Once Upon A Food Story

Elise Museles
  • 5.0 (79)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Monthly

Once upon a time, your food story began… Like all good stories, it's filled with twists and turns. Your beliefs, experiences, and thoughts about food all play starring roles. But what if the story you've been telling yourself is holding you back in ways you don't even realize… until now? Welcome to Once Upon a Food Story, the podcast that uncovers the powerful internal and external narratives shaping your relationship with food. Hosted by Elise Museles, an expert in eating psychology and nutrition, this show offers raw, real conversations with inspiring change-makers who are making a big impact in this world. Together, we'll explore the tools you need to shift your inner dialogue into one that's empowering, transformative, and uplifting. If you're feeling weighed down by diet culture, overwhelmed by food choices, or simply seeking a space to talk openly about cultivating a more positive mindset around food, you're in the right place! When it comes to your food story, you deserve a happy ending. And no matter where you are on your journey, it's never too late to turn the page and write a new chapter.

  1. 1d ago

    The Food Fear Reframe Everyone Needs to Hear | Elise Museles

    Every day there seems to be a new headline, a new chemical, a new pesticide, a new ingredient, or a new reason why you should be worried about something in your food. Suddenly eating, something that should be one of the most natural and nourishing parts of our lives, starts to feel stressful. Some of these concerns are legitimate. We should care about how our food is grown, the ingredients we consume, and the systems that shape what ends up on our plates. But when all of this information turns into fear and anxiety, it can affect our health in a different way. I share how to stay informed without becoming consumed and how to make thoughtful choices without feeling like every bite requires research or every decision carries the possibility that you got it wrong. In this episode you'll learn: What food fear is and how it can impact your everyday choices How to discern between diligence and fear The four questions to make informed choices without spiraling Ways to care about your health without losing the joy of eating Why stress around food matters just as much as the choices you make This isn't about ignoring concerns or pretending everything about our food system is fine. It's about finding a more balanced way to navigate the information, make choices with confidence, and reframe your approach to food fear.   Supportive Resources: EWG's Guide to Washing Produce FRESHFARM website: www.freshfarm.org Embrace Your Confidence Style and Joy in Midlife Reduce Toxic Exposure at Home Without the Overwhelm What We've Been Getting Wrong About Wellness The Food-Mood Bundle ($15 special offer!!) Elise's Favorite Matcha code ELISEMUSELES Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

  2. Jul 15

    Why Nonna Maxxing is the Secret to a Better Life | Elise Museles

    Have you seen the videos? A grandmother kneading dough in golden afternoon light, no phone in sight, somehow living better than every biohacker on your feed. I got a little intrigued by it too. It's called Nonna Maxxing, and on the surface it looks like a trend about homemade sourdough, long lunches, and slowing down. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized it has nothing to do with Italy, or grandmothers, or even slowness. It's about connection, permission, and joy. Nonna Maxxing invites you to be present instead of performing, to let a meal matter, to stop treating your own life like something to optimize. This solo episode goes past the aesthetic and gets into what Nonna Maxxing can look like in your life, no matter how busy you are. Most of us crave the kind of spaciousness a Nonna-inspired life represents, and I share exactly why it's resonating so widely right now.   In this episode, you'll learn: The real reason "Nonna Maxxing" is resonating, and why it has nothing to do with Italy Why doing everything "right" for your health might be the exact thing keeping you from feeling good The invisible habits turning your meals into a stress response, and the easy fix for both Simple ways to create joy, stillness, and connection without overhauling your life One five minute practice you can make today that will change your energy So let Nonna influence you today, whether that's a phone-free meal, a quiet walk, or just five minutes of doing nothing at all.   Resources Mentioned (may contain affiliate links): What We've Been Getting Wrong About Wellness (Episode) What Happens When You Bring Stress to the Table (Episode) Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half The Food-Mood Bundle Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% off for podcast listeners) Elise's go-to matcha (code ELISEMUSELES for a discount)   Learn More about Elise Museles: Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

  3. Jun 17

    How to Cook with More Confidence and Less Stress | Serena Wolf

    Cooking at home can be stressful, especially when you're tired, standing in the kitchen, and not sure what to make. In those moments, it's easy to feel stuck before you even start. Serena Wolf, a classically trained Le Cordon Bleu chef, bestselling author, and culinary instructor, believes cooking should be fun, flexible, and enjoyable. She encourages home cooks to think of recipes as invitations, not rigid rules. As the author of the new book You Do You, Serena is on a mission to help you build confidence in the kitchen, which ultimately leads to trusting your culinary intuition.   In this episode, you'll learn: How to make ingredient swaps without second-guessing yourself Simple ways to build confidence in the kitchen Why there are no "stupid questions" when you're learning to cook How letting go of perfection brings more ease and enjoyment into cooking The reason small joys can lift your mood  A surprisingly easy way to get more organized and reduce stress You'll feel empowered to let go of pressure, build trust in yourself, and find a more joyful way to cook and eat.   Learn More about Serena Wolf: You Do You The Dude Diet Website: serenagwolf.com Blog: domesticate-me.com Instagram: @serenagwolf   Learn More about Elise Museles: Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% discount for podcast listeners) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles

  4. Jun 3

    How to Take Care of Yourself in a Noisy World | Amy Ippoliti

    What if everything you're doing to take care of yourself is preparing you for something bigger? We usually think of wellness through a personal lens – the food, the routines, the healthy rituals. But what if those practices aren't just about feeling better? What if they're giving us the capacity to engage more deeply with the world around us? Amy Ippoliti is a yoga teacher, author, and advocate for human and planetary health, who believes that caring for ourselves is essential, but it's not the final destination. Amy pushes back on a wellness culture that tells us to retreat, protect our peace, and tune out the chaos. For her, taking care of yourself isn't about checking out. It's what builds the resilience and clarity to stay present to the people and the planet that need you. In this episode, you'll learn: How yoga can help you become more self-aware and connected to your body Why knowing where your food comes from is key for optimal health The connection between soil health, nutrient density, and how you feel Simple ways to make fresh food more accessible Why community is one of the most underrated forms of wellness This conversation is a powerful reminder that how you care for yourself shapes how you care for the world.   Learn More about Amy Ippoliti: Website: amyippoliti.com Instagram: @amyippoliti The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga Substack: amyippoliti.substack.com   Learn More about Elise Museles: Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% discount for podcast listeners) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

  5. May 20

    Embrace Your Confidence, Style, and Joy in Midlife | Lauren Dimet Waters

    Have you ever hit a moment in midlife where you looked in the mirror, or made a decision, or got dressed and thought, is this even me anymore? So many women are navigating that exact feeling right now. The body changes. The shifting confidence. The noise around food, health, beauty, and what you're supposed to look like and feel like at this stage of life. It's a lot. Lauren Dimet Waters has built an entire platform for women over 50 who refuse to age quietly, and she does it with honesty, humor, and a zero-tolerance policy for BS. As the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Fountain of 30, she helps women move through this chapter in life with confidence, a strong sense of style, and permission to finally be who they're meant to be without apology. In this episode, you'll learn: How to filter the fearmongering around food and wellness Why finding your own style is more confidence-boosting than chasing trends The secret to building a closet that fits who you are right now Why socializing is one of the most powerful and underused health tools in midlife The one thing you need to make midlife feel easier and more fun This conversation will give you a whole new lens for seeing midlife not as a decline, but as the chapter where you stop shrinking and start showing up as your most joyful, confident self.   Resources Mentioned: Rewrite Your Food, Fashion, and Beauty Story Your Midlife Food Story: What's Changed and What Matters   Learn More about Lauren Dimet Waters: Website: https://www.fountainof30.com/ Instagram: @fountainof30 Podcast: Beauty Is a Bitch   Learn More about Elise Museles: Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% discount for podcast listeners) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

  6. May 6

    What We've Been Getting Wrong About Wellness | Elise Museles

    Have you ever found yourself down a late night rabbit hole, adding something to your cart that promised to fix everything? It's never been easier to reach for the supplement, the protocol, the skincare your favorite influencer is praising. We're living in the most exciting time in wellness history. Peptide stacks, CGMs, red light therapy, cold plunges, biohacking tools… and a $6.8 trillion industry that keeps growing. Some of these innovations can genuinely improve our health and our lives. But somewhere in the middle of all this innovation and optimization, we started skipping steps. And I think we've lost the plot. No supplement stack can out-supplement poor sleep. No peptide replaces a meal made from real food. No gadget rewires a nervous system that's running on chronic stress and negative self-talk. You cannot build anything lasting on a shaky foundation. You need the fundamentals, the basics that will actually move the needle. In this episode, you'll learn: How your inner narrative directly impacts digestion and nutrient absorption The unglamorous habit that outperforms most cleanses, detoxes, and supplements Why one simple morning habit can improve your sleep A fun way to nourish every cell in your body The mindset shift that makes movement feel natural, not forced The two "essential nutrients" that can elevate your quality of life When the foundations are solid, everything else works better. Including all the latest wellness biohacks and innovations.   Resources Mentioned: Shift Your Inner Narrative Stress Less While Eating  More on 30 plants a week study Advanced Sleep Tips Walk Your Way to Clarity and Calm  EWG website: www.ewg.org Elise's favorite water bottle recommendation (non-plastic)   Learn More about Elise Museles: Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% discount for podcast listeners) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

  7. Apr 22

    The Truth About Plastic in Your Restaurant Meals | Chef Johanna Hellrigl

    Have you ever thought about what's happening behind the scenes at a restaurant before your meal arrives at the table? Even if you prioritize organic, local, or farm-to-table, there's another layer most of us aren't seeing. The hidden ingredient? Plastic. Johanna Hellrigl, chef, restaurateur, and sustainability advocate is on a mission to reduce invisible plastic exposure inside restaurant kitchens, from packaging to storage to the everyday tools that touch your food long before it reaches your plate. As Johanna shares, this isn't just an environmental health issue, it's also a human health issue. And as someone who believes food should be sourced, prepared, and enjoyed with love, she sees limiting plastic as part of that same commitment. In this episode, you'll learn: Where plastic is hiding in restaurant kitchens and why it matters for your health The specific conditions that make plastic exposure most harmful How to infuse your food with good energy, even at home One simple habit shift to reduce microplastics and chemical exposure Ways to dine out more consciously without losing the joy of it A powerful exercise to help you trust your intuition and take care of your health This conversation will change the way you think about restaurant meals and give you the awareness and tools to enjoy eating out more intentionally.   Resources Mentioned: Tiny Health Microbiome Test Stainless steel blender container Dr. Robynne Chutkan Gut Health Episode The Plastic Detox To-Go Cups EWG Tap Water Database   Learn More about Johanna Hellrigl: TEDx Talk: The Plastic You Eat Website: amaresturant.bar Instagram: @chefjohannahellrigl Ama Instagram: @amarestaurant.bar   Learn More about Elise Museles: Rise & Shine Coaching Program (50% discount for podcast listeners) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

  8. Apr 8

    Reduce Toxin Exposure at Home Without Overwhelm | Lindsay Dahl

    We're living in a time where there's more information than ever about what's in our food, our products, and our homes…and instead of feeling empowered, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and even anxiety-inducing. As the Chief Impact Officer at Ritual and author of the new book, Cleaning House, Lindsay Dahl believes that it's not about eliminating every possible exposure, but about becoming more informed and more intentional – without fear driving the process. From decades of experience in environmental health, Lindsay shares a pragmatic approach to navigating a world filled with information and misinformation when it comes to chemical safety and reducing our everyday exposures.  She offers a refreshing perspective that moves away from fearmongering and toward informed, practical action.  In this episode, you'll learn: How to think about your home environment, room by room One simple thing you can do to support systemic change in environmental health Ways to reduce toxic exposure without trying to control everything What to know about supplement safety, sourcing, and transparency Why you can't shop your way to safety – and what to do instead If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the information or stuck in a punitive relationship with exercise, this episode will help you reframe movement in a more expansive and empowering way. This is a conversation about nuance, trade-offs, and finding a more grounded, sustainable way to care for your health.   Resources Mentioned: Ritual Supplements EWG Verified     Learn More about Lindsay Dahl: Cleaning House: The Fight to Rid Our Homes of Toxic Chemicals Website: https://lindsaydahl.com/ Instagram: @Lindsay_Dahl Substack: https://lindsaydahl.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-dahl/   Learn More about Elise Museles: Get the  Food-Mood Bundle Special Podcast Listener Offer (just $15) Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live Website: elisemuseles.com Instagram: @elisemuseles Facebook: @elisemuseles

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5
out of 5
79 Ratings

About

Once upon a time, your food story began… Like all good stories, it's filled with twists and turns. Your beliefs, experiences, and thoughts about food all play starring roles. But what if the story you've been telling yourself is holding you back in ways you don't even realize… until now? Welcome to Once Upon a Food Story, the podcast that uncovers the powerful internal and external narratives shaping your relationship with food. Hosted by Elise Museles, an expert in eating psychology and nutrition, this show offers raw, real conversations with inspiring change-makers who are making a big impact in this world. Together, we'll explore the tools you need to shift your inner dialogue into one that's empowering, transformative, and uplifting. If you're feeling weighed down by diet culture, overwhelmed by food choices, or simply seeking a space to talk openly about cultivating a more positive mindset around food, you're in the right place! When it comes to your food story, you deserve a happy ending. And no matter where you are on your journey, it's never too late to turn the page and write a new chapter.

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