119: The hidden struggles behind fitness competitions: Melissa's story of overcoming extreme dieting and binge eating

Have you ever faced a sudden life disruption that made you reevaluate everything you thought was important? In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Briony Benjamin, author of "Life is Tough, but So Are You," who shares her incredible journey from working at her dream job as an executive producer at Mamma Mia to confronting a life-changing Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis at just 31. Briony talks about how journaling was a game-changer during her treatment and how it helped her see things differently and how tuning into her body enabled her to appreciate the little things in life. She also shares how seeing her body as a friend, sticking to daily self-care, and writing her book played a big part of her healing journey.Tune in to hear how even in the toughest times, you can come out stronger. Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Struggle to turn exercise and healthy eating into a regular habit?Join us as we chat with Dr. Gina Cleo, a habit change expert who shares her journey from dietitian to habit guru, overcoming personal battles with disordered eating. We explore the art of creating sustainable habits, from starting small to making bigger changes that feel effortless. Learn why your brain can handle only a few changes at once and how to smoothly integrate new routines into your daily life. Whether you want to kickstart an exercise routine or redefine success beyond weight, Dr. Cleo’s insights provide practical steps and highlight the role of self-compassion in achieving long-term goals.Want to learn more? Dr. Cleo’s book, "The Habit Revolution" reveals revolutionary breakthroughs in behavioural science that will help you uncover how your brain works, and how to rewire it to make instant and lasting changes in your life. Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Feel exhausted for not being able to live up to the society’s standards?Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kate DeAraugo, the 2005 Australian Idol winner, as she opens up about her ongoing journey to find balance and self-compassion in life.Kate shares her remarkable path from fame to personal challenges. Starting with childhood struggles with disordered eating and battling substance addiction in the public eye, she reveals how motherhood became a turning point, shifting her focus from self-obsession to nurturing.We also delve into topics like food addiction and medications such as Ozempic for managing eating disorders. While they can provide temporary relief, we discuss the challenges that arise when you stop using them.And if you haven't already, tune in to Kate's podcast "Why Do I Feel This Way," where she candidly discusses her life experiences, offering hope and a supportive space for others.Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Body insecurity in relationships is a tricky topic. But an important one. Nowadays, I truly love my body. But that wasn’t always the case. I used to hate my body. I never felt good enough. I would compare my body constantly. I met my husband at my heaviest weight. And he loved me (and my body), even when I didn’t. He told me that I was worthy just as I was, without needing to lose weight.As anyone with body insecurities would know, this meant so much to me. My husband played a big role in helping me love my body. And I’ll always be so grateful to him. Did he google “how to help my wife with body confidence”? Who knows. What matters is, that it worked. And in this episode, I'll be sharing what you can do to help your partner love their body. Or at least accept it. Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Ever wondered about the impact of social media on our body image and its role in fuelling eating disorders?In this episode, we're joined by Gemma Sharp, Associate Professor and leader of Body Image & Eating Disorders Research at Monash University in Melbourne. Gemma shares crucial insights into sub-threshold disordered eating and prevention efforts, essential for gaining a deeper understanding of mental health. We'll explore how these issues have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the promising potential of AI in transforming treatment.Gemma, a registered clinical psychologist, is widely recognised for her contributions to national and state eating disorder strategies and clinical guidelines for cosmetic procedures. Her research spans across Australia, Japan, and the UK, focusing on body image, eating disorders, and innovative therapeutic interventions such as digital technologies and AI, which we'll delve into.With numerous accolades, including recognition as one of ABC Radio National's Top 5 Under 40 Scientists and a TED talk speaker, Gemma brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion on dismantling beauty standards and recognizing signs of disordered eating.We're thrilled to have Dr. Gemma Sharp here to explore these important topics with us.Gemma and her team at Monash University are leading a brand new international Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED), which aims to bring together all voices to improve eating disorder research and care globally. See more details here. You can join the consortium online launch on Wednesday 25th September 2024 (register here) where Gemma and her team will be inviting people around the world to join the consortium. There are no membership fees to join. Gemma's team are committed to keeping the consortium accessible to everyone who is keen to be involved. Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Want to feel more confident and learn how to deal with online negativity? This episode is your guide, featuring the incredible Shelley Horton, who shares her confidence-transforming strategy. Shelley talks about facing harsh online criticism about her appearance, opens up about her journey with body image and how dressing in a way that made her feel good helped her confidence. From overcoming setbacks, like being kept off-air because of her size, to embracing "dopamine dressing," Shelley's story is truly inspiring.Improving how you present yourself can really change things, especially in business. Shelley gives practical tips for building self-confidence based on her experiences and emphasises the importance of being kind to yourself along the way. Whether you're a business owner, professional, or in a trade, Shelley's Speak with Impact Workshop is perfect for sharpening your on-camera skills and communication.Get ready to laugh and be inspired to ignite your confidence. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Speaking of confidence... learn to recreate looks with items you already own and fall in love with your body with my Confidence Cure  Course 💗Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

On this week's episode, Julie Goodwin, the first-ever winner of MasterChef Australia, bravely shares her personal journey through depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma.Julie’s candid revelations from her new memoir, "Your Time Starts Now," offer a raw and honest look at her struggles and the healing power of vulnerability.Learn how writing and promoting her book took Julie on an emotional journey and how she found unexpected solace in connecting with readers who had similar experiences.Reflecting on growing up in a household where diet culture influenced every meal, Julie discusses the impact of 80s dieting trends, how they shaped her food habits, and her efforts to foster a healthier approach for her children.Our conversation also explores evolving relationships with alcohol and the moment of clarity when it no longer served its purpose.But what does it take to heal from trauma and addiction truly? Tune in to find out.Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Curious about what really happens behind the scenes of fitness competitions? Join us as we chat with Melissa Bakhurst, who bravely shares her journey through the world of bodybuilding and bikini contests. Initially hitting the gym for mental health, Melissa got caught up in competition pressures, facing extreme weight shifts and food struggles.Discover the hidden challenges of maintaining a toned body and the mental toll it takes. Melissa shares the unhealthy norms in the competition world, from craving a simple slice of bread after strict diets to the struggles that follow events. She highlights the risks of extreme dieting and emphasises the importance of balance for true health.We also explore breaking free from the diet mindset, with Melissa discussing her journey with intuitive eating and overcoming food guilt.This episode is a must-listen for anyone working on their relationship with food and body image, offering valuable insights and a reminder to prioritise well-being over appearance.Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Often find yourself rummaging through the pantry out of sheer boredom? Let's explore why the kitchen often becomes a pitstop when boredom strikes and how dopamine and habits drive mindless snacking.We'll discuss practical tips and smart habits like the piggyback method, creating a nourishing pantry, and meal prepping for overcoming emotional eating.Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]

Struggle to make exercise feel enjoyable and easy to stick to? Worried you'll gain weight once you start eating intuitively?On today's episode, we're joined by the wonderful Shreen El Masry, who is a body-positive personal trainer, intuitive eating counsellor and author of the book 'Be You Be Free'. Shreen shares her expertise on making exercise fun and embracing intuitive eating,  overcoming the fear of weight gain and breaking free from diet culture. She also shares her personal story on how shifting from weight-focused goals to pleasure-driven activities completely transformed her life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you start your journey toward a healthier, happier you.Want to feel more in control around food? Check out my Stop Struggling With Food Guide, currently on sale for 40% off.You’ll also find 50 of my favourite recipes to get you inspired! Get my Free 5 Day Course to help you stop binge and emotional eating.  Looking for more support to feel in control around food? I'd love to support you in my Binge Free Academy. Come follow me on the gram at @nude_nutritionist (no nude pics, sorry).Want to share some feedback or have an idea for an episode, I'd LOVE to hear from you - hit me up at [email protected]