Dive into the complete episode list for Food Is Food. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
I Never Wanted To Work As An Eating Disorder Dietitian
14 Apr 2026
00:18:35
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia shares about her own relationship with food and how she unexpectedly found her path as an eating disorder dietitian.
She talks about:
The early influences on her relationship with food, including a brief experience with disordered eating
How her career evolved from a desire to work as a sports dietitian to working in eating disorders
The personal and professional experiences that shaped her understanding of eating disorders and recovery
If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting nutrition advice or questioned your relationship with food, this podcast will help you feel less alone and open the door to a more compassionate, flexible way of thinking about food.
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Welcome To Food Is Food!
14 Apr 2026
00:01:31
Are you frustrated by the amount of nutrition misinformation that you hear?
Me too.
I'm Talia Cecchele, specialist eating disorder and disordered eating dietitian and founder of the TCN clinic. I support people to overcome food rules, stop restrictive dieting and stop feeling so out of control with food and eating.
In this podcast, I really want to bring nuance to the conversations that we have about nutrition because our relationship with food is so complex and it can be really harmful to view food in a black and white or all or nothing way. We'll be chatting about all things nutrition, intuitive eating, body image, diet culture, psychology and the consequences of under-eating and all through a non-diet and weight inclusive lens.
I really hope to create space that allows us to better understand how our thoughts, emotions and life experiences shape our relationship with food and our bodies.
So if you're feeling a little bit lost about how to eat normally or you feel like food is overtaking your life, then you're in the right place.
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Why You Are Already “Sick Enough”: The Hidden Impact of Undereating | With Jennifer Gaudiani
30 Apr 2026
00:48:55
In this episode of Food is Food, we explore the complex and often misunderstood concept of being “sick enough” in the context of eating disorders and undereating.
What You’ll Learn:
How diet culture, medical gaslighting, and internalised beliefs keep people stuck
The truth about “feeling fine” while undernourished (and why it’s misleading)
Why your metabolism isn’t broken
The biological reality of undereating - from bone health and biochemistry to heart health and cognitive change
Resources & Links:
Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders and Undernutrition (2nd Edition) by Dr. Jen Gaudiani
Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines
About our Guest: Dr. Jen Gaudiani is the founder and medical director of the Gaudiani Clinic. Board certified in internal medicine, she completed her undergraduate degree at Harvard, medical school at Boston University School of Medicine, and her internal medicine residency and chief residency at Yale.
Founded in 2016, the Gaudiani Clinic offers specialized, trauma informed outpatient medical care to individuals seeking support for eating disorders, undernourishment related to complex medical issues, and weight-inclusive primary care.
The fully updated and significantly expanded second edition of Dr. Gaudiani’s bestselling book, Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders and Undernutrition is now available wherever books are sold.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:00 – What does “sick enough” actually mean? 07:00 – Why feeling “fine” doesn’t mean you’re nourished 12:30 – The house-on-fire analogy explained 16:30 – Can you really break your metabolism? 24:00 – Extreme hunger and why it’s biologically normal 30:00 – Diet culture, stigma, and hunger across all body sizes 31:30 – Heart rate: athlete vs undernourished body 36:00 – Blood markers: cholesterol, white cells & medical myths 43:00 – Undereating and its impact on your brain 49:00 – Perimenopause, ageing, and eating disorders 52:30 – Closing thoughts
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Understanding RAVES™: A Flexible Framework For Healing Your Relationship with Food | With Shane Jeffrey
22 Apr 2026
00:42:32
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia and Shane Jeffrey explore the RAVES Eating Model — a compassionate, flexible framework designed to support a more peaceful and nourishing relationship with food.
What You’ll Learn:
What the RAVES Eating Model is and how each principle supports recovery
Why regularity and adequacy form the foundation of nutritional wellbeing
The role of variety, social eating, and flexibility in long-term recovery
How RAVES can be adapted to suit your unique needs, preferences, and life context
Common misconceptions about structured eating frameworks
SAFETY: neurodiversity affirming approach to developing neutral food relationships
Shane is an Australian based Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with over 25 years of experience in the eating disorder field across both the private and public sectors. Shane is the director and lead clinician at Brisbane based River Oak Health, a multidisciplinary private practice service dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders and other eating, weight and body image concerns. treatment service in Brisbane. As the developer of the RAVES™ Eating Model, Shane has a strong interest in keeping nutrition messages simple, service development and supporting clinicians through professional supervision and workshop events.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:00 – What is the RAVES model? 06:00 – Regularity & adequacy: building the foundation 14:00 – Variety, social eating & spontaneity explained 22:00 – Common misconceptions of RAVES 27:00 – Adapting RAVES for neurodiversity 34:00 – The SAFETY framework and client-centred care 39:00 – RAVES workshops and certification 49:00 – Closing thoughts
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Understanding the Spectrum: Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorder
07 May 2026
00:26:12
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia clarifies the differences between disordered eating and eating disorders, emphasising the importance of recognising signs and seeking support. It explores the spectrum of eating behaviors, diagnostic criteria, and factors contributing to eating disorders, providing valuable insights for anyone concerned about their relationship with food.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
Difference between disordered eating and eating disorders
Spectrum of eating behaviours from intuitive eating to clinical diagnosis
Factors contributing to eating disorders: biological, psychological, sociocultural
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:30 – How common eating disorders really are 04:50 – Understanding diagnoses & overlap between eating disorders 09:35 – Why disordered eating is hard to define 11:30 – The spectrum: from intuitive eating to eating disorders 12:20 – The “3 Ps” model: why eating disorders develop 15:35 – Barriers to seeking support & cultural considerations 18:30 – What is disordered eating? Signs to look out for 21:10 – The role of intention behind food behaviours 22:50 – What “normal eating” actually looks like 25:10 – How disordered eating can develop into an eating disorder 26:40 – Final thoughts: when to seek support
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Rethinking BMI, Body Image And Weight Stigma | with Glenn Mackintosh
09 Jul 2026
01:00:40
In this episode, psychologist Glenn Mackintosh unpacks the myths surrounding BMI, discusses the impact of weight stigma, and explores compassionate ways to foster body acceptance and health beyond numbers. Discover practical insights for both health professionals and individuals seeking a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
The origins and flaws of the BMI as a population measure rather than an individual health indicator
The successful shift in public and clinical perceptions away from weight stigma
The impact of weight bias and stigma in healthcare and society at large
Strategies for reframing language around body size and promoting non-stigmatizing, inclusive terminology
The significance of body image as a relationship with one's body—encompassing acceptance, trust, and care
The importance of integrating psychological support into physical health journeys for sustainable change
About our Guest: Glenn is a psychologist who is extremely passionate about eating, physical activity, weight, and body image. He is the Clinical Director of the Weight Management Psychology Clinic, the Creator of the Transformation Support Community Online Program, and the Author of the bestselling 'Thinsanity: 7 Steps to Transform Your Mindset & Say Goodbye to Dieting Forever'. He enjoys supporting the health-conscious public and training the wonderful health professionals who support them.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest overview
05:26 - The history and misuse of BMI in healthcare and policy
06:48 - How commercial interests influenced BMI category changes in the 1990s
13:10 - Critique of BMI's limitations and advocating for holistic health assessments
14:46 - The stigmatization caused by current BMI usage in healthcare settings
15:06 - Reframing language to reduce weight stigma and promote compassion
17:42 - Recognizing unconscious weight bias in health professionals and the population
23:03 - The primary goals philosophy and the importance of emotional and physical wellbeing
24:14 - Understanding body image as a relationship based on acceptance, trust, and care
28:27 - Strategies for fostering body love and reducing internalized stigma
33:28 - Practical exercises to shift body perceptions, including self-compassion tools
37:05 - The role of psychological interventions in supporting behavior change 4
3:22 - The influence of weight bias within healthcare and how to counteract it
44:47 - Tools for awareness and reducing unconscious biases
50:24 - The impact of societal messaging, media, and fashion industry on body ideals
55:41 - Glenn's experience on The Biggest Loser Australia
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Ultra-Processed Foods: Are They Really Bad for You? Food Fears & Nutrition Misinformation | With Maeve Hanan
02 Jul 2026
00:31:42
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become one of the most talked-about topics in nutrition, but how much of what we hear online is actually supported by evidence?
In this episode, Talia is joined by Registered Dietitian Maeve Hanan to chat about the growing fear around UPFs and explore what the research really tells us. Together, they discuss how foods are classified, why processing does not determine nutritional value, and the impact that anti-UPF messaging can have on our relationship with food.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You'll Learn: • What ultra-processed foods actually are — and why the definition is more complicated than most people realise • What current research does (and doesn't) tell us about UPFs and health outcomes • Why food processing doesn't determine whether a food is nutritious • How anti-UPF messaging can contribute to food anxiety, disordered eating, and guilt around eating • The role convenience foods can play in supporting health, recovery, and everyday life
About our Guest: Maeve Hanan is a Registered Dietitian who specialises in eating disorders, disordered eating and food freedom. She’s the founder of Dietetically Speaking, a platform offering evidence-based information, practical tools, courses, and one-to-one support to help people build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food. Maeve advocates for a compassionate, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition, and is passionate about cutting through the online nutrition BS by sharing clear, evidence-based and practical messages (via her website, weekly newsletter and instagram page).
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:02 – What are ultra-processed foods? 06:54 – Are UPFs really harmful? Understanding the evidence 14:00 – Food fear, eating disorders, and the impact of demonising foods 19:17 – Convenience, privilege, and accessibility in nutrition 24:03 – Label reading, food rules, and nutrition misinformation online 29:33 – When food anxiety becomes a concern 30:51 – Final takeaways and practical advice
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
When Are You Ready for Intuitive Eating?
25 Jun 2026
00:30:43
In this episode, Talia Cecchele breaks down what intuitive eating truly is, dispelling common myths and exploring its core principles. Whether you're recovering from disordered eating or looking to foster a healthier relationship with food, this episode provides clear guidance on how to approach intuitive eating at different stages of your journey.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
Clarifying common misconceptions about intuitive eating, such as it being about just eating whatever you want, when you want
The 10 principles of intuitive eating and how they support a compassionate, anti-diet approach
How you can apply the different principles at different stages of recovery
When and how to transition into intuitive eating during recovery from disordered eating
Resources & Links:
Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach, by Elise Resch and Evelyn Tribole
Intuitive Eating Official Website - https://www.intuitiveeating.org
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Intuitive Eating 03:32 The Principles of Intuitive Eating 20:00 Navigating the Journey to Intuitive Eating
21:54 – The importance of physical and psychological readiness to embrace intuitive eating 30:03 Indicators of Readiness for Intuitive Eating
GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, but are they appropriate to use in the context of healing relationship with food and long-term wellbeing?
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by eating disorder dietitian Aoife McMahon for a compassionate, nuanced conversation about GLP-1 medications, weight stigma and food noise.
Together, they chat about how GLP-1 medications work, why they’ve become so popular, and the growing concerns around nutrition, food preoccupation, eating disorder risk, and long-term outcomes. They also explore the rise of the term “food noise,” the impact of diet culture and healthcare stigma, and why individualised care matters so much.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
What GLP-1 medications are and how they influence appetite, fullness, and food pleasure
The potential nutritional risks and side effects associated with GLP-1 medications
How GLP-1 use may intersect with disordered eating, eating disorders, and food preoccupation
Why “food noise” may actually reflect hunger, restriction, or disconnection from body cues
The role weight stigma and healthcare inequality play in access to GLP-1 medications
Ryan, D. H. et al. (2024). Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nature Medicine, 30(7), 2049–2057. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02996-7
About our Guest: Aoife McMahon is a CORU and HCPC Registered Dietitian specialising in relationship with food, body image, and inclusive nutrition care. Aoife has extensive experience across bariatric care, GLP-1 support, and weight management services. She is passionate about helping people navigate these complex decisions with less shame and more autonomy, recognising that the desire to pursue weight loss is deeply understandable in a world where weight loss products, treatments, and messaging are everywhere. Aoife is the host of podcast: Inside Bariatrics.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:02 – What GLP-1 medications are and how they work 05:00 – Appetite suppression, food pleasure & side effects 07:16 – Safe GLP-1 use in eating disorder recovery 17:40 – Why relationship with food support matters alongside GLP-1s 19:38 – Weight stigma, healthcare inequality & access to medications 25:05 – What the research says about long-term GLP-1 outcomes 29:00 – Weight stigma in healthcare settings 36:58 – “Food noise” vs food preoccupation explained
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Are Supplements A Waste of Money? | With Josie Porter
11 Jun 2026
00:43:24
Are supplements really necessary — or is the wellness industry overselling them?
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by registered dietitian and author Josie Porter to chat about some of the most popular supplements trending online right now, including creatine, magnesium, electrolytes, collagen, probiotics, NMNs, CoQ10, and omega-3s.
Together, they explore what the research actually says, where supplements may be helpful, and why a food-first approach still matters most. This conversation cuts through fear-based wellness messaging around longevity and offers an evidence-informed perspective.
Whether you’re curious about supplements, feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, or wondering which supplements are actually worth your money, this episode will help you make more informed decisions.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
How to approach supplements through a food-first, non-diet lens
The difference between promising research and marketing hype
How supplement regulation works in the UK
When supplements may genuinely be supportive or necessary
Resources & Links:
Josie Porter’s new book: How Not To Take Supplements (out on June 4th)
Josie Porter is a registered dietitian with a special interest in binge eating disorder, weight management, women's health and gut health. She has worked across leading NHS services and in private practice. You can find Josie on Instagram.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & introduction 00:54 – What are NMNs and do they actually support longevity? 04:34 – CoQ10, heart health, and antioxidant claims 09:03 – Creatine: performance benefits vs online hype 13:58 – Supplement regulation and safety concerns in the UK 17:33 – Greens powders, liver health, and “natural” marketing 20:01 – Electrolytes: who actually needs them? 24:17 – Magnesium supplements for sleep and constipation 33:07 – Omega-3 supplements and bridging nutritional gaps 36:56 – Probiotics: what the science really says 44:19 – Collagen for skin, joints, and healthy ageing 48:32 – Final thoughts on a food-first approach to supplements
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Get Your Period Back: HA, RED-S And Disordered Eating | With Elle Kelly
04 Jun 2026
00:33:07
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia sits down with sports nutritionist & disordered eating dietitian Elle Kelly to chat about hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), RED-S, low energy availability, and the impact of under-fuelling on the body.
They discuss why losing your period can happen at any body size, the role of carbohydrates and energy distribution in recovery, and why getting your period back is about so much more than fertility. This conversation also challenges common misconceptions around exercise, calorie targets, and what “healthy” really looks like.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
What hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and RED-S actually are
Why period loss can happen at any weight or body size
The hidden signs of low energy availability beyond losing your period
Why carbohydrates and adequate fuelling matter for hormone health
The importance of energy distribution throughout the day
Whether you really need to stop exercising to recover your cycle
Why getting your period back is about overall health — not just fertility
Resources & Links:
Follow Elle Kelly on Instagram: @ellekellynutrition
Elle is a registered dietitian and sports dietitian specialising in disordered eating, sports nutrition & period recovery. After working in acute eating disorders and whilst doing her masters in sports nutrition, Elle recognised the crossover of disordered eating in the athlete space and has spent the last few years growing her clinic and developing the Refuel & Revive program which supports active women and athletes to develop a healthy relationship with food, exercise and their bodies, so they can get their period back to support their performance and life.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:00 – What is hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA)? 05:15 – Understanding a “normal” menstrual cycle 08:15 – HA vs RED-S: what’s the difference? 13:00 – Is 2500 calories enough to recover your period? 16:00 – Carbohydrates, exercise & hormone health 21:00 – Energy distribution and under-fuelling throughout the day 24:15 – Do you need to stop exercising to recover your period? 28:50 – Why recovery isn’t just about energy in vs energy out 29:30 – “Why would I want my period back?”
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
What the Minnesota Starvation Study Teaches Us About Eating Disorders
28 May 2026
00:29:30
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia breaks down one of the most important studies in eating disorder research — the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, led by Ancel Keys in 1944. This is one of Talia's favourite topics to discuss in clinic, and she gets vulnerable about a major gap in her own knowledge: the fourth phase of the study, which most clinicians don't talk about.
From the physical and psychological impact of restriction, to the emergence of binge eating and purging behaviours in men with no prior history of eating disorders, this episode is essential listening for anyone in recovery from an eating disorder, working through disordered eating, or simply wanting to understand what under-eating does to the human body and mind.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
The four phases of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment and the physical, psychological and behaviour changes that occur in semi-starvation
The biology of "Food Obsession": learn why hoarding recipes, dreaming of food, and ritualistic eating are often biological responses to malnutrition rather than personality traits or the eating disorder itself.
Understanding Compensatory Hyperphagia: the "unsatiable" hunger that often follows a period of restriction
Using the landmark 1944 study to understand that physical and psychological symptoms of starvation are reversible through consistent, adequate nutritional rehabilitation.
Key Research Referenced:
Keys, A., Brozek, J., Henschel, A., Mickelson, O., & Taylor, H.L. (1950). The biology of human starvation (Vols. 1–2). University of Minnesota Press.
Kalm, L.M. & Semba, R.D. (2005). They starved so that others be better fed: Remembering Ancel Keys and the Minnesota Experiment. Journal of Nutrition, 135(6), 1347–1352.
Dulloo AG. Physiology of weight regain: Lessons from the classic Minnesota Starvation Experiment on human body composition regulation. Obesity Reviews. 2021;22(S2):e13189. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13189DULLOO
Tucker, T. (2007). The great starvation experiment: Ancel Keys and the men who starved for science. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to the Minnesota Semi-Starvation Study.
04:05 – Phase 1: The Control Period.
06:25 – Phase 2: The Semi-Starvation Period. The physical and psychological impact of undereating
12:24 – Phase 2: Behavioral changes
16:40 – Phase 3: Controlled Rehabilitation. Why low-calorie "re-feeding" didn't work and the need for high energy intake.
21:00 – Phase 4: The Unrestricted Phase. Compensatory hyperphagia and the reality of extreme hunger.
25:46 – Long-term Follow-up. Insights on weight overshoot, body composition, and total symptom reversal.
33:27 – Closing thoughts: Finding hope in nutritional rehabilitation.
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
The Hidden Impact of Undereating: Bone Health and Hormones | With Dr. Nicky Keay
21 May 2026
00:46:35
In this episode, Talia is joined by Dr Nicky Keay to explore the often overlooked consequences of under-eating and over-exercise on hormones and bone health.
Together, they unpack how low energy availability can disrupt the menstrual cycle, reduce estrogen and impact bone health. They also discuss DEXA scans, osteoporosis, HRT and REDS.
What You’ll Learn:
The hormonal consequences of under-fuelling and over-exercising
The link between amenorrhoea, low oestrogen, and bone health
The difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis
The latest guidance around HRT for functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea
Blood tests that may be useful when assessing REDS and bone health
Nicky is a medical doctor specialising in exercise endocrinology. Nicky’s clinical endocrine work provides personalised approach for hormone health, offering health advisory appointments, with a focus for those experiencing relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
Based on her research into REDs, Nicky developed the free online personal availability questionnaire (PEAQ). Nicky is medical advisor to Scottish Ballet and offers talks on a variety of hormone topics at international conferences for organisations and groups. Nicky is the author of “Hormones, Health and Human Potential” and editor of “Myths of Menopause”.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:32 – How under-eating and over-exercise affect hormones 02:57 – Why periods may stop when the body is conserving energy 05:30 – What DEXA scans can and cannot tell us 08:38 – Understanding osteopenia, osteoporosis, Z-scores and T-scores 27:45 – Can osteoporosis be improved? 37:34 – What HRT is and when it may be indicated 42:22 – Why the oral contraceptive pill is not bone-protective in FHA 52:28 – Helpful blood markers for REDs and bone health 56:08 – Why vitamin D matters more than “normal range” alone
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Digestive Issues And Eating Disorder Recovery | With Marci Evans
14 May 2026
00:43:21
Digestive symptoms are one of the most common — and misunderstood — experiences in eating disorder recovery. In this episode, Talia is joined by eating disorder dietitian Marci Evans to unpack the complex relationship between restrictive eating, IBS symptoms, the nervous system, and gut health.
This episode is for anyone navigating bloating, constipation, gastroparesis, IBS symptoms, or digestive discomfort in recovery — and for clinicians wanting a deeper understanding of the gut-brain connection in eating disorder care.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You’ll Learn:
Why digestive symptoms are so common in eating disorders and disordered eating
The connection between the nervous system, anxiety, stress, and gut function
Why under-eating and restrictive diets can worsen IBS-like symptoms
Practical tools to support digestion without food restriction
Resources & Links:
Website:marcird.com (including clinician training and workshops)
About our Guest: Marci Evans is a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian and Supervisor (CEDS-C) and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor practicing from a weight-inclusive, anti-oppression lens.
She has dedicated her career to counseling, supervising, and teaching in the field of eating disorders. She launched the Food and Body Image Healers® Training Institute in 2015, an online platform helping dietitians and clinicians build the skills to specialise in eating disorder care. Since then, more than 3500 clinicians have taken her nutrition counseling and body image courses and focused workshops.
Marci continues to lead a weight-inclusive private practice, teaches graduate-level nutrition counseling at Simmons University, and has a forthcoming book, Nourishing Recovery: A New Integrated Approach to Nutritional Care for Eating Disorders.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:48 – Why digestive issues are so common in eating disorders 03:29 – The “chicken or egg” relationship between IBS and eating disorders 09:25 – The gut-brain connection: stress, anxiety & digestion 14:29 – Gut-directed hypnotherapy & non-diet approaches to IBS symptoms 16:20 – Low FODMAP diets in eating disorder recovery 22:09 – Nervous system regulation tools 25:30 – Exercise, undernourishment & pelvic floor health 32:08 – Are digestive symptoms always reversible in recovery? 36:21 – Food intolerance testing: what’s evidence-based? 42:29 – Bloating, constipation & practical digestive support tools 46:26 – Free resources for clinicians & recovery support
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
Leaving a 5* review
Sharing this episode with someone who might find it helpful
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Understanding Overshoot: Why Your Body May Need to Gain More Weight Before It Heals
15 Jul 2026
00:24:56
One of the most common questions I receive is: "What is a healthy weight?"
The answer isn't as simple as a BMI or number range on the scale.
In this episode, we're exploring one of the most misunderstood parts of weight recovery: overshoot. If you've ever worried that your body will "keep gaining weight forever," felt afraid of weight restoration, or wondered why recovery can feel so physically and emotionally challenging, this episode is for you.
You'll learn why overshoot is a normal biological process, how it supports full nutritional rehabilitation, and why stopping weight restoration too early can leave you stuck in partial recovery.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You'll Learn
What overshoot is and why it happens during weight recovery
Why body fat restores before muscle—and why this is essential for healing
The connection between overshoot, extreme hunger (compensatory hyperphagia), and full nutritional rehabilitation
Resources & Links
Dulloo AG. Physiology of weight regain: Lessons from the classic Minnesota Starvation Experiment on human body composition regulation. Obes Rev. 2021 Mar;22 Suppl 2:e13189. doi: 10.1111/obr.13189. Epub 2021 Feb 5. PMID: 33543573.
Dulloo, A., Jacquet, J., Miles-Chan, J. et al. Passive and active roles of fat-free mass in the control of energy intake and body composition regulation. Eur J Clin Nutr 71, 353–357 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.256
Troscianko, E. (February 22, 2014). Recovering From Anorexia: How and Why Not to Stop Halfway. Psychology Today. [accessed 10.7.26] https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-hunger-artist/201402/recovering-from-anorexia-how-and-why-not-to-stop-halfway
Episode Timestamps
01:30 – Why "What is a healthy weight?" isn't a simple answer 03:10 – What overshoot is and why it matters 06:20 – Why fat restores before muscle 09:20 – The Minnesota Starvation Experiment and overshoot 11:45 – Extreme hunger (compensatory hyperphagia) explained 13:10 – Why weight often restores around the abdomen first 15:50 – Does eating more protein build muscle faster? 16:30 – Why stopping weight restoration too early can delay recovery 20:30 – Hunger, metabolism and the reality of nutritional rehabilitation 23:00 – Why BMI isn't the answer to "healthy weight"
Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:
Following or subscribing to the podcast
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
Compulsive Exercise & Eating Disorders: How to Build a Healthy Relationship with Movement | With Daniel Mansaray
29 Jul 2026
00:40:57
Can exercise become unhealthy, even when everyone around you praises it?
In this episode of Food is Food, I'm joined by Daniel Mansaray, physiotherapist and DBT therapist from The Eating Disorder Exercise Clinic to explore one of the most challenging aspects of eating disorder recovery for many people: compulsive exercise.
Together, we discuss the difference between enjoying movement and feeling compelled to exercise, the subtle signs your relationship with exercise may no longer be serving you, and why "healthy" behaviours can sometimes mask deeper struggles.
We also explore common fears that keep people stuck such as losing fitness, changing identity, or gaining weight and discuss why recovery isn't about avoiding movement forever, but rebuilding a relationship with exercise that's flexible, enjoyable, and supportive of your long-term wellbeing.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You'll Learn:
How to recognise the signs of compulsive or unhealthy exercise.
Why enjoying exercise isn't always the same as having a healthy relationship with it.
The role of fitness trackers, step counts, and exercise rules in maintaining compulsive behaviours.
Why nutrition is essential before focusing on exercise performance or bone health.
Whether you need to stop exercising completely during recovery.
Practical first steps towards rebuilding a healthier relationship with movement.
Daniel is an eating disorder physiotherapist, DBT therapist and founder of the ED Exercise Clinic. He specialises in helping people recover from compulsive exercise and rebuild a flexible, sustainable relationship with movement through an evidence-based, compassionate approach.
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.
The 4 Types of Food Rules Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Them)
22 Jul 2026
00:29:05
Have you ever said, "I don't have food rules"—but still find yourself avoiding certain foods, only eating at specific times, or feeling guilty after eating?
In this episode of Food is Food, Talia explores one of the biggest drivers of disordered eating: food rules.
Many food rules are so deeply ingrained that we don't even recognise them. Whether they come from diet culture, nutrition misinformation, family beliefs, or past dieting experiences, these rules quietly shape our eating behaviours, increase anxiety around food, and make intuitive eating feel impossible.
Talia breaks down the four categories of food rules and explains how they keep people trapped in cycles of restriction—even when they believe they're eating "normally."
You'll also learn how to tell the difference between a genuine food preference and a fear-based food rule, plus practical ways to start gently challenging these behaviours.
Episodes drop every Thursday.
What You'll Learn
The four categories of food rules: when, what, how much, and how to eat
Why food rules often develop without us even realising
The difference between dietary restraint and strict restriction
How food rules maintain disordered eating and fuel binge-restrict cycles
How to tell whether something is a genuine food preference or a fear-driven food rule
Practical first steps to start breaking food rules safely and sustainably