Food Is Food

Talia Cecchele
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Mental Health

Food Is Food is a compassion-led podcast hosted by specialist eating disorder dietitian and founder of the TC Nutrition Clinic, Talia Cecchele. This podcast will support you to ditch diet culture, break free from food rules and debunk nutrition misinformation.    Each week, we will cover topics that delve deeper into nutrition, intuitive eating, psychology, diet culture and the consequences of undereating, all through a non-diet and weight-inclusive lens. Our relationship with food is complex and is influenced by our thoughts, emotions and life experiences, which is why healing from disordered eating is about more than just food.   Whether you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, curious about intuitive eating, or simply wanting a kinder, more connected relationship with food — you're in the right place.

  1. 1 day ago

    Why Breaking Food Rules Isn’t a Tick-Box Exercise

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

  2. 12 Aug

    Are Dietary Guidelines Helpful or Harmful For Recovery? | With Kate Sweeney

    JOIN THE RULE BREAKER WAITING LIST: Sign Me Up! What are dietary guidelines actually for and what happens when we start treating them as rigid rules for how we should eat? In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by registered dietitian nutritionist Kate Sweeney to unpack the confusion around dietary guidelines, nutrition labels, recommended dietary allowances, calories, sugar, salt, saturated fat, food pyramids and even the infamous 10,000-step goal. Together, they explore why population-level recommendations don't always translate neatly for individual needs - particularly when you're recovering from an eating disorder or navigating disordered eating. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You’ll Learn: How to use curiosity to question whether a nutrition recommendation is genuinely helpful, evidence-based and workable for you.What recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) are designed for and why they're not necessarily targets you need to calculate or hit every day.Why dietary guidelines need to be considered alongside culture, accessibility, finances, individual health needs and your relationship with food.Why 10,000 steps isn't a universal health requirement and how movement guidelines can become compulsive behaviours for some people.How chronic health conditions and eating disorder recovery can overlap, and why nutrition recommendations sometimes need to be highly individualised.Resources & Links: Kate Sweeney Nutrition: https://katesweeneynutrition.com Roots Collective: https://fourrootscollective.com/  Maintenance Phase - The 10000 Steps Myth. https://open.spotify.com/episode/29LkABbU6Yc09aTCkWnUBY Shrestha A, Cullerton K, White KM, Mays J, Sendall M. Impact of front-of-pack nutrition labelling in consumer understanding and use across socio-economic status: A systematic review. Appetite. 2023 Aug 1;187:106587. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106587. Epub 2023 May 9. PMID: 37169260. Clarke, Dan. Front of Pack Labeling from Around the World. 15 July 2026, Available: https://www.igd.com/articles/front-of-pack-labelling-around-the-world/33386 About our Guest: Kate Sweeney is a Registered Dietitian living in Germany and serving clients in Europe and the United States. Kate specializes in providing care to individuals struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating, digestive issues and chronic disease conditions like MCAS and EDS. Kate is also the co-founder of 4 roots Collective, a group of therapists & dietitians in Germany that identified challenges to care and are working to fill that gap in the outpatient setting.  Connect with Talia: Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by: Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

  3. 5 Aug

    Understanding Extreme Hunger: What It Is & Why You Shouldn't Fear It | With Gemma Vernon

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

  4. 29 Jul

    Compulsive Exercise & Eating Disorders: How to Build a Healthy Relationship with Movement | With Daniel Mansaray

    Can exercise become unhealthy, even when everyone around you praises it? In this episode of Food is Food, I'm joined by Daniel Mansaray, physiotherapist and DBT therapist from The Eating Disorder Exercise Clinic to explore one of the most challenging aspects of eating disorder recovery for many people: compulsive exercise. Together, we discuss the difference between enjoying movement and feeling compelled to exercise, the subtle signs your relationship with exercise may no longer be serving you, and why "healthy" behaviours can sometimes mask deeper struggles. We also explore common fears that keep people stuck such as losing fitness, changing identity, or gaining weight and discuss why recovery isn't about avoiding movement forever, but rebuilding a relationship with exercise that's flexible, enjoyable, and supportive of your long-term wellbeing. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You'll Learn: How to recognise the signs of compulsive or unhealthy exercise.Why enjoying exercise isn't always the same as having a healthy relationship with it.The role of fitness trackers, step counts, and exercise rules in maintaining compulsive behaviours.Why nutrition is essential before focusing on exercise performance or bone health.Whether you need to stop exercising completely during recovery.Practical first steps towards rebuilding a healthier relationship with movement.Resources & Links: Learn more about the ED Exercise Clinic: https://www.edexerciseclinic.comAbout our Guest: Daniel is an eating disorder physiotherapist, DBT therapist and founder of the ED Exercise Clinic. He specialises in helping people recover from compulsive exercise and rebuild a flexible, sustainable relationship with movement through an evidence-based, compassionate approach. Connect with Talia: Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by: Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

  5. 22 Jul

    The 4 Types of Food Rules Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Them)

    Have you ever said, "I don't have food rules"—but still find yourself avoiding certain foods, only eating at specific times, or feeling guilty after eating? In this episode of Food is Food, Talia explores one of the biggest drivers of disordered eating: food rules. Many food rules are so deeply ingrained that we don't even recognise them. Whether they come from diet culture, nutrition misinformation, family beliefs, or past dieting experiences, these rules quietly shape our eating behaviours, increase anxiety around food, and make intuitive eating feel impossible. Talia breaks down the four categories of food rules and explains how they keep people trapped in cycles of restriction—even when they believe they're eating "normally." You'll also learn how to tell the difference between a genuine food preference and a fear-based food rule, plus practical ways to start gently challenging these behaviours. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You'll Learn  The four categories of food rules: when, what, how much, and how to eat Why food rules often develop without us even realising  The difference between dietary restraint and strict restriction  How food rules maintain disordered eating and fuel binge-restrict cycles  How to tell whether something is a genuine food preference or a fear-driven food rule  Practical first steps to start breaking food rules safely and sustainably Resources & Links Balanced Plate Portioning Essentials: https://www.taliacecchele.com/freebies Learn more about the Rule Breaker Program and join the waitlist: https://www.taliacecchele.com/rule-breaker Episode Timestamps 02:20 – Why food rules develop 08:00 – Dietary restraint vs dietary restriction 11:20 – The four categories of food rules 12:00 – Food rules about when to eat 13:00 – Food rules about how much to eat 14:30 – Food rules about what to eat 16:00 – Why "I eat everything" doesn't always mean food freedom 17:20 – Food rules about how to eat 20:00 – Practical ways to challenge each type of food rule 24:20 – Food preference vs food rule 25:40 – Personal stories: learning to like seafood (and why watermelon is still a no!) Connect with Talia: Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by: Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

  6. 15 Jul

    Understanding Overshoot: Why Your Body May Need to Gain More Weight Before It Heals

    One of the most common questions I receive is: "What is a healthy weight?" The answer isn't as simple as a BMI or number range on the scale. In this episode, we're exploring one of the most misunderstood parts of weight recovery: overshoot. If you've ever worried that your body will "keep gaining weight forever," felt afraid of weight restoration, or wondered why recovery can feel so physically and emotionally challenging, this episode is for you. You'll learn why overshoot is a normal biological process, how it supports full nutritional rehabilitation, and why stopping weight restoration too early can leave you stuck in partial recovery. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You'll Learn What overshoot is and why it happens during weight recoveryWhy body fat restores before muscle—and why this is essential for healingThe connection between overshoot, extreme hunger (compensatory hyperphagia), and full nutritional rehabilitationResources & Links Dulloo AG. Physiology of weight regain: Lessons from the classic Minnesota Starvation Experiment on human body composition regulation. Obes Rev. 2021 Mar;22 Suppl 2:e13189. doi: 10.1111/obr.13189. Epub 2021 Feb 5. PMID: 33543573.Dulloo, A., Jacquet, J., Miles-Chan, J. et al. Passive and active roles of fat-free mass in the control of energy intake and body composition regulation. Eur J Clin Nutr 71, 353–357 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2016.256Troscianko, E. (February 22, 2014). Recovering From Anorexia: How and Why Not to Stop Halfway. Psychology Today. [accessed 10.7.26] https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/a-hunger-artist/201402/recovering-from-anorexia-how-and-why-not-to-stop-halfwayEpisode Timestamps 01:30 – Why "What is a healthy weight?" isn't a simple answer 03:10 – What overshoot is and why it matters 06:20 – Why fat restores before muscle 09:20 – The Minnesota Starvation Experiment and overshoot 11:45 – Extreme hunger (compensatory hyperphagia) explained 13:10 – Why weight often restores around the abdomen first 15:50 – Does eating more protein build muscle faster? 16:30 – Why stopping weight restoration too early can delay recovery 20:30 – Hunger, metabolism and the reality of nutritional rehabilitation 23:00 – Why BMI isn't the answer to "healthy weight" Connect with Talia: Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by: Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

  7. 9 Jul

    Rethinking BMI, Body Image And Weight Stigma | with Glenn Mackintosh

    In this episode, psychologist Glenn Mackintosh unpacks the myths surrounding BMI, discusses the impact of weight stigma, and explores compassionate ways to foster body acceptance and health beyond numbers. Discover practical insights for both health professionals and individuals seeking a healthier relationship with their bodies. Episodes drop every Thursday.  What You’ll Learn: The origins and flaws of the BMI as a population measure rather than an individual health indicator The successful shift in public and clinical perceptions away from weight stigma The impact of weight bias and stigma in healthcare and society at large Strategies for reframing language around body size and promoting non-stigmatizing, inclusive terminology The significance of body image as a relationship with one's body—encompassing acceptance, trust, and care The importance of integrating psychological support into physical health journeys for sustainable changeResources & Links: 'The BMI Lie' (Section from Audiobook): https://glennmackintosh.com/the-bmi-lie-podcast-from-thinsanity-audiobook/'Do You Hate Fat People?' + 'The Body Love Model' https://glennmackintosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Do-You-Hate-Fat-People-The-Body-Love-Model-Excerpt-from-Thinsanity.pdfWeight Management Psychology Clinic: https://www.weightmanagementpsychology.com.au/ Transformation Support Community Online Program: https://programs.glennmackintosh.com/transformation-support-communityThinsanity Book: https://glennmackintosh.com/thinsanity/About our Guest: Glenn is a psychologist who is extremely passionate about eating, physical activity, weight, and body image. He is the Clinical Director of the Weight Management Psychology Clinic, the Creator of the Transformation Support Community Online Program, and the Author of the bestselling 'Thinsanity: 7 Steps to Transform Your Mindset & Say Goodbye to Dieting Forever'. He enjoys supporting the health-conscious public and training the wonderful health professionals who support them. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest overview  05:26 - The history and misuse of BMI in healthcare and policy  06:48 - How commercial interests influenced BMI category changes in the 1990s  13:10 - Critique of BMI's limitations and advocating for holistic health assessments  14:46 - The stigmatization caused by current BMI usage in healthcare settings  15:06 - Reframing language to reduce weight stigma and promote compassion  17:42 - Recognizing unconscious weight bias in health professionals and the population  23:03 - The primary goals philosophy and the importance of emotional and physical wellbeing  24:14 - Understanding body image as a relationship based on acceptance, trust, and care  28:27 - Strategies for fostering body love and reducing internalized stigma  33:28 - Practical exercises to shift body perceptions, including self-compassion tools  37:05 - The role of psychological interventions in supporting behavior change 4 3:22 - The influence of weight bias within healthcare and how to counteract it  44:47 - Tools for awareness and reducing unconscious biases  50:24 - The impact of societal messaging, media, and fashion industry on body ideals  55:41 - Glenn's experience on The Biggest Loser Australia Connect with Talia: Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by: Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

  8. 2 Jul

    Ultra-Processed Foods: Are They Really Bad for You? Food Fears & Nutrition Misinformation | With Maeve Hanan

    Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become one of the most talked-about topics in nutrition, but how much of what we hear online is actually supported by evidence? In this episode, Talia is joined by Registered Dietitian Maeve Hanan to chat about the growing fear around UPFs and explore what the research really tells us. Together, they discuss how foods are classified, why processing does not determine nutritional value, and the impact that anti-UPF messaging can have on our relationship with food. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You'll Learn: • What ultra-processed foods actually are — and why the definition is more complicated than most people realise • What current research does (and doesn't) tell us about UPFs and health outcomes • Why food processing doesn't determine whether a food is nutritious • How anti-UPF messaging can contribute to food anxiety, disordered eating, and guilt around eating • The role convenience foods can play in supporting health, recovery, and everyday life Resources & Links: Website: https://dieteticallyspeaking.com/ Instagram: @dieteticallyspeaking Maeve's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/dieteticallyspeaking/sign-up  About our Guest: Maeve Hanan is a Registered Dietitian who specialises in eating disorders, disordered eating and food freedom. She’s the founder of Dietetically Speaking, a platform offering evidence-based information, practical tools, courses, and one-to-one support to help people build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food. Maeve advocates for a compassionate, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition, and is passionate about cutting through the online nutrition BS by sharing clear, evidence-based and practical messages (via her website, weekly newsletter and instagram page). Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:02 – What are ultra-processed foods? 06:54 – Are UPFs really harmful? Understanding the evidence 14:00 – Food fear, eating disorders, and the impact of demonising foods 19:17 – Convenience, privilege, and accessibility in nutrition 24:03 – Label reading, food rules, and nutrition misinformation online 29:33 – When food anxiety becomes a concern 30:51 – Final takeaways and practical advice Connect with Talia: Talia’s Instagram: @tcnutritionFood Is Food Instagram: @foodisfoodpodWebsite & Mailing List: www.taliacechele.com Clinic Enquiries: https://www.taliacecchele.com/contact Support the Podcast: If this episode resonated with you, you can support Food is Food by: Following or subscribing to the podcastLeaving a 5* reviewSharing this episode with someone who might find it helpfulDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.

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About

Food Is Food is a compassion-led podcast hosted by specialist eating disorder dietitian and founder of the TC Nutrition Clinic, Talia Cecchele. This podcast will support you to ditch diet culture, break free from food rules and debunk nutrition misinformation.    Each week, we will cover topics that delve deeper into nutrition, intuitive eating, psychology, diet culture and the consequences of undereating, all through a non-diet and weight-inclusive lens. Our relationship with food is complex and is influenced by our thoughts, emotions and life experiences, which is why healing from disordered eating is about more than just food.   Whether you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, curious about intuitive eating, or simply wanting a kinder, more connected relationship with food — you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Talia Cecchele
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TC Nutrition Ltd
  • Show Website
    Food Is Food

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