Food for Thought

Halloween can be a fun and festive time—but for many, it also brings up anxiety around food, body image, and the pressure to “stay on track.” In this episode, a registered dietitian and a licensed psychotherapist explore how to navigate the Halloween season with more peace, flexibility, and self-compassion.

We’ll dive into:

🍬 How to handle the abundance of candy without guilt

🧠 The psychological roots of food-related anxiety during the holidays

👻 Supporting kids in developing a healthy relationship with treats

💬 Strategies for coping with body image triggers in costume-centric events

❤️‍🩹 Reframing Halloween through an intuitive eating and mental health lens

Whether you're recovering from disordered eating, parenting through Halloween, or simply trying to have a less stressful holiday, this conversation offers grounded, practical support.

After a 5-month break, Food for Thought is back in your ears! In this catch-up episode, Alexia and Alixis reunite to share what’s been going on behind the scenes—life changes, unexpected detours, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way.

We’re pulling back the curtain on why we stepped away, what’s been happening in our world, and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward. Spoiler: we’ve missed you.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in, this is the perfect reset to jump back in with us.

Is it really just about "willpower"? Or have we all been fed a myth that's keeping us stuck, frustrated, and blaming ourselves? In this episode, we dive deep into the truth behind the willpower narrative and how diet culture has weaponized it to keep us chasing unrealistic ideals.

You'll learn:

-Why "lack of willpower" isn't the reason diets fail

-How your biology and environment play a bigger role than you think

-The psychological traps diet culture uses to keep you hooked

-How to reclaim your relationship with food and body without shame or guilt

Whether you're tired of starting over every Monday or just want to stop feeling like a failure, this conversation will give you the freedom and clarity you've been craving.

Tune in for a powerful mindset shift—and find out what diet culture really doesn't want you to know.

In this episode, we dive into the real-life challenges of taking care of your mind and body—without breaking the bank. From affordable grocery tips and simple meal planning hacks to managing stress and emotional eating during tight times, this conversation is full of practical, compassionate advice. Whether you’re a student, supporting a family, or just trying to stretch your dollars, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and nourished—inside and out.

In this heartfelt and informative episode, Alexia and Alixis sit down to explore the deep connection between nutrition and mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. From navigating cravings and combating fatigue to addressing anxiety, mood changes, and postpartum depression, they share practical insights and compassionate guidance for new and expecting moms. Whether you’re preparing for birth, in the thick of postpartum, or supporting someone on this journey, this conversation offers empowering tools to help nurture both body and mind.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Jordan Davidson, a passionate advocate for men’s health, as he shares his personal journey navigating the challenges of fatherhood, receiving an ADHD diagnosis, and embracing intuitive eating. Jordan opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, offering a candid look at the emotional and physical transitions that come with becoming a father and how ADHD shaped his approach to health and wellness. He also dives deep into his experience with intuitive eating—how it has helped him reclaim his relationship with food, improve mental clarity, and better manage stress. Whether you're a parent, dealing with ADHD, or simply interested in learning more about the holistic approach to wellness, this conversation offers valuable insights into living a balanced and fulfilling life. Tune in for practical advice, authentic stories, and a fresh perspective on men’s health.

In this insightful episode, we dive into the world of food cravings with expert perspectives from both a psychotherapist and a dietitian. Join us as we explore the psychological and emotional triggers behind those intense cravings, how stress, mood, and past experiences can influence our food choices, and practical strategies for understanding and managing them. Alixis offers evidence-based advice on balancing nutrition to reduce unhealthy cravings, while Alexia provides tips on emotional regulation and self-awareness to break the cycle. Whether you're trying to improve your relationship with food or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical tips!

https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-cortisol-and-adrenaline-to-boost-our-energy-and-immune-system

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Wallis, an eco-therapist and psychotherapist, to explore the powerful connection between nature and mental health. As we delve into the practice of eco-therapy, Lauren shares insights on how immersing ourselves in nature can heal emotional wounds, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of belonging. From grounding techniques to understanding our intrinsic bond with the environment, this conversation offers practical tips and profound wisdom on how to cultivate mental well-being through nature. Tune in to discover how eco-therapy can be a transformative path to healing for the mind. 

Find Lauren on Instagram @laurenwallistherapy or laurenwallis.ca

Lauren's Recommended Resources:

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Grounded: How Connection with Nature can Improve our Mental and Physical Wellbeing by Ruth Allen

A Wild Love for the World: Joanna Macy and the Work of our Time by Joanna Macy and Stephanie Kaza 

Ecotherapy: Healing with Nature in Mind by Craig Chalquist

Ecopsychology: Restoring the Earth/Healing the Mind by Lester Brown

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier and More Creative by Florence Williams

Nature and the Human Soul: Cultivating Wholeness and Community in a Fragmented World by Bill Plotkin

In this insightful episode, we dive into the topic of adrenal fatigue. We’ll explore the science behind adrenal function, why the concept of "adrenal fatigue" can be controversial, and how stress, lifestyle, and diet all play a role in how our bodies respond to chronic pressure.

Alixis sheds light on how nutrition can support adrenal health, debunking popular myths about supplements, restrictive diets, and the importance of balanced eating for managing stress. Meanwhile, Alexia offers an understanding of the emotional and psychological components, discussing how chronic stress can impact mental health and how therapy can complement physical health interventions.

Whether you're dealing with burnout, exhaustion, or just want to understand more about how your body and mind interact under stress, this episode is packed with practical advice, evidence-based insights, and compassionate approaches to holistic healing. Tune in to learn how to support your body and mind with strategies that go beyond the surface.

Listen now to gain a deeper understanding and practical tips for fostering balance in your life!

“Clinical perspective on stress, cortisol and adrenal fatigue

Author links open overlay panel - James L. Wilson DC, ND, PhD”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212962614000054

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the connection between mental health and nutrition throughout the menstrual cycle. Join a registered dietitian, Alixis, and a psychotherapist, Alexia, as they share expert tips on how to navigate each phase of your cycle. From managing mood swings and stress to fueling your body with the right nutrients, we will provide practical advice for supporting your mental well-being and physical health during each stage. Whether you're trying to balance energy levels, ease PMS symptoms, or understand your body's nutritional needs, this episode will give you the tools to thrive at every phase. Tune in for an insightful conversation that empowers you to nurture both your mind and body!