Épisodes

  • EP 241: After 10+ Years of Fighting ~ The Missing Piece in Your Recovery Journey + What You May Need Beyond Therapy

    EP 241: After 10+ Years of Fighting ~ The Missing Piece in Your Recovery Journey + What You May Need Beyond Therapy
    Sep 23 2025
    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 recoveryReal testimonials from women who've fought this battle for 20-40+ yearsThe missing component that research shows predicts recovery successWhy your recovery journey needs both professional support AND peer communityWhat to do when you feel stuck despite having all the "right" toolsA new approach that addresses the isolation eating disorders create This Episode is For You If: You've been struggling with disordered eating for 10+ yearsYou've done therapy but still feel stuck in patternsYou feel like you "should be better by now"You're tired of fighting this battle aloneYou want to try a community-based approach to recoveryYou're ready to go beyond traditional treatment methodsYou 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 daughterThe 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 maximumSafe space to share wins, challenges, and real recovery lifeProfessional guidance combined with peer supportOptional check-in prompts and private community chatFor women at ANY stage of recovery Founding Member Special: Only 10 founding member spots availableSpecial pricing: $47/month for first 6 months (less than $1.50/day)Regular pricing: $97/month after founding periodFirst session: Early October 2025Help shape the community from the beginning Why This Goes Beyond Therapy: Therapy focuses on individual healing - community provides ongoing supportTherapy happens weekly - community offers real-time encouragementTherapy addresses past trauma - community helps navigate daily recoveryTherapy is professional support - community offers peer understandingTherapy 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.
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    18 min
  • EP 240: How to Overcome "Never Enough" Thoughts in Your Recovery Journey + The Pep Talk You Need to Break Free From Shame📍

    EP 240: How to Overcome "Never Enough" Thoughts in Your Recovery Journey + The Pep Talk You Need to Break Free From Shame📍
    Sep 19 2025

    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:
    1. Dig into the why: When did you first start feeling "not enough"?
    2. Label the evidence: What data proves you ARE enough?
    3. Define enough: What would "enough" actually look like in your life?
    4. 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.
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    13 min
  • EP 239.5:  From Trauma to Triumph ~ 6 Things Your Past Can Teach You **Must Listen Fav!**

    EP 239.5:  From Trauma to Triumph ~ 6 Things Your Past Can Teach You **Must Listen Fav!**
    Sep 16 2025
    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 normalSome days it may feel real, but it's no longer your current realityProgress 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 worthYou hold the power to grow, evolve, and changeOnly 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 validThere's no "right way" to feel about past experiencesWhat 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 weaknessYou can reinvent and recreate yourselfNo 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 responsibilityMemories can be imperfect, especially trauma memoriesHolding on keeps you stuck in the struggle 6. Your Past Self Deserves Love and Forgiveness You did the best you could at the timeDon't judge your past self with current wisdomYou'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 ...
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    17 min
  • EP 239: "Am I Eating Too Much?" ~ Understanding Extreme Hunger (What's Really Happening in Your Body & How To Cope)

    EP 239: "Am I Eating Too Much?" ~ Understanding Extreme Hunger (What's Really Happening in Your Body & How To Cope)
    Sep 12 2025
    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 afterWaking up hungry in the middle of the nightNeeding snacks every hourIntense 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 ...
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    23 min
  • EP 238: The Truth About Recovering from an Eating Disorder Alone vs. in Community + Why I Wish I'd Had a Support Group Sooner

    EP 238: The Truth About Recovering from an Eating Disorder Alone vs. in Community + Why I Wish I'd Had a Support Group Sooner
    Sep 9 2025
    Have you ever felt completely alone in your eating disorder recovery? Like you're the only one dealing with food thoughts, body image struggles, and the exhaustion of pretending you're "fine"? In this vulnerable episode, Lindsey shares her personal story of trying to recover mostly in isolation and why she's now passionate about creating healing communities for women. Discover the research-backed reasons why community isn't just nice to have in recovery—it's essential. Plus, learn about The Recovery Collective, a new support group launching in October 2025 specifically for women in eating disorder recovery. Today's Truth: You were never meant to heal alone, and community isn't just nice to have in recovery - it's essential. Key Topics Covered: 🤝 Lindsey's personal story: What it felt like to recover mostly alone with limited community support 🧠 The science behind community healing: Research-backed evidence of why support groups transform recovery 💔 The isolation trap: How eating disorders thrive in secrecy and why healing alone is harder than it needs to be ✨ What community provides: Normalization, accountability, shared wisdom, and hope 🌟 The Recovery Collective: A new support group launching October 2024 for women in all phases of recovery Research Highlights: 📊 Support groups reduce symptoms: Studies show support groups helped reduce post-meal distress in young people with anorexia and can prevent disordered eating 📊 Connection drives recovery: Research confirms that eating disorder recovery is largely influenced by the individual's sense of connection to self and others 📊 Isolation increases struggle: When socially isolated, you lack the support and connection that can help protect against negative self-perception and low self-esteem 📊 Community decreases stigma: Eating disorder support groups offer safe spaces that decrease isolation and stigma while increasing engagement and motivation 📊 29 million affected: Nearly 30 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lifetime What Community Provides in Recovery: 💬 Language for your experience - Finally having words for what you're going through instead of feeling "crazy" 🔍 Perspective and reality checks - Others who can distinguish between your eating disorder voice and your true self 💕 Accountability that feels like love - Gentle support that comes from care, not judgment 🌈 Proof that recovery is possible - Seeing women further along in recovery living free, vibrant lives 🛡️ Protection against isolation - Regular connection that prevents the dangerous spiral of being alone with ED thoughts 🎯 Practical wisdom - Real-life strategies from women who've faced similar challenges Key Takeaways: ✨ You don't have to heal alone - Recovery was never meant to be a solo journey ✨ Community isn't replacement for therapy - It's the ongoing support that helps you live your recovery, not just survive it ✨ The right kind of community matters - Led by someone with lived experience who understands both clinical and personal aspects ✨ Consistency is crucial - Regular, ongoing support rather than crisis-only intervention ✨ Isolation fuels eating disorders - Breaking the cycle of secrecy and shame is essential for healing Introducing The Recovery Collective (Launching October 2025!) Finally, a recovery community that truly gets it. The Recovery Collective is where women in all phases of eating disorder recovery come together every other week to lock arms, share real struggles, and heal together in a safe, supportive environment. What You Get: Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via ZoomIntimate community of 10-15 women maximumReal, honest conversations that create actual changeSupport for navigating triggers, celebrating wins, and handling difficult daysLed by someone who's walked this path and understands the lived experienceOngoing support to help you live your recovery, not just survive it What Makes This Different: Led by someone with personal eating disorder recovery experienceFocus on practical, real-life recovery challengesCommunity of women who truly understand the struggleConsistent, ongoing support (not just crisis intervention)Safe space free from judgment or competition Special Founding Member Pricing: First 10 members: $47/month for 6 months (over 50% off!)Regular membership: $97/monthLess than what you spend on takeout for bi-weekly coaching and community support Who This Is For: Women in all phases of eating disorder recoveryThose tired of feeling alone in their healing journeyAnyone seeking understanding from others who've been thereWomen ready for ongoing support, not just weekly therapy appointments Recovery is possible, and it's so much sweeter when you're not doing it alone. Ready to learn more? www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective Connect with Lindsey Website: www.herbestself.co Private Facebook Community: Her Best Self Society ...
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    21 min
  • EP 237: Do I Still Have Bad Body Image Days? (The Honest Truth) + My 8 Step Bad Body Image Toolkit

    EP 237: Do I Still Have Bad Body Image Days? (The Honest Truth) + My 8 Step Bad Body Image Toolkit
    Sep 5 2025
    What does recovery actually look like years later? Do bad body image days ever completely disappear? In this vulnerable episode, Lindsey pulls back the curtain on her life after eating disorder recovery and shares exactly what she does when difficult body image moments show up - because yes, they still do sometimes. If you've ever wondered what to expect from recovery or you're struggling with perfectionism around your healing journey, this episode will give you hope and practical tools you can use today. Today's Truth: Recovery doesn't mean perfection - it means having the tools to navigate difficult moments with love instead of war. Key Topics Covered: 🌟 The reality check: Do bad body image days ever completely stop? 🌟 Why having difficult moments doesn't mean you're "not recovered enough" 🌟 The difference between struggling in active eating disorder vs. recovery 🌟 8 practical tools for navigating bad body image days 🌟 How thoughts about your body directly impact how you feel in your body Lindsey's 8-Step Bad Body Image Day Toolkit: ✨ Give Yourself Grace Upon Grace Permission to feel without judgmentTalk to yourself like your best friendRemember: recovery isn't about never struggling ✨ Throw on Comfy, Baggy Clothes Remove physical discomfort that amplifies emotional discomfortFocus on how you feel, not how clothes fitThis isn't hiding - it's self-care ✨ Get to the Root: What Am I Trying to Control? Ask: "What's really going on here?"Often body image struggles are about something else entirelyAddress the actual issue, not just the symptom ✨ Resist Mirror-Checking Temptation Avoid body-checking and analyzingBody-checking always makes things worseRedirect energy toward things that serve you ✨ Honor Yourself with Mindful Eating Eat normally despite difficult feelingsChoose nourishing foods that taste goodDon't punish your body for emotional discomfort ✨ Notice Exercise Compulsions and Pause Ask: "Am I moving from love or punishment?"Choose gentle movement over intense workoutsIt's okay to rest when you're struggling ✨ No Social Media Scrolling Stay off platforms that trigger comparisonProtect your mental space fiercelyChoose books, friends, or creative activities instead ✨ Ask "How Do I Want to Feel?" Shift from "How do I look?" to "How do I want to feel?"Focus on strength, comfort, connection, gratitudeResearch shows this actually changes body image in real-time Key Takeaways: 💝 Recovery isn't about never struggling - it's about struggling with love instead of war 💝 Bad days don't mean bad weeks or months - you have tools now 💝 Your humanity doesn't disqualify your recovery - difficult moments are normal 💝 Progress over perfection, always - you're exactly where you need to be 💝 You can do hard things - including sitting with uncomfortable feelings Research Highlight: Studies show that when we focus on how we want to feel in our bodies rather than how we think we look, it directly impacts our actual body image experience. Our thoughts about our bodies influence how we experience being in our bodies - which means we have more power than we realize! Ready for Community Support? Join The Recovery Collective! Finally, a recovery community that gets it. 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 the messy parts of healing, celebrate victories, and support each other with practical tools and genuine understanding. What You Get: Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via ZoomSafe, judgment-free space with 10-15 women maximumReal-time support for your current recovery challengesCommunity of women who understand what it's like to navigate recovery in real lifeCoaching insights that help you move forward with practical strategies Special Founding Member Pricing: First 10 members: $47/month for 6 months (over 50% off!)Regular membership: $97/monthLess than $1.50/day for bi-weekly coaching and community support Imagine having a safe space where you could share that you're having a difficult body image day and receive understanding, practical support, and gentle reminders of your worth instead of judgment. Recovery is possible right now, and it's so much more beautiful when we do it together. Ready to sign up? www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective Ready for Support? 📧 Email Lindsey: info@lindseynichol.com 🌐 Apply for Recovery Coaching: www.herbestself.co 💕 Join the Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com Limited spots available for fall coaching - only 2 slots remaining Connect with Lindsey: 🌟 Website: www.herbestself.co 🌟 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 🌟 Client Application: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms Love this episode? Here's how you can support the show: 💕 Share it with a woman who might need to hear this message 💕 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts -...
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    18 min
  • EP 236: 7 Books Every Woman in Recovery Needs on Her Nightstand + Your Personal Invite to The Recovery Collective Support Group💕

    EP 236: 7 Books Every Woman in Recovery Needs on Her Nightstand + Your Personal Invite to The Recovery Collective Support Group💕
    Sep 2 2025
    Are you tired of self-help books that sound good but don't create real change in your recovery journey? In this episode, Lindsey shares 7 current book recommendations that she's actively using with clients and in her own healing - books that will meet you right where you are and support your next brave step toward freedom. Whether you're just beginning to question your relationship with food and your body, or you're years into recovery and ready for that next level of freedom, there's something here for you. Today's Truth: You deserve resources that support your healing, and recovery is possible right now....but sometimes you just need an extra boost of belief! Books Featured in This Episode: 📚 "Feed Yourself" by Leslie Schilling Perfect for healing your relationship with food from the inside outTeaches intuitive eating and food freedom beyond diet culture 📚 "You're Not Enough (And That's Okay)" by Allie Stuckey Challenges toxic positivity and "be your own everything" mentalityOffers permission to need support in your recovery journey 📚 "Goodbye Perfect" by Homaira Kabir Essential reading for recovering people-pleasers and perfectionistsSubtitle: "How to Stop Pleasing, Proving, and Pushing for Others and Live for Yourself" 📚 "Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance" by Lisa Olivera Medicine for anyone struggling with self-worth in recoveryFocuses on genuine self-acceptance, not fake confidence 📚 "Don't Believe Everything You Think" by Joseph Nguyen Game-changer for dealing with loud eating disorder thoughtsTeaches you that you are not your thoughts and don't have to believe them all 📚 "A Crown That Lasts: You Are Not Your Label" by Demi Tebow Powerful reminder that you are more than your eating disorder or diagnosisPerfect for finding identity beyond your struggles 📚 "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown Life-changing research on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted livingEssential for anyone who's used perfectionism as armor Key Takeaways: ✨ Recovery is possible right now - You don't have to wait until you're "ready enough" ✨ You are not your eating disorder - Your thoughts and diagnosis don't define your worth ✨ Progress over perfection - Healing isn't linear, and that's completely normal ✨ You can do hard things - And you don't have to do them alone ✨ Your journey is unique - What works for others might look different for you, and that's okay Exciting News: The Recovery Collective is Launching October 2025! Finally, a recovery community that gets it. The Recovery Collective is where women in all phases of eating disorder recovery come together bi-weekly to share wins, navigate challenges, and build lasting freedom in a safe, supportive community. What You Get: Bi-weekly 60-minute group coaching calls via ZoomSafe, judgment-free space with 10-15 women maximumReal-time support for your current recovery challengesOptional check-in prompts and VIP offersCoaching insights that help you move forward, not backward Special Founding Member Pricing: First 10 members: $47/month (over 50% off!)Regular membership: $97/monthLess than $1.50/day for bi-weekly coaching and community support Recovery isn't a destination - it's a journey best taken together. www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective Connect with Lindsey: 🌟 Website: www.herbestself.co 🌟 Instagram: @thelindseynichol 🌟 Client Application: HBS Co. Recovery Coaching - Client Application - Google Forms Love this episode? Here's how you can support the show: 💕 Share it with a woman who might need to hear this message 💕 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts - it helps other women find the show 💕 Screenshot and tag @thelindseynichol if you're reading any of these books! Remember, beautiful: Your worth is not measured by how perfectly you do recovery. Healing isn't linear, progress over perfection always, and you are exactly where you need to be right now. 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.
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    18 min
  • EP 235.5: The 3 Core Beliefs That Are Secretly Fueling Your Eating Disorder + What to Do Next to Change the Way You Think

    EP 235.5: The 3 Core Beliefs That Are Secretly Fueling Your Eating Disorder + What to Do Next to Change the Way You Think
    Aug 29 2025
    Core beliefs are the fundamental, deeply held beliefs we develop in early childhood that shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. In this eye-opening episode, Lindsey breaks down how eating disorders stem from and reinforce negative core beliefs that can take years to heal from. Learn about the three types of core beliefs that are secretly feeding your disordered eating patterns and discover how to identify and transform these beliefs to break free from the cycle keeping you stuck. Key Takeaways Core beliefs are fundamental truths you've made into idols that need to be challengedEating disorders stem from and reinforce negative core beliefs developed in childhoodThere are 3 types of core beliefs: how you see yourself, others, and the worldYou are becoming someone you've never been before - be patient with that process"You either quit or keep going - they both hurt. Choose your hurt wisely." The 3 Types of Core Beliefs Type 1: How You See Yourself What It Includes: Self-worth and personal valueSelf-competence, skills, and abilitiesSelf-identity - who you are at your coreBeliefs shaped by caretakers, feedback, and criticisms over your lifetime How It Feeds EDs: "I'm not good enough" leads to perfectionism, restriction, and rigidityFalse identity created by the eating disorder becomes your truthTying worth and value to performance instead of inherent value How to Change It: Build self-compassion through recovery inspirationEmbrace your identity as "daughter of the most high, warrior, queen"Recognize the voice in your head is a false narrativeUnderstand you don't have to earn, restrict, or compensate for nourishment Type 2: How You View Other People What It Includes: Trustworthiness and reliability of othersBeliefs about goodwill and kindness in peoplePrejudices and stereotypesSafety mechanisms developed from rejection or inconsistent caregiving How It Feeds EDs: "If I can just be perfect, I'll have less rejection"Using food and exercise to control how others perceive you"If I gain weight, will my husband/boyfriend still want me?" How to Change It: Stop comparing yourself to other peopleUnderstand most people don't actually care about your recovery journeySet boundaries with people who aren't in your cornerAccept support from those who truly want what's best for you Type 3: Your Perception of the World What It Includes: Beliefs about safety vs. danger in your environmentAbundance vs. scarcity mindsetBeliefs about available resources and opportunitiesLevel of control you have over your life and world events How It Feeds EDs: "The world is unsafe, so I must perform to prove my value"Searching for control and stability through food/body managementFear-based restriction during uncertain times How to Change It: Challenge wellness culture and societal body image messagesCreate personal meaning and purpose beyond the disorder"Stay away from processed bodies rather than processed foods" How Core Beliefs Create ED Cycles The Connection: Core beliefs affect your motivations, goals, life choices, and desires for freedomNegative self-perception breeds perfectionism and restrictionFear of others' judgment results in using food and exercise for controlWorldview of unsafety heightens need to prove value through performance Powerful Quotes from This Episode "You are becoming someone you've never met before - and that's what I want you to take with you today.""What other people think of you is not your business.""No one truly cares what you are doing in your recovery outside of those closest to you.""You either quit or you get to keep going, and they both hurt. Choose your hurt wisely.""We have to stop living and breeding a culture where our daughters feel wrong for being in their own body." The Core Belief Transformation Process Step 1: Identification Recognize which of the 3 types of core beliefs are impacting your EDIdentify the "fundamental truths" you've made into idolsUnderstand these beliefs reinforce unhealthy coping mechanisms Step 2: Challenge Question beliefs about yourself, others, and the worldRecognize many beliefs aren't even yours - they were inheritedChallenge wellness culture and societal messages Step 3: Rebuild Build self-compassion and embrace your true identitySet boundaries and stop caring about bystanders' opinionsCreate meaning and purpose beyond the disorder Warning Signs Your Core Beliefs Are Feeding Your ED Tying your worth to your performance or appearanceBelieving you must be perfect to avoid rejectionUsing food/exercise to control how others see youFeeling unsafe in the world and needing control through restrictionBelieving you're "not good enough" or "unlovable" The Recovery Mindset Shifts From: "I'm not good enough" To: "I am a warrior becoming someone I've never been before" From: "I must be perfect to be loved" To: "I am worthy of love exactly as I am" From: "The world is unsafe" To: "I can create meaning and purpose beyond my fears" Journal Prompts for Core Belief ...
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    17 min