[04:36] HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE NUTRITION WORLD?

Molly previously worked in the corporate banking industry where high stress and demanding expectations came with the territory and nutrition was not a part of professional life. When she began her personal journey with nutrition, several colleagues asked after her approach. Molly realized that many individuals in the corporate world lack nutritional understanding, and she decided to go back to school to develop a more holistic understanding of nutritional health so that she could help others.

[7:07] TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE + OFFERINGS

Molly’s work started as a general nutrition practice with a focus on bio-individuality (how food impacts each individual in a unique way). She quickly noticed that many people, often women, associated nutrition with weight loss, and was struck by how many smart and ambitious women were devoting so much time and energy to obsessing over food. Gradually, she began to develop a clientele specifically looking to heal their relationships with food.

[10:20] WHY IS DIETING BAD?

About 90% of diets lead to disordered eating, meaning statistically, we know dieting takes us away from listening to what our bodies tell us. Dieting is also rooted in oppression; it’s a privilege to choose what you do or do not eat, or to have access to certain healthy foods. This oppression especially comes to bear on women, who often believe they must look a certain way to be healthy or have certain opportunities.

[14:15] WHAT EXACTLY IS INTUITIVE EATING + HOW DOES IT COUNTER THE EFFECTS OF DIETING?

Simply put, intuitive eating is the opposite of traditional dieting. Intuitive eating says that you are the expert of your own body and its unique hunger signals. It’s the practice of listening to the wisdom of your body, and responding to its needs and wants.

[19:47] WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO’S FEELING READY TO BREAK AWAY FROM THEIR RESTRICTIONS? WHAT STEPS CAN THEY TAKE?

Molly says that for any change to happen, awareness must happen first. For some, there may need to be work done with regard to body image and the fear of weight gain. She encourages listeners to ask themselves, “What is the source of this thinking?.” Moreover, Molly recommends making small but powerful practical changes, such as following individuals on social media who demonstrate healthy body acceptance.

[50:20] SO, WHAT IS THE SOLUTION HERE?

Between patriarchy, diet/wellness culture, capitalism, and media consumption, we collectively have our work cut out for us. However, Molly believes when people disengage with harmful body negativity and begin the work of integrating intuitive eating and body neutrality into their lives, the system begins to crumble. On a personal level, she emphasizes boundary setting, healthy communication, and ultimately, patience.