Millennial Body Image Project

Welcome to our annual best books episode! This year we're switching things up and doing book awards and superlatives for each category, like best book of the year, best series, biggest gut punch, etc. We hope you get lots of recommendations from this episode, and send us your recommendations with favorites from this year too!  Full list of recommendations here: https://www.realfoodwithdana.com/best-books-of-2025/ Find your hosts: @danamonsees_cns @kara_mccartney  

Why "healthy habits" can make us feel like we're failing — and how body image, perfectionism, and all-or-nothing wellness get tangled together. Feel like you need to earn body acceptance through your healthy habits? Let's talk about the all-too-familiar spiral—when the things we do to support our health start to feel like they're never enough… and our body image takes the hit. In this episode, we're unpacking what happens when body image struggles get wrapped up in our "healthy habits"—and how easy it is to feel like we're failing when those routines shift.  What we cover: Why tying health behaviors to body changes can backfire How to spot all-or-nothing thinking in your routines - and how to build in flexibility instead What acceptance-based therapy actually means Boundaries, balance, and the beauty of ebb and flow If you've felt this way, you're definitely not alone - listen in! Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns  

As the new year begins, many people want to support their health with nutrition — without falling back into rigid resets, rules, or diets. But if you've spent time in the non-diet space, you've likely heard the advice: "Just listen to your body." What happens when that advice feels confusing, overwhelming, or even shame-inducing? In this episode, we unpack why "just listen to your body" often doesn't work for people recovering from disordered eating, chronic dieting, or managing chronic illness. We explore why hunger and fullness cues can feel unreliable or nonexistent, what actually builds body trust, and how to use gentle structure and support — without returning to diet culture — to nourish your body in a sustainable way. Episodes mentioned: "Why can't I stop eating?" Real talk on overeating, binge eating, and scavenger eating So you broke up with dieting…now what? Overcoming new year body image sunday scaries  When you know too much about diet culture (and don't know what to do now) Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition

What's the difference between being "just bendy" and hypermobile EDS? Dietitian Cheryl Harris joins us to bust hypermobility myths, explain why diagnosis is so difficult, and talk through connections with the gut, nervous system, POTS, mast cells. Plus, how do hypermobility and hEDS impact nutrition and our relationship with food? Cheat sheet: EDS = ehlers danlos syndrome HSD = hypermobility spectrum disorder hEDS = hypermobile EDS POTS = post orthostatic tachycardia syndrome Find our guest: Cheryl Harris - https://www.harriswholehealth.com/ Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns A few studies referenced: Garcia-Fischer I, Abber SR, Silvernale C, Rodis J, Burton-Murray H, Staller K. Exploring Transdiagnostic Eating Disorder Symptoms and Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction Symptoms in Individuals With Connective Tissue Disorders. Int J Eat Disord. 2025 Oct 20. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24576 Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41116197. Pollack B, von Saltza E, McCorkell L, et al. Female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID and associated illnesses including ME/CFS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders: a literature review. Front Rehabil Sci. 2023;4:1122673. Published 2023 Apr 28. doi:10.3389/fresc.2023.1122673 Monaco A, Choi D, Uzun S, Maitland A, Riley B. Association of mast-cell-related conditions with hypermobile syndromes: a review of the literature. Immunol Res. 2022;70(4):419-431. doi:10.1007/s12026-022-09280-1

If you've ever felt like emotional eating is a moral failing, this episode is for you! This week we're unpacking emotional eating myths, stigma, and why some approaches to "healing" emotional eating are actually making the problem worse. We'll also talk about how improving your relationship with food shouldn't hinge on weight loss - and what you can do instead. Check out our holiday food & body image support series here! You'll get 9 short episodes & 3 pdf resources designed to support your nutrition and your relationship with food through the festive season. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition patreon.com/millennialbodyimageproject for additional episodes & resources!  

We're diving into how to navigate holiday food noise and diet talk during the holidays! With Thanksgiving and the December holidays coming up, conversations around diet and body image can be triggering and pervasive. This episode offers tips and scripts for responding to diet talk, creating boundaries, and protecting your mental health. Whether you choose to engage or step away, we've got practical advice and a downloadable PDF guide to help you handle these situations with confidence - or avoidance!  Download the guide: Navigating Diet Talk at Holiday Events ...or Grab our full holiday food & body image support series (including the PDF above) on Patreon In our holiday support series, you'll learn how to reframe your mindset, set boundaries, and ensure you can enjoy the holiday season without letting food noise or body image issues disqualify you from the joy and connection that this time of year brings. This includes 9 episodes and 3 PDF resources, including a holiday recipes ebook!  Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

If you don't know what "normal" eating feels like any more, or you're confused about how much you "should" be eating, this episode is for you. Let's talk about overeating, binge eating, and binge eating disorder — and what actually separates them. We'll explore the spectrum of eating experiences — from neutral or emotional eating all the way to diagnosable binge eating disorder — and why understanding the why behind your behaviors matters more than slapping on a label. If you've ever felt confused, ashamed, or stuck in patterns with food, this one's for you. Holiday food & body image support series - https://www.patreon.com/collection/873080 Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

In today's episode, we're talking about why fullness can feel so triggering, whether you're in eating disorder recovery or not. From the fear of "eating too much" to nervous system dysregulation, we break down why satisfaction gets interpreted as danger—and how diet culture plays a major role. You'll hear real client stories, practical tools, and honest insights into how to reframe fullness as safe and necessary, even when your brain is sounding the alarm. We cover: Why being full can feel unsafe How restriction shows up in sneaky ways, even in "intuitive eating" What to do in the moment when you're starting to freak out Nervous system regulation tools to make meals less overwhelming Listen in for practical tools, real talk, and a big reminder: fullness is not a failure. ✨ Download our free Food Thought Filter tool at millennialbodyimageproject.com/freeresources to start tuning out the food noise and reconnecting with your body. Resources mentioned: Episode: Pitfalls of the hunger-fullness scale Resource: the Hunger-Fullness Scale (2025 Edition! With emotional eating cues added) Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

If you've ever stood in front of the fridge wondering what or how much to eat — you're not alone. You're not out of control, you're just tired of the food noise. This episode is part 3 in our Debunking Food Noise series! In this episode, we unpack how food noise, fear-mongering, and perfectionism make you overthink every bite, and how to finally quiet it down. Learn practical tools to rebuild trust with your hunger cues, challenge food rules, and make eating feel simple again. ✨ Download our free Food Thought Filter tool at millennialbodyimageproject.com/freeresources to start tuning out the food noise and reconnecting with your body. Resources mentioned: Burnout recovery and recharging your "body battery" with Dr. Crystal Frazee Episode: Pitfalls of the hunger-fullness scale Resource: the Hunger-Fullness Scale (2025 Edition! With emotional eating cues added) Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

Where did your food noise start? And is all food noise bad? Welcome back to part two of our debunking Food Noise series! In this episode, we're going deeper into the confusing world of 'food noise' to discuss where food noise comes from. We also talk about its connection with physical hunger, emotional eating, the restriction obsession loop, and the Nutrition Jungle. Because it shouldn't feel like a full time job to feed yourself every day!  Don't miss the first episode in this series, Debunking food noise in the ozempic era ✨ Download our free Food Thought Filter tool at millennialbodyimageproject.com/freeresources to start tuning out the food noise and reconnecting with your body. Resources mentioned: Episode: "Why can't I stop eating?" A deep dive on overeating, binge eating and scavenger eating - https://www.patreon.com/posts/134874056/  Episode: What to do when listening to your body doesn't work - https://www.patreon.com/posts/134874898/  Episode: Hack your Health - Secrets of Your Gut {deep dive} - https://www.patreon.com/posts/104743159 Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

Dana is joined by holistic nurse practitioner and author Bea Victoria Albina to explore the concept of emotional outsourcing—the habit of seeking self-worth, safety, and belonging from external validation. Together, they unpack how patterns like people-pleasing, perfectionism, and codependency develop, how this impacts our bodies, and why shifting toward somatic awareness and self-compassion is key for healing.  Resources: Bea's new book! End Emotional Outsourcing: How to Overcome your Codependent, Perfectionist, and People-Pleasing Habits  https://beatrizalbina.com/  Episode: Codependency and the Nervous System, & how to manage stress when the world is on fire with Victoria Albina Episode: The effect of holiday stress and perfectionism on the nervous system, with Victoria Albina Find your hosts: @beatrizvictoriaalbinanp millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns  

Welcome back to the new season of the Millennial Body Image Project! We're diving deep into the concept of 'food noise,' exploring its origins, how it's being marketed, and ways to address it. From diet culture's impact on our hunger cues to the role of medications like Ozempic, we discuss why this term resonates with so many and how to navigate the confusion it brings. If you're feeling overwhelmed by constant thoughts about food, this episode is for you. Tune in as we debunk myths, discuss client experiences, and offer practical strategies for managing food noise - without restriction. Resources mentioned: The natural ozempic? https://www.millennialbodyimageproject.com/podcast/natural-ozempic-does-it-exist  Resource: Our Hunger-Fullness scale (w/emotional and physical cues too!) https://www.patreon.com/posts/132197555/  Help! I'm failing at intuitive eating https://www.realfoodwithdana.com/help-im-failing-at-intuitive-eating/  The truth about ozempic no one wants to hear https://www.patreon.com/posts/120494100 Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition

Welcome to the new season of the Millennial Body Image Project!  We're two licensed dietitian-nutritionists bringing you conversations that cut through the food noise, debunk wellness trends, and remind you that it's not you—it's the systems stacked against you. Together, we'll explore the struggles so many of us carry, challenge the fearmongering that fuels them, and offer evidence-based, compassionate tools to support your body on its own terms. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

Feeling like you should be doing more but can't figure out why you're not? You're not lazy - you might be caught in the ADHD shame loop. In this episode, we unpack how perfectionism, executive dysfunction, and unrealistic expectations create a cycle of guilt, burnout, and overcorrection. Whether you're navigating meal prep, movement, parenting, or just trying to send that one email, we'll help you understand what's actually happening underneath the struggle and how to move forward with compassion, not shame. Thanks so much to Hungryroot for sponsoring today's episode! For a limited time,  use this link or the code DANAM40 to get 40% off your first box, and a free item of your choice in every box for life. Resources mentioned: Breaking the cycle of ADHD and disordered eating  Is it toxic productivity culture, or executive dysfunction and ADHD?   Inside ADHD: the perfectionism and dysregulation connection with Sarah Kesty Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Reminder: this is the final episode of Season 8! Episodes will continue all summer on Patreon until we come back with Season 9 in the fall. Check it out Patreon here - patreon.com/millennialbodyimageproject

In this episode, we dive into the myths about 'healthy' summer eating and why you don't need to fall for the "detox, light, and grilled" trifecta if you don't want to. You'll get practical tips on how to enjoy the season's bounty, stay hydrated, and tackle the confusing messages around diets and nutrition. Plus, we discuss how to handle food noise, perfectionism, and how NOT to get stressed about food at every summer event.  Thanks so much to Hungryroot for sponsoring today's episode! For a limited time, use this link or the code DANAM40 to get 40% off your first box, and a free item of your choice in every box for life. Resources mentioned: How do you know if you're eating enough? Your body is not a summer project Bonus episode: Yes, you still need to eat even if… Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Reminder: the last episode of every month is available exclusively in our Patreon community and for Apple Podcasts bonus episode subscribers. Check it out here - patreon.com/millennialbodyimageproject

Welcome to our semi-annual episode where we talk about books, just for fun! All the books we talked about in this episode are listed here. Check out our previous episodes here: (Best of 2024, All Time Favorite Reads, Favorite books of 2023) Full list of recommendations from this episode <> To learn more about banned books in the US: The American Library Association PEN America Join our Patreon community to get access to our end-of-month episodes and "after the episode" deep dives! Plus, you'll get TWO years of bonus episodes and deep dive content. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Find Kara: Instagram: @kara_mccartney Website: karamccartney.com  

Struggling with body image this summer? You're not alone. In this pep talk-style episode, we're digging into the summer body pressure that tends to creep in—and what to actually do when you're having a tough body image day. You'll get practical body neutrality tips, real talk about the summer bodies scam, and simple ways to stop the shame spiral before it starts. If you're looking for support in coping with body image so you can enjoy your summer without guilt, this episode is for you. Additional body image support resources: How to reroute negative body image thoughts: summer edition  Summer body image support quiz How to make peace with weight gain Navigating body image struggles in the Ozempic era Workshop: how to navigate a Body Image Spiral with the EAP! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/  Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition

On today's episode, we dive into the concept of the 'summer body' and its roots in cultural and historical marketing strategies. (It's a scam, we tell you!) We unpack the origins of the term "summer body" and provide tangible ways for you to opt out and embrace body neutrality. From the rise of beach culture post-World War II, to the modern-day pressures perpetuated by GLP-1's and social media, we explore the evolution of body standards.Most importantly, we're giving you practical tips to opt out and feel good in your own skin all summer long.  Additional body image support resources: Summer body image support quiz How to make peace with weight gain Navigating body image struggles in the Ozempic era Workshop: how to navigate a Body Image Spiral with the EAP! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/  Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition  

On today's episode, we chat with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. Sarah dives into her journey and how ADHD, burnout, and invisible illnesses have shaped her work with clients. We discuss the connection between perfectionism and executive function, and how dysregulation makes ADHD and eating behaviors a lot more difficult to manage. Sarah also shares brain-friendly strategies for task paralysis and self-compassion for ADHD'ers.  From Sarah: "I'm thrilled to share that "Growing Executive Function" is available for pre-orders (through my publisher or Amazon) and will be out in the world on August 29th, 2025!"  Resources mentioned: The Executive Function Podcast with Sarah Kesty Episode: Strategies for eating enough, on time, and "healthy-ish" with Dana Monsees  Brain Tools School Mighty Community: NURA for CFS/long covid Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/  Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition More about our guest: Sarah Kesty helps amazing neurodivergent people create strategies to thrive! She is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. A 4-time teacher of the year, Sarah's Brain Tools School coaching and learning programs support high schoolers, college students, adults, and coaches in developing executive function skills to smooth out life. Sarah specializes in translating research into real-life, actionable strategies. She regularly writes and presents for international groups and publications, including Psychology Today, KQED, and Edutopia. Her mission is to make the world brain-friendly, inclusive, and a little more fun.  An avid gardener and local Trail Guide, she and her family live in San Diego, surrounded by birds and nature. Her book for teachers, Growing Executive Function, will be released August 2025 (Solution Tree).  

A lot of people are feeling burned out and dysregulated right now - but let's talk about what it's doing to your body image! If you're in the camp of "everything hurts and I'm dying", this episode is for you. On today's episode, we delve into the rampant issue of nervous system dysregulation and how it exacerbates body image issues and body checking tendencies. Plus, what can you do about it? How can you recognize signs of dysregulation, what can you do about body checking during this time, and how can we feel a little better? Tune in to find out! Resources mentioned: Episode: Help! I'm failing at intuitive eating Book: Rest is Resistance, by Tricia Hersey Book: Burnout, by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Book: Laziness Does Not Exist, by Dr. Devon Price ​​ Episode: Cycle syncing and navigating your menstrual cycle  Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey.  Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject  @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition