Food Is Food

Talia Cecchele
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  • 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. 4d ago

    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.

  2. Jul 9

    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.

  3. Jul 2

    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.

  4. Jun 25

    When Are You Ready for Intuitive Eating?

    In this episode, Talia Cecchele breaks down what intuitive eating truly is, dispelling common myths and exploring its core principles. Whether you're recovering from disordered eating or looking to foster a healthier relationship with food, this episode provides clear guidance on how to approach intuitive eating at different stages of your journey. Episodes drop every Thursday.  What You’ll Learn: Clarifying common misconceptions about intuitive eating, such as it being about just eating whatever you want, when you wantThe 10 principles of intuitive eating and how they support a compassionate, anti-diet approach How you can apply the different principles at different stages of recoveryWhen and how to transition into intuitive eating during recovery from disordered eatingResources & Links: Intuitive Eating, 4th Edition: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach, by Elise Resch and Evelyn TriboleIntuitive Eating Official Website - https://www.intuitiveeating.orgEpisode Timestamps: 00:00 Understanding Intuitive Eating 03:32 The Principles of Intuitive Eating 20:00 Navigating the Journey to Intuitive Eating 21:54 – The importance of physical and psychological readiness to embrace intuitive eating  30:03 Indicators of Readiness for Intuitive Eating 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. Jun 18

    GLP-1 Medications, Food Noise & Weight Stigma | With Aoife McMahon

    GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, but are they appropriate to use in the context of healing relationship with food and long-term wellbeing? In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by eating disorder dietitian Aoife McMahon for a compassionate, nuanced conversation about GLP-1 medications, weight stigma and food noise. Together, they chat about how GLP-1 medications work, why they’ve become so popular, and the growing concerns around nutrition, food preoccupation, eating disorder risk, and long-term outcomes. They also explore the rise of the term “food noise,” the impact of diet culture and healthcare stigma, and why individualised care matters so much. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You’ll Learn: What GLP-1 medications are and how they influence appetite, fullness, and food pleasureThe potential nutritional risks and side effects associated with GLP-1 medicationsHow GLP-1 use may intersect with disordered eating, eating disorders, and food preoccupationWhy “food noise” may actually reflect hunger, restriction, or disconnection from body cuesThe role weight stigma and healthcare inequality play in access to GLP-1 medications Resources & Links: Follow Aoife on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatirishdietitian/ Aoife’s website: www.centreforliberatingnutrition.comListen to Aoife McMahon’s podcast: Inside Bariatrics Key Research Referenced: Ryan, D. H. et al. (2024). Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nature Medicine, 30(7), 2049–2057. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02996-7 Ragen Chastain Substack Article About our Guest: Aoife McMahon is a CORU and HCPC Registered Dietitian specialising in relationship with food, body image, and inclusive nutrition care. Aoife has extensive experience across bariatric care, GLP-1 support, and weight management services. She is passionate about helping people navigate these complex decisions with less shame and more autonomy, recognising that the desire to pursue weight loss is deeply understandable in a world where weight loss products, treatments, and messaging are everywhere. Aoife is the host of podcast: Inside Bariatrics. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 01:02 – What GLP-1 medications are and how they work 05:00 – Appetite suppression, food pleasure & side effects 07:16 – Safe GLP-1 use in eating disorder recovery 17:40 – Why relationship with food support matters alongside GLP-1s 19:38 – Weight stigma, healthcare inequality & access to medications 25:05 – What the research says about long-term GLP-1 outcomes 29:00 – Weight stigma in healthcare settings 36:58 – “Food noise” vs food preoccupation explained 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. Jun 11

    Are Supplements A Waste of Money? | With Josie Porter

    Are supplements really necessary — or is the wellness industry overselling them? In this episode of Food is Food, Talia is joined by registered dietitian and author Josie Porter to chat about some of the most popular supplements trending online right now, including creatine, magnesium, electrolytes, collagen, probiotics, NMNs, CoQ10, and omega-3s. Together, they explore what the research actually says, where supplements may be helpful, and why a food-first approach still matters most. This conversation cuts through fear-based wellness messaging around longevity and offers an evidence-informed perspective.  Whether you’re curious about supplements, feeling overwhelmed by wellness trends, or wondering which supplements are actually worth your money, this episode will help you make more informed decisions. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You’ll Learn: How to approach supplements through a food-first, non-diet lensThe difference between promising research and marketing hypeHow supplement regulation works in the UKWhen supplements may genuinely be supportive or necessaryResources & Links: Josie Porter’s new book: How Not To Take Supplements (out on June 4th)US Probiotic Guide: https://usprobioticguide.com/About our Guest: Josie Porter is a registered dietitian with a special interest in binge eating disorder, weight management, women's health and gut health. She has worked across leading NHS services and in private practice. You can find Josie on Instagram.  Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 00:54 – What are NMNs and do they actually support longevity? 04:34 – CoQ10, heart health, and antioxidant claims 09:03 – Creatine: performance benefits vs online hype 13:58 – Supplement regulation and safety concerns in the UK 17:33 – Greens powders, liver health, and “natural” marketing 20:01 – Electrolytes: who actually needs them? 24:17 – Magnesium supplements for sleep and constipation 33:07 – Omega-3 supplements and bridging nutritional gaps 36:56 – Probiotics: what the science really says 44:19 – Collagen for skin, joints, and healthy ageing 48:32 – Final thoughts on a food-first approach to supplements 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. Jun 4

    Get Your Period Back: HA, RED-S And Disordered Eating | With Elle Kelly

    In this episode of Food is Food, Talia sits down with sports nutritionist & disordered eating dietitian Elle Kelly to chat about hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA), RED-S, low energy availability, and the impact of under-fuelling on the body.  They discuss why losing your period can happen at any body size, the role of carbohydrates and energy distribution in recovery, and why getting your period back is about so much more than fertility. This conversation also challenges common misconceptions around exercise, calorie targets, and what “healthy” really looks like. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You’ll Learn:  What hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and RED-S actually are  Why period loss can happen at any weight or body size  The hidden signs of low energy availability beyond losing your period  Why carbohydrates and adequate fuelling matter for hormone health  The importance of energy distribution throughout the day  Whether you really need to stop exercising to recover your cycle  Why getting your period back is about overall health — not just fertility Resources & Links: Follow Elle Kelly on Instagram: @ellekellynutrition Elle's email: elle@eknutrition.comAbout our Guest: Elle is a registered dietitian and sports dietitian specialising in disordered eating, sports nutrition & period recovery. After working in acute eating disorders and whilst doing her masters in sports nutrition, Elle recognised the crossover of disordered eating in the athlete space and has spent the last few years growing her clinic and developing the Refuel & Revive program which supports active women and athletes to develop a healthy relationship with food, exercise and their bodies, so they can get their period back to support their performance and life.  Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction  02:00 – What is hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA)?  05:15 – Understanding a “normal” menstrual cycle  08:15 – HA vs RED-S: what’s the difference?  13:00 – Is 2500 calories enough to recover your period?  16:00 – Carbohydrates, exercise & hormone health  21:00 – Energy distribution and under-fuelling throughout the day  24:15 – Do you need to stop exercising to recover your period?  28:50 – Why recovery isn’t just about energy in vs energy out  29:30 – “Why would I want my period back?” 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. May 28

    What the Minnesota Starvation Study Teaches Us About Eating Disorders

    In this episode of Food is Food, Talia breaks down one of the most important studies in eating disorder research — the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, led by Ancel Keys in 1944. This is one of Talia's favourite topics to discuss in clinic, and she gets vulnerable about a major gap in her own knowledge: the fourth phase of the study, which most clinicians don't talk about.  From the physical and psychological impact of restriction, to the emergence of binge eating and purging behaviours in men with no prior history of eating disorders, this episode is essential listening for anyone in recovery from an eating disorder, working through disordered eating, or simply wanting to understand what under-eating does to the human body and mind. Episodes drop every Thursday. What You’ll Learn: The four phases of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment and the physical, psychological and behaviour changes that occur in semi-starvationThe biology of "Food Obsession": learn why hoarding recipes, dreaming of food, and ritualistic eating are often biological responses to malnutrition rather than personality traits or the eating disorder itself. Understanding Compensatory Hyperphagia: the "unsatiable" hunger that often follows a period of restrictionUsing the landmark 1944 study to understand that physical and psychological symptoms of starvation are reversible through consistent, adequate nutritional rehabilitation. Key Research Referenced: Keys, A., Brozek, J., Henschel, A., Mickelson, O., & Taylor, H.L. (1950). The biology of human starvation (Vols. 1–2). University of Minnesota Press.Kalm, L.M. & Semba, R.D. (2005). They starved so that others be better fed: Remembering Ancel Keys and the Minnesota Experiment. Journal of Nutrition, 135(6), 1347–1352.Dulloo AG. Physiology of weight regain: Lessons from the classic Minnesota Starvation Experiment on human body composition regulation. Obesity Reviews. 2021;22(S2):e13189. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13189DULLOOTucker, T. (2007). The great starvation experiment: Ancel Keys and the men who starved for science. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to the Minnesota Semi-Starvation Study. 04:05 – Phase 1: The Control Period. 06:25 – Phase 2: The Semi-Starvation Period. The physical and psychological impact of undereating12:24 – Phase 2: Behavioral changes16:40 – Phase 3: Controlled Rehabilitation. Why low-calorie "re-feeding" didn't work and the need for high energy intake. 21:00 – Phase 4: The Unrestricted Phase. Compensatory hyperphagia and the reality of extreme hunger. 25:46 – Long-term Follow-up. Insights on weight overshoot, body composition, and total symptom reversal. 33:27 – Closing thoughts: Finding hope in nutritional rehabilitation. 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
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TC Nutrition Ltd
  • Show Website
    Food Is Food

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