What does food freedom actually look like when life feels nonstop, schedules are packed, and perfectionism keeps creeping back in? This episode digs into how to pursue peace with food in the middle of real life amidst busy calendars, competing priorities, and the pressure to “do recovery right.

We’re joined by Brittany Braswell, a registered dietitian, sought-after public speaker, top-rated podcast host, and creator of The Joy-Filled Eater Course, where she helps Christian women break free from food guilt, body image struggles, and diet culture through a faith-centered, practical approach to food freedom. She’s known for her warm, relatable style and ability to help women experience real peace with food, without obsession or shame.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Recovery doesn't have to be perfect; small steps matter.

• Busyness can be an excuse that hinders recovery.

• Intention is more important than time spent on recovery.

• Perfectionism often leads to an all-or-nothing mentality.

• Accountability is crucial for maintaining progress in recovery.

• It's okay to consume convenience foods when necessary.

• Prioritize adequacy in nutrition over perfection.

• Breaking food rules can lead to greater freedom.

• Rest is essential for recovery and overall well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Food Freedom

02:46 Brittany's Journey and Background

09:45 Challenges of Busy Lifestyles

15:12 Barriers to Recovery

20:03 Practical Steps for Recovery

20:38 Introduction to Intentional Eating

21:25 Setting Realistic Goals for Recovery

23:09 Creating a Plan for Food Freedom

26:12 The Importance of Accountability

29:01 Balancing Convenience and Nutrition

31:20 Overcoming Guilt Around Food Choices

36:01 Challenging Perfectionism in Eating

40:32 Final Thoughts on Small Steps to Recovery

If you're looking for faith-based food and body freedom, Maddox Nutrition offers compassionate expertise to support both your nutrition and your faith.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://www.lieselmaddoxnutrition.com/

Sources/Links:

• Click HERE to lsten to Brittany's podcast, Faith-Filled Food Freedom.

• Learn more about taking a Christ-centered approach to food freedom inside The Joy-Filled Eater Course at www.brittanybraswellrd.com/course 

• Subscribe to Brittany's weekly VIP newsletter, The Full Plate Press, for FREE resources on body image, nutrition, and food freedom.

• Faith-Filled Food Freedom Episode 91: 4 Types of Rest and Why You Need a Sabbath
  

We’re breaking down what really happens to hunger cues during an eating disorder and throughout recovery, especially when hunger feels confusing, absent, or completely untrustworthy. This episode walks through how the body was designed to communicate hunger, what goes wrong when restriction or chronic dieting enters the picture, and why the loss of hunger signals is not a sign that the body no longer needs food.

This conversation offers both clinical insight and lived experience to normalize the fear and uncertainty that often surround eating in recovery.

In this episode, you’ll hear about how…

• Hunger cues can be confusing during eating disorder recovery.

• The body takes years to recalibrate hunger signals.

• Ignoring hunger cues can lead to their shutdown.

• Ghrelin and leptin regulate hunger as key hormones.

• Consistent nourishment helps restore hunger cues.

• Eating consistently is crucial for rebuilding trust with the body.

• Hunger can manifest in various ways beyond physical sensations.

• Structure in eating can aid recovery from eating disorders.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hunger Cues and Eating Disorders

01:56 The Science Behind Hunger Cues

03:20 Understanding Ghrelin and Leptin

06:32 The Impact of Ignoring Hunger Cues

09:44 Low Power Mode: The Body's Survival Mechanism

12:31 The Importance of Consistent Nourishment

15:55 Rebuilding Trust with Your Body

19:35 Conclusion and Encouragement for Recovery

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/

Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 

We’re unpacking faith, food, and healing with our second guest on the pod, Anna Marie Long, RDN, CEDS, a dietitian who is deeply passionate about integrating faith into the healing journey. In this conversation, we talk about what it truly looks like to invite Jesus into our relationship with food and body image and why that spiritual connection matters in recovery. Our conversation explores common misunderstandings around feasting, fasting, and gluttony, including how these practices are often misused or taken out of context within Christian spaces. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about why and how…

• Letting Jesus into your healing journey is crucial.

• Feasting is often misunderstood and under-discussed.

• Fasting should focus on intimacy with God, not health.

• Praying about food guilt can help alleviate feelings of shame.

• Fasting can be approached safely and meaningfully.

• Gluttony is more about heart posture than food consumption.

• Judging others based on their eating habits is unhelpful.

• Understanding one's own heart is essential in addressing sin.

• Confessing struggles can lead to healing and support.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Nutrition

02:40 Anna Marie's Food & Faith Journey

09:36 Misconceptions of Feasting, Fasting, and Gluttony

10:34 The Spiritual Meaning of Feasting

17:09 Overcoming Food Guilt in Social Settings

20:29 Understanding Fasting: Spiritual and Psychological Aspects

30:46 Defining Gluttony: Heart Posture vs. Behavior

37:06 Closing Thoughts: Truth in Nutrition

If you're looking for faith-based food and body freedom, Maddox Nutrition offers compassionate expertise to support both your nutrition and your faith.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://www.lieselmaddoxnutrition.com/

Sources/Links:

Anna Marie’s Webite: annamarierd.com

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Nourished-Faith-Biblical-Perspective-Disorders/dp/B0DQH898K6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Instagram: @annamarie.rd

In this episode, which is part 2 of our GLP 1 conversation, we'll talk about why our intentions around weight loss matter, present more evidence-based research about the risks of these medications, and discuss why focusing only on the number on the scale can pull us away from a fuller picture of health. We'll also explore the spiritual side of this topic, including the pull toward vanity, the temptation to rely on quick fixes, and the deeper call to trust God with our bodies and our wellbeing. Treat this episode as a space to reflect, learn, and approach this conversation with clarity, discernment, and a grounded perspective rooted in faith.

In this episode, you’ll hear about how…

• BMI is an outdated metric that does not accurately reflect individual health

• Eating disorders pose significant health risks

• Eating disorders can stem from weight loss pursuits

• Vanity and pride can distract from spiritual growth and self-worth

• Idolatry in the pursuit of thinness can take precedence over faith

• Christians should reflect on their intentions behind using weight loss medications

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ozempic and Weight Loss for Christians

03:15 The Spiritual Perspective on Health and Body

06:26 Understanding Health Beyond Weight

09:08 The Risks of GLP-1 Medications

12:24 The Impact of BMI on Health Perception

14:04 The Dangers of Eating Disorders

16:59 Heart Issues Behind Weight Loss Motivation

18:36 Vanity, Pride, and Self-Worth

21:33 Idolatry and the Pursuit of Thinness

23:56 Trust, Humility, and Surrendering Control

26:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

• Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/

• Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 

  
  

Sources:

BMI and life expectancy study: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287218

Eating disorder health consequences study: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjmed-2025-001438

Java With Juli podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/does-god-care-if-you-get-botox-584/id1116000318?i=1000732616623

In this episode, which is part 2 of our GLP 1 conversation, we'll talk about why our intentions around weight loss matter, present more evidence-based research about the risks of these medications, and discuss why focusing only on the number on the scale can pull us away from a fuller picture of health. We'll also explore the spiritual side of this topic, including the pull toward vanity, the temptation to rely on quick fixes, and the deeper call to trust God with our bodies and our wellbeing. Treat this episode as a space to reflect, learn, and approach this conversation with clarity, discernment, and a grounded perspective rooted in faith.

In this episode you'll hear about how...

• BMI is an outdated metric that does not accurately reflect individual health
• Eating disorders pose significant health risks
• Eating disorders can stem from weight loss pursuits
• Vanity and pride can distract from spiritual growth and self-worth
• Idolatry in the pursuit of thinness can take precedence over faith
• Christians should reflect on their intentions behind using weight loss medications

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ozempic and Weight Loss for Christians

03:15 The Spiritual Perspective on Health and Body

06:26 Understanding Health Beyond Weight

09:08 The Risks of GLP-1 Medications

12:24 The Impact of BMI on Health Perception

14:04 The Dangers of Eating Disorders

16:59 Heart Issues Behind Weight Loss Motivation

18:36 Vanity, Pride, and Self-Worth

21:33 Idolatry and the Pursuit of Thinness

23:56 Trust, Humility, and Surrendering Control

26:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

• Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/

• Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 

Sources:

BMI and life expectancy study: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287218

Eating disorder health consequences study: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjmed-2025-001438

Java With Juli podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/does-god-care-if-you-get-botox-584/id1116000318?i=1000732616623

In this episode, we’re unpacking a big and often controversial topic and it's about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic that are being used for weight loss. We’ll talk about how these medications work in the body, what the research shows about their effectiveness, and the potential risks and side effects that often go overlooked. I’ll also share how these drugs can impact someone’s relationship with food, especially for those with a history of disordered eating or body image struggles. Beyond science, we’ll take a step back to look at this conversation through a Christian lens, exploring what it means to pursue health in a way that honors God’s design for our bodies.

In this episode, you’ll hear about how…

• GLP-1 medications are being widely discussed for weight loss.

• Significant risks and side effects are associated with GLP-1s.

• Weight loss from GLP-1s is primarily due to appetite suppression.

• The use of GLP-1s can lead to disordered eating patterns.

• Long-term use of GLP-1s may result in weight regain.

• The marketing of GLP-1s resembles past pharmaceutical trends that led to public health crises.

• True wellness encompasses more than just physical appearance; it includes mental and spiritual health.

• Education and informed decision-making are crucial when considering GLP-1 medications.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to GLP-1 Medications

06:16 Understanding GLP-1 Mechanism and Effects

13:55 Risks and Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications

20:45 The Impact on Eating Disorders and Metabolism

24:32 Research Insights on Weight Regain and Long-term Use

26:54 The Reality of Weight Regain Post-Medication

30:34 The Financial Incentives Behind Weight Loss Drugs

34:37 Cultural Implications of Weight Loss Medications

37:39 A Compassionate Perspective on Weight Loss

43:13 Biblical Insights on Body Image and Food

50:27 True Wellness Beyond Weight Loss

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

• Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/
• Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course

Sources:

Christy Harrison episodes: 

• #340: From Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss to Practicing Weight‑Inclusive Medicine, Guest: Dr. Mara Gordon
• #337: Why Ozempic Isn’t a Miracle Weight‑Loss Drug, Guest: Amanda Martinez Beck
• #323: The Hidden Risks of Weight‑Loss Drugs: Behind the GLP‑1 Hype, Guest: Ragen Chastain

GLP-1 Informed Consent: sizeinclusivemedicine.org/glp1​

GLP-1 Weight Regain Studies:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829779

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40507553/

https://epicresearch.org/articles/two-years-after-stopping-glp-1s-most-patients-sustain-at-least-some-weight-loss

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40691794/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537025002950

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03978-z

In this episode, we take a closer look at what it truly means to understand and honor hunger. Diet culture has taught many of us to silence or question our body’s cues, leaving us disconnected from one of the most natural parts of being human. You’ll also hear how Scripture can help reshape the way we view hunger, reminding us that it is not something to fear or suppress but a natural and meaningful part of how God designed our bodies. This conversation is an invitation to approach your body with curiosity, grace, and gratitude as you grow in both faith and food freedom.

In this episode, you'll hear about how...

• Hunger is the starting point of our eating
• Diet culture teaches us to mistrust our hunger
• Reconnecting with hunger cues is essential for eating disorder recovery
• Ignoring hunger can lead to a disconnection from our bodies and slow metabolism
• Scripture supports the idea that our bodies are good and designed by God

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Hunger: The Basics

03:20 The Impact of Diet Culture on Hunger

06:15 Reconnecting with Hunger Cues

12:09 The Role of Scripture in Understanding Hunger

14:47 The Four Types of Hunger

26:58 Navigating Emotional Hunger

31:12 Reconnecting with Hunger Cues

34:03 Practical Tips for Listening to Your Body

41:42 Challenges to Hunger Cues

45:44 What Scripture Says

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

• ​Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: maddoxnutrition.co
• Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course: https://maddoxnutrition.co/course

Check out more on this topic on our blog:

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/hunger-cues

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/christian-nutrition

This episode dives into the pervasive influence of diet culture in the church and how it has shaped the way many people, including myself, struggle with food, body image, and faith. I will share why recognizing body diversity matters and explain the harm caused by “clean eating” ideologies that may sound spiritual but often lead to shame and disconnection from the body. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to find healing, seek support, and embrace God’s design for your body with compassion and freedom.

In this episode, you'll hear about how...

• Diet culture in the church often leads to harmful comments about body size.

• God created body diversity; we should celebrate it.

• Clean eating ideologies can promote disordered eating patterns.

• Dieting can become an idol that distracts from God.

• Weight loss is not a measure of spiritual health or worth.

• The Bible does not prescribe a specific body type or diet.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diet Culture in the Church

05:33 Examples of Diet Culture in the Church

09:07 Scriptural Misinterpretations and Diet Culture

13:37 The Impact of Diet Culture on Individuals

17:45 Healing and Moving Forward

21:47 A New Way Forward with Grace and Freedom

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

• ​Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co

• ​Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course: https://maddoxnutrition.co/course

Sources:

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/diet-culture-in-the-church

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/christian-nutrition

This episode is all about the basics of Intuitive Eating, something I hold a ton of passion for both personally and professionally as a Registered Dietitian. This is Intuitive Eating 101, so we’re walking through where Intuitive Eating came from and its ten core principles. We’ll also go over the evidence supporting the effectiveness of intuitive eating for both physical and mental health. I’ll address common misconceptions about intuitive eating and the importance of professional guidance, especially for those recovering from eating disorders, navigating different health conditions, neurodivergence, or healing from trauma. And of course, we’ll discuss the beautiful ways that Intuitive Eating aligns with God’s design for food and our bodies and how as Christians, the Intuitive Eating framework better equips us to make peace with food so we can serve God fully nourished.

In this episode, you’ll hear about how…

• ​Intuitive Eating is both a structured, evidence-based framework and a deeply individualized approach to eating
• ​Three decades worth of research evidence support the benefits of eating intuitively
• ​The ten Intuitive Eating principles support a healthy relationship with food, exercise, and body image
• ​Intuitive Eating should be implemented at the right time and may not be appropriate for people who need a lot of structure or struggle to be in tune with their body cues
• ​Intuitive Eating aligns with Christian beliefs about food and bodies and supports our enjoyment of God’s good gift of food
• ​Intuitive Eating aligns with Biblical examples in scripture of how Christians are to interact with food and our bodies

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Intuitive Eating and Personal Journey

02:40 Understanding Intuitive Eating: Principles and Framework

09:07 Research Evidence Supporting Intuitive Eating

17:37 Diving into the Principles of Intuitive Eating

40:33 Intuitive Eating from a Christian Perspective

44:18 Resources and Next Steps for Intuitive Eating

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

• ​Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/
• ​Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course 

Sources:

https://www.intuitiveeating.org/studies/

https://maddoxnutrition.co/blog/intuitive-eating 

We’re welcoming our very first guest on the pod, Nicole Speeney, MS, RDN, LDN, a dietitian and former Division 1 college athlete. Nicole is sharing her personal journey with disordered eating and the need for support and awareness in the athletic community. We’re also talking about the high rates of eating disorders among athletes, the impact of injuries on eating habits, and the importance of identity during transitions out of sports. Our conversation touches on red flags for disordered eating, the difference between healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors, and how loved ones can support athletes during challenging times.

We're unpacking...

• How times of transition, such as recovering from an injury or retiring, can be hot times for disordered eating to develop
• The connection between control and disordered eating in athletes
• Why a strong sense of identity is necessary for athletes
• How loved ones and coaches can look out for signs of disordered eating in their athletes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

06:57 Nicole's Personal Story: From Athlete to Dietitian

15:15 The Impact of Injuries on Eating Behaviors

22:42 Struggles Athletes Face During Transition Periods

28:37 Identifying Red Flags in Eating Habits

31:56 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Eating Patterns for Athletes

33:55 Supporting Athletes Through Transition

36:45 Prioritizing a Healthy Relationship with Food

42:07 Final Thoughts on Recovery and Faith

https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/eating-disorder-athletes

Don’t forget to hit subscribe, rate, and review the show to help reach more people with the message of food freedom!

Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://www.lieselmaddoxnutrition.com/