The Body Aligned Podcast

Erin

The Body Aligned Podcast is your go-to space for faith-based, no-fluff wellness coaching that helps you ditch the all-or-nothing cycle and walk in lasting peace with food, movement, and your mindset. Hosted by registered dietitian and Christian health coach Erin Coates, this show speaks to the woman who’s ready to anchor her health journey in truth, grace, and simple strategies that actually work. Each episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, science-backed strategies, and biblical encouragement to help you: Rewire self-sabotaging thoughtsBuild sustainable rhythms with food + movementFeel strong in your body again (without extremes)Invite God into your health — and trust Him with itIf you’ve ever thought, “I know what to do, I just can’t seem to stick with it,” this podcast was made for you. You’re not starting over — you’re just getting started.

  1. 12/18/2025

    When You “Feel Fat:” Why It’s Not Your Body — and Where to Fix Your Eyes

    Have you ever woken up and thought, “Ugh… I feel fat” — even though nothing about your body actually changed? In this episode of the Body Aligned Podcast, we’re talking about the real reason that feeling shows up — especially during stressful seasons like the holidays — and why it’s not a body problem at all. We’ll unpack: Why “feeling fat” is a neuro-emotional stress response, not a physical realityHow stress distorts body perception in the brainWhat Scripture means when it tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) — and why that matters neurologicallyHow body dysmorphia often shows up during overwhelm, exhaustion, and emotional loadPractical, brain-based tools you can use in the moment to interrupt the spiral without shame or controlI also share my personal story with body dysmorphia, how stress turned my body into a target, and what actually brought healing — not more discipline, but a calmer nervous system and renewed focus. If you’ve ever felt trapped in your body, frustrated with your thoughts, or exhausted by the cycle of control and self-criticism, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening — and give you a safer, more grounded way forward. This isn’t about ignoring your body.  It’s about releasing it from the job of being your reference point. 🎧 Press play if you’re ready to stop fighting your body and start finding peace — even when the feeling shows up.

    29 min
  2. 12/05/2025

    Cortisol, Stress and the Weight You Can’t Seem to Shake

    In this powerful, compassionate, deeply practical episode, Erin takes you into a full biblical + physiological deep dive on cortisol, stress, cravings, sleep, emotional eating, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge — no matter how “disciplined” you are. Most women believe their weight struggles are a willpower issue. But what if your overeating, cravings, binges, nighttime snacking, and exhaustion aren’t moral failures…  but your body living in chronic stress mode? Inside today’s episode, you’ll learn: • what cortisol actually is (and why it’s not the villain you’ve been told it is) • how chronic stress reshapes your cravings, hunger hormones, and metabolism • why your sleep has shifted — and how that change fuels weight gain • how ultra-processed foods hijack your physiology • why “consistency” feels impossible when your nervous system is overwhelmed • what Scripture teaches about stress, rest, rhythms, and your physical body • the powerful lesson of King Ahaz — and how stress leads us to grasp for the wrong solutions • five evidence-based, gentle, doable practices that restore your metabolism from the inside out You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of your own biology through the lens of compassion, not condemnation — and you’ll finally see your body the way God designed it: wise, protective, and responsive. If you're tired of feeling stuck, ashamed, or confused about your cravings or your weight, this episode will feel like a breath of relief, clarity, and renewal. This is your invitation to stop fighting your body — and start listening to it. Because healing begins where stress ends. And God meets you right there.

    30 min
  3. 11/29/2025

    Why Ultra-Processed Foods Feel Addictive (But You’re Not an Addict): The neuroscience, hormones, and Biblical framework behind the UPF struggle.

    This episode breaks down what ultra-processed foods do inside your body — from appetite hormones to reward pathways to visceral fat. We explore the top clinical trials, why UPFs feel so hard to stop eating, how they affect mood and metabolism, and how quickly your body can heal when you shift toward whole foods. You’ll walk away with Christ-centered clarity, compassion, and simple steps to lower UPFs without shame or restriction.  References (Studies Mentioned)1. Hall et al., 2019 — NIH Randomized Controlled Trial on Ultra-Processed vs. Unprocessed Diets Hall, K. D., et al. (2019). Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake. Cell Metabolism. 2. Hamano et al., 2024 — UPFs and Hunger/Fullness Hormones (GLP-1, PYY, CCK) Hamano, M., et al. (2024). Effects of Ultra-Processed Foods on Appetite-Regulating Hormones: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Study. 3. Rego et al., 2023 — Teen Dopamine & Reward Response to UPFs Rego, A., et al. (2023). Adolescent Neurobiological Responses to Ultra-Processed Foods in Controlled Feeding Trials. 4. Cell Metabolism Trials, 2025 — Short-Term Metabolic Disruption from UPFs (2025). Ultra-Processed Food Intake Rapidly Alters Metabolic and Hormonal Response: Controlled Short-Term Trials. Cell Metabolism. 5. Green Mediterranean RCT (DIRECT-PLUS) — ~14% Visceral Fat Reduction Rosenbaum, M., et al. (DIRECT-PLUS). Effect of Green-Mediterranean Diet on Visceral Adiposity. 6. Optimized Nutri-Dense Meals Study (2023–2024) (2023–2024). Impact of Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods on Visceral Fat Reduction in 4 Weeks. 7. Observational U.S. Population Studies on UPF Intake & Abdominal Fat Various U.S. cohort analyses (NHANES, 2020–2024) linking higher UPF intake to increased visceral and abdominal fat.

    27 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Body Aligned Podcast is your go-to space for faith-based, no-fluff wellness coaching that helps you ditch the all-or-nothing cycle and walk in lasting peace with food, movement, and your mindset. Hosted by registered dietitian and Christian health coach Erin Coates, this show speaks to the woman who’s ready to anchor her health journey in truth, grace, and simple strategies that actually work. Each episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, science-backed strategies, and biblical encouragement to help you: Rewire self-sabotaging thoughtsBuild sustainable rhythms with food + movementFeel strong in your body again (without extremes)Invite God into your health — and trust Him with itIf you’ve ever thought, “I know what to do, I just can’t seem to stick with it,” this podcast was made for you. You’re not starting over — you’re just getting started.