Break Free from Anxiety: Mind-Body Tools for Thyroid Thrivers with Megan Nolan - Ep. 89

In this inspiring episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites, we explore how color can be a joyful, practical pathway to nourishment, energy, and thriving. 🌈 My guest, Dr. Deanna Minich—a nutrition scientist, educator, and author—shares the evidence behind colorful plant foods, how they support energy, hormones, and thyroid-friendly eating, and why shifting from restriction to curiosity helps make healthy habits stick. You’ll learn: What phytonutrients do beyond “antioxidants” and how food color maps to body systems (immune, endocrine, gut, vascular, brain) Why the thyroid is an environmental “sentinel,” plus the adrenal–thyroid–gut connection Four pillars in Dr. Minich’s rainbow framework: Color, Creativity, Diversity, Rhythm Three simple ways to get started today  How to “uplevel” your favorite comfort foods for better nutrition and energy About My Guest: Dr. Deanna Minich, PhD, is a nutrition scientist, international lecturer, and author with 20+ years in academia and the food/supplement industries. She is the Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health, and is a functional medicine clinician and educator. 🌐 Find Dr. Deanna Minich at https://deannaminich.com/  📖 The Rainbow Diet (new full-color edition): https://amzn.to/488phla  🛒 Free Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  🦋 Learn more about the Thrivers Club: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership     💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!   Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, treatment, or health practices.

Soy is one of the most debated foods in the thyroid world. For years, the common advice was simple: “Avoid soy if you have thyroid issues.” But more recently, experts have been revisiting that recommendation, asking: Is it really that cut and dry? In this mashup episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites, I bring you three trusted thyroid voices with very different perspectives: Dr. Izabella Wentz shares why many Hashimoto’s patients do better limiting soy, at least in the beginning. Dr. Alan Christianson explains why his deep dive into the research didn’t support a blanket recommendation to avoid soy. Mary Shomon offers a practical middle ground, sharing best (and worst) choices around soy. Together, we explore: Do thyroid patients really need to avoid soy 100% of the time? If not, which forms of soy are best? How can we weigh soy’s potential benefits against its possible drawbacks? Plus, I’ll share my own approach as a thyroid health coach and chef. 🦋 Need more support? Join the Thrivers Club here 👉 www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership 🛒 FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!     Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, treatment, or health practices.  

Anxiety and depression are some of the most misunderstood symptoms of thyroid disease. They’re also incredibly common for women with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, affecting more than 60% of patients. In this episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites, I’m joined by Megan Nolan, a mind-body expert, yoga instructor, and creator of the Power Pause Method. Together, we explore simple, powerful tools for managing anxiety and cultivating calm in just minutes a day. 🎧 You’ll learn: Why anxiety is so common with thyroid issues  Mind-body tools that can transform your approach to managing anxiety  How to stop the cycle of stress and self-sacrifice Navigating anxiety around health, symptom flares, and personal decisions about medication Root cause factors to consider when anxiety is present MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: 🎁 Grab Megan’s free 3-part "Flip Your Anxiety OFF" audio series here: https://giftfrommegan.com  💝 Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammegannolan/  🪷 Need more calm in your day? Download the Thyroid-Friendly Calm Kit—a free collection of meditations, breathwork, soothing recipes, and printables designed to support your nervous system and help you thrive. Grab it here 👉 https://hypothyroidchef.com/calm  📺 You might also like this episode with Sadie Nardini: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/blog/how-to-tone-your-vagus-nerve-lower-stress-with-sadie-nardini  🦋 Need more support? Join the Thrivers Club here 👉 www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership 🛒 FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!

Have you ever looked at your thyroid labs and wondered, What does this actually mean for my health? In this replay of one of my most downloaded episodes, thyroid expert and bestselling author Mary Shomon joins me to demystify thyroid test results. We’ll talk about which tests you need, why TSH isn’t the whole picture, and how to use your labs to truly optimize your treatment. This episode is packed with practical, empowering information that every thyroid patient deserves to know. In this episode, we cover: The essential thyroid tests (beyond just TSH) Normal vs. optimal thyroid levels Why antibody testing is critical for Hashimoto’s Understanding Reverse T3 How often to test What to do if your doctor won’t order a full panel 🎁 Grab the Thyroid Tuneup Bonus Bundle, including Mary’s course + my best thyroid-friendly resources, at a special 3-for-1 price for listeners: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/tubb  📌 Resources: Paloma’s At-home Thyroid Test Kit (30% OFF CODE: HYPOCHEF) - https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit  Visit Mary Shomon’s website: https://www.mary-shomon.com/  🎧 Want ongoing support? Join the Thrivers Club and get access to the same tools that helped Beth thrive:👉 www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!

Thyroid-healthy eating is powerful—but it’s not one-size-fits-all. In this episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites, I’m pulling back the curtain on why this approach isn’t always the right fit (and why that’s okay). We’ll explore: How elimination diets and food tracking can be triggering for those with disordered eating Why mindset and readiness are non-negotiables for real progress The truth about sustainability: this is a long game, not a quick fix If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at this, or like thyroid-friendly eating just doesn’t “work” for you, this real-talk conversation is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with clarity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of your next right step. 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going: DM me on Instagram @hypothyroidchef 🦋 Want expert support on your thyroid-healing journey?Join us in the Thrivers Club for thyroid-friendly meal plans, monthly wellness challenges, and a supportive community 👉 hypothyroidchef.com/membership 🛒 Download my FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!💛

In this inspiring episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites, Beth Johnson—a singer, voice teacher, and Thrivers Club member—shares how she went from burned out and overwhelmed to energized and empowered. Beth’s transformation began after her Hashimoto’s diagnosis, when she joined the Thrivers Club and began implementing thyroid-healthy meal planning, rest, and self-awareness. Along the way, she refined her approach, identified hidden food sensitivities, and gradually found joy in singing, movement, and life again. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your healing journey, Beth’s story will encourage you to keep going, with grace and support. Highlights from the episode: The thyroid–voice connection and how it impacted Beth’s singing How identifying food sensitivities changed everything Navigating invisible illness and reclaiming joy The power of rest, boundaries, and a supportive community Beth’s experience with the Thrivers Club and personalized tools 🎧 Want ongoing support? Join the Thrivers Club and get access to the same tools that helped Beth thrive: 👉 www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!

If weight loss with hypothyroidism feels like an uphill battle—even when you’re doing everything “right”—this episode is for you. Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Angela Brown returns to Thyroid-Healthy Bites to explain why traditional weight loss advice like “eat less, move more” often fails thyroid patients. From advanced lab testing to powerful mindset shifts, she shares what’s actually working for her clients and in her own healing journey. In this episode, we cover: Why cutting calories & overtraining can backfire What your lab work might be missing The link between cortisol and thyroid weight loss resistance Simple, empowering strategies that work with your body, not against it Mentioned in this episode: Angela’s Free Guide:The Secret to Reading Your Thyroid Blood Test - thesexythyroidsolution.com/read-thyroid-test-guide Want expert support on your thyroid-healing journey?Join us in the Thrivers Club for thyroid-friendly meal plans, monthly wellness challenges, and a supportive community 👉 hypothyroidchef.com/membership FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  Thyroid-Friendly Workout Kit: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/workout    💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) can be a game-changing tool for those of us with Hashimoto’s and autoimmune disease—but let’s be honest, it’s also really hard. In this episode, I’m getting real about what it takes to survive (and benefit from) the AIP diet. I’ve done it three times, and I’m about to start my fourth round. From the wins and pitfalls to the meltdowns and hard-earned wisdom, I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before I started. You’ll learn: Why I did AIP more than once—and what triggered each round The biggest challenges of AIP (spoiler: it’s not just about food) My Top 10 AIP Survival Tips to make the process smoother Who should (and shouldn’t) try AIP, and when it might not be the right time If you’re curious about AIP, planning to start, or simply want to better understand this powerful (but intense) healing protocol, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Browse my AIP Recipe Collection: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/blog?tag=aip Blog post on Traveling with Dietary Restrictions: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/blog/travel-friendly-foods-for-thyroid-thrivers Join the Thrivers Club for AIP support, tools, and thyroid-friendly meal plans: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more thyroid-friendly recipes, interviews, and support: https://www.youtube.com/c/HypothyroidChef?sub_confirmation=1 Learn more at https://www.hypothyroidchef.com Download my FREE Thyroid-Friendly Grocery Guide: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery  🦋 Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show and stay updated on new thyroid-friendly tips, recipes, and interviews.

Pregnancy with a thyroid condition can feel confusing, isolating, and overwhelming. In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author and thyroid health advocate Rachel Hill to discuss her new book, The Positive Thyroid Pregnancy Book. Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or navigating postpartum with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, Rachel shares essential guidance to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. We cover: The biggest thyroid-related pregnancy myths Key lab tests and when to get them Rachel’s personal journey to motherhood Practical tips for thyroid-friendly nutrition and self-advocacy  This is the conversation (and the book) I wish I had access to during my own childbearing journey—and now, it's here for you! 💛 Mentioned in this episode: 📚 Get Rachel’s New Book: The Positive Thyroid Pregnancy Book → https://amzn.to/44XjNrR  🔗 Connect with Rachel Hill: Instagram: @theinvisiblehypothyroidism Website: https://www.theinvisiblehypothyroidism.com  📺 You might also enjoy episode 48: Parenting with Hypothyroidism: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/blog/parenting-with-hypothyroidism-with-rachel-hill  🌿 Learn more at https://www.hypothyroidchef.com  🦋 Get support in the Thrivers Club: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/membership  💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers!

Struggling to figure out what to eat for thyroid health? In this foundational episode of Thyroid-Healthy Bites, we’re breaking down the why and how of thyroid-healthy eating, so you can feel better, faster. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or have been managing hypothyroidism for years, figuring out what to eat can feel overwhelming. There’s a ton of conflicting advice out there, and no one-size-fits-all diet. In this encore replay of one of our most essential episodes (Ep. 5, with a fresh new intro), I’ll guide you through the basics of eating for thyroid health. We’ll cover common food triggers, gut health connections, elimination diets, and how to personalize your approach for lasting healing. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: What “thyroid-healthy eating” really means Why gluten is a common trigger for thyroid patients How gut health affects your thyroid When and how to try an elimination diet Why the goal is dietary diversity, not restriction How to listen to your body and take sustainable steps forward 📥 Grab your free Thyroid Thrivers' Grocery Guide here: https://www.hypothyroidchef.com/grocery If you’ve been confused by thyroid diets or just need a clear starting point, this episode is for you! 💫 Subscribe & Review: If you've been enjoying The Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, please subscribe, follow, or leave a review. Your support means the world and helps this show reach more Thyroid Thrivers who need support! Cheering you on,Ginny Mahar, FMCHC | @hypothyroidchef   Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, treatment, or health practices.