Good Vanilla: Recent Episodes
Andrea Carow
Are you a Jesus loving woman who over exercises and deprives herself of food, desperately trying to obtain a certain number on the scale? And yet at the same time, you strive to be a healthy version of yourself by eating well and feeling fit?
Welcome to Good Vanilla. Hi, I'm Andrea and I was running on this same hamster wheel for over 20 years. My toxic body image and eating disorder stole my joy and self respect. Thankfully, God was always with me, fighting my battles and blessing me with the grit to reclaim my life.
I'm off the hamster wheel but I see you still stuck in the cage and I want to help you, too.
Journey with me every week. I'll share personal stories, tools, mindset shifts and practical steps I took to heal my unhealthy relationship with food and exercise.
I don't believe food and exercise are the problems. I believe they're part of the solution. Instead, I'll teach you how your mindset about food and exercise is the hidden issue and how your mindset and faith are the keys to healing.
Get ready to navigate your newfound path to healing. Get ready to reclaim your self worth. Get ready to realign with your God-given identity. For in this identity is where you find true wellness and healing. When you are well, your gifts shine into the world. Shine on, babe! Let's do this!
Let's normalize talking about tough topics with our daughters. They deserve to have awareness about mental health conditions like eating disorders. Our girls need to have the tools to spot trouble brewing in their own minds and the minds of their friends. I love this conversation I had with my 9 year old daughter, Ava, because it proves such conversations don't have to be miserable. The serious can be seriously fun. See you inside the episode!
Connect with Andrea:
- FREE live class - Hope in the Healing Journey
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
I love how honest this conversation is! Brittni Clarkson, host of Meant To Bloom podcast and I don’t hold back sharing so much of what we’ve learned over the years of our personal mental health journeys. Mental health is arguably the most important aspect of health. So we dove deep into topics such as but not limited to:
- A gratitude practice that actually works
- Obsession with self-development
- The power of voicing your thoughts out loud
- Hitting rock bottom
- How good can come out of what feels bad
- Running with bears and big bowls of spaghetti (haha)
- It’s normal to feel like you’re going crazy
- What’s “enough” for mental health
- Be curious to practice what works for you
- You are never the same person facing the same battle
- Things don’t have to be perfect to be good
There are too many bits of wisdom to count! Grab an iced latte and your notebook before you press play. Brittni and I can’t wait to see you inside the episode :)
p.s. Being totally transparent and authentic with you is important to me. For this reason you will hear real mompreneur life toward the end of the episode when my two lovely daughters pop into the episode. I purposely chose not to edit them out because I felt it would gloss over the true message of this episode. Enjoy :)
Connect with Brittni:
- BrittniClarkson.com/stressless - this is where you'll find Mindset Realign plus related materials and a free download with anxiety coping resources as well.
Connect with Andrea:
- Speak Life Bundle FREE GIFT
- Break-up With Food Rules
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
Faith isn’t talked about enough in the recovery space. This is why I’m here, friend. To spread this message and help you open your heart so God has access to your heart. You don’t need to hide any shame and guilt from him. Because you are worthy. Ephesians chapter 6 is a powerhouse of a chapter to use to fight for your life. You are worth it friend! Do not give up. Listen to this episode to get your grit on. Get tenacious. Get rowdy against an eating disorder. This episode will help you take a stand against self-loathing, shame, guilt and the freakin’ devil itself!
Connect with Andrea:
- FREE live class - Hope in the Healing Journey
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
Is an eating disorder making you work for EVERYTHING? Working to change or maintain your body. Working to earn food. Working to accept yourself. Sweet friend, it’s time to set yourself free with a heavy dose of GRACE! In this episode I explain how to apply Ephesians 2: 8-10 to your recovery. You will learn how to stop trying to be “enough” by being “better” or “healthier” than other people. You don’t have to prove anything in God’s Kingdom where grace and faith are EVERYTHING. Listen to this episode to immerse yourself in this truth: you don’t have to earn God’s love.
Connect with Andrea:
- FREE live class - Hope in the Healing Journey
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
My 9 year old daughter, Ava, is back as a guest and she brought her wit and wisdom! Again! I swear this girl needs her own show. In this episode, Ava and I discuss how your exercise habits (or lack thereof) can affect your daughter. We also talk about noticing your beliefs about exercise and why it’s important to continue an exercise routine even if you have an eating disorder. And how working out is really only unreasonable at 3am in the morning (Ava’s wit wink). Get ready to learn and laugh with Ava and I. See you in the episode!
Connect with Andrea:
- FREE live class - Hope in the Healing Journey
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
Stop making an eating disorder all about you. It sucks to hear this, but you need to hear me out. The eating disorder isn’t only running your life, it’s also impacting the lives of the people in your life. If you’re a girl momma and trying to change your relationship with food, this episode is for you. If you think you can hide your food struggles from your daughter, think again. Kids are so perceptive. They don’t miss a thing. But this is a good thing. Our children’s perceptive nature can be what we need to push us in recovery and personal growth. There’s a lot at stake here, friend. Your relationship with food doesn’t just impact you, it also impacts your daughter.
Connect with Andrea:
- FREE live class - Hope in the Healing Journey
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
Holy crap this is a good one! While recording this episode I had my own emotional realization at the end. So get ready for a deep dive into your soul. Let's start with a truth bomb: restrictions are a symptom of unworthiness. And eating disorders are ways to maximize restrictions in life. Restrictions are sneaky by letting you believe you’re in control. But restrictions actually control you, friend. Awareness around restrictions opens up the doors to recovery. Grab your journal, take a sip of your iced latte and take a deep breath. This episode will open your eyes to how much you are restricting in your life. Oh yeah, you might want to grab the kleenex box :)
Connect with Andrea:
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
Do you feel like you can’t “do” mental health? Like it’s too complicated, too much work and seemingly impossible to achieve the positive changes you desire? In this episode, my friend and transformative health coach for moms over 40, Erin Vogt and I share an honest conversation about our mental health struggles and how it was the simplest solutions that got each of us unstuck. As Erin says in this episode “Basic stuff builds confidence because it stacks wins in your favor”. Erin shares actionable steps for you to seamlessly implement positive change into your life right now. Get stacking your wins and confidently approach mental health with a “yes you can” attitude.
Connect with Erin:
- Jumpstart Your Habit Mindset - This is a free download found on Erin's homepage of her website. It includes 5 steps to jumpstart your habit changes. Move from stagnant to driven action taker, and bring your kids along for the ride.
- website
Connect with Andrea:
- Speak Life Bundle
- Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
- 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
- Tame Eating Disorder Triggers
If food rules and body comparisons consume your thoughts, it could be a sign God is trying to get your attention and teach you something. Join my 9 year old daughter, Ava, and me in this episode as we discuss the connection of our relationship with God to our relationship with our physical and mental health. Press play and inspire your faith by listening to one of God’s young children share her light and encouragement with you.
Speak Life Bundle
Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
If there ever was a hot topic, the discussion around people casually or rather obviously mentioning another’s weight is definitely one of them. In the awkward efforts of “small talk”, conversations are typically surface deep. This leaves our hair, clothes and the way we look open for discussion. Unless you dangle a “closed” sign on your neck, someone is bound to compliment your appearance. This can suck when you’re recovering from an eating disorder. In this episode I share how to respond to potentially triggering comments so your day isn’t flatlined by another’s “kindness”. You’ll also learn your personal responsibility (hint: your mindset needs an adjustment as well, friend) with how you respond and how to become a thought leader on the subject. Press play and let’s get started!
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
What do you think a 9 year old can teach you about body image? Recently I began a conversation with my daughter, fully intending to educate her about body acceptance and positivity but she ended up teaching me a lesson. I was so grateful for her honesty because it was through her voice and perception as a 9 year old little girl that I realized I had unresolved childhood emotions about my body. And ultimately, my daughter opened my eyes to how body image issues can form and how to heal those issues through revisiting childhood memories. Press play to learn what a 9 year old can teach you about body image.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
How do you help your daughter love her body when you have your own complicated relationship with your body image? Or maybe you’re trying to heal from an eating disorder while supporting your child in her body acceptance. The truth is, no one can trigger you like your own child. When your kid says something that calls out your own insecurities, how can you possibly remain emotionally available? What do you say when your mind goes blank? In this episode, I remove the guesswork for you by sharing 7 things you can tell your daughter in a delicate moment such as this. What you say now could be the life-giving difference in her self-love journey. So instead of only sweating and crying when she says, “I’m fat”, you’ll be capable of shifting your child’s perspective about her body through a powerful, connective conversation. Elevating both of you together.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Do you know yourself? If someone asked you what you do for fun, what would you say? Don’t feel bad if your response is a clueless stammer. I get it, I’ve been caught off guard, too. Consider this episode an opportunity to question, to be curious and inspire you to relentlessly pursue who God created you to be. When you allow yourself to live aligned with your God-given identity, joy is yours. As you seek and rediscover the pieces of you that have been lost, you begin living as an expression of God’s love and there’s no greater joy or sense of worthiness. Friend, you don’t have to do this alone. Give yourself some grace and ask Jesus to walk with you on your healing journey. In this episode, I’ll get your gears turning on how to start rediscovering yourself and equipping you to confidently answer the question, “what do you do for fun”.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Too bold? If you think so, I recorded this especially for you. It’s the kick in the butt you need to shift your mindset around the ways you allow an eating disorder to influence your life. In this episode I share two lessons I’ve learned as a result of being tested by an eating disorder. Interestingly enough, by speaking two blessings out loud, two more blessings popped into my mind while recording. This is evidence that what we focus on expands. Friend, I know eating disorders suck the life out of you, but I also know if you get creative and look at your current life through a modified lens of gratitude, you’ll be surprised by what your trials have taught you. Press play. I'll see you there!
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Have you ever been mad at God? Have you ever questioned the way God created you? When I was a young kid, I thought God messed up when He made me. I was mad at Him because He didn’t make me skinny like my friends. And now 30 years later I understand why God made me the way I am. In this episode, you’ll learn how a revisitation of your challenges in childhood can prepare you to be the person God created you to be. In the here and now and in life ever after.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Your most valuable player in your healing journey is sitting on the sidelines, avoiding your eye-contact. And only you can see her. Because she is you. A version of you as a young child, known as your inner child. In truth, you’ve been avoiding her, too. Maybe because you weren’t aware she was there. Or maybe because you know she knows things. Painful things you were hoping to forget. I need you to go talk to her. Now. Self-discovery and self-compassion awaits. Come with me and I’ll show you how in this episode.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Your level of loyalty is commendable. But your commitment is blinding you from seeing the truth. There’s a relationship you have to tell to take a hike. At least until that “someone” no longer weighs your self-worth the way they do now. In this episode, I’ll prepare you for your favorite break-up of all time. Press play. Liberation awaits!
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Oh dang! Is today one of those days when no matter how many positive affirmations you say, you don’t feel good in your skin? Don’t stress a moment longer contemplating how you’ll possibly overcome your mental exhaustion and choose the perfect next step to magically feel better. Release the pressure of always needing to figure it out. All you need to do is take a deep breath, say a prayer and listen to this short but sweet message for a quick pep talk that’ll leave you with that just hugged feeling. Because some days you can do more by doing less.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Scrolling on social media got you feeling down? Or maybe you’re feeling inferior after seeing someone who looks like they’ve got it ALL figured out. I’m gonna have to politely ask you to stop and listen to this episode before your thoughts run away with your sanity. You’ll learn a quick, “get unstuck” mindset shift that’ll take you from wishing you were like “them”, to thanking God for the ways He made you different.
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Are you obsessive? Are you perfectionistic? Good! I’m not kidding. It is possible to use your “negative” personality traits to heal your relationship with your body and food. In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify what parts of your personality are currently keeping you stuck in your healing journey and how you can shift the way you use these same traits and use them for good. Let’s dive in!
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Is your reflection in the mirror stirring up negative thoughts about the way you look? Does it feel impossible to stop noticing your so-called “flaws”? Why is this? Well, I recorded this episode to teach you why AND what to do about it. You may not want to hear the truth but I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t bring it to your attention. It’d be as bad as letting you walk poolside in your bikini with toilet paper stuck to your buttcheek. I’m better than that and so are you :)
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
Tame Your Triggers
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
“You are more than just a body.” What the heck does that mean? Friend, the meaning may go deeper than you ever thought possible. The reason? Because it has very little to do with the way you look. Put your goggles on and get ready to dive deep ;) And yes, I’m usually this funny. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine!
Tame Your Triggers
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
"Well! That would’ve been nice to know!"
That’s what I shrieked upon learning the three things I share in this episode. Thankfully each time I was home and my dog was the only one to look at me sideways. The shock of enlightenment fit the outburst. Let me explain. I began body shaming myself at a very young age. Many of the harmful thoughts were due to my innocence. And I carried these thoughts about my body into adulthood without questioning their truths. Are you doing the same thing to yourself? Grab your earbuds. Pat your dog’s head and listen for enlightenment.
Tame Your Triggers
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Have you ever cried at Target? I mean tears of happiness. And I don’t mean the happiness you feel from discovering wipe clean corkboard pretty placemats - with two young kids those things have changed my life. No, I mean the happiness from a feeling of finally being represented in marketing. Listen to my personal story and learn how to be observant with the messaging you allow into your heart and mind. Friend, you are your own gatekeeper. And your self-worth is the key.
Tame Your Triggers
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Do you feel stuck in your healing journey? I get it. It can be a lot of lonely work. But it doesn't have to be. Honestly you shouldn't be trying to do it all on your own. Dive into this episode to learn how to release the pressure from navigating your journey alone.
Tame Your Triggers
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Have you wondered why my podcast title is "Good Vanilla"? Or maybe you don't care. Ha! You do you, friend. Either way, I'm going to tell you because the title relates to my philosophy in life. It directly relates to my faith and relationship with God. And this is the best way to determine if you and I are a good fit. Everything I teach you on my podcast is born out of my belief God is the answer to ALL our earthly problems. So shout out a hallelujah! (I totally googled the spelling!), listen and share some laughs with me.
Tame Your Triggers
4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
New Year's Resolutions got you down? It's only the middle of January but your enthusiam for the new year is wavering, leaving you frustrated. At this rate, how can you possibly keep up with your goals? Don't give it a second thought until you listen to this episode! I'll explain why your resolutions are treating you no better than the mean kid on the playground and what you can do about it. AND I'll share the one and only resolution you need to be happy this year.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Unpack your bags. Do your laundry. Reminisce by cuddling on the coach and looking at the pictures and videos you took. Start planning the next vacation. But whatever you do, don't do THIS! In this short but sweet episode, I share the #1 thing you shouldn't do when you return home from vacation. By NOT doing this one thing, you are doing SO MUCH for yourself. Get ready to wrap yourself up in some self-love. Press play.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
When you're on vacation you're out of routine. Even though being out of routine is good, it can be therapeutic, unless basic needs are neglected. And then your mood sours, your ability to soak up the moment, feel joy and the freedom of living are out of reach. There's a simple solution. Create non-negtotiables to focus on maintaining while on your vacation. In this episode I share my top 3 "musts" I know I need if I'm to feel my best and feel like I'm actually on vacation.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Vacation is fun...right? Wait...but you won't be able to control what you eat and when you eat. When will you get your daily workout in? Routine will be replaced with spontaneity and all sense of control will be difficult to grasp, no matter how hard you hold on. And then there's all that pressure to live in the moment and feel joy while anxious thoughts are streaming through your mind. I get it. I understand the stress of preparing for a vacation. But it is possible for you to enjoy yourself. In this episode I'll explain the mindset shifts you need to enjoy your vacation.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Two episodes ago I shared the 3 step process I use to stop my triggers in their tracks. It was such a great episode that I wanted to take this opportunity to go even deeper. I want to coach you furhter on how you can make this process your own. I'll give you the actual steps to implement this plan. In just 15 minutes you'll have a trigger plan in place. Grab your journal, take a deep breath and dive in. Peace awaits.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Altering a trigger's meaning is one of the most impactful changes you can make in your life. Consider a trigger of yours. How wonderful would it be to diminish its effect on you? How freeing would it be to see "before" and "after" pictures and not feel the need to restrict food and workout harder? Of how about food pictures? Or any fitness promotion. How about rescue response sirens? In this episode, I'll explain a trigger I endured for years and how I reframed it into a moment of prayer and blessing. Doing so took a lot of work, but I share this episode to show you the unthinkable is possible. Dive into faith. Dive into this episode.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Triggers are ruthless. They sneak attack. They don't politely ask if it's a good time to swoop in and ruin your day. But you don't need to roll over into submission and just "take it". Fight back, friend! In this episode I'll show you how to reclaim your power when triggers strike. Leaving your triggers begging you for mercy.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
In this episode, I'll explain why you need to take personal responsibility for your own triggers. I'll show you how I've done this in my own life. We'll explore the unexpected nature of triggers and how the ones that blind side us the most couldn't possibly come with a trigger warning.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Triggers suck. Triggers are complicated. But once you understand them, they can inform you a lot about why panic strikes. And in my case, why a bag of Snapped crackers caused me to snap.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Positive affirmations...blah...blah...blah
I get it. It can feel like affirmations are overdone. But have you ever tried them, or are they in one ear and out the other. Well, put your finger in your ear as a stopper and listen to this episode. I will teach you how to magnify affirmations and how using them to impact the world around you will ultimately be a blessing to yourself. Have an open mind and dive in.
www.linktr.ee/andrea_carow
Have you every wondered why you have an eating disorder? Or why your body image morphed into unrealistic expectations? Your behaviors are clues to what's happening internally within you. Listen to discover how your behaviors are pointing to your beliefs and how deeply these beliefs impact your life.
https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com
Something incredible happens when you voice your anxieties. A bit of magic occurs within you. I say it’s magic because it was such a pivotal point in my own healing journey. Once I began speaking out loud, my eating disorder didn’t stand a chance. I know the same can be true for you, too. Listen closely to this episode. Then speak up for yourself. https://4secretsyoureatingdisorderdoesn'twantyoutoknow @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com
Are you aware of the lies you're telling yourself about your body and self-worth? It's time to let yourself be open to your feelings. Walk right up to your feelings, introduce yourself and get cozy with them. Your feelings are clues to what's happening in your internal world. We may not always want to feel what we are feeling, but ignoring feelings isn't the answer. It's time to listen to them. You'll be surprised what you learn.
https://wondrous-speaker-4039.ck.page/e7ead14fc9
@andrea_carow
www.andreacarow.com