EP 215: Why BMI is Total BS! The Scientific Truth About Body Mass Index & Numbers + How to Measure True Health📍
In this powerful episode of Her Best SELF podcast, we dismantle the widely misused BMI scale and reveal why this outdated measurement has no place in your recovery journey. Learn the problematic origins of BMI, the scientific evidence against its validity, and discover more meaningful ways to understand health and healing while navigating eating disorder recovery.
What You'll Learn:
The surprising origin story of BMI (it wasn't created by health professionals!)
Scientific studies proving BMI is an inaccurate measure of individual health
Why BMI disproportionately harms certain populations and body types
Better alternatives for understanding your body's health during recovery
Practical tips for responding when healthcare providers focus on BMI
How releasing attachment to numbers supports lasting recovery
Research Mentioned:
International Journal of Obesity study on metabolic health markers
Journal of the American Medical Association research on BMI and mortality rates
University of Pennsylvania research on ethnic differences in body composition
Quotes from the Episode: "Your body is not a math problem to be solved. Your worth is not determined by where you fall on a chart created for 19th-century population statistics."
"True health is about how your body functions, not how you measure against an arbitrary mathematical formula."
Recovery Action Step: The next time someone tries to reduce your health to a BMI number, remember the science backing why this measurement is fundamentally flawed. Practice responding with confidence about your commitment to more meaningful health markers in your recovery.
I hope you enjoy today's show!
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -> wwww.herbestself.co
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Coach with Me ->Client Application
______
Email me directly -> [email protected]
______
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.
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14:20
EP 214.5: Some Rules are Meant to be Broken ~ Food Rules, Diet Rules, Bargaining NO MORE! Here is the Path to True Recovery & Freedom
Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Well behaved women rarely make history".
Sis, it's time you make history!
It's time to lay down those nagging thoughts about food that are controlling your life once & for all.
In today’s of the podcast, I share with you many of the food rules I struggled with in my own personal path to freedom. I share how you can identify the rules no longer serving you that are keeping you stuck. & I discuss how you can introduce food exposures to challenge your current rules living you trapped.
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Each time you make a new scary choice to go agaisnt one of your food rules, your brain becomes less terrified & more accepting. This is HUGE in recovery!
Rules are meant to keep us safe, but disordered rules actually generate harm.
You are meant for MORE.
You are meant to live a life without chains of food rules.
Let me show you the way!
~
Ready to break those rules? share today's episode with someone you love!
& remember that you are made for a life FREE from the chains of disordered eating.
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -> wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me ->Client Application
______
Email me directly -> [email protected]
______
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.
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15:09
EP 214: When Hearing ‘You Look Healthy’ Hurts + 5 Proven Strategies to Help You Navigate Compliments in Recovery
In this heartfelt episode, we tackle the complicated emotions that arise when someone says "you look healthy" during eating disorder recovery. Drawing from personal experience, Lindsey provides compassionate guidance and practical strategies to process these well-intentioned comments without letting them derail your recovery journey.
In This Episode:
[00:00] Introduction: Why "you look healthy" can feel triggering in recovery
[02:15] The powerful quote that reframes what "healthy" truly means
[04:30] Understanding our emotional reaction to appearance comments
[06:45] Strategy #1: The Pause and Reframe
[08:30] Strategy #2: The Curiosity Approach
[10:15] Strategy #3: The Gratitude Pivot
[12:00] Strategy #4: The Feeling Validation
[13:45] Strategy #5: The Recovery Identity Reminder
[15:30] The reality of progress: It's not linear, but it is possible
[17:00] This week's challenge: Creating your personal definition of health
[18:30] Closing thoughts and resources
Key Takeaways:
"Healthy" isn't a code word for weight gain—it encompasses mental clarity, emotional presence, and overall vitality
Learning to separate appearance comments from your self-worth is a crucial recovery skill
Practical techniques like curiosity, reframing, and validation can help manage triggering moments
Recovery progress isn't about never feeling triggered—it's about developing new response patterns
Your authentic self-returning is what people are often really noticing and celebrating
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -> wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me ->Client Application
______
Email me directly -> [email protected]
______
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.
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16:10
EP 213: From Body Checking to Soul Checking ~ How Shadow Work Freed Me From Anorexia + Your 11-Question Guide
In this deeply personal episode, Lindsey explores how shadow work can help those struggling with eating disorders, particularly anorexia and restrictive eating patterns. This episode provides a guided assignment for listeners to explore the deeper emotional roots of their disordered eating, designed to be completed in a quiet, private space. Through 11 powerful questions, Lindsey invites you to shine light on the shadows that may be manifesting through your relationship with food and your body.
In This Episode
Lindsey's personal story about living with anorexia and the hidden emotional pain it masked
Introduction to shadow work as a complementary practice to professional eating disorder treatment
11 reflective questions to help identify the deeper wounds and needs behind disordered eating
Guidance on approaching this work with self-compassion and patience
The Shadow Work Questions
What is the biggest lie I tell myself constantly?
What is the story I tell myself about this lie?
When am I the hardest on myself and why?
When have I felt rejected, betrayed, or broken?
What would I say to the person that hurt me?
What makes me feel the most jealous? What do I wish I had that I don't?
What traits do/did my parents have that I hope I don't have?
What are my toxic traits? How do I push those on others?
When I think about my future, what am I most afraid of?
When was the last time that I forgave myself?
What does happiness mean to me?
Resources Mentioned
Journaling supplies (recommended for completing the shadow work assignment)
Finding a quiet, private space like a park bench for reflection
Important Note
This episode is meant to complement, not replace, professional treatment for eating disorders. If you're struggling with an eating disorder, please reach out to a healthcare professional for support.
Resources Mentioned:
www.herbestself.co - Work with Lindsey one-on-one
www.herbestselfsociety.com - Join our supportive community
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -> wwww.herbestself.co
______
Coach with Me ->Client Application
______
Email me directly -> [email protected]
______
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.
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24:27
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 -> [email protected]
______
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.
About Her Best Self | Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Disordered Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Body Image, Food Freedom, Calorie Counting, Obsessive Exercise, Food Restriction
✨Top 1% Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast✨
- Stop obsessive food thoughts and live life FREE FROM THE CONTROL of an eating disorder -
+ discover the exact steps to take via the Freedom Formula Experience™, so that you can experience lasting freedom from ED💓
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Do you find yourself constantly thinking about food? Wondering if you will wake up one day free from the obsessive thoughts & damaging behaviors? Do you struggle with the desire to control & therefore have an unhealthy relationship with food & your body? Maybe, you’ve tried to find a way out before, but the controlling voice inside tells you it’s just not possible for you, so you stay chained & ashamed, hopeless & exhausted.
In this podcast, you will find TRUTH & permission to stop the never-ending destructive cycle of disordered eating.
My mission is to help YOU find TRUE FREEDOM from food & body, so that you can create your healthiest life. A life full of all the best things. A future of confidence, peace, internal power & purpose.
If you are ready to heal from unhealthy patterns leaving you feeling stuck, & you are absolutely, 100 percent all in to experience your BEST HEALTH, then you are here for a divine reason my sweet friend!
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Welcome! I’m Lindsey Nichol. Former competitive figure skater & perfectionist turned God-led women’s wellness diva, LEO wife, imperfect #boymom & digital CEO.
For years of my life, I felt trapped in my body, never feeling good enough, small enough or perfect enough. I lacked self-worth, energy & hope. I fell into the trap of society norms & diet culture & I built my entire identity on false worldly metrics. I valued my number on the scale, my pant size, & my calorie count as a means of how good, perfect, worthy or in control I was as a human.
My battle with anorexia left me broken, alone & far from the TRUE SELF that I missed so dearly yet craved so completely. With God, support, grace & intuitive recovery methods, I healed & rebuilt my life from ground zero.
I want to help you do the same, my friend!
A decade later, I am honored to play a pivotal role in guiding women, just like you, through their own healing journey. With 1:1 coaching, my proven recovery blueprint based on intuitive strategies & personal insights, you’ll experience nothing but the BEST uplifting content in this safe place.
So grab your iced coffee & your favorite journal as we walk together through the detour of perfection to the highway of purpose. Let’s have you thriving versus barely surviving. It’s time to break the chains of fear, food & control, so that you can experience the freedom your heart so desperately deserves.
It’s an honor to have you here girl! Healing might not always be easy, but with a guiding light beside you, it is POSSIBLE. Now, let’s find your TRUE SELF, or should I say, your BEST SELF!
xo,
lindsey
Find All the Things -> www.herbestself.co
* 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.
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**DISCLAIMER** Trigger warning: The episodes on Her Best Self podcast may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to eating disorders & mental health. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be triggered or adversely impacted by any of these topics. Neither Lindsey Nichol LLC, associates nor guests, shall at any time be liable for the content covered causing offense, distress or any other reaction. The information contained comes from personal insight & education but should not be viewed as clinical support or professional diagnosis. Anything said should NOT be taken as a replacement for medical intervention & is nothing is intended to establish a therapist-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or other health professional, nor treatment. @ Copyright 2025 Lindsey Nichol LLC
Listen to Her Best Self | Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast, Disordered Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Body Image, Food Freedom, Calorie Counting, Obsessive Exercise, Food Restriction, The Body Coach: Extraordinary People and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app