In this raw and revealing episode, we sit down with IFBB Bikini Olympia champion Nathalia Melo, who takes us behind the curtain of bodybuilding, body image, and motherhood.

From hiding her body three months before winning the Olympia to rebuilding her relationship with food, fitness, and herself after two kids, Nathalia opens up about the very real struggles behind the "perfect" body.

We talk about:

• How toxic behaviors get glamorized in the fitness industry
• The ripple effect of body image on kids — even when we think they aren’t watching
• Resentment, routines, and why self-care is non-negotiable
• The lies we tell ourselves (and others) about hormones, fat loss, and motivation
• How Nathalia’s mindset shifted when motherhood entered the picture

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you can’t do it all - this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Winning doesn’t fix body image. Even at her physical peak, Nathalia struggled with shame and insecurity.
• Behavior speaks louder than words. Kids pick up on how we treat our bodies — even when we’re not talking about it.
• Extremes don’t work long-term. Whether it's competing or crash dieting, unsustainable methods erode confidence over time.
• Resentment grows in silence. Sacrificing yourself endlessly leads to burnout — and bitterness toward the ones you love.
• Motherhood is a mindset shift. Fitness after kids isn't about bouncing back — it's about redefining what matters.

Listen Now If You:

• Feel stuck in an all-or-nothing cycle with your body or diet
• Want to raise kids without passing on your body image baggage

• Are tired of the toxic positivity that tells you to “just be grateful”
• Need permission to put yourself first, without guilt
• 
  

Thank you Cured Nutrition for sponsoring our podcast!

We LOVE Cured products and know you will, too! Whether it's popping a Serenity gummy to help you take the edge off after a long day, or taking a Flow gummy to help you crush your workout - Cured has something for you.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enter our code 'CTC' to receive 20% off your purchase from Cured Nutrition!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow the pod: ⁠⁠@cutthecrapwithbethandmatt⁠⁠

Follow your hosts:

Beth: ⁠⁠@bethferacofitness⁠

⁠⁠⁠Matt: ⁠⁠@mattlaarfit⁠⁠

Join our Patreon for monthly workouts, challenges, recipes, and to become part of the Cut The Crap Community! Become a member today for exclusive content and to support our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cutthecrappodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit our website to learn more about us, contact us, inquire about collaborating with us and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cutthecrappod.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Like this episode? Why not share it with a friend!

Send us a DM on Instagram to let us know what you think of this one, and with episode ideas! If we use your comment or suggestion, we'll give you a shoutout on the podcast!