In this episode, Sam sits down with Caroline Shermer to explore the complexities of body image, eating disorders, and the impact of diet culture. Caroline shares her personal journey into the field, the importance of addressing body image in nutrition counseling, and why healing is about so much more than food.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Caroline’s path to becoming an eating disorder specialist and her personal connection to the work
• The role of body image in eating disorder recovery and why it’s often overlooked
• How social media and constant “body data” fuel dissatisfaction and comparison
• The concept of “body image as brain work,” not just about appearance
• Expanding the spectrum: moving beyond the binary of body hatred vs. body positivity
• Practical tools for clients: self-compassion, mindfulness, and values-based work
• The “consent problem” in diet culture and how to reclaim agency
• Why body peace is a process, not a destination—and what it really means

Resources & Mentions:

• Meant to Eat Nutrition Counseling: meanttoeat.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @meanttoeat
• Dr. Anita Johnston’s work on storytelling and somatic coding
• Kristen Neff’s three pillars of self-compassion
• Marci Evans’ body image handouts

Connect with Caroline:

• Website: meanttoeat.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @meanttoeat
• In-person sessions in Nashville, TN & virtual sessions nationwide

Connect with Sam:

• Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com
• Claim your 14 day free trial of Unmasked Meal Prep
• Instagram: @sammib.nutrition

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individualized medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling or other medical care from dietitian or other medical provider.