The Joyful + Nourishment Podcast

I had the opportunity to speak with Stefanie Michele , whose work I have been following for some time and who is one of these people with an amazing gift with words. She can put language to complex topics in a way that gets straight to the heart of the matter, and fits onto tiny Instagram squares!Her work is nuanced and touches on so many of the patterns I have witnessed time and time again, in my own clinical work. I hope you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Stefanie is a Binge Eating Recovery & Body Image Coach specializing in helping people overcome food and body image issues. She holds degrees in Human Development Psychology and Occupational Therapy with a certification in Integrative Health Coaching and Intuitive Eating Counseling, and is currently working towards her certification in Somatic Experiencing. However, she considers her lived experience of recovery her most valuable asset. Stefanie lives in NJ with her husband and 3 daughters.In this podcast episode we talk about:- Stephanie Michele’s own lived experience with dieting, disordered eating and her recovery journey into a kinder relationship with food, eating and her body- Body Neutrality as a catalyst for change- “Binge-permitters” as different to “binge-restrict” types- How trauma can impact how we experience binge eating and/or weight gain as “danger”- The complexity and layers of healing and how so much of what feels like barriers are not a willpower issue but often trauma reactions which takes place subconsciously- Binge Eating is a coping mechanism and sometimes giving it up can feel so hard, especially if there is nothing else to take its place- Intuitive Eating is not the place to start, however we do need to bring food along in the recovery journey, instead of simply learning to *not* engage in that behaviour- That we can (re)learn that saying no isn’t necessarily always restriction.Though this podcast episode is focusing in binge eating, there are definitely pearls of wisdom even if you are identifying more as a restictive eater, who don’t really binge or emotionally eat.Find more of Stephanie Michele’s work here:Website: www.iamstefaniemichele.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichelePodcast: Life After DietsSubstack: https://substack.com/@iamstefaniemicheleI am currently taking on new clients so if you are interested in exploring us working together please book in on the link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Find me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 workhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial sessionhttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I speak with my former Centre for Mindful Eating board member colleague. This episode tackle a topic that I haven’t spoken much about before, here on the podcast, or elsewhere in my work.It is an important part of this work I think we often don’t get into much in eating disorder recovery. Maybe because most of us who are professionals in this space are nutrition professionals or therapists, and unless we are really into fitness or sport ourselves, it may not cross our minds to ask questions about someone’s relationship with exercise and movement.Though movement can be wonderful for most people, when in recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating it can be a complicated relationship.I hope you will enjoy the conversation between myself and Gillian!Intuitive Eating Coach Gillian Hood supports women in breaking free from disordered eating, body hatred, and a life revolving around food.Women sick and tired of yo-yo dieting and the disordered or binge eating that follows, are able to create a peaceful relationship with food and a compassionate, positive relationship with their bodies as a direct result of their transformational work with Gillian.As a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, whose work is trauma-informed and aligned with the Health at Every Size® approach, Gillian knows these challenges are not about the food.“Your thoughts & beliefs are key in overcoming struggles with food and your body,” she says. Clients trust her because she faced many of the same issues and overcame them using what became her proven Mind-Body Mutual Trust™ approach she uses with her clients.For over 20 years, hundreds of women have embraced Gillian’s unconventional yet powerful and proven approach to rejecting diet culture, ever-changing food rules and unrealistic societal expectations for good.Instead, by making peace with food and cultivating body respect, they learn to use self-compassion in response to difficult emotions and they develop self-acceptance, often for the first time in decades.Clients say the best result from Gillian’s approach is their newfound freedom:Freedom from endless dietingFreedom from using food to cope with painful emotionsFreedom from the self-loathing & body hatred that drives more overeatingClients learn their body is on their side, and with Mind-Body Mutual Trust™ they work with it, instead of fighting it, for sustainable outcomes that don’t require dieting, restricting or punishing exercise ,allowing for more time and energy to enjoy life and pursue their dreams.Selected credentials:• Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)• National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)• International Coach Federation Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC)In this episode we speak about:- How Diet Culture and a desire to control her body was the catalyst for getting her primary degree in Exercise physiology, not an interest in sport…!- Binge eating and weight cycling- Finding Intuitive Eating and eventually through that process she found peace with food- What is exercise resistance, and how can we work through that?- Divesting exercise and movement from dieting and weight loss pursuits- Signs to keep an eye out for if you think yours, or someone close to you is engaging is compulsive exercise- Three things that can help if you have a challenging relationship with exerciseWhere to find our more about Gillian’s workFB page: https://www.facebook.com/gillianhoodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianthood/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthieroutcomes/Substack: Website: https://HealthierOutcomes.comResource mentioned in the episode: https://www.safeexerciseateverystage.com/Find me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 workhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial sessionhttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I speak with my friend and colleague Marcie Desmond.Marcie Desmond is a seasoned professional who worked as an executive manager for over 20 years in Technology and Management Consulting. She held positions as a Managing Partner, Chief Information Officer, and Vice President in both private and public organizations. She was known as a “fixer” and was brought in to build and/or overhaul programs, teams, and organizations. She is a skilled coach, mentor, facilitator, trainer, manager, and strategic planner.Marcie battled food and weight issues most of her life. Although she was a highly successful executive for over 2 decades, she wasn’t as successful with her food and weight as she was with her career. She finally broke free of unhealthy eating patterns and learned that diets just don’t work – but keep us stuck in cycles of yoyo dieting and feelings of frustration, guilt and shame.Now a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC with specialist training in emotional and binge eating and functional nutrition, she helps clients achieve healthier relationships with food. She is also certified as an ADHD coach and helps women with ADHD who struggle with emotional and binge eating.Marcie’s favourite quote is “The greatest power you have is knowing you have power.” She is passionate about helping women with “Food Empowerment” so that they can reclaim their power with food and rediscover joyful eating.In this podcast episode we cover:- Some of Marcie’s early experiences with food- How she had ADHD and how this impacted her college experiences both with studies and her food. (She was only diagnosed in her mid 60s)- How having a support system and structure around her, or not, impacted on her binge eating- What ADHD is and how it may present in people. There are many different types as it turns out!- The gifts that come along with ADHD- How ADHD and binge eating creates the perfect storm- Three ways to get started on your way to a binge less / binge free futureThere is a lot in this episode and I know that both Marcie and I hope that by sharing this conversation it may illuminate how binge eating can show up in people with ADHD / ADHD:ers, but that this doesn’t mean that you are broken or have to live with it for the rest of your life.And, it may also be really helpful to work with a practitioner who understands this specific dynamic.You can find more about Marcie’s work here: https://wellness-alternative.com/Find me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 workhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial sessionhttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

It is my intention to get Season 5 of The Nourishment Podcast out to you over the coming weeks and months as I have so many juicy conversations to share with you!This week I am speaking to Zuzanna Gajowic.Zuzanna is a Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, first and only Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C) in Ireland with a profound dedication to supporting individuals and families on their journey towards healing and recovery. As the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) Chapter Chair of Ireland, she works hard on advancing awareness and understanding of eating disorders in my community.She has over a decade of experience in the field, and worked across all levels of care, from residential treatment centres to outpatient settings and private practice. Her comprehensive approach to recovery encompasses physical healing, body image issues, and the cultivation of deep connections within families.In addition to her clinical work, she is actively involved in teaching, consulting, and supervising other therapists, sharing knowledge and expertise with the next generation of professionals. Zuzanna is also a Clinical Lead in a Residential Eating Disorder Treatment Centre and maintain a small private practice.In this episode we speak about:- What brought Zuzanna to this work.- Looking beyond behavioural changes only, and towards neurobiology as both understanding the illness and finding a wider treatment path.- The complexity of Eating Disorders.- The stigma around EDs. It is not quiet as simple as “just stop” or “just eat”.- How trauma can impact on our general behaviours and that sometimes we may not realise how a specific event did have an impact.- How healing happens in relationships that are safe and supportive.- The importance of getting support for recovery and that sometimes higher levels of care is necessary (though it can be difficult to access).You can find more about Zuzanna’s work with her colleague Deirdre Reddan and their work supporting families here: https://supportedfamilies.ie/I also interviewed Deirdre back in Season 1 and you can find this conversation here.And you can find them both on their Instagram page here.Find me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 work https://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial sessionhttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

It is that time of year again, when food is plenty and the expectations are like so. I am bringing back this podcast episode I did a few year ago as I think it may be helpful again, right now.In a conversation I had with a client recently I found myself saying “I don’t feel like the societal energy at this time of year matches natures rhythm of this time of year”. What I mean by that is, for those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the darkest time of year. A time that calls for slowing down, going inward and for rest.In nature, we see that everywhere. Many birds have migrated south, the trees stand naked and are conserving their energy for Spring, many animals are hirbernating. The days are shorter and the sun, when making an appearance in hanging low in the sky.Everything in nature is saying: rest, slow down. Yet the expectaions feels the complete opposite. It feels like the to-do list never ends. Presents to get, decorations to put up, food to make, and work committments to tie up before the end of the work year.I don’t know about you, but I feel tired. I want to rest. To sleep until the day breaks and to be curled up with a book and a hot mug of tea in the evening. I want to enjoy time and take things slow. It is the end of the year, it is mid winter and Spring with its fresh energy is still several months away.For those who are struggling with their relationship with food and their bodies this can be a particularly challenging time. What to eat, what not to eat, listeing to diet talk, body comparisions rearing its ugly head and having an impact on weather to go out or stay in.There is an anticipation of all the food that is expected to be eaten at one particular day, and then of course the looming promise of yet another “new year new you” in the weeks to follow…If you are actively working on healing your relationship with food and your body then you know that recovey is a continous work in progress that does not take a break just because it is Christmas. However, depending on where in your journey you are, this time can be a good opportunity to:* Keep focusing on eating regular meals and snack that are adequate (often more than you think!) throughout the period. If your typical eating rhythm is thrown off a bit by parties / nights out, adjust the best you can so you don’t end up skipping meals or snacks.* Don’t skip meal in an attempt to compensate! This is often a surefire way to end up bingeing later, from hunger or as way to rebel against mental restriction.This time of year, because it can be stressful and overwhelming also presents an opportunity to see how far you’ve come in your process.Maybe you are not finding yourself sneaking out and eating in secret. Or this year you are able to eat a food that caused a great deal of anxiety last year.Changes in our relationship with food and our bodies, when healing are often small and sometimes hard to notice. Often it is not until you look back that you can see how far you’ve come.I hope you take good, kind care of yourself over these next few weeks. Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s podcast episode I am speaking with my Irish colleague Siobhan Hennelly about how we can support kids and young people to have a better relationship with their bodies.Siobhan is a primary school teacher, a nutritionist, and trained as personal trainer. She also has a masters degree in Psychology and specialist diploma in Eating Disorders. She is a mom of three, originally from Co. Galway but now living in Co. Mayo.Siobhan delivers talks for teachers, parents groups and sports clubs on the area of body image and body image for children. And she also has a social media presence where she share about body image for children.In this episode we talk about:- Siobhan’s personal and professional journey to how she got to focus on body image, and body image for kind specifically- What we mean when we talk about body image- The four components that make up our body image- The concept of ‘neutral’ body image- How the people in our environment have an impact on how we feel about and relate to our bodies- That simply refraining from commenting on our own bodies, or other people’s bodies can have a profound impact- Why it is important to foster a healthy body image in kids- Some of the positive ripple effects that can happen when we work towards improving body image- Some things we can do to nurture our children’s, and our own(!) body image in a positive wayFind more about Siobhan’s work hereFind me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 work herehttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial session herehttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

The final episode of Season 4 is here! Looking back it’s been a great season, I think, with some very informative guests covering a variety of topics. You can always got to this page to access all previous podcast episodes.This week I’m talking with my Irish colleague Niamh, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in person at an event a few years ago. Niamh is incredibly articulate and also a really lovely person full stop. I hope you will enjoy this interview and podcast episode as much as I enjoyed having this conversation with Niamh.Niamh Orbinski is a Nutritionist, Intuitive Eating Counsellor, Yoga Teacher and Trainee Psychotherapist who runs a weight-inclusive, virtual nutrition practice specialising in intuitive eating, disordered eating and body image. Her work is HAES aligned, meaning that she encourages health-promoting behaviours, regardless of their outcome on weight. As a nutrition counsellor, she likes to get to the root of food issues and habits through what is best described as food and body image therapy. She believes that when we look beyond weight, we open ourselves up to a healthier relationship with food, body and self. She is also the author of 'No Apologies: Ditch Diet Culture and Rebuild Your Relationship with Food', which was published by Harper Collins in 2023 and the host of the Food Body and Beyond podcastIn this episode we speak about:- A bit about Niamh’s journey from conventionally trained nutritionist supporting people with intentional weight loss to finding Intuitive Eating and embracing weight inclusive care.- The importance of having done your own work on understanding and divesting from Diet Culture- How the journey of breaking free from dieting and Diet Culture is a radical one, and that even though it is never easy, being in a body that is deemed culturally acceptable makes it easier as that person is more likely to be protected from weight stigma than someone in a larger body.- The definition of Diet Culture- How leaving Diet Culture behind can feel like a lonely place at time, as well as how insidious it is!- How moving from the rigid “rules” of Diet Culture can invite more flexibility and opportunities to make the best of situations to still meet our health goals- Clarifications on Intuitive Eating, what it is really about, and what it isn’t.Where to find Niamh Orbinskin onlineWebsite: nutritionwithniamh.comInstagram: @nutritionwithniamh Podcast: Food, Body and BeyondAdditional resources mentioned in the episodeOvercoming the Fear of Weight gain – from Niamh’s podcastWhy am I afraid of gaining weight - from my blogReclaiming Body Trust - An 8 Week Online Group Programme is starting next week on the 30th of April!If you are a listener of this podcast (or read my newsletter) this course may very well be for you. Especially you found that much of what we discussed in this week’s podcast episode resonating, but still feeling like you could do with some support.It will be a small intimate group with lots of space for some individual support and feedback. As we are making our way through the topics of each week there is space for both reflection as well as action.It is my my hope and intention that you will feel more at home in your body and less overwhelmed around food by the end of the 8 weeks.Even if you are new to the ideas of moving away from Diet Culture and diets / restriction / disordered eating, or if you you have been on this journey for awhile, I think you will get something out of it.Being part of a group makes the journey less isolating too, because once we open our eyes to Diet Culture and the harms of it, you will see it everywhere! It is good to not feel alone.Find further details and how to sign up here.Find me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 work herehttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial session herehttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

Pam Goodman is an Eating Disorder and Addiction Specialist FDAP/UK/RNShe is a dedicated and compassionate Recovery Advocate with a profound personal journey through her own Eating disorder. Over the years, she has truly realised her passion and the potential to free individuals from the constant battel that is called Emotional /Binge Eating and Bulimia.Pam has worked in this field for over 30 years and pioneered one of the first second stage of treatment for Eating disordered individuals in South Africa, guiding clients to make positive behaviour changes instead of weight orientated goals.I am grateful to have had this conversation with Pam for the Joyful + Nourishment Podcast, which centres around her own lived experience and recovery journey.*** There are mentions of eating disorder behaviours in this episode, but there are also plenty of mentions of things that Pam have done for herself and tools she use with clients to support them on their recovery path. Please use your own discretion to decide if this episode will be helpful or not for where you are right now. ***In this episode we talk about:- Self disclosure- How much shame (and often secrecy) having an Eating Disorder brings to the person suffering- How sharing recovery stories can help people feel less alone, and hopefully less shame- That bulimia is more than just purging and vomiting- How food was comfort when her parents were absent due to working a lot- The beginning of her dieting journey at age 12- How eventually she hit rock-bottom and decided to pursue recovery- How Diet Culture and diet talk is everywhere all the time- Things that have helped on her own recovery journeyPast Podcast Episodes mentioned:From Self Objectification to Self Care with Anna StricklandUnderstanding Orhtorexia with Lynn McGovernBreaking Free from Chronic Dieting with Vania PhitidisArticle - Gaining Weigth Despite Calorie DeficitAre you looking to have a better relationship with food, eating and your body, but don’t know where to start?Are you struggling to navigate this journey on your own and feel isolated because everyone around you are still actively dieting or on weight loss drugs?Are you curious about Intuitive Eating / Attuned eating and want to feel free around food but don’t know how to get there?Then come and join me for an online group programme!Reclaiming Body Trust Starts 30th April - All Details Here.Find me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 work herehttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial session herehttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

There is a new podcast episode up! I am aware that the pace of producing new podcsats is so much slower than before, but I am still pretty determined to keep this project going so I hope you will stay with me.This episode is a gem, filled with a lot to chew on (pun intended). I feel grateful to be calling Vania both a friend, and a colleague. Enjoy this conversation we had exploring the topic of ‘Chronic Dieting’, something that I personally feel is not talked about, nor recognised, enough.Vania is a compassionate advocate for body acceptance and intuitive eating, guiding clients to break free from damaging cultural ideals around weight and beauty. With expertise in psychology, mindfulness-based eating awareness, and self-esteem mentoring, she helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, cultivate self-compassion, and embrace their unique power. Drawing from her personal journey and professional training, Vania fosters a world where kindness, equality, and authenticity thrive—empowering clients to create lasting change in their relationship with food, themselves, and life.In this episode we talk about:- Chronic Dieting, what it is, what might keep you there and how to move towards something else- Vania’s own dieting and body image story- How weight lost due to illness followed by positive body comment set the stage for her developing an eating disorder and how it morphed and changed over the years- How our culture can mask what is in fact problematic eating behaviours, because they have become normalised- That it is never to late to heal your relationship with food- One of my recent career highlights- How even when people recognise that dieting isn’t working for them, including controlling their weight, they are still looking for an alternative way to keep their weight under control- Emotional eating, and how we define it- Emotional “undereating”And much more. This is really a rich episode that I hope will resonate and perhaps give you an aha-moment, or two. Or hopefully, at least get you thinking.Vania has such a vast amount of insight and it was really lovely to have her be part of the podcast. She also made some valid, and different points, when it comes to joyful nourishment. That there are points of our lives where joy feels inaccessible, and where sustenance is as much as we can take in. Peace perhaps is what we are looking for.You can find Vania online here:Website www.peacefuleating.co.uk (where you can sign up for a free six part email course)InstagramFind me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 work herehttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial session herehttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community here Wishing you a nourishing week, Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe

I am back with a new episode of The Joyful + Nourishment Podcast after a hiatus. I didn’t necessarily plan to take a break in the middle of season, and since this is a self produced podcast, I decided to follow my own lead and take a decent break over the Christmas period. December was a bit hectic and looking back was starting to feel a little bit frayed around the edges, so stepping aside for a bit was needed.Before the holidays I also recorded a handful of new guest episodes for Season 5, so there is definitely more coming, though the pace of roll-out may be slower this year. I have committed to some ongoing work, which may mean that I can’t keep up producing and releasing podcasts every two weeks. Or maybe I will. Time will tell.Before we dive into this week’s podcast episode, I am letting you know that I have space for a few new clients, so if you are looking for some support with your relationship with food, eating and your body then check out what I offer and book in for a free 30 min call here.You deserve to feel at peace with food and your body, and having some support can make it easier.Now onward to today’s guest conversation with Peer Support Worker William Dwyer-Joyce (DJ)William Dwyer-Joyce is a peer support worker at Lois Bridges Eating Disorder centre with lived experience of food and body image struggles. William have experiences of mental services in Ireland both as a service user and staff. He is passionate about mutual support, reducing stigma for men experiencing mental health struggles and looking beyond symptoms and diagnosis.I was delighted when William agree to be a guest on the podcast as I believe we need to lift more male voices in this space. Not only do men struggle with eating disorders but they also struggle with body image issues.*CW Some brief mentions of substance use and self harm*In this episode we talk about:- The lack of representation when it comes to Eating Disorderd and men.- How for men athletics and sport settings can be the environment that triggers disordered eating.- How men are much more of a target now by the Beauty and Wellness Industries and the knock on effect of this on their body image.- That our bodies are not a project to be fixed.- The intersection of substance use and eating disorders and why the recovery process of abstinence does not work for eating disorder recovery.- A bit about his own journey with binge eating disorder, living in a bigger body and navigating recovery.- What Peer Support is and how a Peer Support Worker works with people.Find William D-J on InstagramFind me over on Straightforward Nutritionhttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/My 1:1 work herehttps://straightforwardnutrition.com/eating-disorder-support/Book in for a 30 min free initial session herehttps://eatingfreelycallwithlinn.as.me/schedule.phpAnd sign up for my newsletter and join the Joyful + Nourishment community hereOther episodes about with men and their relationship with food:SE4 - Ep2: A Personal Conversation with Dr Miguel Toribio-MateasSE3 - Ep2: From Crossfit to Body Positivity with Jonny Landels Get full access to Joyful + Nourishment at linnt.substack.com/subscribe