Results Not Typical

What if the advice you've been getting on Instagram about body neutrality, body positivity, and "just love yourself" is making it harder to foster positive body image? In this episode, Nikki is joined by behavior change and nutrition coach Sarah Tierney to unpack what body image actually is from an evidence based standpoint, why the pop culture version of it often misses the mark, and how to foster positive body image - even if it feels inaccessible to you right now Topics covered: What body image is from an evidence based perspective Body neutrality vs positive body image and why it's important to understand the difference Why positive body image doesn't mean loving yourself 24/7 How to handle body image disruptions without spiraling into unhelpful eating behaviors What autonomous weight loss actually looks like How to build body appreciation when chronic illness makes "appreciate what your body can do" feels patronizing or not possible Connect with Sarah Tierney Instagram: @sarahmichelletierney Website: https://hardhousenutrition.com/ Connect with Nikki Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: naablevy.com Get your FREE personalized strength plan: Naablevynaablevy.com/free-strength-plan FREE Macros Guide: https://naablevy.com/macro-guide/

Are you worried that your diet is harming your mental health or have you been told that cutting out gluten will cure your depression or ADHD? In this episode, Nikki welcomes Nicole Lippman-Barile, Ph.D, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in OCD, anxiety, and depression to talk about what the current research suggests about the role of nutrition in mental health. They discuss: How unscientific nutrition claims are spread and monetized on social media. What the current literature can tell us about the impact of dietary interventions on depression and anxiety. Myths surrounding sugar, gluten, gut health, and ADHD. Why elimination diets may be harmful to mental health if not approached thoughtfully. Connect with Nicole Lippman-Barile, Ph.D. Instagram: @feedyourmental Website: feedyourmental.com Webinar: Diet and Mental Health: Evidence, Implications, and Clinical Applications Connect with Nikki Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: naablevy.com Get your FREE personalized strength plan! https://naablevy.com/free-strength-plan

In this episode, Nikki chats with nutrition, exercise, and behavior change coach Sarah Grajeda about the intersection of food, politics, and body image and how the online culture of food wars and nutrition misinformation have made it harder to take care of ourselves. They discuss: What you should know about processed foods when it comes to your health. Why the social determinants of health matter more than food dyes. The predatory nature of influencer marketing and supplement sales. Why nutrition can often feel so overwhelming and complicated. Perimenopause, brain fog, and why habits matter. Skinnytok and the influence of social media on how we view ourselves. Connect with Sarah Instagram: @sarah.grajeda_ Website: https://sarahgrajedafitness.com/ Connect with Nikki Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: naablevy.com Learn more about nutrition coaching and save $300 + get your early action bonus! https://naablevy.com/nutrition-coaching-black-friday/

Are you worried about ruining your progress during the holidays? Do you get stuck in the cycle of starting over every January? Want to enjoy holiday treats without feeling out of control? If so, then this episode is for you. In this episode, Nikki chats with fitness and nutrition coach Brooks Hurbis about different ways to approach fitness, nutrition, and fat loss over the holidays without falling into the common traps of over restriction, over indulgence, or feeling like you have to start over in January. They discuss: How to recognize the most common all or nothing holiday mindset traps of giving up until January vs. white knuckling abstinence and what to do instead. Strategies to enjoy Christmas cookies and holiday treats without feeling like you've been bad or are "off plan." Why moments of "failure" are opportunities to learn and make more supportive choices in the future. The importance of eating for real life versus having a dieting mentality even when you have a fat loss goal, especially during the holidays. The benefits of eating at maintenance during the holidays and alternatives to tracking for making goal and health supportive choices. The role of your environment on nutrition choices and ways to manage your surroundings so follow through feels easier. Connect with Brooks Follow Brooks on Instagram: @sweat.simple Visit Brooks's website: sweatsimpleco.com Connect with Nikki Grab your free personalized macros calculator & guide! Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free strength plan based on your results. Follow Nikki on Instagram: @naablevyfitness Visit Nikki's website: naablevy.com Links mentioned Listen to the Biggest Loser Podcast episode

Are you considering GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Zepbound for weight loss, or do you know someone who is? This conversation provides a nuanced conversation about GLP-1s and considerations around starting them. In this episode, host Nikki Naab-Levy chats with Kate Lyman, a nutrition coach with a Master's in public health about the unspoken potential ramifications of using these drugs, from a mental health and behavior change perspective. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between the clinical and social media definitions of "food noise". Why weight loss on a GLP-1 does not automatically equate to better body image or health. The potential for GLP-1s to replace "food noise" with new fixations or obsessions in (e.g., scale-watching, body composition) in some individuals. The mixed mental health outcomes of GLP-1s, including studies linking them to an elevated risk of anxiety, major depression, and suicidal behavior in some populations, while others (like those with binge eating disorder) may see positive benefits. Recommended lifestyle support and interventions that can be used alongside medication to ensure fat loss while protecting and maintaining muscle mass and bone density. The importance of having coping tools outside of food when a previous coping mechanism is removed. The cultural and identity shifts that often come with rapid body weight loss and being treated differently by the outside world. Why these medications are currently intended for long-term use and aren't necessarily an appropriate intervention for all individuals. Connect with Kate Instagram: @klnutrition Website: https://www.katelymannutrition.com/ Podcast: How to Fitness Podcast Connect with Nikki Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: http://naablevy.com Free Nutrition & Fitness Resources Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide Research Studies & Papers Referenced What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity [PMID: 38004203] Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists With Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [PMID: 39945396] Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in eating disorder populations [PMID: 38135891] Timestamps 00:00 | Intro: Cultural Context, Mental Health, and Nuance about Who Should or Shouldn't Take GLP-1s. 00:40 | Introducing Kate Lyman: Behavioral Health Expert & Nutrition Coach 03:00 | The Need for Education and Behavioral Support with GLP-1s 05:23 | Weight Loss Doesn't Automatically Equal Health: Coping Tools Outside of Food 06:44 | Defining Food Noise Beyond Pop Culture and Social Media 09:41 | The Potential for Obsession Shifts: Food Noise Replaced by Scale Focus 14:56 | Mental Health & GLP-1s: What the Literature Says About Anxiety & Depression 24:10 | Essential Lifestyle Pillars: Protein, Strength Training, and Water Intake 28:06 | The Long-Term Reality of Taking a GLP-1 to Maintain Weight Loss 40:04 | The Role of Stigma & Weight Bias in Influencing GLP-1 Usage

Are you considering a hysterectomy, or struggling with your body image and fitness journey after surgery In this episode of the Results Not Typical, Nikki talks with physical therapist Dr. Jocelyn Wallace about a subject that is often underserved: pelvic health. You'll learn: Signs, symptoms, and the best treatment options for endometriosis Why a hysterectomy affects more than just one organ. The emotional and psychological challenges that can come with the surgery. The common advice patients receive and why it isn't enough. The importance of self-advocating with your surgeon, especially if you have symptomatic hypermobility. How to reconnect with your body and find a new fitness routine after a hysterectomy. Connect with Dr. Jocelyn. Instagram: @drjocelynwallace Website: https://drjocelynwallace.com/ Connect with Nikki & Links Mentioned Instagram:@naablevyfitness Website: http://naablevy.com Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide TImestamps: 00:01:11 | Introduction to Dr. Jocelyn Wallace 00:01:46 | The problem with common post-hysterectomy recovery advice 00:03:07 | The impact of a hysterectomy on the entire system 00:04:46 | Navigating post-surgery fear and anxiety 00:08:44 | Empowering people through physical therapy 00:10:48 | The physical therapy process post-hysterectomy 00:17:34 | Hysterectomy as a new chapter in fitness 00:30:17 | The importance of patient self-advocacy, especially for individuals with symptomatic hypermobility and ehlers danlos syndrome.

In this episode, I'm joined by my client Carlyn Rubin, who shares her journey navigating fitness and nutrition with symptomatic hypermobility. What makes her story so powerful is that Carlyn came to me with a body composition and weight loss goal, but through strength training, she discovered so many unexpected benefits along the way. We talk about: How EDS and spinal fusion shaped Carlyn's relationship with her body and movement. What surprised her most about strength training and how she built the confidence to walk into the gym and get started. Her experience with low-calorie diets, weight cycling, and what changed when we increased her calories and let go of rigid food rules What she wishes more hypermobile people knew about strength training Carlyn's experience is a reminder that with the right approach, it's not just possible to get stronger. It's possible to feel better and more at home in your body while doing it. Links mentioned: Join my 6 week nutrition program Fat Loss Fundamentals. Grab the last VIP spot in the program. Connect with me on Instagram @naablevyfitness

In this episode of Results Not Typical, Nikki speaks with personal trainer and nutrition coach Sahara Coleman about the realities of living and training with symptomatic hypermobility. They explore how these conditions affect daily life, movement, identity and what it means to show up for yourself when your body doesn't always cooperate. Topics covered: Training and daily life with hypermobility including chronic pain and injury Naviagting POTS and low blood pressure Hypermobolity comorbidities beyond the joints How identity, mindset, and autonomy play into managing chronic conditions Strength training and fitness with hypermobility Connect with Sahara Instagram: @saharathenutritioncoach Work with Sahara in person at BodySTRONG Burien Connect with Nikki Get your personalized free strength plan at freestrengthquiz.com Instagram: @naablevyfitness

In this epside, Nikki is joined by yoga teacher and strength coach Laurel Beversdorf and physical therapist Dr. Sarah Court, DPT to deconstruct the myths around "good" muscles, "bad" muscles, and the idea that getting out of pain requires activating your muscles in a specific order. They cover: Why the "good muscle vs. bad muscle" narrative isn't an accurate or helpful depiction of how our bodies actually work and how it can lead to unnecessary fear or overcorrection in movement. The difference between muscle "timing" and motor control, and how these concepts show up in pain management, rehab, and strength training, especially when people assume certain muscles need to be "turned on" to fix dysfunction. How strength training improves coordination and load tolerance across movement patterns, often more effectively than trying to isolate or "activate" specific muscles. Why obsessing over alignment and activation can reinforce unhelpful perfectionism and interfere with developing actual strength, resilience, and confidence in your body. How nervous system adaptations and context influence which muscles are recruited and why variability, not a specific kind of activiation or sensation, is a better goal. Links Mentioned Connect with Laurel and Sarah Movement Logic website: movementlogictutorials.com Join the Bone Density Course waitlist. Movement Logic Instagram: @movementlogictutorials Connect with Laurel Beversdorf: laurelbeversdorf.com | IG: @laurelbeversdorf Connect with Dr. Sarah Court, DPT: sarahcourtdpt.com | IG: @sarahcourtdpt Connect with Nikki Take the 1 minute quiz and get a free personalized strength plan! Website: naablevy.com | IG: @naablevyfitness

If you've ever been told that running is off-limits because you're hypermobile, have POTS, or deal with chronic illness, you're not alone. But is that true? Probably not. In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Kate Bochnewetch, physical therapist and running coach, to break down myths, the outdated advice, and a better way to approach running when you're dealing with these challenges. They cover: How POTS isn't caused by deconditioning and other myths around chronic illness, hypermobility, and running. The role of strength training in stability and how to build strength in a way that supports hypermobile joint Why building strength and tolerance may help more with injury mitigation that having "perfect" running form. How to navigate setbacks, flare-ups, and pacing when nothing feels linear. Links & Resources Connect with Dr. Kate Bochnewetch: Follow Dr. Kate on Instagram: @the_running_DPT Check out Kate's coaching & resources: www.therunningdpt.com Connect with Nikki Naab-Levy Get a week of free modifiable strength workouts Follow Nikki on Instagram: @naablevyfitness Check out Nikki's free nutrition resources library Grab Macros Made Simple: A free guide to identifying your calories and macros

When it comes to fat loss, your mindset can be just as important as your strategy. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure why your efforts aren't paying off, it might be time to take a closer look at your mental approach. In this episode, I'm breaking down the most common mindset mistakes I see that could be holding you back—and how to fix them. This episode covers: Why the scale isn't the best measure of progress and how to interpret scale trends if you choose to use it as a tool. The importance of planning for invisible obstacles, like stress, rationalizations, or moments for when you don't feel like it. Why the type of motivation you have matters and how to make the process feel more worthwhile. The importance of aligning your behaviors with your values. The problem with all or nothing thinking and how to increase cognitive flexibility. Resources Mentioned: 👉 Grab my free Practical Guide to Fat Loss, where I simplify the science and give you actionable strategies to take control of your nutrition. 👉 Hop the interest list for my Black Friday Nutrition Coaching sale, where I'm offering exclusive discounts on 1:1 coaching. Let's Connect: Have questions or a favorite takeaway from this episode? Send me a DM on Instagram @naablevyfitness or tag me in your stories—I'd love to hear from you.

We've all had those weeks where things start out strong, but by midweek, life throws every curveball imaginable. In this episode, I share evidence based strategies to handle hard weeks without giving up on your goals. Topics covered: The difference between all-or-nothing thinking and flexible thinking. How aiming for maintenance can keep you moving forward with weight loss, nutrition, and fitness goals. The value of planning for obstacles and how to increase the odds of following through with the plan on bad days. When aiming for less might get you further ahead. Links mentioned: Click here to join the interest list to be first in line to get discounts on nutrition coaching during Black Friday! Waking Up Mediation App that I'm currently using. Connect with me: Click here to get a week of free customizable strength workouts + join my list for helpful nutrition and fitness content: Follow me on instagram @naablevyfitness

In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Mike T. Nelson to explore the intersection of heart rate variability (HRV) and navigating dysautonomia exercise intolerance. Topics covered: Understanding HRV: Learn what heart rate variability is and how it can gauge your readiness to exercise and your recovery capacity. Wearable Tech Insights: Delve into how devices like the Garmin and Oura Ring measure HRV and their roles in health tracking. HRV for Dysautonomia & POTS: Discover how HRV can be a game-changer for those with chronic conditions when navigating exercise and flare-ups Establishing Exercise Baselines: Strategies for building exercise tolerance and resilience in the face of chronic conditions. Managing Flare-Ups: Practical tips on using HRV data to navigate through flare-ups more effectively. Improving HRV: Explore methods to improve your HRV, including cardio protocols and lifestyle changes that make a difference. Links mentioned: Dr. Mike's Website: https://miketnelson.com/ Dr. Mike's HRV Education Course: https://miketnelsons.samcart.com/products/hrv-education-course-w-dr-mike-t-nelson-enroll-now/ Join my list and get a free week of workouts: https://naablevy.com/free-guides