Healing Food, Body, and Self w/ Umashnee Naidoo

Find Your Light WellnessHealing doesn’t start with a stricter plan—it starts with feeling safe in your own skin. We sit down with Uma, a former mechanical engineer from South Africa turned yoga teacher, health coach, and energy medicine practitioner, to unpack how stored stress and survival patterns shape eating, weight, and the way we talk to our bodies. Her story moves beyond before-and-after to the quiet work of nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and presence, showing why “doing everything right” can still feel wrong when the body doesn’t feel safe.We explore the pivot from all-or-nothing to sustainable practices: chakra-informed yoga that helps release tension where it lives; breathwork that steadies cravings and mood; and mindful eating that trades punishment for nourishment. Uma shares the moments that changed her path—depression, perfectionism, emotional eating—and the tools that helped her heal from the inside out: meditation training, embodiment, and energy work. You’ll learn why tight hips can hint at creative blocks, how small boundary rituals protect your energy, and what it looks like to treat movement as medicine instead of penance.If comparison has you stuck or social feeds are stealing your joy, this conversation offers a reset rooted in science and soul. We talk about modeling self-respect for our kids, romanticizing daily wellness (yes, sparkling water in a wine glass counts), and aligning goals with values so change actually lasts. Uma also previews her upcoming book and shares how she blends coaching with energy healing to support clients through real-life stress, not around it.Ready to swap shame for self-trust and build habits that love you back? Hit follow, share this episode with a friend who needs gentleness today, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show. Your support helps our community grow.My website: https://findyourlightwellness.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umashnee-naidooTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findyourlightwellnessInstagram: https://instagram.com/find_your_light_wellnessYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Findyourlight_Support the showThanks so much for listening! Get all the info here: LinkTreeInstagram & Facebook: @spandexandwineWeb Site: www.spandexandwine.com