Welcome back to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach, Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause, or as we’re calling it ‘Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas’.

In this episode we chat about the impact of declining estrogen on neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline, and how this affects mood and stress. Lisa explains the importance of nutrients such as Vitamin C, B vitamins, L-Theanine, and magnesium for supporting adrenal health and mental well-being.

We also discuss food sources like leafy greens, supplements suitable for various dietary needs, and emphasise the importance of self-care (hello, Epsom salt baths!), understanding body changes, and making small, sustainable dietary adjustments during menopause.

Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:55] - Food, Mood, and Menopause
• [01:43] - Understanding Neurotransmitters and Hormones
• [02:59] - Supporting Adrenal Health with Nutrients
• [04:36] - Magnesium and Its Benefits
• [07:56] - The Importance of Gut Health
• [09:33] - Small Sustainable Changes for Menopausal Health
• [10:17] - Adapting Exercise During Menopause

CONNECT WITH LISA:

• Lisa's Website
• Lisa's Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ 
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Welcome to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause. 

Or as we’re calling it Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas.

First up: Body Image and Perimenopause.

We discuss the mind**** nature of our bodies changing, when there’s nothing you can do about it. 

Hormonal fluctuations. Embracing the change. Ways to get in touch with your body. Seeing menopause as a wonderful opportunity for a new beginning. 

And there’s an extra add on where Lisa asks me some personal questions!

Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:01] - Understanding Perimenopause and Weight Gain
• [03:58] - Body Image Challenges During Menopause
• [06:12] - Embracing the Menopausal Journey
• [07:25] - Top Tips for Connecting with Your Body
• [09:44] - Recognising Perimenopause Symptoms
• [11:05] - Personal Experiences and Advice
• [11:36] - Q&A: Relationship with Food and Menstrual Cycle

CONNECT WITH LISA:

• Lisa's Website
• Lisa's Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Laura Casey is the Director of Services at the Lois Treatment Centre for Eating Disorders in Dublin.

Laura says: “For the person to realise WHY… always helps their recovery because although they can’t change what happened, they can know why this happened. And then what their triggers are, which gets them to a point where they’re more resilient because they’ve done the work.”

Laura is passionate about a multi pronged approach for eating disorder recovery.

In this episode, we talk about the healthcare system, accessing treatment and how the lack of resources impedes a successful recovery.  

And so much more!

I loved my chat with Laura. She's a ray of sunshine. 

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:21] - Laura's Personal Relationship with Food
• [02:14] - Raising the Next Generation
• [06:31] - The Importance of Enjoying Food
• [08:08] - Laura's Career in Mental Health
• [09:31] - Understanding Eating Disorders and Trauma
• [20:12] - Challenges in the Healthcare System
• [28:43] - Challenges with Medication and Eating Disorders
• [31:55] - The Complexity of Eating Disorders
• [35:39] - Wellness Recovery Action Plan
• [38:12] - Support and Self-Compassion Strategies

CONNECT WITH LAURA CASEY:

• Lois Bridges Eating Disorder Treatment Centre
• Check Out Lois Bridges’ Instagram
• Laura's LinkedIn

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ 
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Lisa believes in using food as medicine.

“The starting point for me with clients, if appropriate, is to balance out stress levels. I like to work holistically, it’s never ever just about the food you eat it’s all about small sustainable changes.”

I met Lisa on a retreat. She hosted my welcome interview and instinctively knew I was on the edge of burn out. I was so comforted by her warmth and expertise that I  invited her onto the podcast. 

From a young age Lisa suffered with polycystic ovaries and severe hormonal imbalances. After an early surgical menopause she was left unsupported and alone.   

Lisa is a menopausal hormone expert and because of her own experiences dedicated to supporting women through any “hormonal storm”. 

We talked about hormones and menopause but had so much to say that we may well record some more. 

Stay tuned!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:09] - Lisa's Personal Health Journey
• [02:30] - Understanding Polycystic Ovaries and Insulin Resistance
• [06:33] - Navigating Menopause: Lisa's Experience
• [12:58] - The Role of Hormones in Women's Health
• [18:28] - The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Mental and Physical Health
• [31:44] - Breaking the Silence on Women's Health
• [32:26] - Understanding the Microbiome
• [34:45] - The Role of Testosterone in Women's Health
• [36:42] - Navigating Menopause
• [37:28] - The Importance of Hormone Research and Testing
• [41:07] - Holistic Approaches to Health and Wellness
• [46:38] - The Power of Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
• [54:01] - Embracing Menopause as a New Beginning

CONNECT WITH LISA G:

• Lisa's Instagram
• Lisa's Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“I found I wanted to stop time. If I could stay the same size as when my Mum was alive I could be closer to her. So I ended up restricting my food intake not because I wanted to be skinny but because I wanted to feel small and safe.”

Mallary developed anorexia after the loss of her Mum. Some misguided nutritional education at school helped fuel her symptoms and OCD; a time consuming jumping habit. Young Mallary was determined to be perfect.

Many years later when Mallary was teaching journalists how to write restorative narratives and include  the forgotten “messy middle/ middle place” she had a lightbulb moment. 

What if she explored her own “middle place?” Would this put the brakes on her quest for perfection and open the space up with her ongoing recovery? The answer can be found in Mallary’s book: SLIP: Life In The Middle Of Eating Disorder Recovery.

I recorded this podcast with Mallary the morning after the launch of her debut book SLIP: Life In The Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery.

What a pro!

I really enjoyed our chat. It was full of insightful and lived experience wisdom. 

Mallary made me think about my own stuff, which is always a plus. Enjoy.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:27 - Mallary's Book and Its Themes
• 01:42 - Mallary's Relationship with Food
• 02:22 - Struggles with Anorexia
• 02:50 - Impact of Mother's Death
• 04:02 - Complications of Eating Disorders
• 08:56 - Mallary's Teenage Years
• 11:07 - College Challenges and Binge Eating
• 18:47 - The Concept of the Middle Place
• 26:44 - Struggles and Progress in Recovery
• 32:29 - Mallory's Book, Slip
• 33:06 - Motherhood and Recovery Challenges
• 35:11 - Obsessive Behaviours Postpartum
• 36:38 - Research and Awareness on Eating Disorders

CONNECT WITH MALLARY TENORE TARPLEY:

• Connect with Mallary on Instagram
• Pick Up a Copy of Slip
• Mallary’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Sean says, “I always remember, one time, getting off the bike and just shivering, I think I’d even stopped sweating.  I remember falling onto my bed. I have this memory of a long tunnel and there’s two silhouettes at the end of it. I don’t know where it came from. I blacked out. I went in to my wife and I said I need help. I think I’ve got a problem with food.

I’d get up at 5am every morning to run. I’d run if it was raining, snowing, if I was injured. One time I was out running and I started crying because I didn’t like doing it. It was so hard but I knew I couldn’t give up. I lived to run. I’d wake up anxious because I wanted to get out that door and run.”

As a kid Sean didn’t like to eat. 

He felt constantly anxious.

During his teenage years Sean drank. Later he swapped alcohol for the gym and quickly became obsessed. He gave up the gym and started running. He ran and ate as little as possible. It was the only way he could manage his feelings of self hate and anxiety, But neither worked so he ran more and ate even less. 

One day he fell apart. 

Join me to hear Sean’s remarkable story and ongoing recovery. Sean is one of life’s natural storytellers; his openness and desire to spread the word make his episode a must listen.  

Here’s to you, Sean.

We need more voices like you.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:39] - Early Struggles with Food and Anxiety
• [05:05] - Teenage Years: Coping Mechanisms and Alcohol
• [07:16] - The Impact of Anorexia on Daily Life
• [21:18] - Family and Relationships Amidst Struggles
• [24:32] - Reaching Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
• [28:48] - Seeking Help and Initial Diagnosis
• [29:16] - Therapy and Realisation
• [29:44] - Hospitalisation and Treatment
• [32:27] - Inpatient Experience
• [37:08] - Compassion Therapy and Recovery
• [41:14] - Reflections and Advice
• [51:03] - Final Thoughts and Favourite Foods

CONNECT WITH SEAN BLAKE:

• Follow Sean on Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“Katie Beecher is… eerily accurate. Her readings… have a heavy dose of spiritual insight, too, which goes straight to what’s going on in your emotional life.”

Katie Beecher, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Medical and Emotional Intuitive with over thirty five years of experience. Katie is featured in over 200 media outlets including Goop, Kourtney Kardashian’s website Poosh and Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics Blog.

Katie says, “when I was 10 years old I went through early puberty. I was bullied relentlessly for what I looked like. For having breasts. For having hair. For being a little bit different. That took me to a place of intense shame; wanting to hide, hating being female and hating my body.”

Join me to hear Katie describe the routine that keeps both her body and mind healthy (clue; pole dancing) while helping others recover from eating disorders by treating the root causes and healing from within. 

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:19] - Meet Katie Beecher: Medical and Spiritual Intuitive
• [01:05] - Katie's Unique Process and Intuitive Soul Painting
• [03:45] - Katie's Relationship with Food and Recovery Journey
• [08:22] - Early Life Challenges and Eating Disorder Onset
• [14:11] - Therapy and Self-Discovery
• [26:06] - Expressing Through Movement
• [26:41] - Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
• [27:22] - Challenges and Symptoms of EDS
• [29:18] - Diagnosis and Support for EDS
• [32:32] - Empowerment Through Physical Strength
• [36:36] - Root Causes of Eating Disorders
• [39:49] - Spiritual and Emotional Healing

CONNECT WITH KATIE BEECHER:

• Pick Up a Copy of Katie’s Book: Heal From Within
• Follow Katie on Instagram
• Follow Katie on Facebook
• Katie’s Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“I completely understand the pull (of weight loss drugs) why many people see it as a solution but I’m concerned about the fact that we don't have long term data or studies re the health effects and for people with eating disorders it can be a disaster and potentially create/contribute to disordered eating.”

Our first podcast guest for 2025 is Marcelle Rose, an Emotional and Disordered Eating Specialist and registered dietician. 

We cover weight loss drugs,  fear around food, appetite and Marcelle’s best selling book The Binge Freedom Method with her four pillar system to help you back on track.

“There is always an opportunity to overcome an eating disorder and reclaim your life.”

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:28] - Marcelle's Personal Journey with Food
• [04:18] - The Impact of Weight Loss Medication
• [06:57] - Understanding Emotional Eating
• [15:00] - Marcelle's Training and Approach to Nutrition
• [19:31] - Navigating Food Choices and Flexibility
• [27:58] - Struggles with Orthorexia
• [28:54] - Impact of Training on Food Relationship
• [30:19] - Emotions After Binge Eating
• [31:55] - Introduction to Marcelle's Book
• [36:00] - The Four Pillars of Binge Freedom

CONNECT WITH MARCELLE ROSE:

• The Binge Freedom Method™ Book 
• Follow Marcelle on Instagram
• Check Out Marcelle's Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

Season 8 concludes with Lisa Marie who recently returned to day treatment for anorexia.

“I’ll be trying to get a meal deal in my half hour lunch break and half an hour will go by because I’m stood there, staring at everyone else watching them pick out the first sandwich they see.

I’m like, should I have this one, should I have that one, what’s got less in, what’s got more in, should I get something else, should I not have anything. Shall I just have a coffee.

It’s truly exhausting.”

Lisa is on a mission to move on from her eating disorders and get her life back. She says this is her last chance.

Lisa was doing really well until after the pandemic and she went back to the gym. Then her best friend died from anorexia.

This is a must listen for anyone caught up in the eating disorder zone.

Lisa is a candid and vulnerable guest. Her description about the battle to get well is pitch perfect.

This episode is dedicated to Lisa’s best friend, Nikki Grahame. 

*Trigger warning: Binge Foods at 21:11.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:31] - Lisa's Relationship with Food
• [02:11] - The Voice Inside: Struggles and Challenges
• [04:46] - Navigating Treatment and Daily Life
• [08:08] - Perfectionism and Its Roots
• [12:16] - The Dance Career and Its Impact
• [15:50] - Binge-Purge Cycle: The Hidden Struggle
• [24:07] - Coping with Overwhelm and Eating Disorders
• [24:43] - Meeting Nikki: A Bond Over Shared Struggles
• [28:01] - Lockdown Challenges and Nikki's Decline
• [32:56] - Personal Struggles and Seeking Treatment
• [35:59] - The Role of Therapy in Recovery
• [39:48] - Expressing Emotions Through Art
• [46:18] - Final Thoughts and Advice for Others

CONNECT WITH LISA MARIE:

• Lisa’s Personal Instagram
• Lisa’s ED Recovery Instagram

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ 
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

“I can really remember that the relationship with self was difficult. If I trace back to that growing, lovely young girl at 7/8/9 there was a little shift in body shape. I could see she wasn’t happy with herself….

I noticed a lot of self loathing creeping in. I used to really worry. I remember going into her room once and she was hitting her stomach.”

Emma didn’t notice her daughter had developed anorexia until they were about to board a plane for a family holiday. 

Emma’s been on a steep learning curve ever since.

Her warm and compassionate take on recent events will help anyone in a similar situation. 

There is always hope.

Emma wishes to remain anonymous.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [02:13] - Emma's Relationship with Food
• [02:42] - Family Dynamics and Food
• [05:39] - Early Signs of Trouble
• [14:54] - Bullying and Its Impact
• [17:49] - The Skipping Rope Obsession
• [24:36] - The Role of Social Media
• [28:56] - The Impact of Loss and Eating Restrictions
• [31:11] - Escalating Worries and Medical Intervention
• [40:20] - Support Systems and Family Involvement
• [45:19] - Road to Recovery and Ongoing Challenges
• [49:21] - A Positive Turn and Future Hopes

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful.

WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:

• 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] 
• The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!
• Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ 
• Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma