Her Best Self | Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Disordered Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Body Image, Food Freedom, Calorie Counting, Obsessive Exercise, Food Restriction

EP 212: What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? 6 Powerful Tips to Overcome Body Image Distortion So That You Can Move Beyond the Mirror🪞

In this eye-opening episode, Lindsey Nichol tackles Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and its significant overlap with eating disorders. Learn how to recognize BDD patterns, understand its impact on your daily life, and discover practical strategies to break free from appearance obsessions and reclaim your joy.
In this episode, you'll discover:
What Body Dysmorphic Disorder really is and how it differs from normal insecurity
The surprising statistics: 25-39% of those with eating disorders also experience BDD
Ella's inspiring journey from daily mirror checking to finding freedom and presence in the things that matter most to her
6 powerful, actionable strategies to begin healing from BDD today
Why your body was never meant to be your life's work, but to champion you in doing your life's work
Transformative quotes:
"Your body was never meant to be your life's work. It was meant to champion you in doing your life's work." - Lindsey Nichol
"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." - Coco Chanel
"You can't hate yourself happy. You can't criticize yourself thin. You can't shame yourself worthy. Real change begins with self-love and self-care." - Jessica Ortner
The 6 Practical Strategies Covered:
Practice Mindful Awareness
Challenge Distorted Thinking
Reduce Social Media Comparison
Redirect Your Focus
Practice Body Neutrality
Seek Professional Support
Resources Mentioned:
www.herbestself.co - Work with Lindsey one-on-one
herbestselfsociety.com - Join our supportive community
If you're tired of obsessing over perceived flaws that others don't notice, constantly checking your appearance, or avoiding social situations because of body image concerns, this episode provides the compassionate guidance and practical tools you need to begin healing.
Subscribe now and take the first step toward freedom from appearance obsessions! 💕 #BodyDysmorphicDisorder #BodyImage #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfLove
Remember, you are NOT your eating disorder and you are worthy of a life that is FREE from it.
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

EP 211: Love or Fear? Answer These Transformative Questions to Heal Your Relationship With Food & Yourself **Must Listen Fav!**

Hey there!
Did you know that there are only 2 emotions that impact every choice you make & ever action you take?
Wild right?!
So what are they? 
Well...without giving away all the goods, I'll encourage you to listen in to Episode 211, which is one of my favorite episodes that I wanted to replay for you on the Her Best Self Podcast so that you can hear for yourself!
If you are tired of doing the same thing & you find yourself stuck in confusion, or terrified of the "what-ifs", then today's show is perfect for you!
In this episode I discuss the power of understanding which emotion is leading your current reality, so that you can CHANGE the game & start living as the best version of you.
~
Emotion is energy IN MOTION.... you actually create what you fear.
Let that one sink in!
& come join us on the show!
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
 

EP 210.5: STOP Doing These 10 Things if You Feel Stuck & Chained to Disordered Patterns ~ Part 2

If you're feeling stuck in your recovery journey, Episode 210.5, shares the top hidden barriers that might be keeping you chained to eating disorder patterns - and how to break free once and for all.
IN THIS EPISODE
Things to Stop Doing:
Stop Assuming You Always Know What's Best
Eating disorders thrive on the illusion of expertise
"I know what's best" is often the disorder speaking, not your wisdom
Recovery requires challenging your own assumptions
Professional guidance provides perspective you can't see from within
Stop Believing the Lie That You Aren't Doing Enough to Recover
Recovery isn't about doing more; it's about being more
"Never enough" mentality leads to recovery perfectionism
The essential ingredient isn't more tasks—it's self-compassion
Ask: "How can I bring more compassion to this moment?"
Stop Avoiding Discomfort
The only way out is through
Eating disorders themselves are systems for avoiding discomfort
Recovery requires moving toward discomfort, not away from it
Each time you face discomfort, you build resilience
Stop Thinking the Worst Possible Scenario Is Gaining Weight
The real worst-case scenario is never experiencing freedom
As long as weight gain remains your greatest fear, the disorder retains power
Recovery may include body changes, but they aren't the catastrophe predicted
There is no wrong choice in recovery—only refusing to make a choice
ACTION STEPS
Identify which of these 10 patterns is most holding you back
Choose one pattern to focus on disrupting this week
Practice moving toward discomfort rather than away from it
Revisit your recovery priorities and realign your energy accordingly
Consider whether professional support could help you break these patterns
 
Remember, you are NOT your eating disorder and you are worthy of a life that is FREE from it.
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

EP 210: STOP Doing These 10 Things if You Feel Stuck & Chained to Disordered Patterns ~ Part 1

If you're feeling stuck in your recovery journey, this part 1 of a 2 part episode shares the top hidden barriers that might be keeping you chained to eating disorder patterns - and how to break free once and for all.
IN THIS EPISODE
Things to Stop Doing:
Stop Waiting for Perfect Circumstances
There will never be a "perfect time" to heal
Recovery happens IN life, not separate from it
The waiting game is another form of control and perfectionism
Recovery requires a decision, not ideal conditions
Stop Spending Time and Energy on Things That Aren't Recovery Priorities
Your time and energy are your most precious recovery resources
Identify where you're "leaking energy" through triggering activities
Ask yourself: Does this support my healing or undermine it?
Recovery requires intentional redirection of your resources
Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else
Comparison is a recovery killer
You're comparing your behind-the-scenes to others' highlight reels
Your recovery journey is unique to your body and history
The only valuable comparison is to your yesterday self
Stop Changing Course - Results Take Time and Commitment
Recovery isn't a race; it's a journey
"Recovery whiplash" prevents momentum and lasting change
Recovery tools are like muscles - they get stronger with consistent use
Before abandoning your approach, ask if you've given it a fair chance
Stop Thinking You're So Out of the Ordinary
You are not the only person who has ever navigated this
The core patterns of eating disorders are remarkably consistent
Feeling "uniquely broken" becomes an excuse to stay stuck
Connection to others with shared experiences is powerful medicine
Stop Thinking Short Term
You deserve lasting freedom, not just getting through the next meal
Short-term focus can lead to decisions that undermine long-term healing
Recovery requires balancing daily work with a vision of what you're working toward
Think in terms of years, not just days
Remember, you are NOT your eating disorder and you are worthy of a life that is FREE from it.
Come back on Friday, to listen to the 2nd part of Episode 210, where I unravel the remaining 4 things for you to stop doing today! Until then, sending recovery hugs.
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
 

EP 209: Use the R.A.I.N. Method to Quiet Those Eating Disorder Thoughts in Just 5 Minutes a Day☔

In this episode, I discuss the importance of making yourself the priority in recovery and I introduce the powerful RAIN method. This method can be used just 5 minutes a day for practicing mindfulness and self-compassion during difficult moments in your eating disorder recovery journey.
Your Assignment is YOU
This season is about planting seeds for your own growth and healing
You need permission to make your recovery the priority
Self-care isn't self-indulgence—it's essential recovery work
Recovery takes root when you commit to "watering your garden first"
The Seasons of Recovery
We expect constant productivity from ourselves but don't apply the same standards to nature
There are natural seasons for growth, rest, and transformation
The eating disorder thrives when you're depleted and exhausted
Rest and self-nurturing create the conditions for healing
What It Means to "Water Yourself"
Providing consistent, adequate nourishment without food rules
Hydration—both literal and metaphorical waters of connection
Exposure to things that bring joy and remind you who you are
Rest periods where you're simply being, not producing
The RAIN Method Breakdown
Recognize what's happening in the moment without judgment
Notice triggers, urges, thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
Name what you're experiencing to create space between you and the experience
Allow the experience to be there without trying to fix or change it
Stop fighting against difficult emotions or thoughts
Break the cycle of shame by acknowledging "this is what's happening right now"
Investigate with kindness and curiosity
Ask gentle questions: "What triggered this?" "What am I really needing?"
Notice where you feel sensations in your body
Identify the stories you're telling yourself
Nurture yourself with self-compassion
Offer yourself what you truly need in the moment
Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend
Remember that difficult feelings will pass
I hope Episode 209 blesses you & that you share it with someone else who may benefit!
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.
 

EP 208.5: When Wanting Control, Controls You ~ Break the Cycle of Food Obsession, Restriction, & Emotional Eating for Good

Hey there sister friend!
I am so ready to embrace this new week. The boys & I are on spring break & we are loving it! We are enjoying getting away from the usual routines & mundane schedules. This week we are surrendering all control & embracing spontaneous adventures. Which at one point, would have been my controlling nature, which had me thinking about CONTROL. So I knew I must revisit a previous episode & bring it back to the top of your pod listens!
in Episode 208.5 of the podcast, I share what you need to know about control. I discuss the Restrict/Emotional Eating Cycle & how you can start today to break the habit loop in your life.
~
Here is what you need to know: in order to let go of control, you must release the fight within you. The battle in your mind is REAL! & it's the hardest one you will ever conquer. 
But the good news is, you have the power right now inside of you to surrender your desire to control food, so that you can gain freedom from what is actually controlling you. Freedom from ED 🎉
I believe in you! Now go out & listen to Episode 132 to help you do the same. 
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

EP 208: Your BEST Self Can't Wait! Why You Don't Need to Feel Ready to Start Healing From Disordered Eating

In this powerful episode, we tackle one of the biggest barriers to eating disorder recovery: waiting to feel "ready." Statistics show the average person waits seven years between eating disorder onset and seeking treatment—seven years of suffering that could be avoided sis!
In Episode 208, we explore why "ready" isn't a feeling that magically appears but a decision you make despite fear and uncertainty. Through client stories, expert insights, and practical steps, you'll discover how to move forward in your recovery journey without waiting for the perfect moment.
Whether you're struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or disordered eating patterns, this episode offers the perspective shift and motivation you need to take that crucial first step toward healing.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:
Why the eating disorder voice will never tell you it's time to recover
The myth of "feeling ready" and how it keeps you trapped in the cycle
How to make the decision to start recovery even while feeling afraid
Small, manageable steps you can take today, regardless of your "readiness"
The life that awaits on the other side of this crucial decision
KEY QUOTES
"Ready isn't when the fear disappears. Ready is when you decide to move forward despite the fear."
"You don't have to be ready for the whole journey. You just have to be ready for the next step."
"Recovery doesn't happen in one giant leap. It happens in thousands of small decisions."
hope you enjoy this one friend!
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

EP 207: The Rookie Season of Recovery ~ How to Build Upon Setbacks & Step Up to the Plate with Confidence⚾

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the parallel between rookie seasons in baseball & the early stages of eating disorder recovery. Through a personal story about my 11-year-old son, I share with you powerful lessons about perseverance, finding purpose in setbacks, and recognizing God's work in challenging seasons.
Whether you're just beginning your recovery journey or facing a difficult setback, this episode offers both spiritual encouragement and practical tools to help you step up to the plate with renewed confidence.
Here are a few key points:
Why setbacks in recovery are like strikeouts in baseball—necessary parts of the growth process
The story of a young baseball player learning to value progress over perfection
How God uses "rookie seasons" to develop dependence, resilience, and character
The difference between the scoreboard mentality and the growth mentality in recovery
Biblical perspectives on finding purpose in struggle and disappointment
Transform your setbacks into stepping-stones by creating a Recovery Learning Log. After experiencing a slip in your recovery journey, ask yourself these three questions:
What was happening right before I felt triggered? (Identify patterns)
What need was I trying to meet through this behavior? (Uncover underlying issues)
What's one small adjustment I can make next time I face this situation? (Build practical wisdom)
This simple practice shifts your relationship with struggle from shame to growth and invites God into your development process.
I hope you loved today's episode, just as I have so very much enjoyed recording it for you sis!
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

EP 206:✨Unlocking the Freedom Formula Experience™ ~ Your Personal Invite to Find Lasting Freedom From Disordered Eating✨

Your Path to Freedom: The Freedom Formula Experience with Lindsey Nichol
THE PROBLEM: Trapped in the Cycle
You wake up every morning with that familiar heaviness. Another day of obsessing over food, second-guessing every bite, and feeling like you're never doing recovery "right." Despite your best efforts, you feel stuck in an endless cycle:
You're exhausted from constantly thinking about food and your body
You feel like you should be "further along" in recovery by now
Traditional treatment gave you tools, but you struggle to apply them in real life
You're tired of having the same conversations with yourself day after day
You're living in "the gap" – always focusing on how far you still have to go, never acknowledging how far you've come
You feel isolated because nobody seems to truly understand what you're going through
You wonder if complete freedom is even possible for someone like you
The worst part? You're doing this alone. You're piecing together advice from books, podcasts, and social media, but without consistent guidance from someone who's actually walked this path, you keep falling back into the same patterns.
THE SOLUTION: The Freedom Formula Experience!
Girl, I've been exactly where you are. I know what it's like to feel trapped in an eating disorder, to try everything and still feel stuck, to wonder if you'll ever feel normal around food again.
That's why I've created my 1:1 Recovery Coaching program – a personalized approach designed to help you break free from food obsession and finally experience the freedom you deserve.
Unlike generic programs or traditional therapy alone, my coaching:
Is tailored specifically to YOUR unique struggles, patterns, and recovery phase
Combines practical tools with deep mindset work to address the root causes of your disorder
Focuses on real-life implementation, not just concepts
Offers consistent support between sessions when triggers and challenges arise
Brings in the spiritual dimension often missing from traditional approaches
Draws from my personal experience of complete recovery – I'm not speaking from theory, but from LIVING this transformation
Through our work together, we'll untangle the complex web of your eating disorder – addressing not just the food behaviors, but the perfectionism, people-pleasing, and "never enough" mindset that keeps you trapped.
THE TRANSFORMATION: What You'll Gain
Working with me isn't just about stopping behaviors – it's about reclaiming your entire life. Here's what my clients experience:
Freedom from the constant mental chatter about food, calories, and body size
The ability to eat intuitively without rules, restriction, or compensatory behaviors
A compassionate relationship with yourself, replacing the harsh inner critic
Skills to manage difficult emotions without using food
The confidence to show up authentically in relationships instead of hiding behind perfectionism
A renewed sense of purpose beyond your body and appearance
The ability to live in "the gain" – celebrating progress and practicing self-compassion
The joy of redirecting all that mental energy toward the things that truly matter to you
Imagine waking up and not having food be your first thought. Imagine enjoying meals with loved ones without anxiety. Imagine having the mental space to pursue your passions. This isn't just possible – it's what I help my clients achieve every day.
You can find more about how to apply for the FFE here: https://www.herbestself.co/services 
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

EP 205: Are You Living in the Gap or the Gain? + The #1 Regret I Have From My Personal Healing Journey With Anorexia & Exercise Bulimia

In this deeply personal episode, I share my biggest regret from my eating disorder recovery journey – how focusing too intensely on "being recovered" almost caused me to miss the beautiful growth happening along the way. Drawing on Dr. Benjamin Hardy's powerful concept of "living in the gap vs. living in the gain," I explore how this mindset shift can transform the recovery experience and help you  find meaning even in your most challenging moments.
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -＞ www.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me -＞Client Application
______
Email me directly -> info@lindseynichol.com
______
Join the free FB community -> www.herbestselfsociety.com
______Need a helping hand guiding you girl!? You don’t have to do this alone!Step 1: Go all IN! Decide to commit to yourself & your future! Do it scared girlfriend. Just do it!
Step 2: Apply for limited 1:1 & let’s work together -> Client Application
Step 3: Leverage the FB community for support & stay tuned for all the resources up & coming to help serve you!YOU TOTALLY GOT THIS!
* While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.