Body and Soul Nutrition Counseling, LLC

Recovery of any kind takes courage to say no, set boundaries, and interrupt the status quo.

If you are trying to recover from an eating disorder, codependency, alcoholism, or anything else, you are going to feel like giving up and when you do, you can do one of two things...you can give up or you can realize you no longer fit in the places you have lived in.

You are too grown, too strong, too motivated, too courageous to stay where you are.

Recovery is UNCOMFORTABLE and worth every last bit of effort it takes.

KEEP GOING.

I am finally learning in my old age how to celebrate myself. Not in a prideful way, I hope. But in a “I’m really happy I got to do these things, even if no one else cares” kind of way.

I’m almost 40 and I graduated 18, 17, and 16 years ago. I have always wanted to frame these. Not for anyone else. Just for me. As of 5 minutes ago they are hanging in my home office where no one will ever see them because that is not the point.

The point is that I didn’t assign enough value to how proud I am of them and what they represent until this week. I didn’t take the time and spend the $30 at Hobby Lobby to frame the darn the things. Until today.

The older I get and the more God delivers me from the fear of rejection of others (and unhealthy dependence on others), the more I see He has always been enough for me and through His spirit and His grace, I have all that I need. I can celebrate with Him and have immense gratitude for me life. And in the end, the folks who matter the most will be there to celebrate all of the joys of life with me!

Can you relate? Are there things in your life you would like to do just for you? What are you waiting for? I hope you go every one of those things with so much joy!

I have something so beautiful to show you next week!!

and I got together and did a new thing!

I love surrounding myself with brilliant people who love what they do and are crazy talented! Stay tuned!!!

I have a confession to make.

The picture above is from one year ago. I was in Prescott at Founding Father's Collection with family, friends, and colleagues celebrating the fact that I had just gotten my book Feed My Soul written and out in the world. It was a beautiful day full of gratitude, but I was tired then and it has taken me almost a whole year to slow down.

I fell into the trap of thinking “I have to do it all on my own, and I have to do it as fast I can.” I hadn't slowed down enough to process how hard it was for me as a mom of two littles and business owner to write a book and keep up with the demands of our life. I had not asked for enough help from God or others in my life. I had not let myself just be human.

I was in a big freaking hurry and I didn't even know why.

It is a productivity trap I think all of us can fall into and it is one I have vowed to learn from.

Writing Feed My Soul taught me a myriad of lessons I am thankful for. But the biggest blessing it brought to me to date, was teaching me to rest. To trust. To let go of results and to remember God is bigger than any hurry I could ever be in.

Ironically (but not at all) there is a whole section in the book about rest. In the Bible, rest is a commandment, not a suggestion. By writing about it, and teaching about it so much more this past year, I have come into contact with my own hypocrisy at times and have been challenged to practice what I know to be true and what I struggle to achieve.

I am now more than ever trusting that God has given me just the right time, intellect, resources, and ability as I need to do exactly what He has called me to do, in the time He has called me to do it in.

Will you join me?

If you are fighting an eating disorder, please don't do it alone.

We are here to help you heal and to give you hope!

Changing your body is like trying to stop a horrible bleed with a bandaid.

A bandaid that sometimes isn't even attainable.

In order to heal any part of our lives, we have to accept where we are, what is, and go from there.

Acceptance truly is a superpower that can lead to discerning what is actually possible to change.

You may never carry weight differently or be a size that you want to be, but you might be able to correct labs that are troubling to you, or become physically stronger than you ever thought possible. You might even begin to appreciate, accept, and love your body in the process.

The sky is the limit when we accept and submit to a loving God who made us just the way He wanted us to be and can and will use everything for our good.

Lent begins tomorrow and I want to encourage those of you who choose to participate…
fasting is
a spiritual cleanse
an intentional act of humility
a way to connect deeper with the living God

It is not intended to get us closer to the mold this world has created for us. It is to get us closer to Jesus. Period.

If you are even remotely excited about not eating due to possible weight loss, consider fasting socials, coffee, makeup, scrolling, and all the other potentials. Even as we decide what we actually fast about, let it bring us closer to the Father heart of God!

peace

There are still in-person and virtual spots available!
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This Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:00pm at Streams Church and live-streamed I will be talking about what wellness actually is, and how we eat and move well in 2024!
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Registration in bio/comments! Register at the same location for in-person and virtual!

Change your mind and you will change your life.
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January is almost here and the messaging of "make your body smaller and your life will be better is coming in full force."
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If you live in AZ and you want to change your mind about health and wellness so you can actually make your life better, head on over to the link in bio to register for this completely FREE even (Free childcare provided also).
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Come spend the evening of January 10th with me! You will not regret the investment!

We have been lied to. And we have missed out on a lot of joy because of that.
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John 10:10 says, "the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come so that they may have life and life to full."
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He came as a baby, lived as a spotless lamb, and died so that we could be free.
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If you are not living in freedom with your relationship with food, I can help and it would be my greatest honor.
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Head over to link in bio or DM me to learn about Feed My Soul book and conferences as well as 1:1s in person or virtual sessions!

Emotional neglect often leads to disordered eating.
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When loved ones don't want to or lack insight as to HOW to emotionally steward a child, food is there as a friend, companion, a constant in the midst of deep emotional pain from neglect.
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If this rings true for you, you are far from alone. So many of my clients have found this scenario to be true and are working hard alongside you to believe their present and future can be different from their past.
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I would love to help you in any way I can on your journey to food and body image peace. Send me a message to learn more about in-person events, virtual events, my book - Feed My Soul, emails, and a way to work with me 1:1.

peace

I love doing FREE events and this one is going to be so, so good!
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If you want to start the year on guard against the diet culture vultures and actually learn science-based approaches to wellness while integrating faith, join me at:

Streams Church
Wednesday, January 10th at 6:30pm
Admission FREE
Childcare provided!
Register HERE -> https://l.bttr.to/qxQK9
Link to register in bio also!

If you eat what you want, you will be satisfied much sooner than if you don't.
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Sounds scandalous doesn't it? I know. Diet culture wants you to stop reading, but it's true.
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If you eat what you want, give yourself total permission, not only will you feel satisfied sooner, but you will actually a bigger variety of foods as well. Intuitive eating works! Come see for yourself! Pick up a copy of Feed My Soul wherever you buy books!

peace

It doesn't seem possible that permission + mindfulness really works, but it does.
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We all want what we can't or "shouldn't" have but we all have peace with the things that are right there in front of us for the taking.
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This holiday season own your food decisions.
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Plate the cookies, eat them WITH milk or another protein source as a snack in plain sight for all to see. It might feel scandalous at first, but you will thank me for the push! And Merry Christmas!
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Was this helpful? Share with a friend, save for the future, and let me know what was helpful in DMs! Sign up for my newsletter with link in bio!

peace

Food can not make you good or bad. Your weight can not make you good or bad. What you look like, how you dress, your background, your education, your wealth. None of it matters.
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Jesus alone can reconcile you to a loving God and give you righteousness, wholeness, and peace.
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This holiday season and into the New Year, challenge any voice that would tell you that you can't listen to your body, eat what you want, and be at peace. If food and body image has been on the list of false idols, lesser gods, or high places in your life, I challenge you to tear down the high places and give God his rightful place.
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He made your body. And knew exactly what He was doing when He did.
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Want to learn more? I am hosting a FREE in-person seminar January 10th, and the Feed My Soul 2024 Conference on April 6th! Don't miss your opportunity to come hear a whole lot a truth! Links in comments!

Shake hands with food. Call a truce. Sign a peace treaty.
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You have too much to do to still be fighting with food.
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The Word tells us it is for freedom we have been set free, not for bo***ge, not for turmoil, not for fear. FOR FREEDOM.
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If you feel any anxiety or frustration or fear with food, there is a lack of peace with your relationship with food and there needs to be reconciliation.
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How do we reconcile our relationship with food? We give ourselves permission to eat. Eat when we feel hungry, eat enough to allow for fullness, and eat in a balanced way.
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If you want more tips about mastering intuitive eating, don't forget to sign up for my emails where I can help you more and more each week! Link in bio!

With the holidays in full swing and January almost here, the diet culture vultures are circling.
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Best way to take care of yourself through it all? Intuitive Eating!
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Principle #2 is Honor Your Hunger.
What does it really mean to "honor your hunger"? It's about respecting your body's need for food by tuning into signals of physical hunger and fullness.

Listening for rumblings or growls from your stomach. Noticing low energy or crankiness as signs you need refueling. Cultivating awareness of how you feel hunger since it can be different for all of us!

It means trusting your body’s innate wisdom when it comes to nourishment. Honoring hunger allows you to meet your needs, stabilize energy, and feel at home in your body. It can be a wonderful way to meditate on mindfulness this holiday season and is a great foundation for improving your health in 2024.

Want more help with intuitive eating? Head over to my link in bio to sign up for my emails!

The diet culture vultures are beginning to circle...
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As you enjoy (or guiltily partake in) holiday eating, January is approaching and with it, the diet culture vultures are coming for you and coming for me. They are coming for anyone they can convince that we are not ok and that we have to go to great, extreme lengths to be healthy and have wellness. But...psst! It's not true!!
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Let's celebrate the holidays together by reviewing the principles of intuitive eating with a lot of Jesus mixed in there since He was the one who created us and knew exactly what He was doing...
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Principle 1: Reject the diet mentality...to enjoy the holidays and prepare for holding your ground against diet culture in January, I want to encourage you to pray. Pray for God to show you where you still believe your life would be better if you were thinner, what good food/bad food thoughts you still have, what fat bias against yourself and others you still struggle with, and pray for peace in your relationship with food and your body.

For much, much more on creating peace with food and your body, pick up a copy of my book, Feed My Soul, wherever you buy books! Link in bio/comments.

When things feel crazy, go back to home base.
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1. Eat consistently. Breakfast within an hour of waking is always a must around here! Then every 2.5-4 hours throughout the day you should be eating. Three meals and 1-3 snacks each day. It will keep in tune with your cues and help you navigate the craziness of the season!
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2. Make it easy. You don't have to be a gourmet chef to meet your nutritional needs well. I am definitely not cooking complicated meals during the holidays, chasing two boys, running a business, etc., etc. etc., and you likely don't have time to either.
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3. Fat, Protein, Fiber. Wala! Focus on balancing everything you eat. Do this especially if you are still struggling with permission with certain foods that are only around this holiday season. Make the Christmas cookie the side at a meal or a snack with milk. Work it all in, make it balanced, and you will be able to enjoy it more!
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Want more help with eating, moving, and overall being well? I wrote a book for you (Feed My Soul anywhere you buy books) and my 2024 Conference is in April (link in comments) Hope to see you there!

If you want support in being the healthiest version of you this year, AND you want to save some moolah, grab your seat!

At checkout use the code 15OFF for 15% off your virtual or in-person access to this event! Virtual participants will have 60 days of access to the recording!

Dont's miss this sale! Limited seats available for discounted prices! Black Friday/Early bird offer open until 2/1. Links in bio/comments!

Idolatry comes in all forms. Eating the "right" way. Moving the "right" way. Looking the "right" way.

If you are tired of being at war with your body, or you just can't seem to get it "right" with food and movement, I hope you pick up a copy of Feed My Soul wherever you buy books today!

God was the first branding expert. He knew exactly what he was doing when he designed you and He never makes mistakes.

If you struggle to believe this, I hope you order my book Feed My Soul:Finding True Peace with Food, Movement, Rest, and Body Image. You will find support, education, and truth. Found wherever you buy books!

In case you need this reminder today AND in case you need some super fun Christmas gifts for your family and friends (or yourself)!

Check out my Etsy shop! It's loaded with anti-diet swag! Link in comments!

It is never really about the food.
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You owe it to yourself to find out what it IS about.
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If you want to learn more about making peace with food strategically and handling your emotions without involving food, pick up a copy of Feed My Soul, wherever you like to buy books!

Letting go of dieting can be really scary, but it doesn't have to be.
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You can use the power of the word of God to help in any situation and healing your relationship with food is no different.
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If you want more practical ways to heal using the Bible and faith-based approach, my book is perfect for you! Search Feed My Soul anywhere you buy books!

Galatians 5 tells us we are heirs of God.
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Part of our inheritance, is the gift of living in bodies that were meant to carry us, help us heal, and speak the language of give and take.
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Our bodies ask for and take fuel, water, rest, and care. In return they give movement, laughter, intimacy, life, shelter, purpose, adventure, and joy.
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If you feel like you have to constantly fight the body you live in, you are not living out your God-given inheritance. There's so much more for you.
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Your body was created to speak to you. Learning to listen to it might be a life-long journey, but it is one worth taking.
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Want to learn more? I wrote a book for you. Feed My Soul is available wherever you buy books.

Permission to eat something takes all of the power away from that food.
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When the food no longer has power over you, you can eat it mindfully and in normal portions.
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Permission takes time and you need to have a strategy for permission, but it works 100% of the time to decrease obsessions and restrictive or binge behaviors.
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Sign up for my monthly emails for more tips on how to create strategy, permission, and free with food! Link in comments!

We have to set boundaries with diet culture and the enemy of our souls in order to dare to believe the truth...

1. Instead of body checking, look at yourself in the eyes and speak to yourself as you would a friend.
2. Instead of demonizing food, see it for what it is, flour, sugar, protein molecules, oils, whatever it is. See that it can only have power over you, if you let it. Begin to ask God to help you trust food again.
3. See hunger not as a threat but as an indictor of need and begin to push back on any lie that would tell you that you are not "supposed" to be hungry.
4. If you gain weight because you start listening to your body, you need to gain for some reason. Begin to ask God to help you accept where you are today and be at peace today and each day in the future.

Want to learn more? I wrote a book for you! Link in bio or search Feed My Soul anywhere you like to buy books!

I heard each one of these statements from clients this week and I am not ok with it.
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You were made in the image of God and because of that and only that, you deserve to move, eat, love, and be loved no matter your size, your color, your season of life, or anything else about you.
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If you want to learn more about how to change the narrative in your mind and how to uproot the lies you believe about your body, food, and your worth, I wrote a book for you! Search Feed My Soul anywhere you buy books!

God created your body and called it good.
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You can call it good too.
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With time. With intention. With desire to heal and change your heart instead of changing your body.
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Want to learn more? I wrote a book just for you! ;) Feed My Soul on Amazon or wherever you buy books!