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Remember when you ate when you were hungry, stopped when you were full, and didn’t feel morally ruined by a scoop of ice cream? Me neither. But 4-year-old Lauren does.

In this episode (recorded in July 2023, because ADHD & grad school are a hell of a combo), I sit down with Lauren to talk about her relationship with food before the world has had the chance to completely botch it. Her favorite food? Her perfect day? Her "I'm hungry, so I eat," worldview? Revolutionary stuff if you ask me. You’ll also hear from Lauren’s mom in the background (hi, Rach).

In between booger jokes, an intense Labradoodle identity crises, and the war on toy-unboxing YouTube, we dive into:

• How kids naturally gravitate towards balance despite adults swearing they’ll only ever choose ice cream
• How children are born with an innate ability to trust their bodies, listen to hunger/fullness cues, and choose foods that make them feel good
• How kids seek variety long before adults shape their eating with external rules
• The difference between teaching kids about their bodies vs. controlling their food
• Why making comments about your own body (or anyone else’s) in front of kids is monumental for them
• How childhood food rules can shape eating patterns and lead to a loss of body awareness
• Why kids value the people they love for how they make them feel— not their body size or weight— until society teaches them otherwise

If you’re a parent, a caregiver, in ED recovery, or just stumbled in here by accident, this one’s for you. It’s a love letter to the younger you who heard “metabolism” and assumed it was a spell from Harry Potter (me).

Also: happy birthday, Lauren :) Never lose your spunk, kiddo. I hope I’m still your favorite gay aunt and we will need an updated episode before diet culture even thinks about touching that little brain.

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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Welcome back — seven months later, still anti-ketchup, still recording in my bedroom. Some things never change.

Picking up where we left off, we’re diving back into the mess that is social media and fitness. This time, I’m handing you the mop:

• Tips to curate a feed that actually makes you feel empowered — not like you want to cry (crazy concept)
• How to spot fitness content that should come with a "do not attempt" label (where my influencers that barely eat but still "feel great" at?)
• Defining what a healthy relationship with fitness actually looks like for you, not your high school gym teacher
• How to trick your algorithm into being a better friend
• How to scroll like a mindful, well-adjusted adult— even if your ADHD, like mine, says, "but what if we didn't?"

Bonus features: I mess up the audio (again), my dog makes guest appearances I didn’t approve, and I’m still allergic to avocado. Growth?

Here are some positive creators that I find motivating and helpful:

• @haileybarragan
• @flourishwithciandra
• @healwithchar
• @abbydegraff_
• @eatswithshelby
• @sweetandspicymacros
• @gabbymale
• @gabbyvillermaux
• @nuttyfoodiefitness
• @projectheal
• @fionasimpson
• @talkedcharity
• @bodyimage360
• @thegirlsgonestrong
• @emdonks
• @thenutritiontea
• @diandramejia
• @maeve_madden
• @run2food
• @steph_gaudreau
• @jacykirby33
• @fitwaffle
• @kk_fit_
• @emmasyummys
• @abbydegraff_
• @meg.boggs
• @curveswithmoves
• @themirnivator
• @asap.yogi

Linked Checklist:

Social Media Reset Checklist

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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After ten whole centuries, I somehow found a microphone again and am bringing myself back to your mom's car speakers (I think) with some more pointless rants and terrible, really bad jokes.

We've talked about social media, and you voted to talk about it again from a different angle.

Social media has revolutionized fitness culture—but has it always been for the better? In this episode, I explore how fitness influencers and social media have shaped a distorted version of health and wellness, often promoting unrealistic body ideals and encouraging negative habits on the path to achieving.. well, what exactly? I'm unpacking the harmful narratives the internet creates and how they've corrupted a really great thing in a way that hurts those on their own journey.

Sit back, eat a taco, and listen to my voice like it's ASMR--but not the kind where they eat food, that weirds me out. I'm here to help you learn how to recognize the toxic content to find a healthier, more authentic approach to fitness in a world dominated by curated online personas.

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please text CONNECT to 741741 for free, 24/7 help for self-harm.

Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Text or dial 988

For people who don't have a history with it, self-harm can be difficult to understand. While it develops as a way to cope with difficult emotions, they can be challenging to identify. Self-harm is something I always saw existing in my life in some capacity. Today marks a year since I have done so and I have no intentions of going back.

I share my struggle with self-harm as it became my primary method of coping while I navigated a later discovered misdiagnosis. I also explore how the development of an eating disorder became a new method of self-harm which led to less of a reliance on cutting myself. This episode unpacks the comorbidity between eating disorders and self-harm, as well as what someone engaging in these behaviors feels they can receive from it. I hope this can make some feel seen, and give others a greater sense of understanding and compassion.

I promise you it gets better. I promise you, it is possible.

*Trigger Warning: This episode details events of self-harm. This could be triggering to some audiences. If you feel this episode might be harmful to you, please do not listen and go pet a dog instead. :)

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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Your neighbor, Sheri, could have a disordered relationship with exercise. Your little brother could have a binge eating disorder. Your favorite snack cake could feel insecure about its body. It doesn't matter who you are, how you identify, or if you believe in Santa-- everyone struggles with their perception of themselves at times.

Men and boys are often overlooked when it comes to disordered relationships with food and exercise. Eating disorders and feeling insecure about one's body are often perceived as "women's issues." However, these are very real struggles men deal with as well.

Personal Trainer, Tate Brodeur, lends his perspective on unrealistic male beauty standards, toxic masculinity, why the gym can feel scary as a man, and donuts. He also opens up about his own struggles and disordered relationship with food, exercise, and body.

If you or someone you know is struggling, check out the National Eating Disorder Association website for resources.

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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Get to know your Episode 7 guest better. In the episode, Tate and I talk about toxic masculinity, eating disorders in men, and the media's "ideal" male body.

Here, we see if he passes the vibe check with more hard-hitting content: his Mario Kart driver and how American cheese is (apparently) controversial.

Listen to Tate share his perspective and experiences in Episode 7.

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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Hi.

I've always been a storyteller, but in this episode lie stories I don't often share. As I've begun the journey toward recovery, I've realized just how much sexual trauma has played a role in its evolution and development.

Listen as I talk about the ways my ED provided me with a sense of control, safety, and a way to live in denial. I discuss the shame I felt following the trauma and how it has affected much of my adult life. I've never been good at sharing pieces of myself, especially ones like this, but I'm hoping that these issues can be recognized as widespread so people know they are not alone.

Don't ever doubt me. Spongebob references were made. Wasn't sure I would be able to slip one into this episode but with such a heavy topic, humor is always needed.

Trigger Warning: Please do not listen to this if you feel you will be triggered by talks of eating disorders or sexual violence of any kind. I want what is best for you and to ensure you feel safe.

Instagram: @morethanabodypod

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Those with eating disorders are hyperaware of the comments others make about food and body. Some of the things we say can be harmful to others without our knowledge.

In this episode, I discuss five different comments that could be triggering to someone struggling. Oftentimes, those that are battling keep it under wraps like a closeted teen with catholic parents. Further commentary can cause them to withdraw or internalize certain beliefs.

Being mindful of the things we say when we're socializing or eating with friends and family just makes us more of a badass. It also allows you to create a safe space for those you care about. Mindfulness and awareness are best practices for change. They also make you ten times hotter... just saying.

Instagram: @morethanabodypod