You've Been Lied To About Eating Less

You've Been Lied To About Eating Less:

Why Diet Culture Isn't the Answer for Women's HealthIn this episode, Didi explores the harmful myths around dieting that many women believe, emphasizing how eating less often harms long-term health and performance. She breaks down the physiological impacts of under-fuelling, highlights the importance of proper nutrition, and challenges common dieting misconceptions. 

Main Topics Covered:

• The false belief that eating less improves health and physique
• Consequences of chronic under-fuelling on hormones, bone density, and mental health
• The unique physiological needs of women versus men during exercise and recovery
• The importance of balanced macros, especially carbohydrates and protein, for performance and health
• Recognizing signs of energy deficiency, including mood and sleep disturbances
• Shifting from a weight loss mindset to a performance and self-care approach
• The emotional and psychological effects of food restriction and dieting culture
• Practical advice for women to foster a healthy relationship with food and body image

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Debunking diet culture myths about eating less
00:31 - Who benefits from women disliking their bodies?
01:00 - Long-term health effects of chronic under-fuelling: bones, hormones, skin, hair
01:56 - Impact on mental health, anxiety, and endurance sports performance
02:25 - Effects of low energy availability on reproductive health and menstrual cycle
02:47 - Differences between male and female physiology in training and nutrition
03:16 - Rethinking nutrition advice through a female-specific lens
04:09 - Risks of high training volume without proper fueling
05:07 - The importance of pre-session carbohydrate intake for performance
06:32 - The role of macros in supporting bodily functions beyond muscle building
07:02 - Signs of under-fuelling: mood swings, sleep issues, performance decline
08:27 - Balancing aesthetics and performance, and the dangers of under-eating
09:24 - The unique threat perception in women and the importance of adequate nutrition
10:22 - Moving from a weight loss to a performance mindset
11:17 - Recognizing mental signs of energy deficiency and food preoccupation
12:42 - The importance of self-love and the psychological aspect of food restriction
13:41 - The cultural pressures around being smaller and how to pursue health for oneself
14:05 - Achieving confidence through nourishment and self-care, not restriction
15:00 - Closing thoughts: embracing a balanced approach and resources for support 

Connect with Didi:

• Coached by DD — Visit for more guidance and resources on women's health and nutrition
• Follow on Instagram — For ongoing content and support