Ep. 170: Healing Your Relationship with Alcohol AND Food w/ Lindsay Sparks

If you’ve ever quit drinking and found yourself struggling with food, body image, or control… this conversation will hit home. In this episode, Sara sits down with sober dietitian Lindsay Sparks (@soberandnourished on Instagram) to unpack the deep connection between alcohol, disordered eating, and the pursuit of control. From growing up in diet culture to navigating sobriety, Lindsay shares how healing her relationship with food ultimately led her to question her drinking, and later, her relationship with weed. This is an honest, layered conversation about what it really means to feel at home in your body without numbing out. In this episode, we talk about: How body image struggles often begin early and are shaped by culture, media, and family influences The restrict–binge cycle and how it mirrors patterns with alcohol Why control (with food or drinking) often backfires The concept of intuitive eating and reconnecting with your body’s cues The overlap between disordered eating and alcohol use Why quitting drinking doesn’t automatically “fix” your relationship with food Sugar cravings in early sobriety and what your body actually needs Lindsay’s journey from alcohol-free to fully substance-free (including quitting weed) The hidden and normalized nature of both diet culture and alcohol use How to approach health, weight, and body changes without obsession or shame Key Takeaways: You’re not “failing” at moderation. These cycles are patterns, not personal flaws. Control creates backlash. Whether it’s food or alcohol, restriction often leads to overcorrection. Healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, consistency, and self-trust. Early sobriety requires nourishment, not punishment. You can build a life where you feel good in your body without numbing, restricting, or obsessing.   Connect with Lindsay: Instagram: @soberandnourished Work with Lindsay through Nourish (telehealth dietitian services) Website coming soon (link will be added in show notes)   Links, Resources, and Sponsors: Join the Day Makers: https://nomorewasteddays.co/day-makers-community Athletic Brewing: https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/athleticbrewing Upper Left Strength Co.: https://www.nomorewasteddays.co/upperleft   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Remember, you only get one life. The question isn’t “why quit?” It’s “why stay disconnected from it?”   ***************************************   Follow the podcast on Social Media: IG: @nomorewasteddays.pod   Follow Sara on Social Media: IG: @no_more_wasted_days TikTok: @no_more_wasted_days Facebook: www.facebook.com/NoMoreWastedDaysOfficial