Truth Based Nutrition

In Part 2 of this conversation, registered dietitian Hannah Bjerke returns to explore the connection between blood sugar management, PCOS, and disordered eating. She discusses how weight-focused diabetes advice and restrictive eating patterns can contribute to disordered eating, why it's important to recognize when medical self-management becomes obsessive, and what warning signs healthcare providers and loved ones should look out for.Meet Our Guest: Hannah Bjerke, MS, RDN, LDHannah Bjerke is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, disordered eating and chronic dieting, intuitive eating, digestive health (including IBS and IBD), and blood sugar management for PCOS, prediabetes, and diabetes.As part of the Maddox Nutrition team, Hannah provides individualized nutrition counseling through a compassionate, non-diet approach. She also offers a Christian faith-based approach when requested by clients. Read more about Hannah.In this episode, you’ll hear about…Why traditional weight-focused diabetes advice can be harmful for people with a history of disordered eatingThe connection between diabetes management, restrictive eating, and the development of eating disordersHow to recognize when blood sugar monitoring and food tracking are becoming obsessive or distressingThe warning signs of disordered eating in people managing diabetes and other blood sugar-related conditionsWhat people with PCOS should consider beyond nutrition, including sleep, stress management, and movementThe truth behind common blood sugar myths, including carbohydrates, glucose spikes, meal sequencing, and continuous glucose monitorsWhy managing your health doesn't have to come with shame, fear, or the pressure to do everything perfectlyKeywords: blood sugar management, disordered eating, diabetes, PCOS, prediabetes, eating disorder recovery, dietitian, carbohydrates, continuous glucose monitorChapters00:00 Part two: blood sugar, PCOS, and disordered eating01:31 Movement and muscle as part of blood sugar health04:04 PCOS care, sleep, stress, and individual differences08:26 Why disordered eating and diabetes can be dangerous together11:13 How weight-focused diabetes advice can reinforce restriction14:46 When blood sugar management becomes distressing or obsessive17:22 Red flags: rigid rules, lab changes, and excessive exercise21:39 Rapid-fire: carbs, glucose spikes, and CGMs26:28 Hannah's encouragement: reduce shame and seek support28:45 How to connect with Maddox NutritionDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!If you'd like to explore whether working with Hannah could be a good fit for your needs, you can book a free discovery call or schedule a one-on-one session with her.Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course

Blood sugar management doesn't have to mean cutting carbs, avoiding sugar, or constantly worrying about what you eat. In Part 1 of this conversation, registered dietitian Hannah Bjerke joins the podcast to break down the science behind blood sugar and challenge common misconceptions rooted in diet culture and wellness trends.Together, they explore why carbohydrates are essential for blood sugar regulation, and why diabetes is never simply the result of eating too much sugar or making the wrong food choices.Meet Our Guest: Hannah Bjerke, MS, RDN, LDHannah Bjerke is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorder recovery, disordered eating and chronic dieting, intuitive eating, digestive health (including IBS and IBD), and blood sugar management for PCOS, prediabetes, and diabetes.As part of the Maddox Nutrition team, Hannah provides individualized nutrition counseling through a compassionate, non-diet approach. She also offers a Christian faith-based approach when requested by clients. Read more about Hannah.In this episode, you’ll hear about…Why blood sugar spikes aren't necessarily bad and what happens naturally in your body after eatingThe role of carbohydrates in blood sugar regulation and why cutting them isn't the answerHow wellness trends and continuous glucose monitors can create unnecessary anxiety around blood sugarThe different factors that contribute to prediabetes and diabetes beyond food choices and sugar consumptionWhy genetics, metabolism, and insulin resistance play important roles in blood sugar managementHow meal timing, fiber, protein, hydration, and balanced nutrition can support more stable blood sugarWhat to consider when incorporating movement and exercise into your blood sugar management routineChapters00:00 Meet Hannah Bjerke and the non-diet blood sugar conversation03:54 What healthy blood sugar management means beyond restriction06:34 Why glucose tracking and optimization culture can mislead09:55 Learning your own patterns instead of chasing perfect readings13:05 Why carbohydrates matter for blood sugar and energy16:02 Different diagnoses call for different levels of nutrition care20:17 Carbs, fiber, and the shame surrounding diabetes24:45 The many factors behind diabetes risk28:42 Meal timing, balanced meals, hydration, and movement32:22 Part two preview: disordered eating and diabetesDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course

It’s Not Discipline If It’s Disordered: Discerning the Difference Between Fruits of the Spirit and Diet CultureMany Christians have been taught to label restrictive eating, compulsive exercise, body control, or food guilt as “discipline,” “self-control,” or “honoring God.”This episode explores the difference between true spiritual fruit and fear-driven diet culture behaviors disguised in Christian language.In episode, you’ll hear about…How diet culture uses words like “clean eating,” “cheat meals,” and “self-control” to make food choices feel morally right or wrong.Why restriction and rigid food rules are not the same as righteousness or spiritual discipline.Common signs that discipline may be turning into disordered eating, such as food anxiety, fear of weight gain, constant body checking, and guilt after eating.What Jesus’ relationship with food teaches us through shared meals, celebrations, and the feeding of the 5,000.Why our body size, food choices, and exercise routines do not determine our worth or how much God loves us.What godly stewardship can look like through nourishment, rest, medical care, flexibility with food, and caring for our mental health.How spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and building community can help us grow closer to God without becoming consumed by food and body concerns.Keywords: diet culture, church, spiritual disciplines, self-control, body image, Christian faith, food freedom, Galatians, fasting, SabbathChapters00:00 Introduction: Diet Culture in the Church01:52 How Diet Culture Morally Moralizes Food03:59 Misuse of Scripture to Promote Weight Loss05:54 Disordered Eating vs Spiritual Discipline08:04 Jesus' Miracles and Food as Celebration10:00 Fruits of the Spirit and Food Relationships12:13 Freedom in Christ and Body Control15:09 Applying Fruits of the Spirit to Food and Body Image19:57 Godly Stewardship and Spiritual Disciplines24:56 Scriptural Examples of Jesus' Engagement with Food29:50 Jesus' Ministry and Community around Food35:05 Practical Spiritual Disciplines for Health and Freedom40:00 The Role of Rest, Service, and Community43:01 Conclusion: True Freedom in ChristScripture ReferencesGalatians 5:22–23Romans 141 Corinthians 6Psalm 139Matthew 11:28–30Mark 2:16–17Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course Related EpisodeIf you'd like to explore common misunderstandings around feasting, fasting, and gluttony, listen to the related episode featuring Anna Marie Long on Feasting and Fasting.

Protein is everywhere right now, but how much do we actually need, and when does focusing on protein become too much? In this episode, we break down the science behind protein, what it actually does in the body, and why more isn’t always better. We also explore common protein myths, the importance of getting enough carbohydrates and dietary fat, and how an over-focus on protein can sometimes reinforce rigid food rules, especially during eating disorder recovery. In this episode, you’ll hear about…What protein actually does in the body beyond building muscleHow much protein most adults generally need and why MORE isn’t always betterWhy carbohydrates and fats are just as important as protein for nourishmentHow the “protein everything” trend can create unnecessary pressure around foodCommon protein myths, including whether you need protein at every meal or snackWhy protein can become a “safe food” during eating disorder recoveryHow to approach protein with more balance, flexibility, and freedom instead of obsession and trackingKeywords: protein, nutrition, diet culture, eating disorder recovery, macronutrients, health, balance, myths, science, faithChapters00:00 Understanding Protein: The Basics06:12 How Much Protein Do You Really Need?12:30 The Myths and Misconceptions of Protein19:23 Balancing Macronutrients: Carbs, Proteins, and Fats28:00 Navigating Protein in Recovery and Eating Disorders42:32 Practical Tips for Protein IntakeDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 

In this episode, you'll hear about family-based treatment (FBT) and how parents can play a powerful role in supporting a child or adolescent through eating disorder recovery. You'll get a practical look at what FBT actually involves, what parents can expect throughout the process, and how the dietitian fits into a treatment team.Joining us is Natalie, an eating disorder dietitian who specializes in eating disorder care and family-based treatment. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in General Dietetics from California State University, Chico, completed her dietetic internship at Southern Regional Medical Center, and has experience working across a variety of clinical settings, including an eating disorder treatment center. In this episode, you'll hear about:What family-based treatment (FBT) is and why it can be so effective for adolescent eating disorder recovery.How parents can take an active role in their child’s nourishment and recovery.The three phases of FBT The dietitian’s role in FBT beyond creating meal plans.What to do when a child refuses food or tries to negotiate during meals.How parents can navigate emotional and challenging mealtimes with confidence and compassion.How families can build a support network when parents cannot supervise every meal.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to FBT and its importance06:06 What is family-based treatment (FBT)?11:22 Age ranges and applicability of FBT13:43 Shifting views on blame in FBT16:33 The phases of manualized FBT22:25 The dietitian's role in FBT29:49 Common parent questions and expert answers42:11 Supporting family communication and beliefs45:34 Faith-based support and encouragement46:06 Myth busting: Recovery speed and full recoveryDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course Resources:For parents and families looking to learn more about FBT, Natalie recommends watching Eva Musby's educational videos, which provide practical information and support for families navigating eating disorder recovery.Want to work with Natalie?If you're a parent supporting a child through eating disorder recovery, or you're looking for individualized nutrition support, you can book a session or consultation with her here: Book a session with NatalieLearn more about Natalie: https://maddoxnutrition.co/meet-natalieDietitians and eating disorder professionals: If you're looking to grow your confidence and skills in eating disorder care, Natalie also offers professional consultation for dietitians: Professional Consultation Group

What does it mean to truly find your identity in Christ instead of your body? In this episode, Chrissy shares her personal journey from years of body image struggles and disordered eating to leading a ministry that helps women discover lasting freedom through Jesus Christ.As the Executive Director of FINDINGbalance®, the world's leading Christ-centered nonprofit ministry supporting women with eating disorders and food and body image challenges since 2002, and host of the Old School Food Freedom podcast, Chrissy offers both personal insight and biblical encouragement for those seeking healing.Keywords: eating disorders, body image, faith-based approach, Christian recovery, identity in Christ, diet culture, spiritual healing, Finding Balance, food freedom In this episode, you'll hear about...Why lasting freedom begins with finding your identity in Christ, and not your body, weight, or appearanceHow diet culture subtly influences the way we think about ourselves, even within Christian communitiesCommon identity lies that fuel food and body image struggles Why simply changing eating habits isn't enough for lasting healing without renewing your mindHow to recognize when you're believing cultural messages instead of God's truthPractical ways to replace shame and self-criticism with grace, Scripture, and Christ-centered thinkingChapters00:00 Introduction and guest background00:29 Chrissy's journey with body image and faith01:20 Understanding identity in Christ02:21 Common lies about body size and worth03:43 The role of scripture in recovery04:37 God’s truth versus cultural lies06:03 Chrissy’s calling to lead in recovery07:38 The importance of community in healing09:03 Resources offered by Finding Balance10:25 Defining identity from a Christian perspective12:19 Believing and living out God's truth15:56 Common identity lies in disordered eating18:50 Misuse of scripture in diet culture21:04 The church’s role in reinforcing lies25:26 Scriptures that affirm our identity in Christ36:33 Living out identity in practice42:31 Powerful scriptures for recovery50:15 Practical steps to renew your mind55:01 The importance of community and support58:21 Final encouragement and resourcesDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 1. Old School Food Freedom Podcast: The Enemy Lies About Body Size But Truth Leads to Freedom2. FINDINGbalance.com3. Old School Food Freedom podcast4. Instagram5. Facebook6. Eating Issues Check-In a. Unsure if food and body struggles are affecting you? Take a moment to check in.7. The Daily Vitamin eDevoa. A free devotional with bite-sized truth delivered to your inbox 5 days a week.8. Hello, Freedom! Community a. A safe space for women to walk toward freedom from eating disorders and other food and body image struggles in Christ-centered community.9. Prayer Groupsa. Prayer groups to help you find hope and connection.10. Christian Treatment Findera. Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.

"I’m too old to start strength training." Not true. This episode explores why strength training can be one of the most empowering forms of movement for women in midlife.In this episode, Amy shares how she moved away from diet culture and discovered a more grace-filled approach to fitness. As a diet-culture-free certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, author, and host of the Graced Health podcast, Amy helps women in perimenopause and menopause build strength, improve mobility, and care for their bodies with purpose rather than punishment.Keywords: strength training, midlife fitness, resistance training, grace, functional movement, menopause, osteoporosis, mental barriers, joyful movement, faith-based fitnessIn this episode, you’ll hear about…Mental barriers to exercise in midlifeHow to move beyond all-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism in fitnessBenefits of strength training for bone health and metabolic healthPractical ways to start strength training without needing a gym membershipFunctional movements for independence in agingThe benefits of resistance training for bone health, muscle preservation, balance, and longevityCommon mental barriers that keep women from enjoying movement and exerciseHow faith, grace, and purpose can transform your relationship with movementChapters00:00 Introduction to Strength Training for Women05:59 Amy's Journey and the Role of Faith in Fitness08:59 Challenges Women Face in Midlife14:39 Mental Barriers to Movement20:16 The Importance of Consistency in Exercise26:11 Strength Training: Benefits Beyond Appearance35:06 The Importance of Strength Training35:53 Bone Health and Aging38:40 Metabolic Health and Muscle Mass43:10 Mental Health and Resilience44:30 Overcoming Barriers to Strength Training50:54 Practical Tips for Beginners55:45 Movement as Care for Future Self01:01:36 Embracing Grace in Fitness and LifeDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course Research Cited:Long-term effects of progressive high-speed resistance exercise in older women with low muscle strength: a randomized clinical trial: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaf211Effect of Eight-Week Strength Training on Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Perceived Stress in Community-Dwelling Older Women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41283447/Guest Links:GracedHealth.comResistance loops https://amzn.to/41RBRl9Resistance bands https://amzn.to/4bStR7gStronger Collective: https://www.thestrongerco.com?via=amy

"Can I still work with you if I'm on a GLP-1?" YES! This episode discusses one of the most common questions people are asking right now about medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and the answer is far more nuanced than a simple yes or no.In this honest and compassionate conversation, we explore how GLP-1 medications fit into nutrition counseling, eating disorder recovery, body image healing, and a healthier relationship with food. In this episode, you’ll hear about…Why dietitians can still support clients who are taking GLP-1 medications.The difference between using GLP-1s for diabetes management versus weight loss.How GLP-1 medications affect hunger cues, appetite, and "food noise."The connection between GLP-1s, chronic dieting, disordered eating, and eating disorder recovery.Important questions to ask yourself before starting, continuing, or stopping a GLP-1 medication.How to build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and your body, regardless of the medications you takeChapters00:00 Introduction: Can You Work with a Dietitian While on a GLP-1?02:00 The Practice Philosophy: Whole-Person, Individualized Care06:15 Why GLP-1 Conversations Matter More Than Ever12:10 Meeting Clients Where They Are Without Judgment17:20 Three Important Considerations Before Taking a GLP-118:15 Consideration #1: Why Are You Taking the Medication?20:15 Diabetes Management vs. Weight Loss Goals21:45 Understanding "Food Noise" and What It Really Means26:35 How GLP-1s Can Affect Nutrition, Hunger, and Joy Around Food27:35 Consideration #2: Your Relationship with Food History30:00 Eating Disorders, Chronic Dieting, and GLP-1 Risks33:30 Consideration #3: Are You Afraid of Stopping the Medication?35:00 Exploring Fears Around Weight Gain and Hunger37:20 Getting Off the Dieting Track for Good39:05 What Dietitians Really Do (Hint: Not Food Policing)41:10 Reflection Questions About Food, Hunger, and Trusting Your Body42:25 Final Encouragement and Resources Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/ Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 

In this episode of the Truth Based Nutrition podcast, Heather Creekmore joins the conversation to share a biblical perspective on body image. Heather specializes in helping women understand body image through a scripture-rooted lens, and in this episode, she opens up about her own journey with body struggles, dieting, and learning to find freedom through faith.Together, we explore why so many Christian women still wrestle with food, fitness, weight, and appearance despite knowing the “right” answers about identity and worth in Christ.Keywords: biblical body image, Christian women, body positivity, humility, food freedom, spiritual health, body changes, identity in ChristIn this episode, you’ll hear about…Biblical view of body imageIdolatry and pride in body imageScriptural truths about God's creationDealing with body changes and agingPractical steps for spiritual and physical healthChapters:00:00 Introduction to Biblical Body Image03:29 Heather's Personal Journey with Body Image10:39 Defining Biblical Body Image16:24 Biblical Body Image vs. Secular Views23:25 The Prevalence of Body Image Struggles26:41 Misinterpretation of Spiritual Disciplines29:22 Spiritual Discipline vs. Physical Discipline30:56 Contextual Misinterpretations of Scripture33:03 Idolatry vs. Stewardship of the Body34:01 The Treasure Principle and Body Image37:04 Desires and Body Image Obsessions39:27 Cultural Solutions vs. Spiritual Healing43:31 Body Image Freedom and Cultural Pressures50:38 More Than a Body: Embracing Wholeness53:04 Spiritual Warfare and Body ImageDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course Sources/Links:Connect with Heather at: www.heathercreekmore.com  https://www.improvebodyimage.com40 Day Body Image Workbook: https://a.co/d/00dkjVAR

In this Part 2 of the conversation about trauma, food, and body image, Tracy Brown, a Registered Dietitian specializing in trauma-informed care, shares how unresolved trauma can shape eating behaviors, body image struggles, and eating disorder recovery.Together, we explore the connection between the nervous system, emotions, and disordered eating while unpacking common misconceptions many Christians have about trauma and healing.Keywords: trauma and eating disorders, trauma-informed care, Christian dietitian, eating disorder recovery, food freedom, body image healing, intuitive eating, nervous system regulation, trauma and body image, disordered eating, faith-based recovery, somatic healing, Christian mental health, relationship with food, emotional eatingIn this episode, you’ll hear about…Trauma's impact on body, mind, and spiritMisconceptions about trauma in Christian communitiesPractical steps for trauma healing and body awarenessBiblical perspectives on wholeness and healingBuilding capacity to respond to trauma signalsChapters00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Food and Body Image21:19 Misconceptions Christians Have About Trauma26:04 Grace vs. Shame in Healing and Recovery27:56 The Weight of Shame and Blame29:17 Healing Through Grace and Compassion31:24 The Journey of Self-Compassion32:40 Understanding Control and Fear34:45 The Process of Healing and Sanctification37:58 Practical Steps for Recovery41:19 Finding Support in Recovery45:40 Choosing the Right Professionals for Healing53:25 Introduction to the Conversation53:54 Support for Eating Disorder RecoveryDon’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/courseSources/links: To get started with Attuned Eating, get your free guide at www.tracybrownrd.com/free-giftsTo set up a free clarity call now schedule at www.tracybrownrd.com/get-started