Today I am joined by Cynthia – also known as The @Period.Nutritionist, to talk all things periods, hypothalamic amenorrhea, PCOS, and her own experience of losing and healthily regaining her period through incorporating sustainable health practices and going ‘all in’.

We discuss the harmful influences of diet culture, body image issues and the toxic influences of today’s 21st century society, pushing women into proactively transforming their bodies for social acceptance to be deemed “beautiful” or successful. Cynthia previously resorted to restricting calories, exercising excessively for hours each day, causing a loss of freedom, and thus, her menstrual cycle and ability to conceive.

And so, throughout this episode, we discuss the journey of finding food freedom and respect for your body. Overcoming the anxiety associated with weight gain, prioritising rest, discovering   a healthy relationship with exercise and overall, live a healthy lifestyle.

*TW*

Today I am joined with a fellow anorexia warrior, Brittney (@bites_by_b), to have a no-filter, raw conversation of our experiences with eating disorders.

We raise awareness of  the psychologically damaging reality of anorexia nervosa, how isolating, terrifying and identity engulfing it can become – seeking comfort and control in abusing, malnourishing and depriving our bodies.

How small habits and rituals can detrimentally develop and amplify into a sinister, life threatening situation, where your individual lifestyle, behaviours, characteristics are controlled and altered in aid of the harmful progression of the eating disorder

We also discuss our poor experience with doctors within the recovery process – where medical practitioners solely focus on reverting symptoms, rather than providing consideration towards psychological triggers and mental health issues.

Often, and specifically within our situations, the severity of the illness is totally minimised – being refused treatment due to weight not being perceived as “low enough”, which only triggered the anorexia further, craving validation – only pushing us to pursue the disordered tendencies, putting us into a life threatening position. Thus raising the discussion on the essentiality of early intervention and the application of prevention techniques.

Overall, we talk toxic environments, heavily dysmorphic mindsets and how this harmful illness influences and manipulates  you to totally dictate and dedicate your life to it – no matter the detrimental consequences upon your emotional and physical health, relationships or future.

Due to the nature of the discussion, I would like to pre-warm any listeners of a fragile mindset and apply a trigger warning. The conversations we have regarding our previous circumstances are very raw, and can possibly be translated as triggering, so please skip this episode if you think it may impact you negatively.

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Back at it again with Alex (@buleyfit) to discuss self-destructive mindsets, chronic perfectionism, driven mindsets and the pressure we put upon ourselves to be continually 'productive', striving for unattainable expectations.

We discuss the difficulty of adjusting to the University lifestyle, feeling confidence in pursuing your path rather than confiding into social stereotypes, and the value of surrounding yourself with like minded people.

We discuss the perception of 'failure', and how these moments of adversity can enforce growth, allow you to recognise your capabilities,  acquire new skills and expand your overall understanding to overcome obstacles.

Also, we raise the topic of burnout, and the importance of finding a work/life balance - prioritising rest and minimising the habitual routine of unnecessarily overworking.

Amber Maddison Davies (@ambersostomy) to specifically raise awareness of invisible illnesses and disabilities.

Amber was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an incurable bowel disease, which lead her to living with a permanent stoma.

In this episode, we discuss ambers journey in depth, and the stereotypies and stigmas associated with invisible illnesses. But also, we highlight how amber has transformed this difficult situation into something inspirational through participating in multiple fundraising events and raising awareness across social media.

Crohn's & Colitis UK:
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/

SEASON 3 - we're back

Healthy habits to allow you to optimise upon each day with a positive, healthy and motivated mindset... from improving your sleep cycle, moving your body, and developing a focused mindset to enhance productivity.

I discuss the importance of being selective of your friendship groups - prioritising quality, worthwhile relationships, being mindful of social media consumption and overall, striving toward living each day with purpose and positivity

Today I am joined by  Jamie Price (@jamie_price_fitness), to discuss all things fitness, lifting, strength training and confidence.

Primarily, we focus on debunking the endless misconceptions associated of lifting as a female... reinforcing how it only enhances the sense of empowerment, fulfilment and enables us to develop a further respect for our bodies. 

We discuss how fitness and training should be sustainably implemented within your lifestyle and the importance of embracing the journey, enjoying what you do, and challenging yourself to unleash your true performance capabilities. 

Despite the apparent physical benefits of living an active lifestyle, the psychological benefits are unmistakable. The sense of community, the satisfying feeling of independent progression, scheduling the time aside solely for you can be so positive for your mental wellbeing, hence why it is a reoccurring point within this conversation.

Today you’re in for a little treat as I’m joined by Hayley Madigan (@hayleymadiganfitness).  A Portsmouth based fitness coach specialising in female health, with online content representing all things female empowerment, body confidence and self-love

Hayley opens up about her transition from a deprivational and obsessive relationship with fitness and her body – where her lifestyle was consumed by a strict, unhealthy regime… to now finding freedom, self-respect and a far more sustainable and healthy balance with training, food and her body. 

The positive recovery journey allowed Hayley to regain her organic love for training, constructively shifting her priority to inner health, and thus inspiring her motivating online content. She demonstrates raw, realistic and authentic images, unlike the stereotypical over filtered nature of social media. Normalising body fat, cellulite, bloating, discussing mental health, hormones to even camel toes and sexual confidence.

We also discuss the unfortunately toxicity across social media platforms, how the nature of this content can be triggering and unhealthy for vulnerable, impressionable mindsets to absorb, and thus, the importance of filtering out negativity, ensuring to create the place safe for your mindset.

The topics of numerics is also raised – how often an overemotional relationship with the scale can be dangerous, harmful and used as a tool to encourage obsessive, unhealthy behaviours – thus discussing alternative, empowering methods of tracking progress to ensure you’re not damaging your mental health in the meantime. Similarly, we talk the revelation of food freedom, intuitive eating, listening to your body, stripping away all labels, restrictions, strict timings and allowing the incorporation of all foods.

Overall, this podcast episode is a discussion to hopefully inspire you to feel confident, free and     empowered. To find your independence and embrace your individuality despite the overwhelming 21st century pressures of society, the media, the diet industry and unattainable expectations.

 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSIYYjE3iLiXgYbU64vQHaA

During the initial stages of embarking on your fitness journey, the unfamiliarity of a gym environment can be daunting and anxiety inducing. The space can often feel intimidating, overwhelming and put you totally out of your comfort zone.

So today I'm discussing how I was able to overcome my anxiety and finally feel empowered, confident and comfortable within the gym.

I hope this conversation reassures you that it is a safe place. Where you can achieve, thrive, progress and feel accomplished. 

An episode solely dedicated to all things anorexia recovery, advice and methods towards living a healthy, sustainable life where you can flourish.

Discussing topics such as identity, control, psychological issues, triggers, refeeding, food freedom, relationships, to hopefully provide motivation and support to you to undergo a successful recovery journey.

Living with the consistent toxicity of an eating disorder can be overwhelmingly challenging, isolating and cause a feeling of vulnerability. However, I hope this episode can enlighten and empower you to take the small and gradual stages towards prioritising your health, welfare and wellbeing.

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDyu-lQpBA8

Support: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
https://youngminds.org.uk/
https://www.adt-healthcare.com
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eating-...
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvic...
https://eating-disorders.org.uk/