Motivated With Meg

Motivated With Meg

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Motivated With Meg episodes

  • A Taste of Self-Love…and it Starts with Chocolate!

    In this special Valentine’s Day bonus episode, I get real about how diet mentality can steal your joy and block the love you deserve—especially self-love. I share five powerful tips to help you break free from guilt, embrace mindful eating, and celebrate every aspect of who you are. From savoring that piece of chocolate without shame to moving your body as an act of self-care, this episode is your invitation to rediscover the transformative power of self-love and body positivity. 

    A message from Meg:

    Hey there, and Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether today is about romance, friendship, or simply showing yourself some love, I want you to know—you are already enough, just as you are. Diet culture loves to sneak in and tell us we need to ‘earn’ joy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You deserve to enjoy, savor, and celebrate today without guilt. So here’s my Valentine to you: permission to love yourself fully, unapologetically, and in the body you have right now. Sending you all the self-love vibes today and always! XO - Meaghan

     

    Topics Covered

    00:00:00-00:00:57 Reflecting on Valentine’s Day

    00:00:59-00:02:58 Tip #1

    00:02:58-00:03:53 Tip #2

    00:03:54-00:05:21 Tip #3

    00:05:22-00:06:48 Tip #4

    00:06:48-00:08:41 Tip #5

    00:08:41-00:09:14 Final Thoughts

    Resources:
    • Tip#1 
    • Tip #2 & #3 
    • Tip #4
    • Tip #5
    • Connect with Meaghan
      • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
      • Follow @meaghanmcelroen
      •  

        Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts:https://pod.link/1776913379

        Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379
        Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r
        Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p 

        P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!

        10 min
      • How She Learned to Fuel Her Body Without Diet Rules

        Ever feel like you're on empty by the middle of the day, sluggish and ready for a nap? Or like your mood is all over the place, and you can’t figure out why? It’s easy to blame stress or not getting enough sleep, but what if it’s actually about what (or how much) you’re eating? 🤔

        What if giving your body nutrient-dense foods (and eating enough of them) could change how you feel every single day? 

        In this final episode of The Eating Experiment, we’re diving into how nutrition isn’t just about eating-it’s about feeling good in your skin, having steady energy, and even boosting your mood. I’ll share the story of a client who stopped skipping meals, started fueling her body, and saw her energy and mindset completely shift—and how you can do it too. 🙂 

        If you’re ready to stop overthinking food and start listening to what your body really needs, tune in!

        P.S. Love this episode? Let me know 🙏🏻💬 Please rate the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and is very much appreciated!

        Topics Covered
        • Reflecting on the Eating Experiment: lessons from the season
        • A client’s journey: fueling her body with mindful nutrition and intention
        • How nutrition impacts mood, recovery, and overall health
        • Simplifying nutrition
        • Resources for diving deeper into nutrition and self-care
        • Your final experiment of the season
        • Season 2: The Movement Experiment!
        • Final reflections
        • Resources:

          Join the waitlist for the Motivated with Meg group

           

          Huberman Lab - A podcast and resource by Andrew Huberman, focused on health, science, and wellness.

          Explore Huberman Lab

          Dr. Stacey Sims - Researcher and expert on female physiology, nutrition, and exercise.

          Learn more about Dr. Stacey Sims

           

          To connect with registered dieticians, send me a DM!

          Connect with Meaghan

          Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast

          Follow @meaghanmcelroen

           

          Click here to listen wherever you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/1776913379

          Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motivated-with-meg/id1776913379

          Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4dqqjwsmm3WfeQh8uBUe3r

          Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL62IXb2PKADYc3g7Ehj5793bczeanFm-p

           

          13 min
        • Social Pressure at the Table: How to Stay True to Your Needs

          Does eating out with friends or family ever feel overwhelming? Whether you fear someone will comment on your body, feel pressure to join in on drinks and dessert or worry about what others might think of your food choices, it can be tough to enjoy these moments. But what if you could attend social gatherings with peace instead of pressure?

          This week on Motivated with Meg, we’re exploring how to reframe social eating, stop overthinking others’ opinions, and honor your needs. From navigating family gatherings to choosing what feels good for you at happy hour, this episode will help you let go of guilt and find freedom in your choices.

          Topics Covered
          • Why social eating feels so stressful for so many of us
          • How past experiences with comments about my body or eating habits shaped my worries
          • The emotional roller coaster of “being good” at events and why it often leads to overindulging
          • How to decline food or drinks gracefully without guilt or over-explaining
          • The importance of showing up for yourself, not for others’ comfort
          • Your weekly experiment!
          • Resources:
            • Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – A resource on breaking free from food rules and judgment.
            • NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) – For support with body image concerns and eating habits.
            • Connect with Meaghan
              • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
              • Follow @meaghanmcelroen
              • 17 min
              • The Scale Doesn’t Define You: Finding Freedom from Numbers

                Does the number on the scale control how you feel about yourself? Do you let it decide what or how much you eat, the amount of cardio you’ll do or even how you see your own worth?

                For years, I let the scale dictate my choices and emotions—but luckily I learned to let that habit go. 🙂

                Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! Today, we’re exploring how to break free from the scale’s hold, why weight fluctuations are normal, and how to embrace gentle nutrition. If you’re ready to step off the emotional rollercoaster of scale obsession and into a space of self-trust and balance, this episode is for you.

                Topics Covered
                • Storytime: back when I was consumed by the number on the scale..
                • How the scale became a habit I didn’t question—and how I broke free
                • Why weight fluctuations are like the stock market
                • What gentle nutrition is and how it helps you make choices, and
                • Your weekly experiment!
                • Resources:

                  Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – Learn more about the principles of intuitive eating.

                  NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) – Resources for support with eating disorders and body image concerns.

                   

                  Connect with Meaghan
                  • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
                  • Follow @meaghanmcelroen

                    13 min
                  • Food Shopping Without Stress: Tips for Finding Your Routine

                    Does food shopping feel like just another stressful chore on your to-do list? Whether it’s juggling a busy schedule, dealing with picky eaters, or not knowing where to start, grocery shopping can quickly feel overwhelming. But what if you could create a routine that actually works for your life, not against it?

                    Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! Today, we’re talking about finding a food shopping routine that feels manageable and realistic, no matter what season of life you’re in. I’ll share simple strategies, personal stories, and an experiment to help you take the stress out of grocery shopping and bring more ease to your meals. Let’s dive in!

                    Topics Covered
                    • My personal tips for creating a food shopping routine that works for you
                    • How stress spending on food can lead to a cycle of overeating, guilt and dieting
                    • The benefits of using apps to simplify your food shopping process
                    • A relatable story of a friend who found her grocery shopping solution with curbside pickup
                    • The importance of adapting your shopping routine to different seasons of life
                    • How to approach food shopping flexibly without guilt or perfectionism
                    • Resources:
                      • Stop & Shop Curbside Pickup – Example of grocery stores offering curbside service.
                      • Meal Planning Apps – Apps for creating food shopping lists and meal plans.
                      • Registered Dietitians via Health Insurance – Support for personalized nutrition advice.
                      •  

                        Connect with Meaghan
                        • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
                        • Follow @meaghanmcelroen

                          12 min
                        • From Overwhelmed to Confident: Simple Steps to Get Cooking at Home

                          Does cooking at home feel like a chore? Do you find yourself turning to DoorDash because the thought of cleaning the kitchen or planning a meal feels overwhelming?

                          Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! Today, we’re diving into why so many of us avoid the kitchen and how to shift that mindset.

                          From looking at cooking as self-care to breaking down the barriers that hold us back, this episode is full of tips and encouragement to help you reconnect with cooking at home. Whether it’s cleaning, meal planning, or just trying one simple recipe, our goal in this episode is to learn how to make it manageable and maybe even fun. 😊

                           

                          Topics Covered
                          • The benefits of cooking at home
                          • My challenges with cooking, meal planning, cleaning the kitchen, etc
                          • The common barriers to cooking at home and how to overcome them
                          • How to see cooking as an act of💗self-care💗 instead of a chore 
                          • The science behind cooking and mental well-being
                          • Your weekly experiment!
                          • Resources:

                            The Journal of Behavioral Nutrition – Study on the benefits of cooking at home for health and well-being.

                             

                            Simple Crockpot Recipes – Easy and quick ideas for beginner-friendly meals.

                             

                            Motivated with Meg Accountability Group – Join the community for support and encouragement.

                            Connect with Meaghan
                            • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
                            • Follow @meaghanmcelroen
                            • 15 min
                            • Carbs, Cleanses, and Low-Fat Lies: Debunking Popular Food Myths

                              The holidays are in full swing—Christmas is this week, and the New Year is right around the corner. And if there’s ever a time when food myths hit harder, it’s now.

                              Fear of Carbs at the holiday dinner table, “detox cleanses” in January to make up for eating holiday carbs, and the endless cycle of guilt over "indulgent" treats. Sound familiar? 👀 You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. 🫂

                              Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! In this episode, we’re breaking down the most common food myths that pop up this time of year…like why you don’t need to “detox” after the holidays, why carbs aren’t the enemy (yes, even good ol’ bread), and how to spot sneaky marketing traps like “low-fat” and “fat-free” labels.

                              If you’re tired of feeling like you need to “get back on track” every January, this one’s for you. Let’s reclaim your relationship with food—no rules required.

                              Topics Covered
                              • How food myths get started (and why they feel so real)
                              • The food myths that ran my life
                              • The truth about carbs and why they’re not the enemy
                              • Why juice cleanses feel like they “work” but don’t actually detox your body
                              • The surprising problem with low-fat and fat-free foods
                              • How we only see evidence that supports our beliefs and ignore everything else, aka confirmation bias
                              • Your experiment for the week!
                              • Resources:
                                • National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Nutrition Science – Reliable source of evidence-based nutrition information.
                                • Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – A resource on moving away from diet rules and reclaiming body trust.
                                • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Professional guidance on balanced eating and debunking common myths.
                                • Connect with Meaghan
                                  • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
                                  • Follow @meaghanmcelroen

                                    15 min
                                  • The Sneaky Food Rules You Don’t Realize You’re Following

                                    This week, the goal is to work on our awareness around 2 things: diet mentality and diet culture. 

                                    Have you ever felt like food has too much power over your thoughts, plans, or self-worth? What if I told you, that might be diet mentality running the show? 🤔

                                    Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! Today, we’re talking about the sneaky ways diet mentality seeps into our thoughts and actions, often without us realizing it. I’ll share personal stories, break down the billion-dollar industry that profits from your insecurities, and most importantly, show you how to spot and challenge the thoughts that keep you stuck in the diet cycle.

                                    If you’re ready to feel more free around food, this episode is for you!

                                    Topics Covered
                                    • The difference between diet mentality (internal) and diet culture (external) and how they work together
                                    • My personal story about eating cake…and the guilt that came with it. 
                                    • The billion-dollar industry that profits off your insecurities
                                    • The diet cycle: how restriction, guilt, and bingeing keep you stuck in a loop
                                    • The three most common thinking traps that keep the diet mentality alive
                                    • Why we’re trained to think food choices are moral choices (good vs. bad food) and how to shift that thinking
                                    • And of course, your weekly experiment!
                                    •  

                                      Resources:
                                      • NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) – Resource for support and treatment for eating disorders.
                                      • Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – Book resource for breaking free from diet mentality.
                                      • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Insight on how trauma can shape behaviors, including eating habits.
                                      •  

                                        • Connect with Meaghan
                                          • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
                                          • Follow @meaghanmcelroen

                                            15 min
                                          • Cravings Aren’t the Enemy: How to Understand and Work with Them

                                            Ever feel like cravings are out to get you? Whether it’s the sudden urge for chips, chocolate, or something salty, cravings often get labeled as “The Enemy”.

                                            But what if cravings weren’t bad at all? 💡🤔What if…they were simply messengers trying to tell you something? 

                                            Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! In today’s Eating Experiment, we’re diving into food cravings and how to approach them. From understanding the science behind why we crave certain foods to learning how to respond before acting, this episode will help you navigate cravings with more ease and compassion.

                                            Tune in for practical tips, relatable stories, and your weekly experiment!

                                            Topics Covered
                                            • Why cravings aren’t the enemy and how to handle them
                                            • My personal story of hiding snacks in my car and why cravings showed up when I was alone
                                            • The connection between cravings, stress, and emotional regulation
                                            • What triggers our cravings
                                            • Dopamine and the brain’s reward system
                                            • Why cravings often show up during hormonal changes
                                            • The impact of diet culture on cravings and how restriction fuels the urge to overeat
                                            • Your weekly experiment! 🌈
                                            • Resources:
                                              • TED Talk: "Women Are Not Small Men" by Dr. Stacey Sims – Learn about hormonal differences and their impact on nutrition and exercise.
                                              • Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – A resource for breaking free from diet culture and understanding body signals.
                                              • Your Experiment:

                                                • Connect with Meaghan
                                                  • Follow @motivatedwithmegpodcast
                                                  • Follow @meaghanmcelroen

                                                    16 min
                                                  • The Gas Gauge of Eating: Tuning into Hunger and Fullness

                                                    The holidays are here! And with them come big meals, endless snacks, and food-focused gatherings. It’s easy to lose touch with your body’s hunger and fullness signals when surrounded by tempting dishes, traditions like cleaning your plate, or even guilt around indulging. 

                                                    But what if you could enjoy the holidays without the stress of overeating or restrictive food rules? 

                                                    Welcome back to Motivated with Meg! In this episode, we’re continuing the Eating Experiment by exploring how to reconnect with your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues (even during the holiday chaos).

                                                    You’ll learn simple ways to notice when you’re hungry or satisfied, why it matters, and how to approach these signals without judgment. 

                                                    Let’s make this holiday season one where food brings joy, not guilt.

                                                    If you’re enjoying this series, please subscribe and give us a rating wherever you listen to podcasts! 🙂

                                                    Topics Covered
                                                    • Why so many of us feel disconnected from our hunger and fullness signals
                                                    • How diet culture and medication can disrupt these natural cues
                                                    • My personal story of skipping meals and how it backfired
                                                    • The science behind hunger and fullness
                                                    • The hunger and fullness scale (and how to use it)
                                                    • Your weekly experiment
                                                    • Resources:
                                                      • Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch – Learn more about the 10 principles of intuitive eating.
                                                      • Harvard School of Public Health on Mindful Eating – Insights into using your body’s cues for healthier eating habits.
                                                      • 12 min

                                                      About Motivated With Meg

                                                      From the publisher's feed

                                                      A podcast dedicated to inspiring you on your journey to holistic wellbeing and body wellness. Join Meaghan as she shares practical tips, motivational insights, and empowering stories to help you break free from diet culture, trust your body, and embrace health from the inside out.