? What rules am I following that I need to break? Am I making this decision out of fear or out of love? What does my body deserve right now? About This Episode This conversation was originally recorded as a guest appearance on Brittany Braswell's podcast, Faith-Filled Food Freedom. Adapted and shared with the Her Best Self Podcast community because the message was too powerful not to share with you. Resources & Links Join The Recovery Collective Ready to break free from the restrict-binge cycle for good? The Recovery Collective is Lindsey Nichol's signature group support program where you'll get the support, strategies, and community you need to finally find freedom. Inside The Recovery Collective, you'll receive: Every other week group coaching calls with Lindsey  A proven framework to break disordered eating patterns A supportive community of women on the same journey Practical tools and resources for lasting recovery Biblical foundation for healing your relationship with food and body Learn more and join The Recovery Collective at www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective   Connect with Lindsey Nichol Website: www.herbestself.co  One-on-One Coaching: Limited spots available - apply at herbestself.co Facebook: www.herbestselfsociety.com Connect with Brittany Braswell Check out Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast for more faith-based nutrition and food freedom content at www.brittanybraswellrd.com  ___________________________ If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

In this powerful episode, host Lindsey Nichol explores the dual nature of distraction in eating disorder recovery—how it can either support your healing journey or keep you trapped in unhealthy patterns. Drawing wisdom from Proverbs, Lindsey breaks down when distraction becomes a helpful tool versus when it's a form of avoidance that prevents true recovery. What You'll Learn The two faces of distraction: Understanding when distraction works for you versus against you in recovery Identifying unhealthy distractions: Recognizing when you're using circumstances, people, or timing as excuses to deprioritize your healing Strategic distraction techniques: Practical ways to interrupt urges for compulsive exercise, body checking, restrictive eating, and other disordered behaviors The "Stop, Drop, and Go" method: How to immediately shift your environment when triggering urges arise Questions for self-reflection: What your soul, body, and mind truly need in this moment Key Takeaways ✨ Distraction can be leveraged temporarily to prevent unhealthy actions—like reaching out to support, journaling, changing your environment, or having a dance party ✨ Unhealthy distraction looks like telling yourself "now isn't the right time" or using life circumstances to avoid recovery work ✨ Common urges to distract from include: compulsive exercise, repetitive safe foods, body checking in mirrors, scale obsession, and other OCD-like behaviors ✨ The "messy middle" of recovery is normal—that awkward phase where you're better than before but haven't fully arrived ✨ Important questions to ask yourself: How can I honor myself right now? What does my soul need? What does my body need? What does my mind need? Episode Quotes "Guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life. Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you." - Proverbs "Nothing good, including progress, occurs when you're confused or when you're completely sidetracked." "If today is not a good day for this, then when is going to be a good day to put yourself first, to put your health first?" "A distraction is simply a thing that prevents you from giving your complete attention to something else." Healthy Distraction Ideas Mentioned Reaching out to your support person (friend, family, coach, therapist) Leaving the triggering environment immediately Journaling and reflection Self-care and pampering activities Getting fresh air (sitting on a park bench, going outside) Dancing to music on blast Household activities (vacuuming, organizing) Spending quality time with loved ones Watching comforting shows with cozy blankets Reading Scripture or inspirational material Resources Mentioned Work with Lindsey: One-on-one personalized recovery coaching available at www.herbestself.co  Join the Community: Private Facebook group "Hope and Healing for Eating Disorder Recovery" www.herbestselfsociety.com  Recovery Collective Support Group: www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  1:1 Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms Love this episode? Here's how you can support: 💝 Rate and review to help more perfectionists find freedom 💝 Share with a friend who's stuck in the perfection trap 💝 Join the Facebook community for recovery hugs and support 💝 Apply for 1:1 coaching if you're ready for personalized guidance Special Announcements: 🎉 Subscribe to the email list at www.herbestself.co to get your free recovery journal download 🎉 Free FB Community at www.herbestselfsociety.com  About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

Tired of waking up in reaction mode—immediately checking your body, obsessing over yesterday’s food choices, or spiraling into anxiety about what you’ll eat today? You’re not alone, and there’s a better way. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact 3-question ritual that helped me break free from the constant body checking and food obsession that kept me stuck in my eating disorder. This practice takes less than 5 minutes but will completely shift how you start your day—from reaction mode to intention mode. You’ll discover: - Why living in reaction mode keeps you trapped in your eating disorder’s grip - The neuroscience behind why this simple ritual actually works to rewire your brain - The 3 powerful questions I use every morning (and whenever I’m triggered) - How to shift from avoidance motivation to approach motivation in recovery - Specific examples of how to apply each question to eating disorder recovery - Why gratitude isn’t just “toxic positivity” when done right If you’re ready to stop giving your eating disorder the power to dictate your entire day, this quick win is for you. -----  **The 3-Question Ritual:** 1. What am I grateful for? (Look for evidence of goodness and progress) 1. What am I focused on gaining? (Move toward something, not away from fear) 1. What am I choosing to release? (Let go of what’s weighing you down)  **From Reaction to Intention:** Your eating disorder thrives when you’re reactive. Intention gives you back your power.  **Approach vs. Avoidance:** Research shows you’re significantly more likely to succeed when you focus on what you’re moving toward (freedom, energy, peace) rather than what you’re running from (weight gain, judgment, discomfort).  **Start Small:** On hard days, “I’m grateful I woke up today” is enough. Progress over perfection, always. ----- Resources Mentioned: - **The Recovery Collective:** Bi-weekly community calls where we practice living recovery with intention together. Founding member pricing: $47/month for the first 6 months. Learn more and apply at www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  ----- Action Steps:  **Grab your journal and answer these three questions right now:** 1. What are 3 things I’m grateful for? (At least one recovery-related) 1. What am I focused on gaining this week in my recovery? 1. What am I choosing to release today?  **Commit to asking yourself these questions every morning this week** and notice how it shifts your day  **Next time you catch yourself body checking or food obsessing,** pause and run through the 3 questions to ground yourself back in intention ----- Quotes from This Episode: *“Your eating disorder loves when you’re reactive—it feeds off your panic, your fear, your overwhelm. But when you start with intention, you take that power back.”* *“You can’t gain what you want while holding onto everything from your past. You can’t move forward while gripping tightly to old beliefs, old behaviors, old versions of yourself.”* *“When you’re living with intention instead of reaction, recovery becomes something you’re actively creating rather than something you’re just trying to survive.”* *“We’re not white-knuckling our way through recovery anymore. We’re intentionally choosing what we want to gain.”* *“Recovery is so much sweeter when you’re not white-knuckling it by yourself.”* Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com  1:1 Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms Love this episode? Here's how you can support: 💝 Rate and review to help more perfectionists find freedom 💝 Share with a friend who's stuck in the perfection trap 💝 Join the Facebook community for recovery hugs and support 💝 Apply for 1:1 coaching if you're ready for personalized guidance Special Announcements: 🎉 Subscribe to the email list at www.herbestself.co to get your free recovery journal download 🎉 Free FB Community at www.herbestselfsociety.com  About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom. If this episode helped you feel hopeful again and remember your worth isn't found in your body or on your plate, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Your support helps more women break the chains of limiting beliefs. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

What does success really mean in recovery? In this powerful solo episode, Lindsey gets real about perfectionism, the fear of success vs. fear of failure, and why trying to be an "A-student" at recovery keeps you stuck. If you've ever felt like you're not trying hard enough, not far enough along, or wondered what life would look like if you actually succeeded at recovery - this episode is for you. Discover why traditional definitions of success are keeping you trapped and learn a new perspective that will transform how you approach your recovery journey. Key Topics Covered: ⚡ The perfectionist's dilemma: Why wanting recovery to be flawless keeps you stuck ⚡ Two types of fear: Fear of failure vs. fear of success in recovery ⚡ Redefining success: From what you accomplish to who you become ⚡ The pressure of "A-student recovery": Why this mindset leads to relapse ⚡ Surrender and empowerment: Research on how letting go creates better outcomes ⚡ Daily choices over gold medals: Success when no one is watching The Two Fears That Keep You Stuck: Fear of Failure "What if I don't recover?" "What if this is just who I am?" Staying in denial feels safer because you can't fail if you stay stuck Believing you'll never be successful at recovery, so why try? Fear of Success "What if I do recover? Then what?" "What would it mean for my life if I quit playing small?" "What would it mean if I fully surrendered knowing it didn't need to be perfect?" Fear of the unknown person you'll become without your eating disorder Redefining Success: Traditional (False) Definition: Professional achievements and career advancement Material worth and financial status Luxurious lifestyle and social media image Social status, influence, and popularity Body image and physical appearance True Definition of Success: Success = Who you become in the process, not what you accomplish Success equals: Growth of character Developing skills and wisdom Growing in faith Constant growth leading to happiness and contentment Becoming your best self Powerful Questions for Self-Reflection: 🤔 Where do I spend my time and energy? Inner focused (to be better) or outer focused (to look better)? 🤔 Am I putting one foot in front of the other? Growing character and fostering positive changes? Isn't that success? 🤔 What would success look like if I lived in accordance with: My core values Resilience Grace Balance Faith 🤔 Am I being honest to myself and others? Or am I consumed by what other people think? 🤔 Am I contributing to the world or being consumed by it? Key Insights from This Episode: 💡 "Success doesn't equal full recovery - success equals your best self" 💡 "You don't get a PhD for healing - there's no 'better' way to heal than anyone else" 💡 "The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect" 💡 "You weren't called to be perfect - you're just called to be better" 💡 "The more you surrender and let be, the higher you rise" 💡 "If you thought you're not gonna fail because you're just gonna keep going until you arrive, it takes the pressure off" Research Highlights: 📊 Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology: Individuals who surrendered to God or a higher power in recovery had increased feelings of personal empowerment and happiness 📊 Addiction Sciences and Clinical Practice: Surrender was associated with the highest positive recovery outcomes The Reality Check: ✨ You don't get applause for daily recovery choices ✨ There's no gold medal for healing ✨ Success is in the daily choices when no one is watching ✨ You're allowed to be perfectly flawed ✨ Constant growth leads to happiness and contentment ✨ The eating disorder doesn't know what to do when you surrender control From One Client's Story: A client came to Lindsey after a "bad day" expecting judgment. Instead, Lindsey asked: "Do you want me to sit in that pity party with you, or do you want me to ask: Where do we go from here? What's next?" The client's response: "You're right. I need to put this down. Tomorrow's a new day. I need to surrender this." This is true for you too. Moving Forward: Stop driving for perfection - it simply doesn't exist Embrace mistakes - they're where momentum comes from Measure small wins - daily progress over perfection Surrender control - to gain ultimate control, courage, acceptance, and trust Focus inward - character growth over external validation Ready for Community Support? Join The Recovery Collective! If you're tired of trying to be perfect at recovery, if you're caught between fear of failure and fear of success, if you want support from women who understand the pressure of high-performing perfectionism - The Recovery Collective is for you. What You'll Find: Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via Zoom Safe space of women who understand perfectionist struggles Permission to be imperfect in your recovery journey Support for navigating the "messy middle" of recovery Community that celebrates character growth over achievement Special Founding Member Pricing: First 10 members: $47/month (over 50% off!) Regular membership: $97/month Recovery doesn't require perfection - it requires showing up. Let's show up together. Ready to join? Visit www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective for more information Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com  1:1 Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms Love this episode? Here's how you can support: 💝 Rate and review to help more perfectionists find freedom 💝 Share with a friend who's stuck in the perfection trap 💝 Join the Facebook community for recovery hugs and support 💝 Apply for 1:1 coaching if you're ready for personalized guidance Special Announcements: 🎉 Upcoming this fall: Masterclass, giveaways, and exciting new offerings 🎉 Subscribe to the email list at www.herbestself.co to get first access 🎉 Free FB Community at www.herbestselfsociety.com  If You're Reading This and Struggling: You don't have to be perfect at recovery. You don't have to check all the boxes. You don't have to be further along than you are. Success is showing up today, even when yesterday was hard. Success is choosing growth over perfection. Success is becoming who you're meant to be, not achieving some impossible standard. You are worthy. You are strong. You are perfectly capable right now, today, to lean into the biggest struggle of your life. Consider this your virtual hug from Lindsey. You've got this, beautiful. Her Best Self with Lindsey Nichol is a podcast for women in eating disorder recovery who are ready to break free from perfectionism, people-pleasing, and diet culture to live authentically and wholeheartedly. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

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

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

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

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

Are you experiencing intense hunger in recovery and wondering if something is wrong? Feeling like you can't get full no matter how much you eat? In this essential episode, Lindsey breaks down everything you need to know about extreme hunger in eating disorder recovery - why it happens, what it looks like, and most importantly, that it's completely normal and necessary for healing. Whether you're early in recovery or experiencing hunger waves after years of healing, this episode will help you understand your body's wisdom and navigate this phase with self-compassion instead of fear. Today's Truth: Extreme hunger is your body's way of healing and honoring it is one of the bravest things you can do in recovery. Key Topics Covered: 🍽️ What extreme hunger actually is - The different types and what they feel like in your body 🧠 Why extreme hunger happens - The science behind your body's need for extra nourishment ⏰ When it can occur - Early recovery, years later, or anytime your body needs healing 🚫 Myth-busting - Why extreme hunger isn't binge eating and doesn't mean you'll "blow up" 💪 Practical coping strategies - How to navigate extreme hunger with confidence and self-compassion 🤝 Dealing with others - How to handle comments from people who don't understand recovery Types of Extreme Hunger Explained: 🔹 Mechanical Hunger: Physical growling, gnawing sensations, feeling like a bottomless pit 🔹 Mental Hunger: Obsessive food thoughts, inability to concentrate on anything but eating 🔹 Reactive Eating: Eating large amounts quickly, especially previously restricted foods 🔹 Primal Hunger: Desperate, urgent need to eat that feels impossible to ignore What this might look like: Eating a full meal and feeling hungry immediately after Waking up hungry in the middle of the night Needing snacks every hour Intense cravings for calorie-dense foods Remember: All of this is your body's wisdom in action. Why Extreme Hunger Happens: ✅ Metabolic restoration - Your metabolism needs extra energy to speed back up to normal levels ✅ Physical repair - Your body is repairing damage to organs, bones, hair, skin, and tissues ✅ Replenishing stores - Restoring depleted fat stores, glycogen, and energy reserves ✅ Trust building - Your body needs to learn that food will be consistently available Key insight: Extreme hunger can happen at ANY stage of recovery - sometimes years later when your body feels safe enough to ask for what it really needs. Myths About Extreme Hunger (DEBUNKED): ❌ Myth: "Everyone experiences extreme hunger in recovery" ✅ Truth: Not everyone does, and that's okay - every body is different ❌ Myth: "Extreme hunger is bad or means something is wrong" ✅ Truth: It's your body's intelligence and healing in action ❌ Myth: "Extreme hunger means you're binge eating" ✅ Truth: This is biological necessity, not psychological binge eating ❌ Myth: "If you honor it, you'll gain too much weight" ✅ Truth: Your body will settle at its natural weight when fully nourished Practical Coping Strategies: 🌟 Honor Your Hunger - Eat when hungry, as much as you're hungry for, whatever you're craving 🌟 Challenge ED Voice - Replace "This is too much" with "My body is healing" 🌟 Don't Compensate - No extra exercise, meal skipping, or restricting the next day 🌟 Include All Foods - Your body often craves calorie-dense foods for important reasons 🌟 Practice Self-Compassion - Remember your "why" and thank your body for its wisdom 🌟 Handle Outside Comments - You don't owe explanations for nourishing your body 🌟 Remember It's Temporary - Extreme hunger normalizes as your body heals and trusts Signs Hunger Is Normalizing: ✨ Hunger cues become more predictable ✨ You can go longer between meals comfortably ✨ Food thoughts become less obsessive ✨ You naturally desire a variety of foods ✨ Physical hunger matches mental satisfaction Key Takeaways: 💝 Your hunger is not your enemy - It's your body's wisdom guiding your healing 💝 This is normal and necessary - Extreme hunger is part of recovery, not a sign of failure 💝 Trust your body - It knows exactly what it needs to heal, even when it feels scary 💝 You're not binge eating - This is biological necessity driven by your body's needs 💝 It's temporary - Hunger will normalize as your body heals and learns to trust 💝 You don't need to justify nourishing yourself - To anyone, ever For Those Supporting Someone in Recovery: What NOT to say: "Are you sure you're still hungry?" "That seems like a lot of food" "You just ate an hour ago" What TO say: "I'm proud of you for nourishing your body" "Your body knows what it needs" "I'm here to support you" Ready for Community Support? Join The Recovery Collective! Finally, a recovery community that normalizes experiences like extreme hunger. If this episode resonated with you, you're exactly who The Recovery Collective was created for. This is where women in all phases of eating disorder recovery come together every other week to normalize confusing experiences like extreme hunger, support each other through scary phases, and celebrate victories along the way. What You Get: Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via Zoom Safe, judgment-free space with 10-15 women maximum Real-time support for whatever recovery phase you're experiencing Community of women who understand what it's like to question your hunger Practical guidance from someone who's navigated extreme hunger herself Special Founding Member Pricing: First 10 members: $47/month for 6 months (over 50% off!) Regular membership: $97/month Less than what you spend on groceries for bi-weekly coaching and community support Imagine having a safe space where you could share that you're experiencing extreme hunger and receive understanding and practical support instead of judgment or confusion. Your body's wisdom deserves to be celebrated, not questioned. Ready to learn more? Join us in the collective! www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective  Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co  Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society www.herbestselfsociety.com  Client Applications: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms About the Host Lindsey Nichol is a former competitive figure skater turned God-led entrepreneur, boy mom, and digital CEO. She understands how core beliefs formed in childhood can create and maintain eating disorder patterns, and she's passionate about helping women identify and transform these beliefs to find lasting freedom.   *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder. Experiencing Extreme Hunger Right Now? Remember: Your hunger is not your enemy. Your body is not trying to trick you or hurt you. When extreme hunger shows up, it's your body saying "I trust you enough now to ask for what I really need." Honor that trust. Honor that hunger. Honor that incredibly wise body of yours that's working so hard to heal. You deserve nourishment, you deserve recovery, and you deserve to trust your body's wisdom. Progress over perfection, always.