Ever find yourself asking, “Am I actually hungry… or just craving something?” You’re not alone and this question goes much deeper than willpower.

In this episode, I break down the difference between true physiological hunger and cravings, and why so many women feel disconnected from their hunger cues in the first place. Drawing from my experience as an online coach with 9+ years in the fitness industry, I share what I see daily with my coaching clients from lifestyle women to competitors transitioning out of prep.

We’ll talk about how chronic dieting, rigid food rules, stress, and under-fueling can blur the lines between hunger and cravings, making it hard to trust your body. I also explain how I coach clients through this exact confusion so they can stop second-guessing themselves around food.

You’ll learn:
• The signs of true hunger vs. cravings
• Why cravings aren’t a problem to “fix”
• How restriction often fuels more cravings
• How I help clients rebuild trust with their hunger cues
• Practical coaching-based strategies to respond to both without guilt

If you’ve ever felt confused around food, judged yourself for cravings, or wondered why you’re “always hungry,” this episode is for you. Understanding your body’s signals is a key part of the coaching process inside NicoleFerrierFitness—and a powerful step toward a more balanced, sustainable relationship with food.

Whether you’re a lifestyle client, former chronic dieter, or competitor learning how to eat outside of prep, this conversation will help you approach food with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.

Tune in and start learning how to listen to your body again.

Connect with me:
Instagram: @NicoleFerrierFitness
Coaching & resources: www.nicoleferrierfitness.com

In this episode, I’m joined by fellow prep coach Jojo Hart (@ohhhjojo) for an honest, no-fluff conversation on our biggest competition hot takes as coaches who live and breathe the prep world.

We dive into the real differences between big-name teams vs. solo coaches, the pros, cons, and what competitors actually need to consider when choosing a coach. We also talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in this industry: learning how to lose, navigating disappointment on stage, and why placing doesn’t define your worth or success.

Jojo and I also unpack the importance of developing a strong “why” behind stepping on stage, especially in a sport that can quickly blur the line between growth, validation, and burnout. This episode is for competitors who want to approach bodybuilding with more intention, maturity, and long-term perspective—both physically and mentally.

Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned athlete, this conversation will challenge how you think about prep, coaching, and success beyond the trophies.

🎧 Tune in for honest insight, coach-to-coach perspective, and the conversations competitors need to hear.

Follow Jojo: @ohhhjojo
Follow me & learn more about coaching: @NicoleFerrierFitness
Online Coaching: www.nicoleferrierfitness.com

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Jess Barron, also known as @theredheadrd, to have an honest conversation about the growing problem with “SkinnyTok” and the impact of skinny-focused messaging across social media.

We break down how these trends are repackaging diet culture under the guise of “health,” why this content is so harmful, and how easily it can pull people back into restriction, comparison, and disordered thinking. Jess and I both share our own experiences navigating poor messaging online, how it affected our relationship with food and our bodies, and what it took to unlearn those patterns.

We also talk about how to consume social media more intentionally how to spot red flags, curate your feed, and protect your mental and physical health in an online space that often rewards extremes. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt triggered, confused, or pressured by what you see online and want a more grounded, evidence-based approach to health.

Coaching with Nicole Ferrier Fitness:
I offer fully online, individualized coaching for both lifestyle and competition-based clients. With a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and nearly a decade of coaching experience, my approach focuses on sustainable training, evidence-based nutrition, and building a healthy relationship with food and your body without extremes.

Follow Jess on Instagram: @theredheadrd
Connect with me: @NicoleFerrierFitness | www.nicoleferrierfitness.com

Here’s the updated version with his IG and your info added:

Episode: The Rise of Fit Model with Adam Adkinson

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Adkinson (@seeyoutlaterleaner) to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in the NPC right now the surge of bikini competitors transitioning into the Fit Model division. We dive into why so many athletes are gravitating toward this category, what Fit Model is offering that bikini currently isn’t, and how this move is already reshaping the competitive landscape.

Adam and I break down the impact Fit Model has made in such a short amount of time, from shifts in judging priorities to the trends we’re seeing both on regional stages and at national-level shows. We also cover the emerging direction of the division—what physiques are standing out, how presentation is evolving, and what athletes should consider if they’re thinking about making the transition.

If you’re curious about Fit Model, questioning where bikini is heading, or trying to figure out which division aligns best with your physique and long-term goals, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Connect with me:
Website: www.nicoleferrierfitness.com
Instagram & Tiktok: @NicoleFerrierFitness
Online Coaching: Applications available through my website.

In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Sammy Jo, the cohost of Bikini Things and a voice so many women in the competing space trust. Together, we dive deep into the evolution of female bodybuilding how far the sport has come, how quickly it’s changing, and the good and the not-so-good that comes with that growth.

We also open up about the dark side of competing—the pressures, the extremes, the mental toll, and the misconceptions people outside the sport rarely see. This is an honest, necessary conversation for any woman navigating this world.

Plus, we get into the introduction of the Fit Model division what it means for athletes, what we love about it, what feels uncertain, and where we think this category is heading.

Whether you're a competitor, a fan of the sport, or someone fascinated by the shifting landscape of women’s physique divisions, this episode is packed with insight and real talk.

Connect with Sammy on Instagram: @itssammyjo_

Coaching & Contact:
Work with me: www.nicoleferrierfitness.com
Instagram: @NicoleFerrierFitness
Email: [email protected]

Trigger Warning: In this episode, I discuss disordered eating patterns, food obsession, and body image struggles. Please listen only if you feel emotionally ready and safe to do so.

In this solo episode, I get deeply vulnerable and open up about how I healed my relationship with food. I walk you through the mindset shifts, the uncomfortable truths, and the internal work I had to face after years of tying my worth to how little I ate or how much control I thought I had.

I also talk about therapy specifically how I understand and fully support that many people do need therapy to truly recover. While I personally didn’t use therapy in my own healing process, I want to be very clear that there is absolutely no shame in seeking professional help, and for many, it’s an essential and powerful part of the journey.

I share the real behind-the-scenes not the highlight reel of what healing looked like for me: the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the habits that helped me re-learn how to trust myself around food.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in food noise, guilt, or binge–restrict cycles, this episode will make you feel seen. My hope is that it reminds you that healing is possible, you’re not alone, and you deserve freedom with food just as much as anyone else.

Tune in, get cozy, and let’s go there—together.

Work with me:
If you’re ready to improve your relationship with food, build confidence in your nutrition, or take your fitness goals to the next level, you can apply for coaching at NicoleFerrierFitness.com.

Connect with me:
Instagram: @NicoleFerrierFitness
TikTok: @NicoleFerrierFitness

Here’s the updated version with her Instagram included:

In this episode, I’m joined by my assistant coach Mary (@marykuettel_fitness) to break down real, sustainable healthy eating tips for the holidays. Because let’s be honest this season can feel like a minefield of parties, travel, and meals that pull you away from your routine. But it doesn’t have to derail your goals.

Mary and I talk through how to approach holiday eating with intention instead of guilt, how to build balanced plates without feeling restricted, and the mindset shifts that help you enjoy your favorite foods while still honoring your goals. We also share strategies we use with our own clients—like managing portions, keeping protein a priority, staying consistent with your non-negotiables, and navigating those “food pushers” without stress.

If you want to head into the holidays feeling confident, grounded, and in control (without skipping the Christmas cookies), this episode is for you.

Apply for coaching at www.nicoleferrierfitness.com.

In this episode, I’m joined by @hollytbaxter, and we dive deep into muscle growth for women what the science actually says and how to optimize your time in the gym. 💪

We break down research on training frequency, recovery, volume, and nutrition, and discuss how women can build muscle effectively without wasting hours in the gym or falling for common myths.

If you want to understand what really drives results and how to make your training more efficient, this episode is a must-listen.

If you're wanting to learn more about my coaching services you can access the link below. 💻 Apply for coaching at www.nicoleferrierfitness.com

Today I’m joined by Kelly Ross (@kellynicolefit) to talk about something so many women experience but don’t have the words for — feeling “skinny fat.” We break down what actually creates a toned, defined look, why eating less and doing more cardio won’t get you there, and how to approach true body recomposition through fueling your body and training with intention.

If you feel like you're “doing everything right” but not seeing the muscle tone or shape you want, this episode will give you clarity on where to go from here.

If this conversation resonates and you’re ready to start applying for coaching, you can learn more at www.nicoleferrierfitness.com.

This is a solo episode where I break down one of the most common fears I see with women in their fitness journey: “If I eat more to build muscle, won’t I just gain fat?”
The truth is you can build muscle without piling on unnecessary body fat. But it takes intention, a structured plan, and understanding what your body actually needs to grow.

We’ll talk about what a real muscle-building phase looks like (not a free-for-all “bulk”), how to confidently increase calories, and why some weight gain is normal—but how to make sure it’s mostly lean muscle and not just fluff. I’ll walk you through exactly what to focus on with both nutrition and training so you can build shape, curves, and strength without feeling like you’re losing yourself in the process.

In this episode I cover:

• How to set calories to support muscle growth without overeating

• The difference between muscle gain and simply gaining weight

• What effective hypertrophy training actually looks like

• Why muscle building takes time and how to stay patient and grounded

• How to minimize fat gain while adding size and tone

If you’ve ever felt afraid to eat more because you didn’t want to “ruin” your progress this episode will help you move with confidence.

Want coaching or support?
Apply for 1:1 coaching at www.nicoleferrierfitness.com or send me a message @NicoleFerrierFitness on Instagram.