The Link Between Nutrition and Anxiety: Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion with Heather Lilico

Are you tired of setting goals and never achieving them?  Noticing that anxiety and perfectionism are what usually get in your way? If you are ready to break free from perfectionism and paralysis analysis, this episode is for you! Anxiety is a common condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Anxiety comes from overcontrol and from thoughts that are projected into the future.  It’s where all the “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios live.  While there are various approaches to managing anxiety, focusing on mindset, nutrition, and movement can be particularly effective in providing natural relief.  In this episode, Heather Lillico, a holistic nutritionist and wellness practitioner, discusses the importance of addressing mental health, specifically anxiety, in our society. She shares her personal journey with anxiety and how she found natural ways to manage it through nutrition, meditation, and yoga. Heather emphasizes the need to prioritize self-care and develop healthy habits to overcome perfectionism and anxiety so that we can allow ourselves to live our best lives!  In this conversation, we highlight the connection between thoughts, emotions, and the nervous system, and how understanding this can lead to a more balanced and calm life. Topics Covered: 00:02 - Introduction and setting the context for the conversation 01:15 - Sherry shares her perspective on setting goals 05:22 - Heather's personal journey with anxiety and panic attacks 08:40 - Discussion on the nature vs. nurture aspect of perfectionism 13:21 - Three pillars approach: mindset, nutrition, and movement 15:40 - Foods rich in magnesium and fermented foods for anxiety 21:32 - Healing disordered relationship with food through therapy and meditation 22:26 - Struggle to get into meditation, need for movement 32:06 - Discussing movement as a way to manage anxiety 33:14 - Yoga as a retraining of the body and regulating the nervous system 37:29 - Shifting the focus from calories to overall well-being 41:20 - Exploring the fear of making mistakes and feeling unsafe 44:02 - Separating mistakes from self-worth and self-sabotage 45:05 - The power of grace and kindness towards oneself 46:49 - Starting small with manageable self-care habits 48:43 - Shifting identity from anxiety and perfectionism 50:09 - Cultivating calm and finding worthiness through habits Key Takeaways: Holistic approach to manage anxiety naturally The impact of childhood messaging on perfectionism and achievement How to overcome limiting beliefs to live a fulfilling life Importance of nutrition for calming the body and mind How to overcome disordered relationship with food and diet culture How meditation changes relationship with emotions and self-worth breakthrough What is the correlation between thoughts, emotions, and the nervous system Importance of understanding the deeper drivers behind behaviour By the way, if you’ve been listening to this minisode, and you’re ready to take a timeout and focus on just you for a whole week, then I want to invite you to join me for the Transformation in Paradise Empyrean Retreat in Costa Rica May 24-31, 2025.  This will be the most transformative week of your life at the breathtaking Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.  This will be a small group experience with exclusive access at the Blue Osa resort..  Imagine waking to the sound of the Costa Rican rainforest musical every morning.  Start your day with a yoga practice overlooking the Pacific Ocean, joined in with howler monkeys. Daily walks on a private beach that goes on for miles. Macaws flying overhead. Spa treatment at a 5-star resort, and the best farm-to-table food - right from the Blue Osa farm.   Connect with Sherry Shaban: Join 9-Day Masterclass Rapid Release: Four Techniques for Permanent Fat Loss and Food Freedom Keep it up, Athletes! Sherry