One Body to Love with Dr. Meredith MacKenzie

If food has always felt louder for you than it seems to for everyone else — more urgent, harder to reason with, almost impossible to just leave alone — you have probably been given a lot of advice that doesn't actually work.Not because you weren't trying. Because the advice was never designed for the way your brain works. In this episode, Dr. Meredith MacKenzie gets into the neurological explanation for why food feels the way it does for women with ADHD (or those who suspect they might have it). This isn't a willpower conversation. It's a dopamine conversation — and understanding the difference changes everything.In this episode you'll hear:•       [00:00] When food takes up the whole room•       [02:18] ADHD as a dopamine regulation issue — and what that has to do with food•       [03:50] Sensory hunger and why certain foods feel almost magnetic•       [05:20] The executive functioning gaps that make standard advice fall apart•       [05:30] Emotional dysregulation and why emotional eating makes sense in this context•       [07:30] Why mindful eating, meal planning, and trigger-tracking often miss the mark for ADHD•       [10:07] 'You are not failing the approach. The approach has been failing you.'•       [11:40] Five directions that actually work with an ADHD brain•       [14:29] Why naming the mechanism is often the thing that shifts the relationship with it Resources Mentioned•       Food Freedom Rewind (free private podcast): meredithmackenzie.ca/rewind•       One Body to Love Retreat waitlist: meredithmackenzie.ca/retreat If this episode was the first time food and ADHD were ever named in the same sentence for you — that matters. There is a framework that fits. You just haven't found it yet.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that sleep doesn’t touch.It’s not from a hard day or a late night. It’s the kind that builds slowly over years of eating in secret, folding up the evidence, and moving back into your evening like nothing happened. It’s the weight of carrying something you’ve never quite been able to name out loud — because putting it down would mean someone might see it.In this episode, Dr. Meredith MacKenzie goes beneath the surface to talk about food shame in a way that rarely gets said: not just that it’s hard, but why secrecy is so logical, where it comes from, and why it quietly erodes your sense of self in a way that has nothing to do with willpower.If you’ve ever eaten alone in the car, snuck food after the kids were asleep, or answered “I’m fine” at dinner and then found yourself standing at the kitchen counter two hours later — this one is for you.In This Episode You’ll Hear[00:00] The opening scene: the drive-through, the pantry, the late-night kitchen — the secret.[02:16] What makes food shame different from other struggles.[04:37] Why high-functioning, capable women can carry this for years and still not be able to see themselves clearly through it.[06:57] Why secrecy and shame are in a symbiotic relationship: eating in secret reinforces the shame, which drives more secrecy, which makes the shame heavier.[08:00] Where this starts: the family dinner table, the comments about appetite, the praise for restraint, the jokes that weren’t really jokes. Why your appetite learned it needed to hide.[11:18] The cruel irony of secrecy: it started as protection. A way to eat without being watched or judged. But over time, it becomes the very thing that keeps the shame sealed and growing.[13:00] What it looks like when shame starts to soften — not through radical disclosure, but through being genuinely, accurately witnessed. How your nervous system shifts when someone finally doesn’t flinch.Resources MentionedFood Freedom Rewind — free private podcast: meredithmackenzie.ca/rewindOne Body to Love Day Retreat waitlist: meredithmackenzie.ca/retreat✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Most of us were handed a very specific story about how this is supposed to go: change your body, feel better, finally be at peace with yourself. And it sounds so logical. So achievable. Which is exactly why, when it doesn't work — when the body changes and the thoughts don't quiet, or when you end up right back where you started — it feels so defeating.In this episode, Dr. Meredith MacKenzie peels back what's actually happening when we stay locked in the project of fixing our bodies. And she offers something that might feel uncomfortable at first: the idea that healing doesn't start with getting the critical thoughts to stop. It starts with understanding why they're there.In this episode you'll hear:(00:00) The mirror moment — and why that automatic body scan has a cumulative effect that colours so much more than just that one instant(02:17) Where the "fix your body, feel better" story actually comes from — and why it's designed to keep you coming back(04:36) How treating your body as a project keeps you in relationship with a problem — and away from yourself(06:54) The grief you never get to do when you're always striving — and why that matters more than most people realise(09:12) Control, anxiety, and the real function of body-fixing behaviours(11:36) What healing actually looks like — not the Instagram version, the real one(13:54) The wins nobody advertises: neutrality, presence, and getting dressed without a thing(16:10) Why healing isn't intellectual — it needs to be lived and practisedIf this episode resonated and you're ready to understand the cultural story underneath your personal one, the Food Freedom Rewind private podcast was made for you. It's free, it's private, and it traces exactly how so many of us ended up here — and what it looks like to find a way out. 🎧 Listen at meredithmackenzie.ca/rewind✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

You can stop dieting. You can be bingeing less. You can be trying so hard to heal your relationship with food… and still feel hit with a wave of disappointment when you catch your reflection.That moment can feel confusing and discouraging. You thought freedom would feel lighter by now. You thought that once food got calmer, your body image might soften too. But for many women, the opposite happens. Once the noise around food settles a little, body image becomes harder to ignore.In this episode, Dr. Meredith MacKenzie explores why that happens and why it does not mean you are doing anything wrong. This conversation goes deeper than body dissatisfaction on the surface. It gets into grief, identity, shame, womanhood, aging, family conditioning, and the painful gap between the body you imagined and the one you are living in now. If you have ever wondered why healing your relationship with food has not automatically made you feel at home in your body, this episode will help that make more sense. In this episode, you’ll hear:00:00 Why body image can get louder once food feels calmer 02:09 How dieting gives false hope, structure, and a sense of purpose 04:26 Why body pain is often about more than appearance 06:53 The mismatch between the body in your mind and the body in the mirror 11:22 Why body respect can be a more honest starting place than body positivity 13:41 How body surveillance pulls women back into food control 15:58 A gentler way to begin reducing the war with your body If this episode felt like it was describing something you have not been able to put into words, you can book a free private call with Dr. Meredith to explore your next step, or learn more about One Body to Love here.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Why do you feel out of control with food at night—even when you’ve “done everything right” during the day?In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most common and confusing experiences I see in my work as a binge eating therapist: the moment the day ends, everything catches up, and food becomes the answer.If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I don’t even know what I need—I just want something,” this episode will help you understand why.Inside this episode, I walk you through: Why intuitive eating can feel difficult or unclear  The deeper reason you don’t know what your body needs  How cultural conditioning (people-pleasing, productivity, and diet culture) disconnects you from your internal cues  Why nighttime eating isn’t a lack of willpower—but a sign of disconnection and depletion  The difference between thoughts, emotions, and body sensations  A simple, practical way to begin reconnecting with yourself in those moments One of the biggest shifts I want you to take from this episode is this:You’re not out of control with food—you’ve just had very little practice being connected to yourself.If you’re working toward intuitive eating but feel stuck in cycles of restriction, overeating, or being “good all day and losing control at night,” this episode will help you understand what’s actually going on beneath the surface.🔗 Free ResourceIf you find yourself in that moment where you can’t tell whether you’re actually hungry or something else is going on, I created a free guide to help:👉 When You Can’t Tell If You’re Really Hungry (Flowchart)This simple tool walks you step-by-step through how to pause, check in with your body, and respond to what you truly need—without relying on rules or willpower.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Should you weigh yourself in eating disorder recovery? This is one of the most common questions I hear from clients and from women in my DMs, especially when they’re in that uncertain middle space of recovery where things are changing, but the fear around weight is still very present.In this episode, I’m talking about the emotional pull of wanting to know your weight, why the scale can feel so loaded in recovery, and what often happens before and after someone decides to step on it.I unpack why blind weigh-ins are often recommended, how the urge to know your weight can show up when recovery starts to feel more real, and why that number can carry so much meaning even when it tells you very little about your actual health, healing, or progress.I’m also sharing examples inspired by my work with clients to show how learning your weight can affect recovery, body image, compensatory behaviours, and the sense of trust you’re trying to build with yourself and your treatment team.If you’ve been wondering whether weighing yourself would help you feel more in control, more reassured, or more prepared, this episode will give you some important questions to reflect on before you decide.In this episode, I cover:Why the question of weighing yourself comes up so often in eating disorder recoveryThe difference between not weighing yourself in recovery versus “throwing caution to the wind”Why seeing a number on the scale can be emotionally destabilizingThe intense anticipation that can build when you don’t know your weightHow body checking, clothing size changes, and mirror checking can become clues people use insteadThe “before and after” effect of learning your weightWhy weight can take on a kind of symbolic or “magical” meaningExamples of how knowing a weight can disrupt recovery and increase fear-driven behavioursWhat to ask yourself before deciding whether to weigh yourselfWhy behaviour change, emotional healing, and self-care matter more than a numberIf this episode resonated with you, you may also be interested in One Body to Love, my coaching program for women who want support healing their relationship with food, body image, and emotional eating in a deeper, more sustainable way.You can learn more here: meredithmackenzie.ca/OBTLIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who may need to hear this.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you’ve ever felt confused about who to trust for nutrition advice, this episode will bring clarity.There is so much information online about food, weight, health, intuitive eating, and GLP-1 medications. Some of it is helpful. Much of it is conflicting. And it can be incredibly difficult to know what actually applies to you.In this conversation, I sit down with Amy Chow, RD, founder of BC Dietitians, to talk about what it really means to work with a registered dietitian in British Columbia. We discuss the difference between regulated dietitians and general “nutrition advice,” how dietitians are trained, and why the relationship between a client and a dietitian is so foundational, especially in eating disorder recovery and disordered eating support.Amy shares her founder story and explains how BC Dietitians was created to make it easier for people to find qualified, specialized dietitians who truly match their needs. We also talk about collaboration between therapists and dietitians, why interdisciplinary care matters, and how to navigate nutrition advice online without getting overwhelmed.If you’re looking for eating disorder support, help with emotional eating, chronic health conditions, or simply want to build a more balanced relationship with food, this episode will help you understand what professional nutrition care can actually look like.If you’re in British Columbia and looking for a registered dietitian, you can explore Amy’s platform at:👉 https://bcdietitians.caYou can browse dietitian profiles, read blogs and nutrition resources, explore community events, or request help being matched with a dietitian who fits your specific needs.And if you are working on your relationship with food and body image and want support that integrates both therapy and nutrition care, this episode is a reminder that you do not have to navigate it alone.If this conversation resonated with you, I’d love to hear what stood out. You can always reach out to me on Instagram or reply to this episode link.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

In this episode, I share honestly about a season of self-doubt and questioning within my business, and how the shifting landscape of body image culture deeply impacted me. Over the past year, as conversations online have moved back toward weight loss, GLP-1 medications, and the revival of thinness as the ultimate goal, I found myself wondering whether there was still space for body acceptance and intuitive eating in today’s world.I talk about what it felt like to consider stepping away from the One Body to Love program, and how marketing messages around weight loss and “fixing” your body began to challenge my confidence and clarity. I also share how returning to one-on-one therapy sessions with women struggling with binge eating, disordered eating, and body image concerns helped ground me again in what I know to be true.This conversation is about more than business. It’s about navigating diet culture, healing your relationship with food, grieving the thin ideal, and recognizing the emotional toll that repeated weight loss attempts can take. I speak to the women who have tried everything, who feel discouraged by the resurgence of weight loss culture, and who are ready for deeper, sustainable support rooted in intuitive eating and self-trust.If you’ve felt confused, discouraged, or disheartened by the cultural shift back toward shrinking your body, this episode will help you feel less alone — and clearer about what support can look like when you’re truly done with dieting.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

There’s a difference between stopping dieting and actually feeling safe with food. Many people expect that once they let go of restriction, food will finally quiet down. That eating will feel calmer. That trust will return.And when that doesn’t happen, it can be deeply unsettling.In this episode, I slow down the moment where food still feels loud, confusing, or unpredictable after dieting ends. Not to diagnose you or push you toward a specific path, but to help you understand why this phase is so common, why it feels the way it does, and why struggling here doesn’t mean you’ve failed.We talk about how dieting creates structure and predictability for the nervous system, and why removing that structure without establishing safety can actually increase fear rather than relief. I explain why insight alone doesn’t change patterns around food, how learned responses form over time, and why intuitive eating often feels chaotic when it’s attempted without enough support or containment.This is a grounded, compassionate conversation about regulation, safety, and why food feeling “out of control” at this stage is not a personal flaw, but a predictable response to the conditions you’re working within.If this episode stirred something for you, you don’t need to rush to resolve it. Awareness on its own is meaningful.If you’re curious about what support could look like for you, I invite you to learn more about One Body to Love, my group program designed for people who know this isn’t just about food and don’t want to keep navigating it alone.You can read more or book a connection call at: https://meredithmackenzie.ca/obtlAnd if you’d like to share what stood out from this episode, you’re always welcome to send me a message on Instagram.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

One of the hardest parts about recognising a problem with food is that it rarely announces itself clearly. Most people don’t wake up one day knowing exactly what’s wrong. Instead, they live in a grey zone — where things don’t feel right, but also don’t feel extreme enough to justify getting help.In this episode, I walk through the eating-behaviour continuum (normal eating struggles → disordered eating → eating disorders), and I explain why the line between these categories isn’t clean or predictable. I also explore why “severity” isn’t determined by how often something happens, what you weigh, or how well you hold things together. It’s determined by the cost: the mental load, the emotional labour, the rigidity, the fear, and the erosion of trust in your own body.From there, I talk about why these patterns rarely resolve through insight alone. Disordered eating and eating disorders persist because they serve a purpose — often as regulation, coping, or a form of safety when the nervous system is under strain. You can understand diet culture, believe in intuitive eating, and still feel dysregulated when you try to practice it, because these patterns live in the body, not just the mind.I also spend time on where Ozempic / GLP-1 medications enter the conversation — and why appetite suppression can complicate assessment, reinforce restriction, or quiet behaviours without addressing the underlying relationship with food.Finally, I share the markers I see clinically that suggest support may be warranted, and I explain what support can actually look like when you don’t want to keep carrying this alone.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you’ve ever made a plan for yourself to move your body more, to take better care of yourself, or to do something that genuinely matters, and then felt frustrated or disappointed when it didn’t happen, this episode is for you.So often, when our goals don’t stick, we turn that experience inward. We assume we’ve failed, that we’re lazy, unmotivated, or incapable of consistency. But what if the problem isn’t you, or even the plan, but the way we’ve been taught to think about follow-through, structure, and doing it “right”?In this episode, I’m talking about intuitive eating and intuitive movement through a very real-life lens. I’m sharing personal examples from my own season of motherhood, caregiving, and shifting energy, and unpacking why goals often fall apart when they’re built for perfection rather than for a human life.We’ll explore how all-or-nothing thinking, self-criticism, and unrealistic expectations can quietly drain motivation, and how building flexibility, backup plans, and compassion can actually help you stay connected to your intentions over time.This is a grounded, practical conversation about learning to do what works in this season, without shame.In this episode, you will hear:02:10 – Why having good intentions doesn’t always translate into follow-through04:45 – The gap between the version of you who makes the plan and the version who has to live it06:55 – How all-or-nothing thinking shows up in intuitive eating and movement09:30 – Why most of the distress comes from self-criticism, not the plan falling apart12:15 – Going week-by-week instead of planning for an idealized future version of yourself15:40 – How backup plans prevent burnout and help maintain momentum18:20 – What “no-brainer” movement really looks like in a full, demanding life21:10 – The difference between aspirational habits and reliable ones24:05 – Why flexibility is not lowering the bar — it’s self-respect26:40 – How to gently audit what’s draining your energy without blaming yourself29:10 – Reframing plans as tools, not contracts you’re failing to upholdIf you’d like a gentle, actionable next step, I invite you to take my free Eating Personality Quiz. It can help you better understand how you relate to food, structure, and self-care — and what kind of support actually works for you.👉 Take the quiz here: https://meredithmackenzie.ca/personality-quizAnd if this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you. You can send me a message on Instagram and let me know what stood out or what you’re noticing in your own life right now.Until next time, take car✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you’ve ever found yourself in the aftermath of a binge — flooded with guilt, panic, and promises to “fix it tomorrow” — this episode is for you.In today’s episode of One Body to Love, I walk you through exactly what to do after a binge, not from a place of control or punishment, but from care, nervous system safety, and self-compassion. This episode is a practical, grounding guide you can come back to whenever the shame spiral starts to take over.This isn’t about being perfect.It’s about knowing what actually helps — even when everything feels messy.SummaryBinge eating is rarely just about the food. It’s about what happens after: the mental math, the fear, the self-blame, and the urgent desire to undo what just happened. In this episode, I share a clear, step-by-step roadmap for navigating the post-binge moment in a way that reduces shame, prevents restriction, and supports long-term binge eating recovery.I talk through how to calm your nervous system, nourish your body without compensation, and interrupt the binge–restrict cycle — even if you’re listening while the discomfort is still very real.This episode may feel especially supportive if you:Binge eat at nightFeel stuck in cycles of restriction and overeatingExperience intense shame after eatingWant food freedom without another “reset” or dietEpisode Timestamps00:55 – Why the shame spiral after a binge feels so intense02:39 – The compassionate roadmap I use with clients04:45 – Step 1: Why trying to “undo” a binge keeps the cycle alive07:44 – Step 2: Gentle hydration as nervous system care09:25 – Step 3: Why rest and sleep matter more than willpower12:53 – Step 4: Why restriction and compensation backfire15:20 – Step 5: How to approach your next meal without punishment18:10 – Step 6: Ending emotional self-punishment20:45 – Step 7: Small acts of safety and self-care23:10 – Step 8: Curiosity instead of criticism26:30 – Step 9: A simple tool to help prevent future bingesResources & LinksFive Steps to End Binge Eating at Night(Free Guide)Am I Really Hungry? Flowchart (a 60-second check-in I use with clients every week)Food Freedom in a Weekend mini-course✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering into the kitchen, opening the fridge, grabbing something to eat, and thinking, “I don’t even know if I’m actually hungry…” this episode will feel like a deep breath. Today I’m walking you through one of the most common struggles women share with me: the feeling of being disconnected from your hunger cues.Whether you’re working on binge eating, stress eating, emotional eating, or simply trying to rebuild trust with food, those moments of “I can’t tell what my body needs” can feel confusing and discouraging. But your hunger cues aren’t gone—they’ve just been buried under stress, rushing, caregiving, emotional labour, diet culture, and everything your nervous system has been holding.In this episode, I break down how to use my Am I Really Hungry? Flowchart to understand what’s happening in the moment you feel the urge to eat—whether that urge is tied to physical hunger, emotional needs, exhaustion, overwhelm, or simply being on autopilot. This gentle check-in tool helps you slow down, tune in, and make choices from clarity, not guilt.If you’ve ever wished for a moment of pause before spiralling into stress or shame around food, this will help you reconnect with your body in a way that feels supportive, not restrictive.In this episode, you’ll hear: • 00:54 – Why your hunger cues feel “lost,” and why they’re not gone • 02:32 – How the Am I Really Hungry? Flowchart actually works • 05:08 – The first question to ask when you feel the urge to eat • 06:42 – How to use the hunger scale to check in with your body • 07:30 – The difference between gradual hunger and sudden urges • 08:15 – How specific cravings can point to emotional needs • 09:24 – What your emotions might be trying to tell you before you eat • 11:03 – Why emotional eating isn’t “wrong,” and how to honour it without shame • 12:16 – How to make this check-in a gentle, grounding daily micro-movementDownload the Flowchart 👉 meredithmckenzie.ca/flowchartIf today’s episode gave you clarity or a moment of connection, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram: 👉 @dr.meredithmckenzieAnd if you’re ready to feel more grounded around food and rebuild trust with your body, the One Body to Love program is here when you’re ready.Until next week!✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you’ve ever had one tough night with food and thought, “I ruined everything,” let this be your deep exhale. Today I’ll walk you through one of the most misunderstood parts of binge eating recovery: the difference between a slip and a spiral. When shame is loud and panic sets in, it’s easy to feel like you’re back at square one. But the truth is, one moment doesn’t undo your progress. In this episode, I explain how to recognize a slip, stop it from turning into a spiral, and why these moments are not signs of failure, but signs of growth. If you’ve ever felt discouraged the morning after a binge, let this help you find clarity, calm, and a way forward that feels empowering.In this episode, you will hear: • 02:59 – What a “slip” really is, and how to know if you're in one • 05:25 – Real-life examples of how slips show up in recovery • 05:58 – When a slip becomes a spiral,  and why shame fuels it • 08:35 – Signs your nervous system is shifting into shutdown • 09:52 – How to gently interrupt the spiral and reconnect with support • 15:21 – Why a slip can actually be a sign of progress, not failureFor a gentle, actionable next step, try my free Eating Personality Quiz: meredithmackenzie.ca/personality-quizIf today’s episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram, and if you’re ready to break free from binge eating and reclaim peace with food, my One Body to Love program is here to support you. Until next time!✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Every December, I hear women say, “I thought I’d be further along by now.” There’s a unique pressure we feel this time of year, the push to wrap things up, be productive, and fix everything before January. Maybe you’re feeling exhausted, behind, or like you “should” be doing more before the year is up. You’re not alone. In this episode, I walk you through the very real reasons behind end-of-year burnout and how it’s affecting your relationship with food, your body, and your expectations of yourself. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, interrupt the guilt spiral, and take micro movements to feel more grounded. • 02:45 – Why December feels so emotionally heavy, and why that’s not your fault • 05:04 – How burnout and food guilt get tangled together this time of year • 09:44 – The achievement trap: tying your worth to “doing more” • 14:54 – What micro movements are and how they help rebuild trust with your body • 19:08 – A realistic way to shift nighttime food patterns without restriction • 24:44 – The four eating personality types, and how to use yours for supportGet clarity on your patterns and learn what’s actually going on behind the binge, try my free Eating Personality Quiz: meredithmackenzie.ca/personality-quizIf this episode landed somewhere real for you, send me a message on Instagram, I’d love to hear what part resonated most. If you’re ready for deeper support, my One Body to Love program is where we heal the roots of your relationship with food, together. ✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

The holidays are often painted as a time to get together with friends and family to eat and drink, but for many of us healing our relationship with food, it can feel like pressure, anxiety, and shame. Whether it’s the fear of losing control, the guilt after eating, or the constant battle between wanting to enjoy and trying to be “good”. In this episode, I walk you through what actually makes holiday meals so hard, while offering supportive steps you can take before, during, and after the meal. You’ll learn how to create a more peaceful experience, without falling back into restriction, guilt, or self-criticism.In this episode, you will hear:02:37 – The mixed messages around food 04:50 – Why shame comes from the meaning we've learned to attach to food 08:38 – Grounding techniques for before, during, and after the holiday meal11:30 – Reflecting on fullness without self-criticism15:41 – Why restriction doesn’t rebuild trustIf you feel the holiday pressures, I can promise you you’re not alone. Join me inside the Anti-Diet Holiday Club, a supportive space that actually understands what it’s like to navigate this season in a healing body and practical tools. If you're enjoying the podcast, one of the best ways to show support is by leaving a quick rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you're listening from. Your words help more women find this space and feel less alone. Until next time, be gentle with yourself.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, I’m taking you back to a holiday season that changed everything. I share a personal story from 2009 that became the turning point in my journey with food and body image, when I realized guilt had become my holiday tradition. I’m introducing The Anti-Diet Holiday Club; a limited-time space where joy replaces guilt, and you get to experience peace with food in real time. If you've ever wished for a cozy, confident, guilt-free season, this is your chance!In this episode, you will hear:• 02:46 - The moment I realized guilt had become my holiday tradition• 06:19 - Why “moderation” became another form of control • 07:11 -What food peace actually looks like during the holidays• 08:30 - Why November and December bring such intense vulnerability around food and body image• 09:55 - What you’ll practice inside the Anti-Diet Holiday Club• 11:02 – Kickoff call details: prepping for your “worst case” holiday scenarios togetherYou deserve a holiday that feels like you, not another version of restriction wrapped in tinsel. DM me on Instagram and share your story or join the waitlist at https://meredith-mackenzie.mykajabi.com/club-waitlist. And remember, the Anti-Diet Holiday Club opens its doors Saturday, November 15 at 8 a.m. and closes Monday, November 17 at 8:00 pm, don’t miss it!✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

For those of us healing our relationship with food, the holidays can be a minefield of comments that trigger some of our deepest wounds. In today’s episode of One Body to Love, I’m naming the grief, the shame, and the hypervigilance that diet talk can awaken in spaces that are supposed to feel safe. Whether you’ve spent years healing your relationship with food, or you’re just starting to build boundaries around what you will and won’t tolerate, I want you to know that you are not overreacting. Together, we’ll explore how to navigate holiday meals and family conversations with more agency and grounded self-trust. You don’t have to participate in conversations that harm you.In this episode, you will hear:01:58 - The layers of generational shame that often make up “harmless” comments and why you’re not crazy for getting triggered04:41 - What’s happening in our nervous systems when we feel judged and how to prepare yourself emotionally before you even walk into the room08:06 - Realistic examples of how to handle diet talk in real-time16:28 - Using a gameplan so you can protect your peace while maintaining connection with others20:55 - The importance of checking in with yourself post-gathering before rushing back into your routineIt takes courage to do this work and show up differently. Know that you deserve to be fed, not just with food, but with kindness, presence, and belonging. If this conversation resonated, please support the podcast and spread this message by sending it to someone who could benefit from hearing it. I’ll see you next time!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, I’m joined by Hope Mikal, founder of Unicorn Marketing Co., for a deeply honest conversation about healing your relationship with food, your body, and yourself after years of disconnection. From growing up in food scarcity and taking on adult responsibilities at a young age, to navigating a long road with endometriosis and infertility, Hope shares her story with powerful vulnerability. We explore how rebellion, self-protection, and control can shape our body narratives, and how we begin to soften into compassion, even when the journey feels uncertain.In this episode, you will hear:• 01:26 – Growing up with food scarcity and becoming the caregiver too early• 07:26 – Rebellion, survival, and using food to self-soothe• 15:12 – The moment body shame first took root• 21:54 – Receiving an endometriosis diagnosis after a decade of symptoms• 37:01 – Fertility treatments, grief, and honoring emotional limits• 49:04 – Rebuilding body trust through small, nourishing routinesIf Hope’s journey resonates with you, let it be a reminder that healing is rarely linear, and you are allowed to be a work in progress. If you’re moving through your own relationship with food, body image, I’d love to hear from you. Message me on Instagram and let’s continue the conversation. Or if  you’re ready to go deeper, the One Body to Love program is here to support you.Connect with Hope:Website:https://unicornmarketingco.caIG: https://www.instagram.com/hellounicornmarketingPodcast: https://www.instagram.com/itsthemagichourpodcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/magic-hour-podcast/id1663684286One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, I’m delighted to be joined by Julie Fried. Julie is a mom, business owner and the host of The Systems for Everything podcast. Julie shares her journey with binge recovery, starting with her first binge in middle school, to entering treatment in her early twenties, and how becoming a mother sparked a whole new reason to heal. Julie’s story reminds us that healing is not about perfection. For those who feel like their relationship with food is messy, complicated or still in progress, I hope this episode makes you feel seen.In this episode, you will hear:03:46 - Why she identifies with the term “addiction” and how binge eating mirrors substance use12:50 - What her treatment looked like: inpatient, outpatient, and living without a phone20:38 – Realizing she was hiding behind healing27:07 - The AIP diet: what it taught her and what she loved38:00 - How burnout in business triggered old patterns42:10 - The legacy she wants to leave for her daughter around food, bodies, and self-worthIf Julie’s story resonated with you, I’d love to hear what landed. Come connect with me on Instagram and share your thoughts. And please remember, you don’t have to be fully healed to be worthy of peace, joy, and nourishment. You are allowed to be a work in progress and still deserve love. If you’re ready to take one small step forward, you can start by downloading my Five Steps to End Binge Eating at Night!Connect with Julie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasgirlfridayWebsite: https://dallasgirlfriday.com/Podcast: The System For EverythingOne Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This episode is for the woman caught between two worlds of wanting freedom with food, yet terrified of what might happen to her body if she lets go of control. I’m not giving you a five-step plan today, I’m naming the thing we don’t always say out loud. We’re not bypassing the grief, instead we’re sitting in it, and deciding that we want peace more than control. Let’s talk about what it means to grieve the body you thought you were supposed to have and what healing actually looks like.In this episode, you will hear:• 02:12 - How restriction gives us a sense of identity (even when it’s making us miserable)• 03:45 - Three things that make recovery harder and how they sneak up on you• 05:31 - The restrict-rebound cycle: why it’s happening and why shame makes it worse• 08:03 - The honest truth no one wants to say out loud• 09:09 - Why your environment matters• 12:14 - Parenting, pregnancy, and finding a new relationship with my body• 15:29 - 3 tools for when meals get hardIf this episode revealed a glimpse of what is possible for you, I'd love to hear from you on Instagram. Please also come join me for the free Break the Binge masterclass. It’s where I teach you how to break the restrict-binge cycle without obsessing over food, weight, or control. You only have one body to love!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

In today’s episode, we’re going to unpack the fear of weight gain, where it comes from, what it’s costing you and how to begin releasing it without giving up on your wellbeing. Because when you’re constantly monitoring your body, you’re also shrinking your joy, your confidence and your ability to be fully present in your life. I’m here to walk beside you as you navigate that space, with practical tools, emotional truth, and the reminder that your body is not the problem.In this episode, you will hear:• 01:45 - Why fear of weight gain can feel just as painful as dieting itself• 04:15 - The truth about mental restriction and why it sabotages your ability to trust your body• 06:37 - This fear isn’t just yours, it’s cultural, and it's been handed down• 08:53 - How to protect your headspace through digital and social boundaries• 12:48 - Client story: How movement helped one woman reconnect with pride and strength• 15:55 - What it really means to grow, take up space, and stop shrinkingYou’re allowed to care for yourself without controlling yourself. You’re allowed to nourish your body without fear. And most of all, you’re allowed to take up space, in your body, in your choices, and in your life. If you’re ready to explore what healing could look like with support, join me inside One Body to Love. And until next time, be gentle with yourself!Mentioned: Jamee's Story - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467978/episodes/17294272✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

In today’s episode, I’m unpacking why food feels overwhelming, chaotic, or hard to manage, even when you're trying to do everything “right”. Whether it's undereating, mental restriction, emotional burnout, or “taste hunger,” I’ll help you identify what’s really going on underneath your eating patterns and what your body is asking for.Together, we’ll explore the four most common reasons women feel stuck in the cycle of overeating or cravings, and why these patterns are never about willpower. By the end, you’ll see that food isn’t the problem, your body is simply asking to be cared for in a different way. In this episode, you will hear:01:25 – Chronic under-eating and why “eating light” backfires02:48 – The food rules you didn’t know you were following04:12 – How exhaustion drives cravings07:37 - Four reasons food feels hard, and the compassionate truth behind them8:06 - A gentle strategy to interrupt the binge-restrict cycleIf this episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear what resonated, send me a message on  Instagram!  And if you’re ready for deeper support, save your seat for my free masterclass, Break the Binge. Together we’ll explore how to calm food fixation without tracking, rules, or guilt. Until then, be gentle with yourself. You deserve peace with food and your body!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

It starts every Monday: new groceries, new goals, and new promises to “stick to the plan.” But by Friday, you're burnt out, craving relief, and blaming yourself for falling off track. In this week’s episode, I’m breaking down the truth about the weekly “reset” cycle and why the real problem isn’t your willpower, it’s the system that’s never been built to last.This episode will help you see what’s really happening underneath the behavior. We’ll unpack how perfectionism, shame, and unrealistic expectations feed the cycle and how you can begin breaking free with more compassion and not more control.In this episode, you will hear:02:15 - Why white-knuckling your way through cravings never works04:27 - How fresh starts often hide rigid rules and unrealistic expectations05:55 - How childhood diet culture shaped our beliefs about failure and food08:51 - Redefining success without the shame 11:16 -How to take your next step toward healingIf you’re tired of beginning again every Monday, I created Food Freedom Rewind just for you. It's a private podcast that walks you back to the origin of your food story, so you can finally press stop on the cycle and start moving forward. When you sign up, you’ll also unlock a special bonus: my self-paced program Food Freedom in a Weekend, designed to help you build lasting rhythms around food that don’t rely on guilt, willpower, or restriction.If today’s episode resonated, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review or shared it on Instagram. Your words help more women find this space and feel less alone.  You deserve a life that feels steady, nourishing, and enough. Let’s begin, today!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Have you ever wondered where your relationship with food really started? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own personal  journey and introducing you to my new private podcast series - ‘Food Freedom Rewind’. I share the story of how food and body obsession began for me in eighth grade and how cultural messages around control and appearance shaped my coping strategies. I’ll dive into why so many of us struggle with food because of things we've inherited over time. In this episode, you will hear:01:15 - The toxic media landscape of the early 2000s03:55 - How food gave comfort, control, and rebellion04:21 - What’s coming inside Food Freedom Rewind podcast series 06:38 - When food becomes both a coping tool and a source of guilt07:33 -What you’ve really been needing: care, permission, and consistency08:02 - How to access the full Food Freedom Rewind series for freeAfter this episode, I want you to know that you’re not alone and you were never the problem. Whether you grew up counting calories, skipping meals in secret, or believing you had to change your body to be worthy, there is another way forward. I’d love to hear what you thought of this episode, come say hi on Instagram and share what resonated! And if you’re ready for more, we can begin untangling the roots of food and body struggles through my Food Freedom Rewind. Until next time, be gentle with yourself!✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, I’m joined by the incredible Marilee Pumple, a non-diet registered dietitian and co-founder of Little Spuds Nutrition. As someone deeply rooted in eating disorder recovery  work, Marilee brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise and lived experience to this conversation. We dive into the nuanced connection between ADHD and food, from sensory sensitivity and executive dysfunction, to emotional regulation and shame. If you've ever felt like meal planning is impossible or binged at night after a chaotic day, I hope this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical steps.In this episode, you will hear:02:02 - Meet Marilee: how ADHD shaped her work as a dietitian and her own healing11:10 - Assessing impulsivity, medication, routines, and eating patterns19:45 - Why evenings are the hardest part of the day for many neurodivergent folks27:45 - Hyperfocus and food: is it a binge or a dopamine hit?40:06 - Postpartum and how parenting can intensify symptoms48:07 - What mechanical eating is and how it helps rebuild trust in your body1:06:49 - What peace with food really looks like for a woman with an ADHD diagnosisYou deserve support that works with your brain, not against it. If you're ready to take the first step toward healing your relationship with food, download my free guide, Five Steps to End Binge Eating at Night or explore my Food Freedom in a Weekend mini course. And if you want to learn more about Marilee's work, you can find her at LittleSpud's Nutrition or on Instagram.  I’ll see you next week on One Body to Love and until then, be gentle with yourself!Marilee’s Links:Website: www.littlespudsnutrition.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilee_dietitianhttps://www.instagram.com/spudsnutritionOne Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

For decades, Weight Watchers was more than just a diet, it was a cultural institution. A meeting, a mindset, a “lifestyle” disguised as empowerment. But what happens when we look underneath the success stories and start asking harder questions? In this episode, I take you back to the beginning of Weight Watchers and walk you through how it shaped our beliefs about food, our bodies, and ourselves. From living room weigh-ins to GLP-1s and Oprah, this is the story of how a billion-dollar brand taught women to distrust their hunger and how we unlearn it.In this episode, you will hear:01:40 - Jean Nidetch's story and the emotional roots of Weight Watchers06:16 -  The rise of points culture: when food became math08:55 - How the points system taught us to negotiate, not nourish13:13 - The rise of body positivity and the cultural shift Weight Watchers couldn’t keep up with15:17 - Curbo and food tracking for kids: what happens when restriction starts at 8 years old19:41 — Enter GLP-1s: the pivot from community to medication24:34 — Capitalism’s role in keeping us “not enough”Ready to gently start unlearning this system? My self-paced program Food Freedom in a Weekend is designed to help you begin healing without restriction, shame, or another set of rules. If today’s episode hit close to home, I want you to know you’re not alone - send me a DM on Instagram to share what came up for you. Listen to Episode 11 for a deeper dive into GLP-1s, body image, and the emotional side of hunger. It pairs beautifully with today’s conversation. ✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

You skip the snacks, say no to the bagel, eat clean all day. Then 8pm hits and you're in the pantry again. It feels automatic. Shame kicks in before the day even ends and you promise yourself tomorrow will be different. In this episode, I’m unpacking why this pattern is not about willpower, and why you are not broken. We’ll explore the powerful biological and emotional drivers behind nighttime eating, why restriction is a trap (even when it doesn’t look like one), and the first gentle steps you can take to break the cycle for good.In this episode, you will hear:04:49 – What ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, and dopamine have to do with your cravings07:52 – The emotional undercurrent: fatigue, depletion, and pushing through all day11:28 – What eating is doing for you emotionally (and how that’s not a flaw)12:30 – The hidden restriction most of us don’t see: mental restriction17:44 – My own story: late nights as a new mom and why food was my only moment of comfort19:50 – 4 steps to break the cycle (that don’t involve more control or guilt)I hope you leave this episode feeling more equipped to meet your needs (emotional and physical), understand your evening eating patterns, and take gentle steps toward a relationship with food that feels steady and safe, even after a long day.If you found yourself nodding along with this episode, I’d love to hear from you. DM me on Instagram. And if you’re ready to break this cycle for good, take the  Eating Personality Quiz or join the Food Freedom in a Weekend mini course. You deserve peace with food and you don’t have to get there alone.One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you're craving more structure around food, but terrified of slipping back into old patterns,  you're not alone. In this episode, I open up about my own story of navigating disordered eating, food freedom, and the confusing space in between. We’ll unpack what “gentle nutrition” actually is (and isn’t), the myths that keep so many women stuck, and the foundations you need in place before nutrition can feel safe again. If you’ve ever felt like you're doing intuitive eating wrong, this one is for you.In this episode, you will hear:01:08 – My story: how dieting began for me in university and how it spiraled into secretive, restrictive eating03:56 – The moment I realized my relationship with food had become unmanageable06:42 – 4 major myths about gentle nutrition12:10 – Two key foundations to build before nutrition can feel supportive, and not triggering17:44 – Real-life examples of what gentle nutrition might look like in everyday moments23:04 – What trust with your body really looks likeIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear what part stood out - message me anytime on Instagram. And if you're ready to explore nutrition without spiraling back into restriction, Food Freedom in a Weekend  is here to support your next step. It's self-paced, accessible, and grounded in real-life tools to help you reconnect with food and trust your body. You’re not broken, you’re just ready for what comes next.One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you’ve ever thought, “I know what intuitive eating is, so why does food still feel chaotic?” you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m unpacking the hidden barriers that make intuitive eating feel impossible, burnout, emotional disconnection, and body image struggles. You’ll hear real client stories, learn why capacity matters more than discipline, and discover how to reconnect with your body without turning it into another set of rules. If food freedom feels just out of reach, this conversation will help you see that the problem isn’t you, you might just need a softer, more compassionate start.In this episode, you will hear:01:44 – A client’s story of exhaustion, burnout, and turning to food for comfort02:52 – What attunement really means and why it requires emotional and physical capacity04:03 – How chronic stress dampens your ability to notice hunger and fullness cues07:39 – The role of emotional literacy in healing your relationship with food10:16 – Challenging deep-seated beliefs about weight, worth, and “health”13:12 – My free “When You Can’t Tell If You’re Really Hungry” flow chart and how it helps you pause with compassionIf today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message on Instagram and share what stood out most. If you’re ready to heal your relationship with food and receive compassionate support every step of the way, my One Body to Love program is here to help you break free from chaotic eating patterns and finally feel at home in your body. And if you’re craving a reset, download my free guide When You Can’t Tell If You’re Really Hungry or check out my Food Freedom in a Weekend. mini-course to get started today.Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You’re building trust in a world that has taught you to doubt yourself, and that is brave work.One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

You don’t need 21 containers and a spreadsheet. In this episode of One Body to Love, I’m giving you a real peek inside Module 5 of my mini-course Food Freedom in a Weekend. This is not about rigid plans or tracking points. It’s about finding a soft place to land in your day-to-day life, especially when you’re busy, overwhelmed, or running on fumes. Together, we’ll explore how intuitive eating and gentle planning can coexist, and how to create the kind of meal structure that helps you feel fed, grounded, and supported.Whether you're skipping meals, reaching for snacks as a last resort, or spiraling into that 4 p.m. crash, I’ll guide you toward a more compassionate, practical way to feed yourself without guilt, stress, or perfectionism.In this episode, you will hear:06:02 – Snack Mapping: the strategy that changed everything07:29 – Step 1: Redefine what success with food really looks like09:35 – Step 2: Identify your “anchor meals” and why they matter11:57 – Step 3: Prep for possibilities, not perfection13:20 – Practical examples for chaos-proofing your week14:28 – Red flags that your plan might still be rooted in diet culture17:09 – The ultimate reframe: planning from care, not controlIf this episode gave you a new way to think about food planning, I’d love to hear from you. Come say hi on Instagram and tell me what resonated most. And if you’re ready to rebuild your food rhythm in a way that works for real life, I’d love to have you inside Food Freedom in a Weekend. Use the code PODCAST to save $10 at checkout.  Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace with food and your body. One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Have you ever caught yourself asking, “Why am I always thinking about food?” Or wondering if that constant food noise in your head is just part of life now? In this episode of One Body to Love, I walk you through 7 gentle, but powerful red flags that your relationship with food might need a reset. These are the patterns I’ve seen in so many clients, and lived myself, that are often overlooked or even praised by diet culture.If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of guilt, control, and overthinking every bite, this episode is a compassionate check-in. Let’s unpack these signs together and talk about how you can start to reclaim your mental space, rebuild trust with your body, and finally find freedom around food.In this episode, you will hear:02:25 - Food noise: when thinking about food becomes constant and overwhelming06:40 - Trying to fix or undo what you ate (and why that doesn’t work)10:30 - The cheat day spiral and how it reinforces binge-restrict cycles17:38 - Eating differently depending on who’s watching22:08 - How restriction creates urgency and power struggles with food29:30 – What “intuitive eating” really means 31:25 – These patterns are learned and they can be unlearnedIf  today’s episode sparked a quiet “maybe this is me”, that’s a powerful moment. These are not failures, they’re patterns you learned to survive in a culture obsessed with appearance. But they’re not the whole story. You can rewrite your relationship with food and it starts with awareness, compassion, and support. I’d love to hear what came up for you, send me a message on Instagram and share what stood out. Ready to go deeper? Take the Eating Personality Quiz and check out my One Body to Love program to get personalized support to reset your relationship with food, starting today. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace, freedom, and acceptance with food and your body!Eating Personality Quiz: https://meredithmackenzie.ca/personality-quizOne Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Sometimes a scroll through social media can spark more than just comparison, it can shake your sense of safety in recovery. In this episode on One Body to Love, I share a personal story about unfollowing a business account I genuinely admired, and why that boundary was necessary for my healing. If you’ve ever felt sucker-punched by weight loss content or questioned whether you were “overreacting,” this conversation will remind you: your peace is reason enough. We explore the fine line between celebration and harm, how social media subtly shapes body image, and what it truly means to “feel like yourself” again, at any size.In this episode, you will hear:03:04 -  Boundary setting isn’t judgment, it’s self-care06:20 - Social media as a highlight reel, and silent comparison08:37 - Ads, air quotes, and how diet culture disguises itself as wellness10:51 - Why even “positive” content doesn’t always protect your peace14:31 - What success looks like beyond the scale17:27 - When weight loss silenced my voice and stole my presenceI want you to know, it's okay to feel what you feel. You don’t need to explain or justify your boundaries. Choosing what supports your healing is not selfish, it’s wise and it’s necessary. I'd love to hear what came up for you while listening. Send me a message on Instagram and share what resonated. And if you're ready to take the next step in your healing, Food Freedom in a Weekend is a gentle place to start. You'll learn how to tune out the noise and tune back into your own body, one step at a time. And if you’re looking for deeper support, the  One Body to Love program is here to guide you through lasting transformation, with weekly coaching, community, and a process that actually honors your lived experience.Until next time, be kind to yourself. You don’t have to justify your boundaries, your needs, or your healing. You are allowed to feel like yourself. exactly as you are.Food Freedom in a Weekend https://meredith-mackenzie.mykajabi.com/food-freedom-weekendResearch article mentioned: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10363994/One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

On One Body to Love, we make space for the gray area, the space where food, body image, and healing don’t always follow the rules. In Part Two of my conversation with Cathy Olson, we explore what it means to make a decision for your own peace, even when it doesn’t align with the narrative around you. (If you missed it, catch part 1 here!) Cathy opens up about the choice to begin a GLP-1 medication, the intense shame she felt around it, and the impact that decision had on her relationship with food, her business, and her sense of self. Cathy’s experience speaks to anyone who’s ever felt judged for wanting to change, and unseen when they tried.In this episode, you will hear: 01:50 - Cathy reflects on orthorexia, “biohacking,” and staying grounded in health, not obsession06:49 - What it was like to be in the public eye while struggling with body image13:11 - Why GLP-1 stigma is rooted in shame and societal punishment16:44 -  The pressure to stay in a larger body, for relatability, for activism, and for “values”19:26 - How GLP-1 changed her mental relationship with food, not just her appetite23:46 - The future of GLP-1s: evolving tools, reduced side effects, and increasing accessibility28:40 - Reconnecting with intuitive eating and learning to nourish without rulesIf you’re walking your own complicated path with food and body image, I hope this episode reminds you that there is no one “right” way to heal. If today’s conversation challenged your perspective or opened your heart, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram and if you’re ready to move beyond food rules and find peace in your body, the One Body to Love program offers compassionate support every step of the way. You deserve a relationship with food that feels free and a body you feel at home in. Until next time, be kind to yourself.Cathy’s Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/funnelgorgeoushttps://www.instagram.com/loveinspiredhttps://www.instagram.com/glpcheatcodeOne Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Content TW: eating disorders, disordered eating, body shame, body transformationWelcome back to One Body to Love! On today's episode I'm sitting down with Cathy Olson, who is sharing her experience using GLP-1 medication, not just the physical changes, but everything it brought up around food, identity, parenting, and self-trust. Cathy opens up about what it’s been like to live with disordered eating for most of her life, to try every possible fix, to feel unsupported even by well-meaning loved ones, and to wrestle with the guilt of wanting change in a culture that constantly tells women to either shrink or be body positive, with no room for anything in between. Together we engage in a real conversation about what it means to feel trapped in your body and to finally find some relief in a place you didn’t expect.In this episode, you will hear: 07:18 - Navigating how to raise body-aware daughters when you’re still healing your own 11:54 - Dressing to hide vs. dressing to express and the identity crisis that followed14:14 - A look back at college years: disordered eating, secret behaviors, and diet obsession23:41 - Why she chose GLP-1s, what held her back, and how desperation shaped her decision34:33 - The early days of the medication: side effects, doubts, and slow progress39:00 - Understanding food noise, hunger cues, and the emotional load of eating43:20 - Reclaiming health in a new way: labs, longevity, and learning how to thriveIf today’s episode touched something deep in you, I’d love to hear about it. Send me a message on Instagram and let me know what stood out, whether it was Cathy’s honesty, something that mirrored your own experience, or a new way of thinking about your relationship with food and your body. These stories are tender and complex, and I’m so grateful you showed up to witness this one. If you're ready to take the next step in your own healing, the One Body to Love program is here for you. It’s a space for support, self-discovery, and sustainable change. And if nighttime cravings or emotional eating are where you struggle most, download my free guide: Five Steps to End Binge Eating at Night, it’s a gentle, practical place to start. Until next time, be kind to yourself.Cathy’s Links:https://www.instagram.com/funnelgorgeoushttps://www.instagram.com/loveinspiredhttps://www.instagram.com/glpcheatcode✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, I’m diving into one of the most loaded and personal conversations I’ve had on this podcast yet. Everywhere we turn, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are being framed as the latest fix for weight loss. I’m not here to tell you what’s right or wrong. I’m here to bring the full story, the science, the lived experiences from my private practice, and the emotional realities we’re not talking about. This isn’t just about medications, it’s about the quiet ways disordered eating is becoming medicalized, normalized, and even celebrated. If you’ve felt confused, hopeful, ashamed, or curious about GLP-1 medications, this episode might be just what you need to hear. Let’s hold space for all the nuances together.In this episode, you will hear: 07:18 - How these medications work in the body and what they were actually designed to do14:49 - What we’re not being told: the psychological, hormonal, and digestive impact of GLP-1s17:42 - The rise of targeted marketing: how ads exploit women’s insecurities, focusing on age, gender, and motherhood23:54 – Influencer culture, thinness worship, and the return of disordered ideals33:27 - How GLP-1s might inadvertently promote disordered behaviors by legitimizing things like skipping meals or suppressing hunger36:20 - Grieving the cultural shift towards uniform body ideals and the implications it has on body acceptance and diversity41:39 - Why people feel compelled to take these medications, especially for emotional relief from body shameIf today’s episode spoke to you, I’d love to hear your reflections. Come find me on Instagram, share what resonated with you or just say hi! Whether you're navigating the complexities of body image, considering GLP-1 medications, or simply trying to find your way back to peace with food, remember: your body doesn’t need to fit anyone else’s idea of perfection. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of body shame and reclaim peace with food, my One Body to Love program is here to support you every step of the way. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace, freedom, and acceptance with food and your body!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

What if style wasn’t about what you wear, but how you reclaim your voice? In this powerful conversation  on One Body to Love, I sit down with visibility strategist and cultural consultant Michaeala Letiz to explore the deeper meaning of style, representation, and self-worth. Michaela opens up about her journey through body exclusion, reclaiming confidence, and helping brands move beyond tokenism into true inclusivity. If you’ve ever held back from showing up because of your size, or waited to live fully until your body changed, this conversation will challenge, affirm, and empower you.In this episode, you will hear:02:34 – How Michaela’s early years in fashion were shaped by toxic body ideals10:10 - Why most fashion isn’t truly made for diverse bodies and how industry gaps perpetuate harm14:03 -Posting outfits online and finding community in vulnerability24:00 - Living your energetic signature: reconnecting to who you were before the world told you to shrink30:54 - Michaela’s approach to helping women rediscover their confidence through clothing45:12 - Busting the myth that plus-size people don’t invest in themselves48:21 - Curating your social media to support your self-worthIf today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your reflections. Send me a message on Instagram and let me know what stood out most. If you're feeling ready to step out of hiding and into your fullest self, style and soul, my One Body to Love program is here to walk alongside you.And a heartfelt thank you to Michaela Leitz for sharing her powerful story, expertise, and unapologetic energy with us. Her work continues to challenge the status quo and create more space for all bodies to be seen, valued, and celebrated. You can find Michaela on Instagram or visit her website to learn more.Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace, visibility, and joy, just as you are!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-programMichaela’s LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboutmichaelaWebsite: https://confidence-style.com.LinkedIn✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, I'm diving into a topic that creeps into many of our minds each year - the pressure to get “summer body ready”. I open up about the time I thought I was doing everything “right”, counting calories, pushing myself at the gym, but yet still felt unhappy. Maybe you’ve been there too, smiling on the outside while silently obsessing over calories, body checks, or whether your shorts still fit. If you’ve ever felt like your body needed to be fixed before you could fully enjoy summer, this episode is for you. We’re exploring where the summer body myth came from, how it shows up in our lives today, and why it’s time to reclaim our joy, presence, and confidence, not when we shrink, but right now.In this episode, you will hear:01:51 - The origins of the summer body (and who profits from it)05:09 - The emotional toll: burnout, body obsession, and always feeling behind07:46 - What changed everything for me last summer and how motherhood shaped it10:11 — Reflection: What do you remember from past summers? Was it joy, spontaneity, connection, or shame and restriction? Now ask: How do I want to feel this summer?11:40 - Take the next step toward healing with community and supportIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram and let me know what stood out most. If you’re ready to break the cycle of summer body pressure, not just this year, but for good, my One Body to Love program is here to support you. Whether you’re listening poolside, on a morning walk, or just trying to survive the change in seasons, remember, you don’t need to change your body to show up for your life. Until next time, be gentle with yourself, you deserve a life of peace with food and your body!One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

What if the food noise in your head could finally quiet down? What if food wasn’t a source of guilt, shame, or control? What if peace with your body wasn’t just an idea, but your lived experience? In this powerful and emotional episode, I am joined with Jamee, a founding member of One Body to Love, whose story is a powerful reminder that healing from binge eating is not only possible, it's deeply personal. Before joining the program, Jamee was overwhelmed with body grief, emotional eating, and the emotional aftermath of chronic illness. In this episode, we talk honestly about what it felt like to be stuck and how Jamee’s relationship with food, body, and self has transformed. This is a story about choice, compassion, and creating peace from the inside out.In this episode, you will hear:03:06 - The chronic illness that turned her life upside down and how it led to emotional eating as her only coping tool.06:05 -  Jamee opens up about grieving her old body, old life, and the role diet culture played.11:33 - The quiet, everyday patterns of binge eating that started to feel unbearable and made her realize something had to change.19:29 – Why being seen, heard, and understood mattered more than the food and how One Body to Love became the first space where Jamee felt truly safe to heal.33:40 - How healing her relationship with food revealed a deeper truth.43:08 - From “diet food” to intuitive choices: how food feels different now.50:21 – How radical honesty was the beginning of everything and Jamee's final thoughts on her journey.This episode is for anyone who’s ever whispered, “I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this” It’s about the power of choosing yourself, reconnecting with your body, rewriting your story, and realizing that healing doesn’t mean fixing what’s broken. It means learning how to listen, how to feel safe again, and how to come home to yourself.If you saw yourself in Jamee’s story, please know, that’s not where your story has to end. I’d love to hear what stood out to you. Message me on Instagram, and if you’re ready to move from feeling stuck to feeling supported, from food chaos to self-trust, One Body to Love is here for you. We do this work together, step by step, with support every single week. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-programEpisode 3 - Beyond Vyvanse: How to Truly Heal Binge Eating with ADHD✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Sometimes the patterns we most want to change are the ones that have kept us afloat. In today’s episode on One Body to Love, I open up about the role binge eating has played in my own life, and how it often serves as a coping strategy when everything else feels like too much. We explore what it looks like to move from control and chaos into safety and softness with food, and why fear doesn’t mean you're not ready, it means this matters to you. If you’ve been spiraling at night, trying to be "good" during the day, or scared of what happens if you stop controlling food, this episode is for you.In this episode, you will hear:• 02:41 - How food becomes a release valve when we’re holding everything else together.• 04:09 - My personal story: restriction, nighttime spirals, and starting over.• 06:36 - Challenging the cultural script that tells us to shrink.• 08:56 - Learning to respond to your body instead of managing it.• 09:52 - A closer look at the One Body to Love program: Coaching, journaling, workshops and a supportive community.• 12:16 - How to register, and what’s coming next on the show.If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of starting over, feeling like food is either all or nothing, or carrying the weight of shame alone - the One Body to Love program was created to offer you support, structure, and a safe space to heal. If you want more details or you’re curious whether this is the right next step for you, comment “LOVE” on any of my Instagram posts and I’ll send you everything you need to know. If you've been waiting for the sign, this is it.Don’t forget, Jamie’s story is coming later this week, and her journey from binging in secret to trusting herself again might be exactly what your heart needs to hear. Until next time, be so gentle with yourself. You deserve a life that feels peaceful around food, grounded in your body, and rooted in self-trust. One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

If you've ever thought the solution to binge eating was more control, more structure, or more willpower, you’re not alone. But what if binge eating isn’t a failure to be fixed, but a signal to be heard? In this episode of One Body to Love, I’m walking you through a foundational strategy I teach inside my program, the One-Two-Eat Method. Together, we’ll explore how to pause, tune into your body, and interrupt the automatic binge-restrict cycle with awareness and care. In this episode, you will hear: • 02:08 - How diet culture teaches us to ignore our body's cues. • 03:06 - Understanding "food noise" and what it’s really telling you.• 05:29 - How the One-Two-Eat Method builds a bridge back to body trust.• 06:32 - Steps 1-3: What’s happening in my body, mind and my needs.• 09:12 - How creating this pause interrupts the automatic binge-restrict spiral• 12:06 -What food freedom actually looks and feels like.• 13:32 – Why you’re not meant to micromanage your body, you’re meant to listen to it.If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Message me on instagram and let me know what stood out most. And if you're ready to take the next step, my One Body to Love program is opening a live round, this time with weekly group coaching, step-by-step tools, and a supportive community. You'll finally have the guidance you need to rebuild trust with your body and your relationship with food. DM me “LOVE” to get on the early access list. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace with food and your body.Secure Your Spot! One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This week on One Body to Love, we’re exploring the deeply personal and often misunderstood relationship women have with food, particularly focusing on emotional eating and the pressures of caregiving. What feels like “losing control” is often the only place your body finally feels allowed to let go. This isn’t a discipline problem, it’s depletion. We’ll discuss how emotional suppression, over-responsibility and the pressure to be everything for everyone can lead to food becoming your only source of release. The conversation emphasizes that binging is not a failure of willpower but rather an emotional response. In this episode, you will hear:• 01:50 - The hidden cost of holding it all together and running on fumes.• 02:45 - Binging as a release and how your nervous system uses food to decompress.• 03:34 - A personal example of how parenting, daily stress, and exhaustion reduces emotional capacity for things like movement and self-care.• 05:27 - How your body responds when you continually ignore its emotional and physical signals and why it often turns to food.• 06:20 -  The shame tied to rest, space, and food, and why we eat in secret when we can’t ask for what we need.• 07:00 - Prompts to reflect on your relationship with food: What if the eating that feels so chaotic or shameful is actually your body asking for connection? What if binge eating isn’t sabotage, but self-protection? • 07:25 -  The approach inside One Body to Love and how healing begins by listening to what food behaviors are trying to expressIf food has become your only form of rest, comfort, or release, I hope this episode shows you a new way forward, with more compassion, capacity, and care.  You don't have to keep carrying everything alone and you don't have to keep using food as your only outlet. Inside my One Body to Love program you’ll find everything you need to begin healing your relationship with food, with support every step of the way. If something from today’s episode resonated with you, send me a message on instagram! Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace with food and your body.One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Programhttps://meredithmackenzie.ca/intuitive-eating-program✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

You've read the books, you've followed the intuitive eating accounts, and you know dieting doesn't work. But somehow, you still find yourself standing in front of the fridge at 9:00p.m. asking “Why did I just do that again?”  This week on One Body to Love, I'm diving into the gap between awareness and embodiment. I share real client stories, explain how physical and mental restriction create biological urgency, and reveal why safety, not willpower, is the missing piece in healing your relationship with food.In this episode, you will hear:• 01:25 -  My personal journey with dieting, restriction, and realizing that following all the “rules” didn’t heal my relationship with food.• 03:28 - The Difference Between Knowing and Healing: Understanding the “why” doesn’t give you the “how.” True change happens when you learn to feel safe around food. • 05:25 - The reality of juggling demanding jobs, family, social lives, and health goals - and why so many women who try to eat "clean" still feel undernourished and disconnected to their body.• 06:00 - Biological Urgency: How your body responds to long periods without enough food, and why that drives powerful cravings.• 07:55 - The Myth of Willpower: Why white-knuckling your way through food cravings never works, and how restriction rooted in fear, control, or guilt leads to more binging.• 10:35 -  Introducing the One-to-Eat Method: A simple pause to reconnect with your body’s actual needs• 14:25 - The powerful shift that happens when you stop trying to “earn” food and start trusting your body’s cues.Curious about what this journey could look like for you? Send me a DM on instagram with the word LOVE and I'll send you everything you need to get started. My One Body to Love program is here to help you break free from binge eating and find true peace with food. If you're enjoying the show, one of the best ways to show support me is by leaving a quick rating and review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you're listening. Your words help more women find this space and feel less alone. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace with food and your body.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

You've probably heard the buzz, Vyvanse is being prescribed for both ADHD and binge eating. But is it truly a breakthrough solution or just another band-aid for a deeper problem? This Week on One Body to Love, I’m shedding light on the connection between ADHD and binge eating, sharing real stories, practical strategies, and a look at how Vyvanse fits into the picture.  If you've ever struggled with emotional eating, late-night binges, and ADHD, this conversation is for you. Let's explore the real impact of ADHD on your eating habits and uncover ways to heal that go beyond medication.In this episode, you will hear:•01:25 -  Jenna’s story: Living with undiagnosed ADHD and how binge eating became a coping mechanism.• 02:10 - How the link between ADHD and binge eating is more common than you might think.• 02:44 -  Understanding ADHD’s impact on executive functioning and dopamine regulation, leading to     impulsive eating patterns.• 04:20 -  Vyvanse: How it works and its downside effects, like decreased appetite, anxiety, insomnia, and why binge eating is a survival response.• 06:10 - Strategies for combining medication with sustainable habits.• 07:00 This week’s journaling prompt to explore your own eating patterns when feeling overwhelmed or undernourished.Weekly Journaling Prompt:When during the day do I feel the most out of control with food? Am I underfeeding myself earlier in the day? How does my energy and focus fluctuate in relation to my eating habits? What's one small way I can nourish myself consistently this week, even if I'm not physically feeling hungry?If today's episode spoke to you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message on Instagram and share what resonated most with you.  If you’re ready to heal your relationship with food and receive compassionate support every step of the way,  my One Body to Love program is here to help you break free from binge eating and find true peace with food. And if nighttime cravings are where you struggle most, download my free guide, Five Steps to End Binge Eating at Night. Until next time, be gentle with yourself. You deserve a life of peace with food and your body.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

This Week on One Body to Love we're diving into one of the most misunderstood aspects of wellness culture:  the gray space between healthy eating and disordered eating. If you’ve ever skipped meals to “make up” for eating later, felt guilty for breaking food rules, or wondered why eating feels so emotionally loaded, I hope this episode will speak to you. I tell the story of a client who was stuck in a cycle of shame and obsession, and walk you through the differences between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders, and why both deserve compassion, healing, and support. In this episode, you will hear:• 00:23 - The question so many women silently ask: Is my eating disordered, or just disciplined?• 01:25 - A  real-life client story: how shame and food rules quietly took over.• 02:45 - The continuum of eating behaviors and where disordered eating fits.• 04:30 - “Normal” habits that are actually harmful.• 05:45 - When disordered eating becomes a clinical diagnosis and how diet culture blurs the line.• 08:30 - Gentle reflection questions to help you check in with your food relationship.• 10:38 -  This week’s journaling prompt and a reminder that you are not alone.Weekly Journaling Prompt:What food rules have I been following, consciously or unconsciously? When did I first start believing that my body needed to be controlled? What would it feel like to nourish myself without guilt or conditions?If this conversation resonated, I’d love to hear from you. DM me on Instagram @ParallelWellness. And if you’re ready for deeper support, One Body to Love program or my Food Freedom in a Weekend mini course are here to help you reclaim peace with food, for good.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie

Welcome to One Body to Love with Dr. Meredith MacKenzie! In this first introduction episode of the podcast, I open up about a moment that was the beginning of setting me free from years of dieting, binge eating, and body shame. I share my personal journey from living in the exhausting gray zone between "healthy” and disordered eating, to becoming a binge eating therapist and intuitive eating coach and where we are today. This episode sets the foundation for everything to come: honest conversations from real women, expert insights, and compassionate guidance for anyone stuck in the cycle of food guilt and body distrust. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative! Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an upcoming episode each week, and share this podcast so we can continue to grow this beautiful community!In this episode you will hear:• 00:00 - The moment that changed everything for me and cracked open my healing journey.• 01:58 - Why the space between "healthy" and disordered eating is so much wider, and why so many women live there unnoticed.• 02:18 - What intuitive eating taught me about trust, compassion, and rebuilding a peaceful relationship with food.• 03:00 - The purpose behind One Body To Love: creating a safe, shame-free space for women in the "gray zone" of food struggles.• 3:54 - What you can expect from future episodes: real coaching sessions, expert interviews, and raw, unfiltered conversations.✨ Join the One Body to Love Retreat Waitlist!!✨One Body to Love 10-Week Intuitive Eating Program💻 Book a Connection CallWebsite - www.meredithmackenzie.caInstagram - @Dr.MeredithMackenzieFacebook - Meredith MacKenzie Coaching Pinterest - pinterest.com/drmeredithmackenzieYoutube - @Dr.MeredithMackenzie