Love This Food Thing

Jemma Richards

Jemma is the Founder and host of Love This Food Thing. After 20+years of suffering with eating disorders, Jemma wants to open up the conversation around people's relationship with food. It's not about food; it's about life and how we live it. Everyone's disordered eating will be different because we're all fundamentally unique. We champion personal stories on eating disorders, recovery, staying recovered and maintaining our physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Disclaimer: Jemma is not a medical professional and all opinions are entirely her own.

  1. 12 JAN

    Sex and Sensuality with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

    Welcome back to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach, Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause, or as we’re calling it ‘Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas’. In this fourth and final episode, we chat about sex, because it’s important, and no one needs to suffer in silence - plenty do - around libido/sex drive, vaginal dryness, ways to feel more sensual and to remind you that everyone’s sexual drive fluctuates during menopause. We discuss how hormonal changes can impact libido, body confidence, and vaginal comfort, and why women shouldn’t suffer in silence. Lisa shares practical insights around vaginal dryness, pain, UTIs, and the benefits of localised vaginal estrogen, probiotics, and pelvic health check-ups, alongside the importance of honest communication with partners. The conversation also expands beyond sex into sensuality and self-connection; exploring how touch, creativity, rest, scent, movement, and simple self-care rituals can help women reconnect with their bodies. Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:40] - Sex Drive and Intimacy Issues[01:36] - Addressing Vaginal Dryness[03:05] - Importance of Communication with Your Partner[06:40] - Sensuality and Self-Care[08:38] - Embracing Change and Self-Love CONNECT WITH LISA: Lisa's WebsiteLisa's Instagram THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    13 min
  2. 5 JAN

    Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Benefits with Anna Middleton

    Happy 2026! One of the reasons I created Love This Food Thing was to help people find their way to good health and well being which is why we’re excited to bring you this new year episode with amateur expert mycologist Anna Middleton. “The core reason I love mushrooms is to do with the health properties - physically, mentally and emotionally they are incredible - but they’re also great connectors. They help us connect to each other and ourselves. I have one foot in the science and one foot in the magic. Our relationship with funghi is old! I like to consider mushrooms as our ancestors.” A brief overview: Origins and history of FunghiMedicinal and functional aspects of: reishi, chaga, cordyceps and Lion’s Mane.Plus a psychedelic ending on Psilocybin and Flyer Garrick. Always do your own research and consult a medical practitioner where necessary. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:18] - Meet Anna Middleton: Health and Nutrition Coach[01:05] - The Healing Power of Mushrooms[02:45] - Understanding Fungi: The Ancient Organisms[07:48] - Mushrooms in History and Their Uses[14:29] - Reishi: The Meditation Mushroom[24:34] - Chaga: The King of Mushrooms[35:31] - Enhancing Fertility and Libido with Mushrooms[37:21] - Cordyceps: Energy and Performance Enhancer[42:22] - Lion's Mane: The Brain-Boosting Mushroom[58:35] - Exploring Psychedelic Mushrooms CONNECT WITH ANNA: Anna's InstagramAnna's Website For the products we mention you can either go straight to the supplier: thebristolfungarian.co, londonootropics.com, hybridherbs.com and hifasdaterra.com or you can order from naturaldispensary.co.uk using Anna’s affiliate code AMNI15 for a 15% discount. Disclaimer: Anna receives a commission when you use this code. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram a href="http://instagram.com/lovethisfoodthingpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 15m
  3. 29/12/2025

    Why Menopause Changes How You Need Protein with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

    Welcome back to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach Lisa G, where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause. In episode three of our four-part menopause mini-series, Jemma is joined again by Lisa to talk about one topic that comes up again and again for women in midlife: protein. If you’ve ever felt more fatigued, foggy, hungry, or noticed your body responding differently to food during perimenopause or menopause — this episode is for you. And if you have a complicated relationship with food, you’re especially not alone. This conversation gently explores why protein matters so much during menopause, without rules, pressure, or perfection. Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:30] - The Importance of Protein During Menopause[01:26] - Challenges and Solutions for Protein Intake[05:59] - Protein Sources and Recommendations[08:56] - Practical Protein-Rich Meal Ideas CONNECT WITH LISA G: Lisa's WebsiteLisa's Instagram THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    14 min
  4. 15/12/2025

    Food, Mood and Menopause with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

    Welcome back to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach, Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause, or as we’re calling it ‘Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas’. In this episode we chat about the impact of declining estrogen on neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline, and how this affects mood and stress. Lisa explains the importance of nutrients such as Vitamin C, B vitamins, L-Theanine, and magnesium for supporting adrenal health and mental well-being. We also discuss food sources like leafy greens, supplements suitable for various dietary needs, and emphasise the importance of self-care (hello, Epsom salt baths!), understanding body changes, and making small, sustainable dietary adjustments during menopause. Don't forget, Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:55] - Food, Mood, and Menopause[01:43] - Understanding Neurotransmitters and Hormones[02:59] - Supporting Adrenal Health with Nutrients[04:36] - Magnesium and Its Benefits[07:56] - The Importance of Gut Health[09:33] - Small Sustainable Changes for Menopausal Health[10:17] - Adapting Exercise During Menopause CONNECT WITH LISA: Lisa's WebsiteLisa's Instagram THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    13 min
  5. 08/12/2025

    Body Image and Weight Gain with Lisa G - Mini Menopause Pod Series

    Welcome to our mini menopause series with nutritionist and health coach Lisa G where we chat about some individual aspects of the menopause.  Or as we’re calling it Four Short Dives from Two Short Divas. First up: Body Image and Perimenopause. We discuss the mind**** nature of our bodies changing, when there’s nothing you can do about it.  Hormonal fluctuations. Embracing the change. Ways to get in touch with your body. Seeing menopause as a wonderful opportunity for a new beginning.  And there’s an extra add on where Lisa asks me some personal questions! Lisa is offering a free 20 min consultation, you can find her contact details on her website. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [01:01] - Understanding Perimenopause and Weight Gain[03:58] - Body Image Challenges During Menopause[06:12] - Embracing the Menopausal Journey[07:25] - Top Tips for Connecting with Your Body[09:44] - Recognising Perimenopause Symptoms[11:05] - Personal Experiences and Advice[11:36] - Q&A: Relationship with Food and Menstrual Cycle CONNECT WITH LISA: Lisa's WebsiteLisa's Instagram THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    18 min
  6. 01/12/2025

    Eating Disorder Treatment with Laura Casey

    Laura Casey is the Director of Services at the Lois Treatment Centre for Eating Disorders in Dublin. Laura says: “For the person to realise WHY… always helps their recovery because although they can’t change what happened, they can know why this happened. And then what their triggers are, which gets them to a point where they’re more resilient because they’ve done the work.” Laura is passionate about a multi pronged approach for eating disorder recovery. In this episode, we talk about the healthcare system, accessing treatment and how the lack of resources impedes a successful recovery.   And so much more! I loved my chat with Laura. She's a ray of sunshine.  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [01:21] - Laura's Personal Relationship with Food[02:14] - Raising the Next Generation[06:31] - The Importance of Enjoying Food[08:08] - Laura's Career in Mental Health[09:31] - Understanding Eating Disorders and Trauma[20:12] - Challenges in the Healthcare System[28:43] - Challenges with Medication and Eating Disorders[31:55] - The Complexity of Eating Disorders[35:39] - Wellness Recovery Action Plan[38:12] - Support and Self-Compassion Strategies CONNECT WITH LAURA CASEY: Lois Bridges Eating Disorder Treatment CentreCheck Out Lois Bridges’ InstagramLaura's LinkedIn THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™ Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    51 min
  7. 22/09/2025

    The Menopause with Nutritionist and Health Coach, Lisa G

    Lisa believes in using food as medicine. “The starting point for me with clients, if appropriate, is to balance out stress levels. I like to work holistically, it’s never ever just about the food you eat it’s all about small sustainable changes.” I met Lisa on a retreat. She hosted my welcome interview and instinctively knew I was on the edge of burn out. I was so comforted by her warmth and expertise that I  invited her onto the podcast.  From a young age Lisa suffered with polycystic ovaries and severe hormonal imbalances. After an early surgical menopause she was left unsupported and alone.    Lisa is a menopausal hormone expert and because of her own experiences dedicated to supporting women through any “hormonal storm”.  We talked about hormones and menopause but had so much to say that we may well record some more.  Stay tuned! EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [01:09] - Lisa's Personal Health Journey[02:30] - Understanding Polycystic Ovaries and Insulin Resistance[06:33] - Navigating Menopause: Lisa's Experience[12:58] - The Role of Hormones in Women's Health[18:28] - The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Mental and Physical Health[31:44] - Breaking the Silence on Women's Health[32:26] - Understanding the Microbiome[34:45] - The Role of Testosterone in Women's Health[36:42] - Navigating Menopause[37:28] - The Importance of Hormone Research and Testing[41:07] - Holistic Approaches to Health and Wellness[46:38] - The Power of Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes[54:01] - Embracing Menopause as a New Beginning CONNECT WITH LISA G: Lisa's InstagramLisa's Website THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    59 min
  8. 01/09/2025

    Anorexia and Recovery in the Middle Place with Mallary Tenore Tarpley

    “I found I wanted to stop time. If I could stay the same size as when my Mum was alive I could be closer to her. So I ended up restricting my food intake not because I wanted to be skinny but because I wanted to feel small and safe.” Mallary developed anorexia after the loss of her Mum. Some misguided nutritional education at school helped fuel her symptoms and OCD; a time consuming jumping habit. Young Mallary was determined to be perfect. Many years later when Mallary was teaching journalists how to write restorative narratives and include  the forgotten “messy middle/ middle place” she had a lightbulb moment.  What if she explored her own “middle place?” Would this put the brakes on her quest for perfection and open the space up with her ongoing recovery? The answer can be found in Mallary’s book: SLIP: Life In The Middle Of Eating Disorder Recovery. I recorded this podcast with Mallary the morning after the launch of her debut book SLIP: Life In The Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery. What a pro! I really enjoyed our chat. It was full of insightful and lived experience wisdom.  Mallary made me think about my own stuff, which is always a plus. Enjoy. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 00:27 - Mallary's Book and Its Themes01:42 - Mallary's Relationship with Food02:22 - Struggles with Anorexia02:50 - Impact of Mother's Death04:02 - Complications of Eating Disorders08:56 - Mallary's Teenage Years11:07 - College Challenges and Binge Eating18:47 - The Concept of the Middle Place26:44 - Struggles and Progress in Recovery32:29 - Mallory's Book, Slip33:06 - Motherhood and Recovery Challenges35:11 - Obsessive Behaviours Postpartum36:38 - Research and Awareness on Eating Disorders CONNECT WITH MALLARY TENORE TARPLEY: Connect with Mallary on InstagramPick Up a Copy of SlipMallary’s Website THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show - we’d be extremely grateful. WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU: 6 Things to Help You on Your Road to Recovery [Free Download] The Guide You Need to Help You Recover and Live an Extraordinary Life!Stay on Track with Your Recovery Journey, Start or Accelerate Further with Our Creative Recovery Accelerator™Virtual 1:1 Mentorship with Jemma

    53 min
5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Jemma is the Founder and host of Love This Food Thing. After 20+years of suffering with eating disorders, Jemma wants to open up the conversation around people's relationship with food. It's not about food; it's about life and how we live it. Everyone's disordered eating will be different because we're all fundamentally unique. We champion personal stories on eating disorders, recovery, staying recovered and maintaining our physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Disclaimer: Jemma is not a medical professional and all opinions are entirely her own.