Episode 001
helen phelan
on overcoming a decade of disordered eating, therapy as self-care, and holding emotions in the body
listen to the episode
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““what’s best for you is not what’s best for me. our minds, our bodies, and our hearts are going to react differently.””
in this episode, we discuss:
Transcending negative environmental conditioning from the past
Hitting rock bottom in the produce aisle
Masking an eating disorder through leading a “healthy lifestyle”
How to approach fitness if you’re just starting out
Being an all-around sensitive person
Holding a curious mindset through her healing journey
Addressing PTSD through cognitive behavioral therapy and somatic healing
Noticing the “trend” that is the ideal body of the moment
Aesthetic goals as a stepping stone to getting deeper
Body neutrality within the body positivity movement
Consolidating and contextualizing social media
Moving through lack mindset and trusting that there’s enough to go around
Not trying to please everyone at once
links + Notes from this episode:
NEDA screening tool to determine if you or someone you know should seek professional help for an eating disorder
To Be Magnetic; Methodical, Science-based Manifestation
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by van der Kolk M.D., Bessel
about helen:
Helen is a Pilates Instructor and Health Coach located in South Williamsburg and teaching in Manhattan.
Her certifications include:
Certified Health Coach; Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Reiki Level 2 Practitioner
Pilates Mat and Apparatus Certified; The Lab and Erica Bloom Pilates Plus
She specializes in Pre-Natal/Post-Partum Pilates, Diastasis Correction, Gait Correction, Pilates for the Elderly, Protocols for Osteoporosis, Pilates for Scoliosis, and Low Back Pain.
Ways to work with Helen:
““I don’t want to ever make anyone feel bad for having a goal, but I do want them to not place all their worth on that goal being achieved.””
Q+A:
Feelings about social media?
It’s an amazing way to connect with people and grow - but also can be devastating to my mood if I don’t limit my time.
What is your dietary philosophy?
Intuitive eating - no set restrictions, but I listen to what agrees with me and what doesn’t. I eat to feel good both physically and emotionally, which definitely includes bread, wine, and cheese! I never eat meat - it’s a texture, political, queasiness thing - and only eat dairy when it’s so good it’s worth the discomfort afterwards!
Favorite book? and Why?
So many! One that I reference all the time is The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine - I’m a big psych/neuroscience nerd (double majored in this with dance) and it was really helpful for understanding myself and my relationships with people of the opposite sex.
What does self-care mean for you?
Time off and not depriving myself of food, plus investing in taking care of my body - boutique fitness classes, body and energy work, therapy - anything that helps me grow.
What advice do you give to others, but find yourself having a hard time taking?
Staying present! I have such big dreams and goals and I often find myself dissatisfied with the present because I’m not where I ultimately want to be - but I remind myself all the time how amazing the place I am, already is.
*If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can use this NEDA screening tool to help determine if it’s time to seek professional help.
mindful movement for athletes:
Helen curated her five favorite movements for us to get in touch with our bodies, through our minds - proving that Pilates is far more than just “stretching.”
