Food Is Food

RULE BREAKER REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN: https://www.taliacecchele.com/rule-breakerRegistrations close at 8am on Thursday, 3rd of September. - Have you ever challenged a fear food once or twice, ticked it off your list, and wondered why the anxiety or food rule came straight back?In this solo episode of Food is Food, Talia explores three common barriers that can keep people feeling stuck in the “messy middle” of eating disorder recovery — particularly when it comes to breaking food rules, overcoming food fears, and building food flexibility.Episodes drop every Thursday.What You’ll Learn:Why “challenge, repeat, challenge, repeat” is so important when breaking food rules and overcoming food fearsThe three common barriers that can keep you stuck in recovery: treating challenges as a tick-box exercise, trying to do everything alone, and “running before you walk”How breaking larger food challenges into smaller micro-challenges can help you build confidence progressivelyWhy discomfort and anxiety during food challenges don't necessarily mean you're doing something wrongResources & Links:Please note the discount code uses 5 not FIVE :)Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

JOIN THE RULE BREAKER WAITING LIST: Sign Me Up!What are dietary guidelines actually for and what happens when we start treating them as rigid rules for how we should eat?In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by registered dietitian nutritionist Kate Sweeney to unpack the confusion around dietary guidelines, nutrition labels, recommended dietary allowances, calories, sugar, salt, saturated fat, food pyramids and even the infamous 10,000-step goal.Together, they explore why population-level recommendations don't always translate neatly for individual needs - particularly when you're recovering from an eating disorder or navigating disordered eating.Episodes drop every Thursday.What You’ll Learn:How to use curiosity to question whether a nutrition recommendation is genuinely helpful, evidence-based and workable for you.What recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are designed for and why they're not necessarily targets you need to calculate or hit every day.Why dietary guidelines need to be considered alongside culture, accessibility, finances, individual health needs and your relationship with food.Why 10,000 steps isn't a universal health requirement and how movement guidelines can become compulsive behaviours for some people.How chronic health conditions and eating disorder recovery can overlap, and why nutrition recommendations sometimes need to be highly individualised.Resources & Links:Kate Sweeney Nutrition: https://katesweeneynutrition.comRoots Collective: https://fourrootscollective.com/ Maintenance Phase - The 10000 Steps Myth. https://open.spotify.com/episode/29LkABbU6Yc09aTCkWnUBYShrestha A, Cullerton K, White KM, Mays J, Sendall M. Impact of front-of-pack nutrition labelling in consumer understanding and use across socio-economic status: A systematic review. Appetite. 2023 Aug 1;187:106587. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106587. Epub 2023 May 9. PMID: 37169260.Clarke, Dan. Front of Pack Labeling from Around the World. 15 July 2026, Available: https://www.igd.com/articles/front-of-pack-labelling-around-the-world/33386About our Guest:Kate Sweeney is a Registered Dietitian living in Germany and serving clients in Europe and the United States. Kate specializes in providing care to individuals struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, digestive issues and chronic disease conditions like MCAS and EDS. Kate is also the co-founder of 4 roots Collective, a group of therapists & dietitians in Germany that identified challenges to care and are working to fill that gap in the outpatient setting. Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

JOIN THE RULE BREAKER WAITING LIST: Sign me up! In this episode of Food is Food, I'm joined by certified eating disorder recovery coach Gemma, who shares her lived experience of recovering from anorexia and navigating the challenges of extreme hunger. Together, we explore why hunger can feel overwhelming after restriction, the difference between physical and mental hunger, common fears around overeating and weight gain, and how learning to trust your body leads to having more flexibility and freedom with food. If you're worried that your hunger is "too much," afraid you'll never stop eating, or wondering whether recovery is really worth it, this conversation is for you.Episodes drop every Thursday.What You'll Learn:What extreme hunger actually is and why it happens during recovery.The difference between physical hunger, mental hunger, and food preoccupation.Why periods of overeating can be a normal part of nutritional rehabilitation.Common fears around weight gain, losing control, and "eating too much."Practical ways to respond to extreme hunger with support and structure.Connect with Gemma:Find Your Recovered: https://findyourrecovered.comGemma's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyourrecovered/ About our Guest:Gemma is a Certified Carolyn Costin Institute Eating Disorder Recovery Coach and founder of Find Your Recovered. Having fully recovered from anorexia herself, she now supports others through compassionate, lived-experience-informed recovery coaching.Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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.Resources & Links:Learn more about the ED Exercise Clinic: https://www.edexerciseclinic.comAbout our Guest: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.Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 Resources & LinksBalanced Plate Portioning Essentials: https://www.taliacecchele.com/freebies Learn more about the Rule Breaker Program and join the waitlist: https://www.taliacecchele.com/rule-breaker Episode Timestamps02:20 – Why food rules develop08:00 – Dietary restraint vs dietary restriction11:20 – The four categories of food rules12:00 – Food rules about when to eat13:00 – Food rules about how much to eat14:30 – Food rules about what to eat16:00 – Why "I eat everything" doesn't always mean food freedom17:20 – Food rules about how to eat20:00 – Practical ways to challenge each type of food rule24:20 – Food preference vs food rule25:40 – Personal stories: learning to like seafood (and why watermelon is still a no!)Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 LearnWhat overshoot is and why it happens during weight recoveryWhy body fat restores before muscle—and why this is essential for healingThe connection between overshoot, extreme hunger (compensatory hyperphagia), and full nutritional rehabilitationResources & LinksDulloo 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.2016.256Troscianko, 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-halfwayEpisode Timestamps01:30 – Why "What is a healthy weight?" isn't a simple answer03:10 – What overshoot is and why it matters06:20 – Why fat restores before muscle09:20 – The Minnesota Starvation Experiment and overshoot11:45 – Extreme hunger (compensatory hyperphagia) explained13:10 – Why weight often restores around the abdomen first15:50 – Does eating more protein build muscle faster?16:30 – Why stopping weight restoration too early can delay recovery20:30 – Hunger, metabolism and the reality of nutritional rehabilitation23:00 – Why BMI isn't the answer to "healthy weight"Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 changeResources & Links:'The BMI Lie' (Section from Audiobook): https://glennmackintosh.com/the-bmi-lie-podcast-from-thinsanity-audiobook/'Do You Hate Fat People?' + 'The Body Love Model' https://glennmackintosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Do-You-Hate-Fat-People-The-Body-Love-Model-Excerpt-from-Thinsanity.pdfWeight Management Psychology Clinic: https://www.weightmanagementpsychology.com.au/ Transformation Support Community Online Program: https://programs.glennmackintosh.com/transformation-support-communityThinsanity Book: https://glennmackintosh.com/thinsanity/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 43:22 - 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 AustraliaConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 lifeResources & Links:Website: https://dieteticallyspeaking.com/Instagram: @dieteticallyspeakingMaeve's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dieteticallyspeaking/sign-up 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 & introduction01:02 – What are ultra-processed foods?06:54 – Are UPFs really harmful? Understanding the evidence14:00 – Food fear, eating disorders, and the impact of demonising foods19:17 – Convenience, privilege, and accessibility in nutrition24:03 – Label reading, food rules, and nutrition misinformation online29:33 – When food anxiety becomes a concern30:51 – Final takeaways and practical adviceConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 wantThe 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 recoveryWhen and how to transition into intuitive eating during recovery from disordered eatingResources & Links:Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach, by Elise Resch and Evelyn TriboleIntuitive Eating Official Website - https://www.intuitiveeating.orgEpisode Timestamps:00:00 Understanding Intuitive Eating03:32 The Principles of Intuitive Eating20:00 Navigating the Journey to Intuitive Eating21:54 – The importance of physical and psychological readiness to embrace intuitive eating 30:03 Indicators of Readiness for Intuitive EatingConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 pleasureThe potential nutritional risks and side effects associated with GLP-1 medicationsHow GLP-1 use may intersect with disordered eating, eating disorders, and food preoccupationWhy “food noise” may actually reflect hunger, restriction, or disconnection from body cuesThe role weight stigma and healthcare inequality play in access to GLP-1 medicationsResources & Links:Follow Aoife on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatirishdietitian/ Aoife’s website: www.centreforliberatingnutrition.comListen to Aoife McMahon’s podcast: Inside BariatricsKey Research Referenced: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/s41591-024-02996-7Ragen Chastain Substack ArticleAbout 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 & introduction01:02 – What GLP-1 medications are and how they work05:00 – Appetite suppression, food pleasure & side effects07:16 – Safe GLP-1 use in eating disorder recovery17:40 – Why relationship with food support matters alongside GLP-1s19:38 – Weight stigma, healthcare inequality & access to medications25:05 – What the research says about long-term GLP-1 outcomes29:00 – Weight stigma in healthcare settings36:58 – “Food noise” vs food preoccupation explainedConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 lensThe difference between promising research and marketing hypeHow supplement regulation works in the UKWhen supplements may genuinely be supportive or necessaryResources & Links:Josie Porter’s new book: How Not To Take Supplements (out on June 4th)US Probiotic Guide: https://usprobioticguide.com/About our Guest: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 & introduction00:54 – What are NMNs and do they actually support longevity?04:34 – CoQ10, heart health, and antioxidant claims09:03 – Creatine: performance benefits vs online hype13:58 – Supplement regulation and safety concerns in the UK17:33 – Greens powders, liver health, and “natural” marketing20:01 – Electrolytes: who actually needs them?24:17 – Magnesium supplements for sleep and constipation33:07 – Omega-3 supplements and bridging nutritional gaps36:56 – Probiotics: what the science really says44:19 – Collagen for skin, joints, and healthy ageing48:32 – Final thoughts on a food-first approach to supplementsConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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's email: [email protected] our Guest: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?”Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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-starvationThe 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 restrictionUsing 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.13189DULLOOTucker, 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 undereating12:24 – Phase 2: Behavioral changes16:40 – 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. Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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-exercisingThe link between amenorrhoea, low oestrogen, and bone healthThe difference between osteopenia and osteoporosisThe latest guidance around HRT for functional hypothalamic amenorrhoeaBlood tests that may be useful when assessing REDS and bone healthResources & Links:Dr Nicola Keay’s website: www.nickykeayfitness.com Dr Nicola Keay on social media: @drnikkikeay Personal Energy Availability Questionnaire (PEAQ): https://mypeaq.streamlit.app/ Books by Dr Nicola Keay:Hormones, Health and Human PotentialMyths of MenopauseAbout our guest: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 – Introduction00:32 – How under-eating and over-exercise affect hormones02:57 – Why periods may stop when the body is conserving energy05:30 – What DEXA scans can and cannot tell us08:38 – Understanding osteopenia, osteoporosis, Z-scores and T-scores27:45 – Can osteoporosis be improved?37:34 – What HRT is and when it may be indicated42:22 – Why the oral contraceptive pill is not bone-protective in FHA52:28 – Helpful blood markers for REDs and bone health56:08 – Why vitamin D matters more than “normal range” aloneConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 eatingThe connection between the nervous system, anxiety, stress, and gut functionWhy under-eating and restrictive diets can worsen IBS-like symptomsPractical tools to support digestion without food restrictionResources & Links:Website: marcird.com (including clinician training and workshops)Instagram: @marciRDFree Resource: marcird.com/_resources/23toolsAbout 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 supportConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 disordersSpectrum of eating behaviours from intuitive eating to clinical diagnosisFactors contributing to eating disorders: biological, psychological, socioculturalImportance of seeking support earlyImpact of diet culture and societal pressuresResources & Links:DSM-5 Criteria for Eating Disorders - https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm Butterfly Foundation Australia - https://butterfly.org.au/ Beat UK: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Free Resource List: https://www.taliacecchele.com/freebies Ellyn Satter Normal Eating Definition: https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-eat/normal-eating/  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 supportConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 stuckThe truth about “feeling fine” while undernourished (and why it’s misleading)Why your metabolism isn’t brokenThe biological reality of undereating - from bone health and biochemistry to heart health and cognitive changeResources & Links:Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders and Undernutrition (2nd Edition) by Dr. Jen GaudianiGaudiani Clinic: https://www.gaudianiclinic.comGuideline 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 & introduction01:00 – What does “sick enough” actually mean?07:00 – Why feeling “fine” doesn’t mean you’re nourished12:30 – The house-on-fire analogy explained16:30 – Can you really break your metabolism?24:00 – Extreme hunger and why it’s biologically normal30:00 – Diet culture, stigma, and hunger across all body sizes31:30 – Heart rate: athlete vs undernourished body36:00 – Blood markers: cholesterol, white cells & medical myths43:00 – Undereating and its impact on your brain49:00 – Perimenopause, ageing, and eating disorders52:30 – Closing thoughtsConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 recoveryWhy regularity and adequacy form the foundation of nutritional wellbeingThe role of variety, social eating, and flexibility in long-term recoveryHow RAVES can be adapted to suit your unique needs, preferences, and life contextCommon misconceptions about structured eating frameworksSAFETY: neurodiversity affirming approach to developing neutral food relationshipsResources & Links:RAVES™ Eating Model Website (RAVES workshops, RAVES handout, Certification Program): https://www.raveseatingmodel.com/RAVES™ Instagram: @raves.eating.modelRiver Oak Health Website: https://www.riveroakhealth.com.au/River Oak Health Instagram: @riveroakhealthAbout our guest: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 & introduction02:00 – What is the RAVES model?06:00 – Regularity & adequacy: building the foundation14:00 – Variety, social eating & spontaneity explained22:00 – Common misconceptions of RAVES27:00 – Adapting RAVES for neurodiversity34:00 – The SAFETY framework and client-centred care39:00 – RAVES workshops and certification49:00 – Closing thoughtsConnect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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 eatingHow her career evolved from a desire to work as a sports dietitian to working in eating disordersThe personal and professional experiences that shaped her understanding of eating disorders and recoveryIf 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.New episodes drop every Thursday. Stay nourished. Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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. Welcome to Food Is Food!Connect with Talia:Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast:If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by:Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.