The Nourished with PCOS Podcast

Have you ever been told that you have fatty liver? Receiving a new diagnosis can be scary, but this episode is going to break down fatty liver in a super simple way so that you can feel informed and empowered. Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up on the liver. It affects about 25% of the population and PCOS increases the risk of developing it. While we don’t know exactly what causes NAFLD, it’s believed that the insulin resistance and metabolic factors are associated with why it’s seen more in PCOS. In this episode, Sam discusses: Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Welcome to the Nourished with PCOS Podcast, the place where we find strength, empowerment, and soothing conversations for our PCOS journey. Today, we're welcoming a very special guest, Amanda Mittman, a passionate advocate for a positive body image, a registered dietitian, and an intuitive eating counselor. In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that often gets overlooked in nutrition counseling — body image. Amanda brings her personal experiences and professional expertise to share why addressing body image should be a priority and how it can influence our relationship with food and self-care practices. We'll unfold the nuances of body image work, discuss how our thoughts and feelings can impact our behaviors, and explore the resilience needed to cope with distressing body thoughts. Amanda emphasizes the shift from 'shoulds' to purposeful decisions that enhance our well-being, offering an empathetic perspective on navigating the delicate terrain of body acceptance, particularly for those of us living with PCOS. In this episode, we discuss: Expect to hear about the importance of advocacy in healthcare, the challenges within the field of dietetics regarding body image, and the emotional side of dealing with PCOS that's often neglected. As we dissect the complexities of our relationships with our bodies, Amanda imparts wisdom on fostering kindness towards ourselves and preparing for the vulnerable moments that PCOS can bring. So, stay tuned, and let's learn how to nourish not just our bodies but also our perceptions and attitudes — because understanding and honoring our body image is a vital step in our journey to health and body kindness. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

In today’s episode, Sam is joined by Ryann Prentice, a licensed therapist specializing in binge eating disorder to discuss how to decrease binge eating with PCOS. For seven years, Ryann battled with binge eating, a struggle that overshadowed her life until she pursued a journey of recovery. Her personal experiences propelled her towards a career dedicated to guiding others through their own struggles with eating disorders. In this episode, we'll explore how weight loss, an often-suggested measure for managing PCOS, can spiral into unhealthy behaviors and exacerbate issues like binge eating. Ryann will dissect the misconceptions surrounding binge eating, emphasizing that it's not about a lack of willpower or an obsession with food, but a complex emotional coping mechanism. With an in-depth discussion on the five phases of healing from emotional eating, Ryann shares her insights on the importance of nourishment, mindset, and emotions management. We'll also talk about the significant difference between overeating and clinical binge eating and why understanding this difference matters. Ryann offers tangible action steps for those fighting binge eating, advocating for structured eating habits and intentional eating practices. As we navigate the ocean of healthcare and therapy, she'll guide us on how to seek specialized support and understand the underlying issues that fuel binge eating disorders. In this episode, we’ll also discuss: So, if you're ready to manage binge eating and work towards self-care and healing, this episode is a must-listen. Let's get ready to be nourished with Ryann Prentice here on the Nourished with PCOS Pod. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

In today's episode, we welcome guest Dr. Lisa Folden, a licensed physical therapist with a passion for fostering a weight-inclusive environment for her physical therapy clients. Dr. Folden shares her professional pivot from aspiring to work with athletes to focusing on individuals struggling with eating disorders and those living life in a larger body, influenced by her own life experiences and the enlightening principles of health at every size and intuitive eating. We'll unpack the often misunderstood link between body size and pain, highlighting how other factors play a far more significant role than our society's emphasis on weight would have us believe. Together, we'll explore the ethical nuances within the health industry's approach to weight, the ineffectiveness of prescribing weight loss for PCOS, and the importance of acknowledging and validating body size differences in a weight-inclusive space. Dr. Folden offers her insights on why a shift in mindset—from a weight-centric to a health-centric approach—is vital for both mental and physical well-being. We also dive into the clinical expertise distinguishing physical therapists from personal trainers, and when you might benefit from seeing a physical therapist. Dr. Lisa Folden breaks down the common misconceptions around back pain, core strength, and the true culprits behind your aches. In this episode, we discuss: So, if you've ever felt that body discomfort and the advice to “just lose weight” to treat this has you feeling stuck, this episode with Dr. Lisa Folden is here to guide, inform, and empower you. Let's nourish our understanding and discover how we can respect and support our bodies, regardless of size. Stay tuned, and let's get started. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

What if overcoming your eating struggles and healing your relationship with food wasn’t JUST about nutrition education? What if it was also about healing your inner child? Today, Sam dives into the transformative world of inner child work with the fellow dietitian Meg Carber. They explore the significance of childhood experiences on adult struggles, especially concerning food and body image. They begin the episode by discussing how Meg became a non-diet dietitian. Meg shares a little bit about her training on somatic work, what it is, and why it can be an important part of healing your relationship with food. Sam and Meg then go on to chat about inner child work. Meg discusses societal pressures on how we think about food and our bodies begin early in life, not just at home but also in school, and how these pressures can lead to a disconnection from our intuition around food. In this episode, Sam and Meg also discuss: Get ready to be nourished in mind and spirit as we unpack these powerful conversations with Meg Carber on the Nourished with PCOS Podcast! To learn more about Meg, visit the show notes on our website. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

In today’s special episode of the podcast, Sam is sharing a secret project for the past few months that is finally ready to be shared with you! Sam has created a non-diet PCOS membership, the Nourished with PCOS Collective, and she’s now enrolling founding members from April 2-11. The Nourished Collective is a non-diet membership that will help you reduce PCOS symptoms through gentle nutrition without restrictive diets. If you want to manage PCOS without guilt or shame around food, you want to have a healthy relationship with food, and you want to be in a space where there’s not a bunch of weight loss talk then it can be really hard to find resources to help you. And that’s exactly why Sam created this membership. In this episode, Sam discusses: Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Welcome back to episode 55 of the Nourished with PCOS Podcast! If you are thinking about getting pregnant but have been told that you need to lose weight, or you’re just interested in fertility with PCOS then you are in for a treat. Joining Sam for this episode is Nicola Salmon—a fat positive fertility advocate who uses her platform and expertise to challenge the weight bias and stigmas that exist within the fertility industry and empower those who are often marginalized to take control of their reproductive health with confidence and self-assurance. In this episode, we discuss the bias and stigma in the medical community towards those in larger bodies, especially when it comes to fertility and PCOS. Nicola shares her personal experience with PCOS and what it was like to be prescribed weight loss as a treatment when she was trying to conceive. We speak about the misguided focus on weight with PCOS, and Nicola dismantles the myths surrounding weight loss and health outcomes. Sam and Nicola also discuss: Nicola offers practical advice for advocating for oneself in healthcare settings and encourages a shift toward a more holistic and inclusive approach. So prepare to learn more, and feel inspired and empowered as we explore the importance of compassionate care and the need to change the healthcare narrative when it comes to fertility, weight, and PCOS. Because everyone deserves nurturing, respectful, and personalized care. To read more about Nicola and connect with her, visit the show notes on our website. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Have you seen PCOS influencers recommending going gluten-free for PCOS? In this episode of "Nourished with PCOS Pod," we dive into the topic of gluten and whether you should eliminate it with PCOS. Host Sam breaks down everything you need to know about gluten, celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and the impact of eliminating gluten from your diet. Sam challenges the common recommendation for individuals with PCOS to go gluten-free, providing insights into the potential downsides and the lack of research supporting this advice. In this episode, Sam discusses: Whether you're considering going gluten-free or just curious about the facts, this episode will equip you with the information you need to make informed decisions about gluten and PCOS. Tune in for all the essential details on this confusing topic. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Our host, Sam, delves into the core principles of intuitive eating, Do you love the idea of intuitive eating but also wonder if you can be an intuitive eater while also trying to lose weight? This question pops up a lot when you have PCOS but want more food freedom, and it’s exactly what Sam discusses in this episode! Intuitive eating is a framework used to help you tune in more to your body’s inner wisdom when it comes to making nutrition and lifestyle choices. The goal is to help you break free of the diet cycle and have a healthy relationship with food. Sam explains how intuitive eating differs from intentional weight loss. With insightful examples and a clear breakdown of belief systems, she highlights the potential conflicts and offers guidance on navigating this complex issue. In this episode, Sam discusses: Join us as we explore whether the intersection of intuitive eating and weight loss exists, and discover how to foster a peaceful relationship with food and your body, even in the midst of conflicting messages from diet culture. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

In today’s episode of the Nourished with PCOS Podcast, Sam is joined by her client, Kara, to chat about Kara’s non-diet journey managing PCOS. They begin the episode by discussing Kara’s story of suspecting she had PCOS but being dismissed by several healthcare providers before she was finally taken seriously. Kara then shares her experience trying different restrictive diet changes and what prompted her to want to take a different approach. Kara shares how choosing the non-diet route transformed her health and PCOS symptoms in unexpected ways. She explains that letting go of dieting and finding more acceptance with her body was freeing and relieved a lot of mental stress. When her mental health improved, she noticed that her physical health also improved and she began to make specific food choices because she felt empowered to do so. In this episode, Sam and Kara also discuss: Kara's story is a testament to the freeing feeling that comes with embracing a more flexible approach to food. Your well-being is worth the journey, and with Kara's uplifting message, you can take those first steps towards a more authentic and empowered life with PCOS. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Ready to let go of dieting but not quite sure where to start? In today’s episode of the Nourished with PCOS Podcast, Sam is joined by fellow registered dietitian Colleen Christensen. Colleen has not only navigated her own journey through disordered eating but has also transformed her struggles into a passion for helping others. From controlling food habits to binge eating, and finally finding balance, Colleen’s story is both inspiring and relatable. Sam and Colleen explore how mindset and self-talk can set the foundation for this eating style, why a little structure can still be intuitive, and the importance of meeting yourself where you are on your journey. Colleen also brings to light how humor and social interaction can influence our nutrition choices, and the significance of understanding our bodies, especially when navigating conditions like PCOS and insulin resistance. In this episode, Sam and Colleen also discuss: Whether you're dealing with PCOS symptoms, transitioning from a dieting mindset, or simply looking for a healthier relationship with food, this episode is full of advice around creating a embracing a non-diet approach to nutrition. To connect with Colleen, click here. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Do you ever wonder how to approach nutrition recommendations for PCOS when you’re trying to be an intuitive eater? That’s exactly what is covered in today’s episode of the Nourished with PCOS Podcast! It’s a common misconception that intuitive eating is about “eating whatever you want, whenever you want”. Intuitive eating is actually about blending nutrition education with how your body is feeling and what will feel best for you mentally, emotionally, and physically. And this can be done even if you have a medical condition like PCOS! In this episode, Sam discusses: If you’re newer to intuitive eating then you might want to check out the series Sam did all about Intuitive Eating for PCOS: Ep 18: What is Intuitive Eating? Ep 19: How Intuitive Eating Looks Different with PCOS Ep 20: How to Overcome Common Intuitive Eating Obstacles Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Do you love the idea of having food freedom but you still care about your health with PCOS? You’re going to want to tune in to today’s episode. Sam is joined by her former client, Melissa, who discusses her non-diet journey managing PCOS and has been able to regain her period, lower her A1c and liver enzymes, and find more peace with her PCOS diagnosis. The episode begins with Melissa sharing a little bit about her experience getting diagnosed with PCOS. Like many listeners, she was told to “just lose weight” and take medication to manage her symptoms. Melissa shares how she pursued nutrition coaching in the past but ultimately ended up feeling dismissed and was taking a large amount of supplements. She shares how Sam’s non-diet messaging really resonated with her and how in Sam’s program, Melissa was able to redefine what health with PCOS looks like for her. In this episode, Sam and Melissa discuss: Join us as Melissa shares vital insights on the journey to balance and wellness with PCOS, and stay with us as we offer encouragement for anyone walking a similar path. It's all about finding that happy medium, managing symptoms without compromising the joy of living. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Have you ever felt confused about whether or not you have insulin resistance? This is a common concern with PCOS, especially if you’re newly diagnosed or didn’t get the best information when you were diagnosed. In today’s episode of the podcast, Sam is helping you understand how insulin resistance is diagnosed so that you can feel more comfortable with your plan for managing PCOS and speaking to your care team. Sam begins the episode by discussing how insulin resistance impacts most people with PCOS. She shares some statistics around this and also discusses how weight, nutrition, and lifestyle don’t cause insulin resistance per the research that we have. In this episode, Sam also discusses the following: Sam ends the episode by sharing her personal opinion on when it’s worthwhile to pursue labs. Disclaimer: This episode is not medical advice. It is just educational information to help facilitate conversations with your healthcare team. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Have you been wondering if you could possibly have PCOS? With an increase in PCOS awareness and education, more and more folks are recognizing symptoms like irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and hair loss, asking their doctor to be screened for PCOS. It can be frustrating if you think you may have PCOS and your concerns are dismissed. On today’s episode of the podcast, Sam is discussing how PCOS is diagnosed so that you can have more information and a better understanding of the diagnostic process if you do pursue a diagnosis with your doctor. Sam begins the episode with a reminder that PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other medical conditions with symptoms that overlap with PCOS usually need to be ruled out first prior to being diagnosed with PCOS. Sam then goes on to share the three different pieces of diagnostic criteria and the specifics of each one. In this episode, Sam discusses: Sam ends the episode by discussing two medical conditions that she sometimes see in practice that are misdiagnosed with PCOS. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Sam is joined by guest Dr. Asher Larmie (he/they), a transmasculine general practitioner and expert in weight stigma. Sam and Asher tackle the complexities and nuances surrounding these popular medications. They explore their impact on weight loss, management of type 2 diabetes, and the long-term relationship with our health. Asher brings up concerns over the use of these drugs in nondiabetic individuals, the risks that accompany their benefits, and the importance of informed consent in medical treatment. Today’s conversation isn’t just about medication—it’s about empowerment, offering personal insights, and the right to autonomy in medical decisions. We’ll discuss the unforeseen consequences of pathologizing weight and how a history of weight stigma has led to delayed diagnoses and a plethora of physical and mental health challenges. In this episode, we discuss: So, listeners, sit back, open your hearts and minds, and let’s get nourished with the knowledge and experiences shared in our discussion with Asher Larmie on Ozempic, Wegovy, and their use for weight loss. Please visit our podcast page for the show notes, study information, and Asher’s contact information. Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Have you ever felt conflicted about wanting to let go of dieting but also caring about your health? This is a common concern for anyone wanting food freedom or to embrace intuitive eating with PCOS. In this episode of "Nourished with PCOS” Podcast, Sam gives advice about the struggle of wanting to ditch diets but still caring about PCOS symptoms and long-term health. Since we’re surrounded by diet talk and diet culture, we internalize that dieting means we’re improving your health. But diet culture is a multi-billion dollar industry that profits when you stay stuck in the diet cycle. You can definitely give this cycle the middle finger and still have health goals! In this episode, Sam discusses: Sam's down-to-earth approach will resonate with anyone looking for a non-diet approach to managing their PCOS. So grab a cup of tea and tune in! Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Today's episode is a game-changer because we're diving into the most impactful nutrition strategy for managing PCOS - balancing blood sugar. Sam explains what insulin resistance is and how it impacts PCOS symptoms. She sheds light on how balancing blood sugar can be a game-changer in managing insulin resistance, leading to an overall improvement in how we feel with PCOS. The best part? Sam talks extensively about how to approach blood sugar balance from a non-diet perspective, incorporating the principles of intuitive eating to prioritize well-being while managing PCOS symptoms. She emphasizes that managing PCOS isn't about weight loss and that there are sustainable, balanced approaches to nutrition that can make a significant difference in symptoms and how we feel with PCOS. In this episode, Sam discusses: But wait, there's more exciting news! Sam is hosting a free live masterclass where she'll expand on blood sugar balance strategies, and you definitely don't want to miss out on that. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join us as we explore the world of blood sugar balance and PCOS management. Let's nourish our bodies and minds together! Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Happy New Year! Welcome to Season 2 of the podcast! Are you someone who likes making new year’s resolutions or setting intentions? Or maybe you like the idea of it even if you don’t plan anything concrete? If you answered yes then today’s episode is for you! And even if you aren’t into this in the new year, you’re still going to want to listen in because this episode is going to give you some great things to think about when you're thinking about how to approach health and wellness in general. Sam begins the episode by reflecting on how the loss of her grandmother has reminded her what is important in life and has reaffirmed why non-diet nutrition work is so important. She then moves in to talking about 5 questions you can ask yourself to create new year’s intentions and goals that really last! Did you know that only 9% of people complete their new year’s resolutions, 23% quit within the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January? In this episode, Sam teaches you how you can avoid being one of these statistics. Sam discusses: Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/

Join the Nourished with PCOS Collective A membership for non-dieters to help you reduce PCOS symptoms without food rules or restriction. Click here to join for $29/month. Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.nutritionist/