Tag: podcasting

Posted on in challenges, christianfaith, chronichealth, coercivecontrol, commericalcults, cults, faith, goal setting, influencers, manipulation, mental health, mentalhealth, MLMS, moms, mormoninfluencers, multilevelmarketing, nutrition, scams, serendipity, socialmedia, spiritualabuse, testimonies, trauma, wellness

The MLM Illusion: Selling a Dream or a Trap?

New Episode Alert: The Dark Side of MLMs and Coercive Control

🚨 This Week on Taste of Truth Tuesdays 🚨, we’re diving into the complex and manipulative world of multi-level marketing (MLM) companies—uncovering the coercive control tactics they use to keep people hooked. 🧠💸 MLMs don’t just sell products. They sell a dream—a dream of financial freedom, wealth, and unlimited success. The problem? That dream is often built on deceptive tactics that prey on vulnerability, foster magical thinking, and emotionally manipulate their members.

At first glance, MLMs seem like a golden opportunity. They promise wealth, freedom, and independence—targeting people who are seeking a way out of financial struggle or a traditional 9-to-5. But underneath those glittering promises are dangerous tactics that prey on human psychology, exploiting emotional weaknesses to create loyalty and blind devotion.

A key tactic MLMs use is magical thinking. This is the belief that positive thoughts and visualizations alone can bring success, wealth, or health. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that many MLMs sell products—like supplements and essential oils—by making unverified claims about curing diseases, with little to no scientific evidence to back them up. 😳

Why Is Magical Thinking So Dangerous?

Magical thinking isn’t just harmless optimism. In the context of MLMs, it can lead people to make poor financial and health decisions. Here’s why it’s so dangerous:

🚫 False Sense of Control: Magical thinking tricks people into believing they can control outcomes simply by thinking positively. This false confidence can prevent them from taking real, actionable steps to improve their situation.

🚫 Health Risks: MLMs often push supplements and oils with promises of “miracle cures” for serious illnesses—without scientific validation. People may choose these products over actual medical treatments, putting their health in danger.

🚫 Emotional Manipulation: By convincing members that failure is due to their lack of belief or effort, MLMs shift the blame from the system to the individual. This creates a toxic cycle of guilt and shame, trapping people emotionally in the MLM.

Coercive Loyalty and Emotional Manipulation

Beyond magical thinking, MLMs use coercive control tactics to create a false sense of community and belonging. They foster an atmosphere of loyalty where members feel pressured to stay positive, constantly recruit new people, and never question the system.

💥 Coercive Loyalty: Members are often told that the reason they’re not successful is because they’re not trying hard enough, recruiting enough, or believing in themselves. This turns failure into a personal flaw, rather than a flaw in the business model.

💥 Community Pressure: MLMs thrive on social dynamics, where members are encouraged to pressure their friends and family into joining. This creates a network of dependency and makes it harder for people to leave, even when they start seeing the cracks in the system.

💥 Emotional Exploitation: Guilt, shame, and failure are powerful emotional tools used by MLMs. When people don’t succeed, they’re often made to feel as if they didn’t believe in the product or themselves enough. This emotional manipulation keeps members invested—financially, mentally, and emotionally—even when the odds are against them.

Breaking Free: Real Stories of Escaping MLMs

In this week’s episode, we also share real stories of individuals who have been trapped in MLMs and how they broke free. These stories highlight the emotional, financial, and mental toll that MLMs take on their members, and how difficult it can be to escape once you’re in the cycle. 😳

Why You Need to Listen

If you’ve ever been approached by someone pushing a “life-changing opportunity” or a “groundbreaking product,” this episode is for you. If you’ve been tempted to join an MLM—or know someone who has—this episode is essential listening. We’re unpacking the toxic blend of pseudoscience, community pressure, and emotional exploitation that keeps MLMs running, and sharing actionable tips on how to recognize the red flags before it’s too late. 🚩

Tune in to this week’s episode of Taste of Truth Tuesdays to learn how to protect yourself from the manipulative tactics of MLMs and avoid falling into their web of magical thinking and emotional control. Whether you’re considering joining an MLM or are currently involved, understanding these tactics is key to protecting your financial and emotional well-being.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now—

#MLMAwareness #MagicalThinking #CoerciveControl #PodcastAlert #HealthOverHype #EmotionalManipulation #CriticalThinking #MultiLevelMarketing #BreakFreeFromMLMs

Posted on in Bible, biblicalworldview, challenges, christianfaith, deconstruction, faith, holistic health, JesusChrist, mental health, nervous system, new years resolution, newagetojesus, nutrition, physiology, podcast, testimonies, theology, worldview

Uncover how MLMs and high-control religions exploit narratives to control and isolate you

Have you been noticing the trend this week on how MLMs and high-control religions are like two peas in a pod? 🤔Both are pros at narrative control and emotional manipulation to keep you hooked and hush any objections. 🧠💥

By boosting group identity, crafting slick stories to tackle doubts, and giving dissenters the cold shoulder, they shut down critical thinking faster than you can say “independent thought.” 🚫💭

Both MLM companies and high-control religions use sophisticated methods of narrative control and emotional manipulation to maintain adherence and deflect objections.

In this post, we’ll explore these tactics in detail, shedding light on the parallels between the two and their impact on individuals.

MLM Companies

Training on Objection Handling:

  1. Preemptive Framing:
    • Narrative: MLM companies often train recruits to preemptively frame any criticism as coming from those who don’t understand the business model or are jealous of the potential success.
    • Example: “People who criticize MLMs just don’t understand how it works. They’re stuck in the traditional 9-to-5 mindset.”
  2. Repetition of Success Stories:
    • Narrative: Recruits are encouraged to repeatedly share and focus on success stories within the MLM to create a positive and hopeful group identity.
    • Example: “Look at how much [successful person] has achieved! You can do it too if you follow the system.”
  3. Us vs. Them Mentality:
    • Narrative: Critics are often labeled as ‘negative’ or ‘toxic,’ the idea that only those within the MLM understand and support each other.
    • Example: “Don’t listen to the naysayers; they don’t want you to succeed like we do.”
  4. Deflection Techniques:
    • Narrative: Recruits are taught to deflect objections by changing the subject or asking questions to steer the conversation back to the positive aspects of the MLM.
    • Example: “I understand your concern, but let me ask you this: Don’t you want more financial freedom?”

High-Control Religions (Apologetics Tactics)

Thought-Stopping Techniques:

  1. Scriptural Rebuttal:
    • Technique: Apologists use specific scriptures to counter objections, often discouraging further questioning by framing it as a lack of faith or understanding.
    • Example: “The Bible says to lean not on our own understanding. Trust in God’s plan.”
  2. Repetition of Doctrinal Stories:
    • Technique: Similar to MLM success stories, these religions emphasize repetitive storytelling of faith miracles or doctrinal teachings to strengthen group identity.
    • Example: “Remember how [biblical figure] overcame doubt by trusting in God. We must do the same.”
  3. Isolation of Dissenters:
    • Technique: Those who question or criticize are often isolated or labeled as spiritually weak or rebellious, reinforcing conformity.
    • Example: “Anyone who causes division is not acting in love. Avoid such people.”
  4. Deflection and Redirection:
    • Technique: Apologists often deflect challenging questions by redirecting the conversation to more familiar or comfortable topics within the faith.
    • Example: “That’s an interesting question, but let’s focus on how much God loves us and has a plan for our lives.”

Comparison

Common Elements:

  1. Group Identity Reinforcement:
    • Both MLMs and high-control religions heavily rely on creating a strong sense of group identity to foster loyalty and discourage dissent.
  2. Narrative Control:
    • Both systems use pre-defined narratives to handle objections and maintain control over the beliefs and behaviors of their members.
  3. Us vs. Them Mentality:
    • By framing outsiders or critics as ‘misinformed’ or ‘negative,’ both MLMs and high-control religions create a protective barrier against external critique.
  4. Emotional Manipulation:
    • Both systems use emotional stories (success stories in MLMs, faith miracles in religions) to inspire and motivate adherence, often at the expense of critical thinking.

Conclusion

Both MLM companies and high-control religions use sophisticated methods of narrative control and emotional manipulation to maintain adherence and deflect objections. By reinforcing group identity, employing specific narratives to handle objections, and isolating dissenters, they create environments where questioning and critical thinking are discouraged. Understanding these parallels can help in identifying and addressing the underlying tactics used to exert control in both contexts.

Want the juicy details? 🍿🎧 Tune into this week’s podcast episode to get the full scoop and learn how to spot these tactics in action. 🎙️✨

#TasteOfTruthTuesdays#PodcastEpisode#MLMs#HighControlReligions#CriticalThinking#NarrativeControl#EmotionalManipulation
#radicalization#narrative#language#cult#cultawareness#igotout#deconstructingfaith#deconstruction#podcast#brainwashing#indoctrination#mlmsuccess

Posted on in biblicalworldview, challenges, christianfaith, faith, goal setting, new age spiritual, newagetojesus, podcast, spiritualabuse, testimonies, wordofgod, worldview

Deconstructing Deception: MLMs, Exploitation & Online Influencers

This week, we’re diving deep into the murky waters of high-control groups like MLMs, conspiracies, and evangelicalism. 💥✨

🚨 Exploitation Alert 🚨

Tune in to explore the shady side of:

  • Lobbyism & Amway – How lobbying shapes the MLM landscape.
  • Enagic’s Kangen Water Scandal – Uncover the dangerous misinformation and financial exploitation by MLMs like Enagic.
  • Faith and Finance – Why are Christian women particularly vulnerable to MLM schemes? Learn to spot the red flags.
  • Influencers and Ideologies – How influencers like Girl Defined hide harmful beliefs behind appealing facades.
  • Podcasting Insights – Hear about the joys and challenges of podcasting, from trusting your instincts to finding joy in the creative process.

Join us for an eye-opening episode that tackles the intersections of gender, culture, business, and control. Don’t miss out on these compelling insights! 🚀✨

Posted on in biblicalworldview, challenges, christianfaith, deconstruction, evolution, faith, holistic health, JesusChrist, mental health, nervous system, new age spiritual, newagetojesus, physiology, podcast, scripture, spiritualabuse, testimonies, theology, wordofgod, worldview

Comparing Law of Attraction, High-Control Religion, and Diet Culture: Pitfalls Uncovered

Welcome back to Taste0ftruth Tuesdays, where today’s topic is Mindsets and Movements: Comparing Law of Attraction, High Control Religion, and Diet Culture

Ever wondered how MLMs thrive? Many of them tap into the power of teachings like the law of attraction—convincing you that your thoughts create your reality. It sounds empowering, right? 🤪

But behind the facade lies a darker truth. MLMs manipulate these beliefs to lure in dreamers, promising wealth and success through their products. 

So, what’s the scoop? The Law of Attraction says that what you focus on—whether positive vibes or the occasional grumpy thought—can actually manifest in your life. It’s all about tuning into those good vibrations and sending out positive signals to the universe.

Picture this: by visualizing your dreams, practicing gratitude like a pro, and keeping that vibe high, you’re supposedly paving the way for all those good things to come knocking on your door. 🚪

But hold up! It’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Just like dodging fad diets or harmful religious practices, there are pitfalls. 

Stay tuned as we uncover the highs, lows, and everything in between of this cosmic mind game. We’ll share some tips on how to keep your mental mojo balanced, whether you’re manifesting your dream job or just trying to stay chill in the chaos. 

Let’s walk that fine line between harnessing the power of our minds and falling into the traps of unrealistic expectations and self-blame. 

The law of attraction, diet culture, and high-control religions can promote all-or-nothing thinking in several ways:

1. Law of Attraction: This philosophy suggests that positive thoughts bring positive outcomes, and negative thoughts bring negative outcomes. This can lead people to believe that if they’re not constantly thinking positively, they’re attracting negativity into their lives. This binary thinking ignores the complexity of human emotions and experiences.

2. Diet Culture: Many diets promote strict rules about what foods are “good” or “bad,” fostering an all-or-nothing approach to eating. If someone deviates from the diet even slightly, they may feel like they’ve failed completely. This can contribute to unhealthy relationships with food and body image.

3. High-Control Religions (HCR): Some religions enforce rigid rules and beliefs, presenting a stark contrast between righteousness and sin. Followers may feel intense pressure to adhere perfectly to these standards, fearing severe consequences for any perceived transgression. 

This black-and-white thinking can create feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy.

In each case, the emphasis on absolutes and extremes discourages nuanced thinking and self-compassion. It can lead individuals to judge themselves harshly for perceived failures and to feel like they must constantly strive for unattainable ideals. 

The law of attraction mindset can be damaging to mental health and well-being, I know this from my past experiences prior to being converted into a high control religion. In my journey of deconstruction, I’ve been pondering how belief systems like the law of attraction, high-control religions, and diet culture wield their influence. 

Each of these ideologies promises transformative change through strict adherence to their principles, whether it’s manifesting positivity, spiritual purity, or a perfect body. 

But here’s the kicker – they all share several common threads 🧵 🪡 

  • 1. Belief in Control and Manifestation
  • 2. Promises of Transformation
  • 3. Blaming the Individual for Failure
  • 4. Emphasis on Discipline and Compliance
  • 5. Commercialization and Profit

While their specific goals vary, the law of attraction, high-control religions, and diet culture share fundamental similarities in their mechanisms of belief, control, promise of transformation, and their impact on adherents’ lives

Similarities in Their Harmful Effects:

1. Unrealistic Expectations:

  •    – Law of Attraction: Promises that positive thinking can manifest any desire, leading to unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved without effort or acknowledging external factors.
  •    – Diet Culture: Promotes the idea that a perfect body is achievable through strict adherence to specific diets or exercise regimens, often ignoring genetic, physiological, and lifestyle differences.
  •    – High Control Religion (HCR): Claims of absolute truths and moral perfection can create unattainable standards for behavior and belief, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or failure when individuals fall short.

2. Self-Blame and Guilt:

  •    – Law of Attraction: Encourages individuals to believe that any failure to achieve their desires is due to their own negative thinking, leading to self-blame and guilt.
  •    – Diet Culture: Instills guilt and shame in individuals who cannot maintain the prescribed diet or achieve the desired body image, blaming them for a lack of willpower or discipline.
  •    – HCR: Imposes strict moral codes and doctrines, where deviation is often seen as a personal failure or sin, leading to guilt and self-condemnation.

3. Emotional Manipulation:

  •    – Law of Attraction: Often exploits emotional vulnerability by selling the idea that happiness and success are just a thought away, leading to financial exploitation through self-help products and courses.
  •    – Diet Culture: Uses emotional manipulation to sell products, diets, and fitness programs, preying on insecurities about body image and societal standards of beauty.
  •    – HCR: Can manipulate emotions by promising eternal rewards or threatening eternal punishment, using fear and hope to control behavior and beliefs.

4. Avoidance of Complex Realities:

  •    – Law of Attraction: Simplifies complex life issues by attributing outcomes solely to individual thoughts, ignoring systemic, social, and external factors.
  •    – Diet Culture: Overlooks the complexities of human biology, metabolism, and mental health by promoting one-size-fits-all solutions to weight and health.
  •    – HCR: May offer simple answers to complex existential questions, discouraging critical thinking and exploration of diverse perspectives.

5. Promotion of Perfectionism:

  •    – Law of Attraction: Suggests that perfect thoughts can lead to a perfect life, fostering an unrealistic ideal of constant positivity.
  •    – Diet Culture: Advocates for an ideal body type and perfect eating habits, leading to obsessive behaviors and unhealthy relationships with food and self-image.
  •    – HCR: Can push for moral and spiritual perfection, creating pressure to conform to strict standards and leading to anxiety and fear of judgment.

Mental Health Concerns:

  • 1. Unrealistic Expectations:
    • Believing that thoughts alone can manifest reality may lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when desired outcomes don’t materialize. This can lead to frustration, self-blame, and decreased self-esteem.
  • 2. Ignoring Reality:
    • Overemphasis on positive thinking can sometimes lead to denial of real issues or avoidance of necessary actions. Individuals may neglect practical steps and problem-solving strategies, relying solely on mental strategies.
  • 3. Blame and Guilt:
    • When negative events occur, individuals might blame themselves for having “wrong” or “negative” thoughts. This self-blame can exacerbate feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression.
  • 4. Mental Health Symptoms Exacerbation:
    • For individuals with certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the pressure to control thoughts can be particularly detrimental. Intrusive thoughts and the fear of their potential impact can intensify symptoms.
  • 5. Isolation:
    • If individuals feel their spiritual practices are misunderstood or dismissed by others, they may become isolated. Lack of social support can negatively impact mental health.

These ideologies promise transformative change through strict adherence to their principles, often promoting all-or-nothing thinking. But breaking free from this mindset is crucial for fostering balanced perspectives and personal growth.

Here are practical tips to challenge all-or-nothing thinking:

  • 1. Practice Mindfulness: Embrace techniques like meditation to become aware of thoughts without judgment, recognizing when you’re stuck in extremes.
  • 2. Identify Thought Patterns: Notice words like ‘always’ and ‘never,’ replacing them with ‘sometimes’ or ‘progress’ to introduce flexibility.
  • 3. Challenge Assumptions: Explore alternative perspectives and shades of gray instead of thinking in absolutes.
  • 4. Set Realistic Goals: Break down big goals into smaller steps, celebrating progress and effort along the way.
  • 5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during setbacks, understanding that growth involves learning from mistakes.
  • 6. Seek Different Opinions: Discuss beliefs with trusted others to gain diverse viewpoints and broaden understanding.
  • 7. Use the 10% Rule: Aim for gradual improvement rather than perfection, reducing pressure and promoting sustainable progress.
  • 8. Keep a Thought Journal: Reflect on instances of all-or-nothing thinking to identify triggers and develop alternative interpretations.
  • 9. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge small positives to shift focus away from perfectionism.
  • 10. Educate Yourself: Learn about cognitive distortions to empower yourself in challenging and changing these patterns effectively.

By integrating these practices, we can cultivate resilience and a more balanced approach to life, moving beyond rigid belief systems toward authenticity and personal well-being.

And that’s all I have for you today, folks!

For upcoming episodes, we have Deconstructing Deception: MLMs, Exploitation & Online Influencers with my friend Jill, we dive into the murky waters of high control groups like MLMs, conspiracies and evangelicalism. We discuss about how exploitation is huge in these environments. And I share a bit more about my journey from MLM entanglement to pandemic conspiracies and high-control religion.

Next month: Equality in Focus: Reproductive Rights, Gender Norms, and Political Reform with my friend Emma and a lot more exciting interviews coming for you!

Until then, maintain your curiosity, embrace skepticism, and keep tuning in! 🎙️🔒

To deepen your understanding of the potential pitfalls of spiritual practices like the law of attraction, diet culture, and religious absolutism, as well as to develop critical thinking and emotional intelligence, consider exploring these high-quality resources across various formats:

  • Books:
    • “Bright-Sided: How Positive Thinking Is Undermining America” by Barbara Ehrenreich** – This book critiques the overemphasis on positive thinking and its societal impacts.
    • “Dietland” by Sarai Walker** – A fictional yet poignant critique of diet culture and societal beauty standards.
    • “The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love” by Sonya Renee Taylor** – Discusses body positivity and challenges diet culture.
    • “When Prophecy Fails” by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter** – A classic work on cognitive dissonance, exploring how people react when prophecies or absolute religious claims fail.
  • Articles and Papers:
    • “The Trouble with the ‘Law of Attraction'” by Carolyn Gregoire** (HuffPost) – Discusses the psychological and practical issues with the law of attraction.
    • “The Harmful Effects of Diet Culture” by Taylor Wolfram** (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) – An article exploring the negative impacts of diet culture.
    • “The Perils of Positive Thinking” by Susan David** (Harvard Business Review) – Analyzes the downsides of relentless positivity in personal and professional settings.
  • Websites and Online Courses:
    • Intuitive Eating – A resource focusing on a balanced approach to food and body image, countering diet culture.
  • Coursera and edX – Provide courses on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and psychology. Examples include:
    •  – “The Science of Well-Being” by Yale University (Coursera)
    •  – “Psychological First Aid” by Johns Hopkins University (Coursera)
  • Podcasts and Videos:
    • 1. “Maintenance Phase” – A podcast debunking wellness and diet culture myths.
    • “The Happiness Lab” by Dr. Laurie Santos** – Explores the science of well-being, addressing the limits of positive thinking.
  • TED Talks – Search for talks on critical thinking, the psychology of belief, and emotional intelligence. Notable example:
    • “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • Supportive Communities:
    • Body Positivity Groups** – Communities like “The Body Positive” offer support and resources to counteract diet culture.
    • Skeptics Societies – Organizations like The Skeptics Society promote scientific skepticism and critical thinking about various claims, including those related to spirituality and religion.
    • Religious Literacy Projects – Programs like Harvard’s Religious Literacy Project provide nuanced education on religion and its diverse expressions, promoting understanding and critical engagement.
  • Academic Journals:
    • Journal of Positive Psychology** – Offers research on the benefits and limitations of positive thinking and related practices.
    • International Journal for the Psychology of Religion** – Publishes research on the psychological aspects of religious beliefs and practices.

These resources can help you critically engage with the topics, develop a balanced perspective, and avoid the pitfalls associated with overly simplistic or manipulative practices.

Posted on in challenges, fitness, goal setting, holistic health, mental health, nervous system, nutrition, physiology, podcast, thyroid health, vagus nerve, worldview

Breaking Free: Escaping the Diet Culture Trap

Welcome back to Taste0ftruth Tuesdays Wellness Warriors, Health Detectives, Nutrition Ninjas and Truth Seekers! ⛓️‍💥 In this blog and podcast episode, we’re breaking free from the chains of diet culture and diving into the refreshing waters of body-neutral fitness! 🚫🍔➡️🏋️‍♀️

  • 👟 Embracing Performance Goals: Discover how focusing on what your body can do, rather than how it looks, can revolutionize your fitness journey.
  • 🌿Body-Neutral Bliss: Learn how to find peace with your body through a body-neutral approach to exercise, celebrating movement for movement’s sake.
  • 🎯 From Rules to Freedom: Say goodbye to restrictive diets and hello to intuitive eating and joyful movement.

🎧 Tune in as we unpack the myths of diet culture and celebrate the liberating path to body-neutral fitness! 💪✨Remember, you’re not just dropping out of diet culture—you’re leveling up to a healthier, happier you! 🌟

Listen 🎧

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt the pressure to change your body to fit into society’s standards of beauty. 🙋‍♀️ Well, you’re not alone! For years, I found myself trapped in a cycle of dieting and exercising, all in pursuit of the elusive “perfect” body.

But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t seem to make any lasting progress. Sound familiar? That’s because we’ve been sold a lie – the idea that our worth is tied to the number on the scale or the size of our jeans. But guess what? It’s time to break free from that toxic mindset and embrace a new approach to fitness and nutrition. 

I want to go over common trends I see that I refer to as “diet culture fitness” and then we will compare it with what I recommend “body neutral fitness” ….

Diet culture places value on our weight and size over our health. it promotes messaging that tells us what foods “good” & what foods are “bad.” it glorifies restriction & willpower and ignores our wellbeing.⁣

Diet culture is supported by a multi-billion-dollar industry that pushes weight loss through every medium possible.⁣ Diet culture tells all of us that we are not small enough, strong enough, or lean enough. ⁣

DIET CULTURE IS HARD TO IGNORE.⁣

So, how can one be against diet culture but fine with a diet?⁣ it starts with terminology >>⁣

A DIET merely refers to the foods & drinks we habitually consume. a diet can be a specific, structured way of eating or just our normal daily intake.⁣

The term “DIETING,” is often where the idea of weight loss comes into play. Dieting is (usually) used to describe eating with the purpose of losing weight, which requires a calorie deficit.⁣

>> I am anti-diet culture because i believe that food is not meant to be associated with guilt and shame.

>>I am anti-diet culture because i do not believe that reaching a specific weight, shape or size is ever more important than our physical or mental wellbeing. ⁣

⁣However, I do believe that it is ok to want to change your diet.⁣

⁣It is ok to have aesthetic goals, especially when we can learn to work towards them in a healthy & sustainable manner. ⁣It’s about wanting to shift from old negative eating patterns and thoughts to new behaviors that leave you fueled and healthy.⁣

I believe that it is ok to want to look & feel your best & addressing your nutrition and relationship with food is often the best way to do so.⁣ Your diet is not bad. restriction, shame, guilt, & obsession are

So, what’s the secret to lasting change? It all starts with shifting our focus from aesthetics to performance. Instead of obsessing over how our bodies look, let’s celebrate what they can do! Whether it’s mastering a new yoga pose, hitting a new personal record at the gym, or simply feeling more energized and alive, performance-based goals are where it’s at.

This ultimately means changing the values and the why behind your goal setting:

  • Instead of: “I want to lose the cellulite off my legs.”
  • Try: “I’d like to improve my technique and increase my strength in squats, leg press and deadlifts.”

The intention behind Body Neutral Fitness movement is:

  • Enhance strength & overall performance
  • Boost confidence & find purpose
  • Build stamina for effortless hiking
  • Improve balance, coordination, & mood
  • Enhance health & blood markers

So, WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?

Body neutral fitness is so much more fun, and having fun gets more done! An approach that emphasizes setting and achieving performance goals works better for cultivating a healthy mindset towards fitness which is more sustainable over the long term than an approach that emphasizes aesthetics only.

Whatever your performance may be, shifting the focus changes your mind about your body, which can then remove the limits around what your current body/self can experience.

So, let’s get back to those trends:

  • 👉Swipe👉

What is biofeedback and why is it so important?

This refers to the physiological responses that will bring awareness to our bodily processes and internal health. Sleep, hunger, stress, energy, stress, cravings, recovery, etc. Because optimal health is so much more than just physical! If we track these markers, we can begin to see some underlying causes or maybe issues on why your workout program may not be properly supporting you.

😐Stress: How are your stress levels? How do you manage them?

😋Hunger: Do you wake up hungry? Are you always thinking about food?

💩Digestion: Do you experience painful bloats? do you have regular bowel movements?

😴Sleep: How much sleep are you getting? Do you sleep through the night? How many hours? Do you wake up feeling rested? Does your energy dip mid-afternoon?

🛋️Recovery: Are you taking adequate rest days? Do you feel sore for days after your workouts?

🌀Menstrual Health: Are you missing your period? Do you experience painful cramps or any other PMS symptoms?

🍴Cravings: Do you find yourself struggling with these?

Oftentimes, clients that are experience negative biofeedback, there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed, BEFORE we can actually focus on a physical transformation goal.

  • 💤Improper sleep or stress management can lead to hormone imbalances that inhibit recovery.
  • 😖Digestive issues can be a sign of chronic stress, low stomach acid and food intolerances.
  • 🥺Mood, focus and libido changes may be linked to under-eating, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, etc.

One of the many variables within fitness program creation is “training volume” (How much you’re doing in a specific time. That can be per workout and within the program like per week/per month). In order to properly prescribe this, a coach needs to understand their clients: fitness level, goals, age, work capacity, recoverability, nutritional status, injury history and life stress. If your coach or fitness trainer didn’t ask you any of these things, that may be something worth looking into.

While physical changes are often used to measure progress, monitoring how you FEEL in response to your nutrition and exercise program is also important. It provides insights to how your metabolism is performing and which possible variables to manipulate in order to see improvements. 💪

🩺NOTE: Assessing biofeedback does NOT replace the need for lab work or medical attention.

ALL-OR-NOTHING Mindset

🧠Diet culture thrives on the All-or-Nothing-mentality. I think this is one of the hardest habits to become aware of and try to replace. I don’t know if anyone else can relate to needing a brain reframe, but typically when clients come to me, they say: “I want a body reset!” and I try to tell them: “You know what, it’s probably your brain that needs the reframe. There are more tips and mindset tricks I want to share with you over the course of season 2.

I want to close say that perfectionism is a TRAP, that so many of us that will get caught up in, within spiritually, and diet and nutrition. And when we slip up, which will always happen, it will feel easier to throw in the towel when we are stuck in all or nothing mentally, on the whole shebang. I think this is one of the most common self-sabotaging behaviors that I see, and this is what I hope to continue the conversations on in this season.

Thank you again for listening/reading and I am looking forward to next’s week’s episode!  Until then, maintain your curiosity, embrace skepticism, and keep tuning in! 🎙️🔒

#podcast#fitness#nutrition#dietculturedropout#dietculture#deconstruction#deconstructingfaith#diet#bodypositive#bodyneutrality#performancegoals#fitnessgoals#bodyimage#dogma