Reinvention can start with one brave choice—and sometimes, with one creative act.

Giorgia talks with Filippo (former photographer/actor, now painter and sculptor in Mexico) about body image, self-acceptance, and how art, mindset, and visualization can help you rediscover who you are beyond fear, comparison, or old identities. Plus: a quick Art Therapy Challenge with simple exercises you can try at home.

In this episode: self-discovery, reinvention, body image, art therapy, mindset, visualization, mental health, self-acceptance, healing.

#BodyImage #SelfDiscovery #Reinvention #ArtTherapy #Mindset #MentalHealth #SelfAcceptance #Creativity #HealingJourney

Welcome back to Bite-Sized Stories!

The pressure to have a “fit” body is everywhere—especially on social media. In this episode, Giorgia talks about beauty standards, fitness culture, and how working out can shift from empowering to obsessive (and back again). With guest Maryia, Pilates instructor and fitness coach, we explore reconnecting with movement as a celebration of strength, not punishment.

If you’ve ever counted calories instead of dreams or felt “not fit enough,” you’re in the right place.

#BodyImage #FitnessCulture #BeautyStandards #Pilates #WellnessCulture #MentalHealth #SelfAcceptance #RelationshipWithFood

Welcome back to Bite-Sized Stories, the podcast that explores the truth about food, body image, and health through stories that are honest, lighthearted, and always supportive.

I’m Giorgia, and today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the realities behind the modeling industry and the journey to real health.

This week, I’m joined by Olesia, founder of The Return Method. Olesia’s story takes us from her early days as a scouted model in Russia, through restrictive dieting and plus-size modeling, to her transformation into a coach, mother, and advocate for authentic well-being. We talk about the pressure to fit beauty standards, the physical and emotional consequences of chasing thinness, and the surprising truth behind the plus-size industry.

Olesia shares how she redefined her relationship with her body, built her own coaching method, and now helps women find strength, balance, and confidence. We also discuss how becoming a mom changed her perspective on nourishment, self-acceptance, and raising a healthy child.

Whether you’re struggling with food, body image, or just want to hear an inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery, this episode will leave you feeling empowered.

Listen now, follow Bite-Sized Stories for more real conversations, and check the show notes for all of Olesia’s links and her Resilience Course.

Welcome back to Bite-Sized Stories! I’m Giorgia, and I created this podcast to open up honest, lighthearted, and deeply meaningful conversations about our relationship with food, body image, and mental health.

In this episode, we dive into a topic that so many of us are quietly struggling with: what happens when our mood, self-worth, and mental health start revolving around how we look, what we eat, and what we weigh. If you have ever wondered if Ozempic or other GLP-1 meds could “fix” your body or your relationship with food, this conversation is for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How food can become an emotional coping mechanism, and what that does to your mental health
• The psychological toll of living in a constant loop of food guilt, body obsession, and control
• A clear, simple breakdown of GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro): what they do, who they’re for, and who should be cautious
• Why these medical tools are not magic fixes for binge eating, self-esteem, or a disordered relationship with food
• The risks of using weight-loss meds when you have (or had) disordered eating
• How our body expectations are changing in a world where “just inject your way to skinny” is becoming normalized
• Why equating “thin” with “healthy” is so dangerous, and how to shift the focus toward feeling strong, functional, and truly well
• Practical first steps to start loosening food’s control over your life and reconnecting with yourself

Guest: Maya Graves,MD , clinical psychiatrist with a background in nutrition and metabolism, who works at the intersection of mental health, disordered eating, and GLP-1–based treatments.

Let’s Connect:
Subscribe for more honest conversations about food, body image, and mental health.
Share this episode with someone who needs to hear they are more than their body.
Follow us on Instagram: [@bite_sized.stories]
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If you’d like to share your story or expertise and join an episode of Bite-Sized Stories, email us at [[email protected]]

About Bite-Sized Stories:
Bite-Sized Stories is a podcast dedicated to breaking down taboos around eating disorders, mental health, and body image. Through real stories, expert insights, and a touch of humor, we aim to support, educate, and empower our community—one conversation at a time.

Welcome back to Bite-Sized Stories! I’m Giorgia, and I created this podcast to open up honest, lighthearted, and truly meaningful conversations about our relationships with food, body image, and mental health.In this episode, we break down food myths, expose supplement hype, and shed light on food safety.Confused by all the conflicting nutrition advice? Wondering what’s actually safe to eat, or whether supplements and detoxes really work? We’re cutting through the noise with real science and practical advice.What you’ll learn in this episode:- What “processed food” really means, why most foods are processed, and why we shouldn’t fear them- The science behind food supplements, multivitamins, and popular “detox” trends: what works, what doesn’t, and why- Why carbs and gluten aren’t the villains they’re made out to be, and how to understand the difference between real food intolerances and nutrition myths- How to build a balanced nutrition without cutting nutrients- How nutrition education can help you make smarter, more confident choices at the grocery store and in your daily mealsGuest: Dominic Mills, food scientist and industry expert with 20+ years of experience in food manufacturing, nutrition, and food safety.

Let’s Connect:Subscribe for more honest conversations!

Comment below with your food questions or myths you want us to bust!

Follow us on Instagram: [@bite_sized.stories]

Follow us on TikTok: [@bite_sized.stories]

If you would like to share your story or expertise, and join an episode of Bite-Sized Stories, email us at [[email protected] ]

About Bite-Sized Stories:Bite-Sized Stories is a podcast dedicated to breaking down taboos around eating disorders, mental health, and body image. Through real stories, expert advice, and humor, we aim to support, educate, and empower our community.

Welcome to the very first episode of Bite-Sized Stories! I’m Giorgia, and I created this podcast to open up honest, lighthearted, and truly meaningful conversations about our relationships with food, body image, and mental health.In this episode, we dive deep into:- What eating disorders really are—and why they often begin in childhood- How trauma and early experiences shape our relationship with food- Giorgia's personal journey with eating disorders, bulimia, and recovery- Practical advice for parents and loved ones- Busting myths and red flags around “diet culture”- How to take the first steps toward healingJoining me is Maryia, a mental health counselor specialized in trauma treatment, who brings compassion, insight, and practical strategies for anyone struggling—or supporting someone—on this path.**What to expect in this episode** 00:00 - Podcast and guest introduction01:36 - What are eating disorders — definitions and common types03:52 - Characteristics of specific eating disorders06:00 - Roots of eating disorders: biological, psychological, and societal factors07:38 - Trauma, societal pressure, and personal experience11:17 - Onset in adolescence and asking about childhood influence13:01 - Modeling and parenting to prevent disordered eating14:24 - Personal childhood story about hidden snacks and later symptoms17:29 - Emotions, anxiety, and food as a coping mechanism19:31 - Breaking the cycle of shame — first steps21:31 - Practical supports: talking, therapy, and organizations22:56 - Signature game: red-flag/green flag 23:25 - Red-flag rapid-fire: common food/body phrases24:42 - Outro and call to follow/shareIf you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Healing starts with a single step—talking, listening, or reaching out for help.**Let’s Connect:** - Subscribe for more honest conversations!- Share your story or questions in the comments - Follow us on Instagram: [@bite_sized.stories] - Follow us on TikTok [@bite_sized.stories] - If you want to share your story or expertise by joining an episode of Bite-Sized Stories, contact us [[email protected]]- Connect with Mary on Instagram: [psychology_bohan]**About Bite-Sized Stories:** Bite-Sized Stories is a podcast dedicated to breaking down taboos around eating disorders, mental health, and body image. Through real stories, expert advice, and humor, we aim to support, educate, and empower our community.