EP 223.5: The Day I Stopped Pretending Black Coffee Was Enough + 8 Things That Are So Much Better Than Settling for Starving **Must Listen Fav**

In this deeply personal and transformative episode, Lindsey shares a powerful message that came to her during her morning devotions: "It is possible to miss who you've been called to be because you're addicted and attached to who you've settled to be." If you've been settling for a life controlled by your eating disorder, this episode will open your eyes to the incredible life waiting for you on the other side of recovery.

What You'll Learn:

• The powerful devotional quote that sparked this entire episode
• Why settling for your eating disorder is actually addiction in disguise
• 8 specific ways life becomes dramatically better in recovery
• The shocking statistics about eating disorders and relationships that no one talks about
• How to identify where you're settling vs. truly living
• Why your brain chooses "guaranteed misery" over uncertain freedom
• The exact moment Lindsey knew she had to stop pretending and start living

The 8 Things Better Than Settling for Disordered Eating:

1. ENERGY ☕

• Energy to tackle today with cream in your coffee
• No more "I don't drink my calories" badge of honor
• True nourishment vs. running on empty

2. CARBS & FREEDOM 🥞

• Pancake breakfasts without guilt
• Snacks on snacks on snacks
• Being known as the "snack queen" instead of the restriction queen

3. PRESENCE WITH YOUR PEOPLE 👥

• Breaking the isolation cycle
• Showing up fully for those who matter most
• No more avoiding social situations due to food fear

4. HEALTHY HAIR & YOUTHFUL SKIN ✨

• Trading thin, brassy hair for healthy locks
• Getting your glow back through proper nourishment
• Looking younger, not older, through recovery

5. SAYING YES TO LIFE 🎉

• Ice cream with your kids just because
• Dinner with friends without menu anxiety
• Breaking rigid rules and embracing spontaneity

6. INTIMACY & CONNECTION 💕

• Restored libido and energy for relationships
• No longer too tired for life's pleasures
• 80% higher sexual satisfaction in recovery

7. CAPACITY FOR PEACE 🕊️

• Mental freedom from obsessive food thoughts
• Learning to distinguish your voice from ED voice
• Getting out of your own way

8. FREEDOM FROM METRICS 📊

• Walking without counting steps
• Grocery shopping without reading every label