Truth Based Nutrition

It’s Not Discipline If It’s Disordered: Discerning the Difference Between Fruits of the Spirit and Diet Culture

Many Christians have been taught to label restrictive eating, compulsive exercise, body control, or food guilt as “discipline,” “self-control,” or “honoring God.”

This episode explores the difference between true spiritual fruit and fear-driven diet culture behaviors disguised in Christian language.

In episode, you’ll hear about…

• How diet culture uses words like “clean eating,” “cheat meals,” and “self-control” to make food choices feel morally right or wrong.

• Why restriction and rigid food rules are not the same as righteousness or spiritual discipline.

• Common signs that discipline may be turning into disordered eating, such as food anxiety, fear of weight gain, constant body checking, and guilt after eating.

• What Jesus’ relationship with food teaches us through shared meals, celebrations, and the feeding of the 5,000.

• Why our body size, food choices, and exercise routines do not determine our worth or how much God loves us.

• What godly stewardship can look like through nourishment, rest, medical care, flexibility with food, and caring for our mental health.

• How spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and building community can help us grow closer to God without becoming consumed by food and body concerns.

Keywords: diet culture, church, spiritual disciplines, self-control, body image, Christian faith, food freedom, Galatians, fasting, Sabbath

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Diet Culture in the Church

01:52 How Diet Culture Morally Moralizes Food

03:59 Misuse of Scripture to Promote Weight Loss

05:54 Disordered Eating vs Spiritual Discipline

08:04 Jesus' Miracles and Food as Celebration

10:00 Fruits of the Spirit and Food Relationships

12:13 Freedom in Christ and Body Control

15:09 Applying Fruits of the Spirit to Food and Body Image

19:57 Godly Stewardship and Spiritual Disciplines

24:56 Scriptural Examples of Jesus' Engagement with Food

29:50 Jesus' Ministry and Community around Food

35:05 Practical Spiritual Disciplines for Health and Freedom

40:00 The Role of Rest, Service, and Community

43:01 Conclusion: True Freedom in Christ

Scripture References

• Galatians 5:22–23

• Romans 14

• 1 Corinthians 6

• Psalm 139

• Matthew 11:28–30

• Mark 2:16–17
  

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 

Related Episode

If you'd like to explore common misunderstandings around feasting, fasting, and gluttony, listen to the related episode featuring Anna Marie Long on Feasting and Fasting.

Protein is everywhere right now, but how much do we actually need, and when does focusing on protein become too much? In this episode, we break down the science behind protein, what it actually does in the body, and why more isn’t always better.

We also explore common protein myths, the importance of getting enough carbohydrates and dietary fat, and how an over-focus on protein can sometimes reinforce rigid food rules, especially during eating disorder recovery. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• What protein actually does in the body beyond building muscle

• How much protein most adults generally need and why MORE isn’t always better

• Why carbohydrates and fats are just as important as protein for nourishment

• How the “protein everything” trend can create unnecessary pressure around food

• Common protein myths, including whether you need protein at every meal or snack

• Why protein can become a “safe food” during eating disorder recovery

• How to approach protein with more balance, flexibility, and freedom instead of obsession and tracking

Keywords: protein, nutrition, diet culture, eating disorder recovery, macronutrients, health, balance, myths, science, faith

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Protein: The Basics

06:12 How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

12:30 The Myths and Misconceptions of Protein

19:23 Balancing Macronutrients: Carbs, Proteins, and Fats

28:00 Navigating Protein in Recovery and Eating Disorders

42:32 Practical Tips for Protein Intake

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 

In this episode, you'll hear about family-based treatment (FBT) and how parents can play a powerful role in supporting a child or adolescent through eating disorder recovery. You'll get a practical look at what FBT actually involves, what parents can expect throughout the process, and how the dietitian fits into a treatment team.

Joining us is Natalie, an eating disorder dietitian who specializes in eating disorder care and family-based treatment. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in General Dietetics from California State University, Chico, completed her dietetic internship at Southern Regional Medical Center, and has experience working across a variety of clinical settings, including an eating disorder treatment center.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• What family-based treatment (FBT) is and why it can be so effective for adolescent eating disorder recovery.
• How parents can take an active role in their child’s nourishment and recovery.
• The three phases of FBT
• The dietitian’s role in FBT beyond creating meal plans.
• What to do when a child refuses food or tries to negotiate during meals.
• How parents can navigate emotional and challenging mealtimes with confidence and compassion.
• How families can build a support network when parents cannot supervise every meal.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to FBT and its importance

06:06 What is family-based treatment (FBT)?

11:22 Age ranges and applicability of FBT

13:43 Shifting views on blame in FBT

16:33 The phases of manualized FBT

22:25 The dietitian's role in FBT

29:49 Common parent questions and expert answers

42:11 Supporting family communication and beliefs

45:34 Faith-based support and encouragement

46:06 Myth busting: Recovery speed and full 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

Resources:

For parents and families looking to learn more about FBT, Natalie recommends watching Eva Musby's educational videos, which provide practical information and support for families navigating eating disorder recovery.

Want to work with Natalie?

If you're a parent supporting a child through eating disorder recovery, or you're looking for individualized nutrition support, you can book a session or consultation with her here: Book a session with Natalie

Learn more about Natalie: https://maddoxnutrition.co/meet-natalie

Dietitians and eating disorder professionals: If you're looking to grow your confidence and skills in eating disorder care, Natalie also offers professional consultation for dietitians: Professional Consultation Group

What does it mean to truly find your identity in Christ instead of your body? In this episode, Chrissy shares her personal journey from years of body image struggles and disordered eating to leading a ministry that helps women discover lasting freedom through Jesus Christ.

As the Executive Director of FINDINGbalance®, the world's leading Christ-centered nonprofit ministry supporting women with eating disorders and food and body image challenges since 2002, and host of the Old School Food Freedom podcast, Chrissy offers both personal insight and biblical encouragement for those seeking healing.Keywords: eating disorders, body image, faith-based approach, Christian recovery, identity in Christ, diet culture, spiritual healing, Finding Balance, food freedom

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

• Why lasting freedom begins with finding your identity in Christ, and not your body, weight, or appearance
• How diet culture subtly influences the way we think about ourselves, even within Christian communities
• Common identity lies that fuel food and body image struggles
• Why simply changing eating habits isn't enough for lasting healing without renewing your mind
• How to recognize when you're believing cultural messages instead of God's truth
• Practical ways to replace shame and self-criticism with grace, Scripture, and Christ-centered thinking

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

00:29 Chrissy's journey with body image and faith

01:20 Understanding identity in Christ

02:21 Common lies about body size and worth

03:43 The role of scripture in recovery

04:37 God’s truth versus cultural lies

06:03 Chrissy’s calling to lead in recovery

07:38 The importance of community in healing

09:03 Resources offered by Finding Balance

10:25 Defining identity from a Christian perspective

12:19 Believing and living out God's truth

15:56 Common identity lies in disordered eating

18:50 Misuse of scripture in diet culture

21:04 The church’s role in reinforcing lies

25:26 Scriptures that affirm our identity in Christ

36:33 Living out identity in practice

42:31 Powerful scriptures for recovery

50:15 Practical steps to renew your mind

55:01 The importance of community and support

58:21 Final encouragement and resources

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 

1. Old School Food Freedom Podcast: The Enemy Lies About Body Size But Truth Leads to Freedom

2. FINDINGbalance.com

3. Old School Food Freedom podcast

4. Instagram

5. Facebook

6. Eating Issues Check-In

a. Unsure if food and body struggles are affecting you? Take a moment to check in.

7. The Daily Vitamin eDevo

a. A free devotional with bite-sized truth delivered to your inbox 5 days a week.

8. Hello, Freedom! Community

a. A safe space for women to walk toward freedom from eating disorders and other food and body image struggles in Christ-centered community.

9. Prayer Groups

a. Prayer groups to help you find hope and connection.

10. Christian Treatment Finder

a. Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.

"I’m too old to start strength training." Not true. This episode explores why strength training can be one of the most empowering forms of movement for women in midlife.

In this episode, Amy shares how she moved away from diet culture and discovered a more grace-filled approach to fitness. As a diet-culture-free certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, author, and host of the Graced Health podcast, Amy helps women in perimenopause and menopause build strength, improve mobility, and care for their bodies with purpose rather than punishment.

Keywords: strength training, midlife fitness, resistance training, grace, functional movement, menopause, osteoporosis, mental barriers, joyful movement, faith-based fitness

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• Mental barriers to exercise in midlife

• How to move beyond all-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism in fitness

• Benefits of strength training for bone health and metabolic health

• Practical ways to start strength training without needing a gym membership

• Functional movements for independence in aging

• The benefits of resistance training for bone health, muscle preservation, balance, and longevity

• Common mental barriers that keep women from enjoying movement and exercise

• How faith, grace, and purpose can transform your relationship with movement
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Strength Training for Women

05:59 Amy's Journey and the Role of Faith in Fitness

08:59 Challenges Women Face in Midlife

14:39 Mental Barriers to Movement

20:16 The Importance of Consistency in Exercise

26:11 Strength Training: Benefits Beyond Appearance

35:06 The Importance of Strength Training

35:53 Bone Health and Aging

38:40 Metabolic Health and Muscle Mass

43:10 Mental Health and Resilience

44:30 Overcoming Barriers to Strength Training

50:54 Practical Tips for Beginners

55:45 Movement as Care for Future Self

01:01:36 Embracing Grace in Fitness and Life

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 

Research Cited:

1. Long-term effects of progressive high-speed resistance exercise in older women with low muscle strength: a randomized clinical trial: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaf211

2. Effect of Eight-Week Strength Training on Body Composition, Muscle Strength and Perceived Stress in Community-Dwelling Older Women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41283447/

Guest Links:

1. GracedHealth.com

2. Resistance loops https://amzn.to/41RBRl9

3. Resistance bands https://amzn.to/4bStR7g

4. Stronger Collective: https://www.thestrongerco.com?via=amy

"Can I still work with you if I'm on a GLP-1?" YES!

This episode discusses one of the most common questions people are asking right now about medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and the answer is far more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

In this honest and compassionate conversation, we explore how GLP-1 medications fit into nutrition counseling, eating disorder recovery, body image healing, and a healthier relationship with food.

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• Why dietitians can still support clients who are taking GLP-1 medications.

• The difference between using GLP-1s for diabetes management versus weight loss.

• How GLP-1 medications affect hunger cues, appetite, and "food noise."

• The connection between GLP-1s, chronic dieting, disordered eating, and eating disorder recovery.

• Important questions to ask yourself before starting, continuing, or stopping a GLP-1 medication.

• How to build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and your body, regardless of the medications you take

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Can You Work with a Dietitian While on a GLP-1?

02:00 The Practice Philosophy: Whole-Person, Individualized Care

06:15 Why GLP-1 Conversations Matter More Than Ever

12:10 Meeting Clients Where They Are Without Judgment

17:20 Three Important Considerations Before Taking a GLP-1

18:15 Consideration #1: Why Are You Taking the Medication?

20:15 Diabetes Management vs. Weight Loss Goals

21:45 Understanding "Food Noise" and What It Really Means

26:35 How GLP-1s Can Affect Nutrition, Hunger, and Joy Around Food

27:35 Consideration #2: Your Relationship with Food History

30:00 Eating Disorders, Chronic Dieting, and GLP-1 Risks

33:30 Consideration #3: Are You Afraid of Stopping the Medication?

35:00 Exploring Fears Around Weight Gain and Hunger

37:20 Getting Off the Dieting Track for Good

39:05 What Dietitians Really Do (Hint: Not Food Policing)

41:10 Reflection Questions About Food, Hunger, and Trusting Your Body

42:25 Final Encouragement and Resources 

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 

In this episode of the Truth Based Nutrition podcast, Heather Creekmore joins the conversation to share a biblical perspective on body image. Heather specializes in helping women understand body image through a scripture-rooted lens, and in this episode, she opens up about her own journey with body struggles, dieting, and learning to find freedom through faith.

Together, we explore why so many Christian women still wrestle with food, fitness, weight, and appearance despite knowing the “right” answers about identity and worth in Christ.

Keywords: biblical body image, Christian women, body positivity, humility, food freedom, spiritual health, body changes, identity in Christ

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• Biblical view of body image
• Idolatry and pride in body image
• Scriptural truths about God's creation
• Dealing with body changes and aging
• Practical steps for spiritual and physical health

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Biblical Body Image

03:29 Heather's Personal Journey with Body Image

10:39 Defining Biblical Body Image

16:24 Biblical Body Image vs. Secular Views

23:25 The Prevalence of Body Image Struggles

26:41 Misinterpretation of Spiritual Disciplines

29:22 Spiritual Discipline vs. Physical Discipline

30:56 Contextual Misinterpretations of Scripture

33:03 Idolatry vs. Stewardship of the Body

34:01 The Treasure Principle and Body Image

37:04 Desires and Body Image Obsessions

39:27 Cultural Solutions vs. Spiritual Healing

43:31 Body Image Freedom and Cultural Pressures

50:38 More Than a Body: Embracing Wholeness

53:04 Spiritual Warfare and Body Image

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/Links:

Connect with Heather at: 

www.heathercreekmore.com  

https://www.improvebodyimage.com

40 Day Body Image Workbook: https://a.co/d/00dkjVAR

In this Part 2 of the conversation about trauma, food, and body image, Tracy Brown, a Registered Dietitian specializing in trauma-informed care, shares how unresolved trauma can shape eating behaviors, body image struggles, and eating disorder recovery.

Together, we explore the connection between the nervous system, emotions, and disordered eating while unpacking common misconceptions many Christians have about trauma and healing.

Keywords: trauma and eating disorders, trauma-informed care, Christian dietitian, eating disorder recovery, food freedom, body image healing, intuitive eating, nervous system regulation, trauma and body image, disordered eating, faith-based recovery, somatic healing, Christian mental health, relationship with food, emotional eating

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• Trauma's impact on body, mind, and spirit

• Misconceptions about trauma in Christian communities

• Practical steps for trauma healing and body awareness

• Biblical perspectives on wholeness and healing

• Building capacity to respond to trauma signals

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Food and Body Image

21:19 Misconceptions Christians Have About Trauma

26:04 Grace vs. Shame in Healing and Recovery

27:56 The Weight of Shame and Blame

29:17 Healing Through Grace and Compassion

31:24 The Journey of Self-Compassion

32:40 Understanding Control and Fear

34:45 The Process of Healing and Sanctification

37:58 Practical Steps for Recovery

41:19 Finding Support in Recovery

45:40 Choosing the Right Professionals for Healing

53:25 Introduction to the Conversation

53:54 Support for Eating Disorder 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

Sources/links: 

To get started with Attuned Eating, get your free guide at www.tracybrownrd.com/free-gifts
To set up a free clarity call now schedule at www.tracybrownrd.com/get-started

In this Part 1 of the conversation, we explore the powerful connection between trauma, body image, and eating behaviors with Tracy Brown, a Registered Dietitian who specializes in trauma-informed care. Tracy shares how unresolved trauma can shape the way individuals relate to food, their bodies, and their sense of safety, often in ways that go far beyond surface-level habits.

Through both clinical insight and real client experiences, she introduces the concept of nervous system regulation, highlighting how responses such as fight, flight, or shutdown can directly impact hunger cues, digestion, and the ability to make nourishing choices.

Keywords: trauma-informed care, nutrition, disordered eating, body image, healing, dietetics, trauma, neurobiology, recovery, somatic therapy

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• Trauma's impact on digestion and hunger cues

• Neurobiological effects of trauma on the body

• Trauma-informed care principles for dietitians

• Relationship between early attachment and eating behaviors

• Practical steps for trauma healing in nutrition

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tracy Brown and Trauma-Informed Care

02:43 What Led Tracy to Specialize in Trauma-Informed Nutrition

05:13 Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Core Concepts

09:24 Physiology of Trauma and Its Impact on Digestion

14:28 Neural Pathways and Stress Responses in Trauma

20:15 Trauma, Dissociation, and Eating Behaviors

26:12 Trauma and Disordered Eating: The Connection

32:20 Restrictions, Dieting, and Re-triggering Trauma

41:54 Key Takeaways for Trauma-Informed Practice in Nutrition

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/links: 

To get started with Attuned Eating, get your free guide at www.tracybrownrd.com/free-gifts

To set up a free clarity call now schedule at www.tracybrownrd.com/get-started

This episode breaks down everything you need to know about dietary fiber in a clear, grounded, and evidence-based way. You will learn what fiber actually is, how it functions in the body, and why it plays such an important role in digestion, metabolism, and overall health. The conversation goes beyond surface-level nutrition advice by unpacking common misconceptions, including the rise of “fiber maxing” trends and the overreliance on supplements.  

Keywords: fiber, nutrition science, gut health, eating disorder recovery, dietary sources, health benefits, digestion, probiotics, prebiotics, food sources

In this episode, you’ll hear about…

• Dietary fiber from a food chemistry perspective

• Sources of dietary fiber in foods and supplements

• The role of fiber in gut health and digestion

• Fiber and its impact on cholesterol, blood sugar, and satiety

• Special considerations for fiber intake in eating disorder recovery and digestive conditions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Why Talk About Fiber?

00:58 What is Dietary Fiber? A Food Chemistry Perspective

02:27 Sources of Fiber: Foods and Supplements

05:22 Soluble vs Insoluble Fiber: Functions and Benefits

08:11 Fiber's Role in Gut Health and Disease Prevention

11:04 Fiber and Digestive Regularity: Poop and Bowel Movements

13:55 Fiber and Satiety: Managing Hunger and Overeating

15:56 How Much Fiber Do We Need? Recommendations and Gaps

18:32 Risks of Excessive Fiber and the Trend of Fiber Maxing

25:16 Food Sources of Fiber: Fruits, Vegetables, Legumes, and Whole Grains

29:09 Supplements and Added Fibers: When Are They Useful?

34:00 Special Considerations: Eating Disorders and Digestive Conditions

39:10 Practical Tips for Healthy Fiber Intake and Listening to Your Body

41:05 Faith and Food: God's Design in Diversity of Foods

41:59 Resources and How to Connect with Maddox Nutrition

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