This episode was recorded March 25th, 2020 but is being posted later due changing the order of my episodes and then because of my own personal circumstances with stomach issues since May. Thank you for being patient! <3  Dr. Rosen is an amazing Medical Doctor who specializes in Eating Disorders from the US. She is a recreational athlete who is passionate about women's health and recovery. This episode we talk about how eating disorders are diagnosed from the DSM5 criteria, misperceptions about what eating disorders look like and how they can often be missed by general family doctors. We also deeply explore how under-fuelling, whether intentionally through eating disorders or unintentionally through intense dieting, over-exercising and energy imbalances affects our bodily systems, such as: the digestive system, endocrine system, nervous system, etc. Some other topics we explore are: RED-S, bone density loss, brain changes, heart changes, refeeding syndrome/recovery, treatments, possible long term consequences, how to ask for help, and more. You can find more amazing info about Dr. Rosen, and the team she works on at:  http://www.gaudianiclinic.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf_ucSN36uUJRY06f7sbydA and on instagram @gaudianiclinic 

This episode was recorded March 25th, 2020 but is being posted later due changing the order of my episodes and then because of my own personal circumstances with stomach issues since May. Thank you for being patient! 

Fully Free with Ashley

The Bodily System Consequences of Under-Eating with Dr. Rosen

Thank you @Kerstenkimura for chatting with me this episode about how health is truly found in the grey area, it's never black or white. Kersten Kimura (PhD) is a personal health coach, personal trainer and has recovered from burnout herself (missing period, low energy, extreme fatigue, etc). We both recognized in the field a lack of discussion about what happens after recovery. There's so much information about how to get your period back, but what about afterwards and how can we know when our relationship with movement, food and overall health is HEALTHY. Well it comes down to intentions and we got into a great discussion today how we can never know another's intentions from the outside, so we need to make an effort to recognize our biases and judgments of others. Kersten and I talk about our own personal experiences with health after recovery and some of what seems taboo in this field to relate to. After recovery, It is possible post-recovery to exercise intensely again, if you enjoy that.  It's also okay to be making food choices based on your overall wellbeing, whether that's to manage blood sugar issues, fight an autoimmune condition or even positively impact anxiety, etc. It also is possible to love yourself where you're at, in your current body, but have aesthetic goals at the same time! If you are seeking free resources Kersten offers so many on her website, as well as her youtube which I will link below. Kersten has also recently started a podcast called "Balanced Vibes" which you can check out! She offers programs for wellness and also one-on-one support so head over to her page to learn more or simple reach out to either of us! Thank you all for your support and I hope you're taking care of yourselves during COVID19. https://urbanjane.co/start-here/ 

How can we define health?

This episode of Fully Free with Ashley is hosted with a wonderful guest, and Nutritionist, Jessica Ash from the USA. Jessica Ash is a force in this field, as she personally healed herself from many diagnoses including: PCOS, Pre-diabetes, Lupus, Thyroid dysfunction and more- up to a list of 26 labels. Jessica made it her mission after being bedridden, to help other women heal and thrive in their lives by going back to school to become a Nutritionist. I love her commitment to researching metabolism and debunking health myths/stereotypes that are so concentrated in social media culture today.  Jessica works one-on-one with American women but she also has online courses that are totally affordable for everyone, including a heal your cycle mini-course and a main foundational women's health course "Fully Nourished."  Today we discuss the types of hormonal birth control, the effects of hormonal birth control on women's bodies, how doctors overprescribe the pill to cover up symptoms, the short and long-term effects on our health, how to support our bodies when we come off the pill and how important it is for us to make informed choices for ourselves and our children,  related to this synthetic form of birth control. We also touch on FAM (Fertility Awareness Method) as an amazing natural way to be aware of when we ovulate, when we bleed and thus understand when we are fertile.  There will be a future episode with all the details about FAM with a specialist as well. I look forward to welcoming Jessica back on the podcast in the future to discuss metabolism, healing and thyroid health. Thank you so much for listening and thank you Jessica for being a light of truth.  You can connect with me on instagram: @fullyfreewellness  You can find Jessica at: @jessicaashwellness https://www.jessicaashwellness.com/

Hormonal Birth Control and Our Bodies

Today we spoke with Laurence Annez, PCOS expert and Holistic Nutritionist who supports women on their healing journeys with PCOS. Laurence gives us insight her experience with PCOS, why she got into this field and how she helps women with PCOS now.  PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) sounds like it's an issue with the ovaries only but really it's a metabolic disorder that affects 1/5 (possibly more) women of reproductive age. Many women with PCOS may not even know they have it, especially since it is a disorder of exclusion and there is a spectrum you can fall along. Not to mention there are many symptoms associated with PCOS, but not every women has every symptom. Some examples are: cystic acne, irregular periods, weight gain (especially around the belly), sugar cravings, abnormal hair growth, fertility issues, hair thinning on the head, mood swings, fatigue and more.   Laurence dives into diagnosis, the types of PCOS, seeking support from doctors, lifestyle changes, exercise recommendations, natural support options and more on this episode. You can find her @laurence.annez on instagram if you're looking for up to date recommendations and/or group + one-on-one PCOS healing support.  Laurence also has her own podcast "Addicted to Healthy."  Medical Disclaimer: We are not doctors but we are speaking about our authentic experience with PCOS to give you some insight into some steps you can take naturally to improve your quality of life. I should also add at the end when I discussed some theories of the origins of PCOS on an evolutionary level, these are just theories and I am not an expert. Likewise, although many women with PCOS are more prone to putting on muscle easily, this is not true for all, and many struggle with weight loss. There is no one-size-fits-all experience of PCOS. Also, women of any size can have PCOS, insulin resistance and varying degrees of severity of symptoms. The good news is you do not have to suffer your entire life with the symptoms of PCOS and you have the power to change them.  Please don't hesitate to connect with me @fullyfreewellness on instagram. 

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) with Laurence Annez

Fully Free with Ashley is going to be including many more mental health topics and conversations that are accessible for anyone and everyone who wants to commit to diving into internal work and through these processes step into more self-discovery and empowerment in their lives. I want this podcast to be a source of inspiration, knowledge, support, and authenticity for everyone to tune into and learn something from.  This was my favourite episode to record so far, with my dear friend Laura Emmerson who is an Ontario Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Laura owns and runs her own counselling practise in Oakville and she makes a difference in her clients lives every day through helping them navigate the challenges along their journey. Today we spoke about core beliefs, having self-compassion and sitting with all of of emotions in life. We discussed: What are core beliefs? How core beliefs develop Examples of core beliefs? Consequences of letting our core beliefs run us? How can we become aware of our core beliefs? How can we shift them? Having  self-compassion as we move through this internal work  Feeling all the emotions on the spectrum Sitting with our emotions Raising our children and emotions I am grateful to have such a conscious, aware and loving friend and I am so proud of her for becoming a psychotherapist as her career. You can find Laura on instagram @navigatecounsellingservices and her website; https://www.navigatecounsellingoakville.com/. I hope you are all holding up okay at home during COVID19, and remember to care for yourselves as you care for your loved ones too.

Core Beliefs, Self Compassion and Emotions

If you are a female athlete, have high androgens, possibly PCOS, this episode is very insightful and was what I was looking for when I felt my story was different than many of those with the typical "PCOS diagnosis."  This episode was one I was looking forward to for a LONG time. I connected with my mentor Vince Pitstick, Functional Medicine Consultant, Coach and founder of "Nutrition Dynamic" based out of the USA. He also went on to found "Nuethix Formulations" which contain high-quality ingredients, with high potency, because he was tired of seeing the opposite in the fitness world. Today Vince and I discuss the following and more: - Vince's story -Some of the fitness industry pitfalls -Western Medicine and what it's missing for healing chronic health issues -Why weight gain can be a SYMPTOM of underlying dysfunction -Weight gain with under-eating and over-training -Women's hormones on testing -The Law of Thermodynamics  -Intro. to Women vs. Men's physiology and training -Yo-yo dieting -Metabolic Dysfunction from dieting, over-exercise and increased stress -Hyperandrogenism on tests such as DUTCH (connected to histories of over-training, lack of training cycling and more) -Ectomorphic females and bloodwork -Why SLEEP is the most important -Daily movement > lifting/stressing the body regularly When Vince says "pops cysts" he's referring to the development of multiple follicles on the ovaries (not the same as functional large cysts which are often connected to estrogen dominance, etc). I would like to premise that I LOVE Nutrition Dynamic's approach because it isn't looking at people's weight as being the REASON THEY ARE UNHEALTHY. Nutrition Dynamic strives to investigate which lifestyle choices and nutrition patterns have led to metabolic issues. I am a strong believer in body diversity, size diversity and maintaining positive health at a variety of sizes. I am in no way condoning weight-prejudice or self-hate through dieting in this episode. This episode thoroughly explores patterns in our current society with women's hormonal issues due to over-training volume, under-eating and over-stressing regardless of one's' size (although weight gain can be a common side effect).  Training with Nutrition Dynamic for 5 weeks was amazing and I learned so much. At this time I have decided not to complete the next 20 weeks of training because of personal circumstances at this time, but they are a FANTASTIC company to help you in your hormonal detective work and healing journey. THANK YOU VINCE!!!! @nutrition_dynamic https://nutritiondynamic.com/

Metabolic Chaos, Hormones, Hyperandrogenism + PCOS and Over-training with Vince Pitstick

This amazing episode I've connected with Jill Colangelo who is a Harvard Ext. Masters student studying Health/Endurance Athletes and Over-training Syndrome + Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Jill is an ex-ultrarunner and has experienced first-hand the suffering associated with Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) which led to her resisting, but ultimately ending her dependent relationship with running and embracing the recovery process. She has so much knowledge on these topics and works as a recovery coach for men + women who need additional support, insights and guidance along the way. In this episode we discuss: -Jill's incredible story + where she's at now -What is Overtraining Syndrome and how it's different from overtraining? -How to be sure if you have OTS? What are the signs/symptoms? -How to heal from OTS, general over-training fatigue and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea -How to get your period back if it's MIA -Learning who you are as a beautiful human beyond your "Athlete Identity" -Beginning again with self-compassion and prioritizing self-care ... and more <3 Please tune in and again I would love your feedback.  My instagram is @fullyfreewellness, feel free to connect!!! You can find Jill, at @acaseofthejills on instagram, as well as youtube + www.acaseofthejills.com. 

This amazing episode I've connected with Jill Colangelo who is a Harvard Ext. Masters student studying Health/Endurance Athletes and Over-training Syndrome + Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Jill is an ex-ultrarunner and has experienced first-hand the suffering associated with Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) which led to her resisting, but ultimately ending her dependent relationship with running and embracing the recovery process. She has so much knowledge on these topics and works as a recovery coach for men + women who need additional support, insights and guidance along the way. In this episode we discuss: -Jill's incredible story + where she's at now -What is Overtraining Syndrome and how it's different from overtraining? -How to be sure if you have OTS? What are the signs/symptoms? -How to heal from OTS, general over-training fatigue and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea -How to get your period back if it's MIA -Learning who you are as a beautiful human beyond your "Athlete Identity" -Beginning again with self-compassion and prioritizing self-care ... and more 

Overtraining Syndrome, Injuries, Missing Periods, Athlete Identity & Recovery

This solo episode with Ashley dives into emotional eating, binge-eating, habit formation, neural re-wiring, coping with stress, creating positive habits and recovery. Stay tuned for many exciting upcoming guests!!!

Overcoming Binge Eating

This episode of Fully Free with Ashley dives into period talk with our amazing guest Amanda, who is a Functional Women's Health Registered Dietician. We have a casual and fun conversation on our favorite topic, exploring the phases of women's cycles + how to support each phase with movement, mindset & nutrition. We also discuss our own stories a bit, how we got interested in Functional Health and our background in sports. Our discussion then moves into gut health + healing, the birth control pill, PMS, cravings, period misconceptions, ovulation & so more. You can find Amanda on instagram (@hormonehealingRD) with so much informative content, as well as her own podcast "Balanced Babes."  You can find me on my personal account (@oneluvash) as I'm currently working on my hormonal wellness educational account which will be up and running soon (stay tuned).

Supporting Women's Cycles with Amanda (Women's Health RD)

This weeks episode is with our wonderful guest speaker Dr. Nicola Rinaldi, author of "No Period. Now What?" Dr. Rinaldi is a pioneer in the field of recovery from HA, an expert fertility consultant and such an amazing human being. She has set up multiple support groups for women trying to get pregnant, trying to get their period back and goes out of her way to spread information about HA so women can heal. You can reach out to Dr. Rinaldi through her website which is posted below, as well as request to join the facebook support group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/436981166801162/ "In this condition, a component of the female athlete triad, signals that are supposed to be sent out by the brain’s hormonal control center, the hypothalamus, are shut off or turned way down such that no egg grows, no ovulation (egg release) occurs, and hence there is no need for a period. In our experience there are five factors in acquiring HA. Eating habits, exercise, weight/weight loss, stress, and genetics. The good news is that HA is reversible in most cases." (http://www.noperiodnowwhat.com/) I am very vocal about my own experience with Hypothalamic Amenhorrea and possibly Female Athlete Triad (now formally known as RED-S). As I continue to navigate my recovery from years with an eating disorder I have made it a priority to share my learning with others because of how much time I've spent researching to support my own healing. I want to make an impact and I'm so thankful that this podcast has come to life. In this podcast Dr. Rinaldi and I discuss what HA is, the causes, the overlap and differences between HA and PCOS, some myths surrounding HA (i.e. you need to be in a small body to lose your period due to energy deficit), long-term consequences of HA (bone-health, infertility, etc), body-image, "going all in" + recovery, and more. Stay tuned for more guest speakers discussing wellness topics, many related to eating disorder recovery! In an upcoming podcast I will also dive deep into what PCOS is (4 types), the root causes & overlaps, the symptoms, why it's so prevalent in today's society & more with our second guest speaker.  Thank you all & sending so much love.

Hypothalamic Amenhorrea (HA) & PCOS Insights with Dr. Nicola Rinaldi

This episode provides some information on the signs/symptoms of eating disorders, without emphasis on the labels for the various disorders (i.e: orthoexia, anorexia, bulimia, ED-NOS). We spend a lot of time diving into some side effects of the full recovery process! Then we move into a review of the Minnesota Semi-Starvation Experiment, which provided great scientific insight into how bodies respond to under-nourishment- which is a prevalent concept in the diet-culture all around us. This episode concludes with some tips for those who are currently struggling with disordered eating and/or an eating disorder, that I found really helped me commit and see through my recovery. Stay tuned for the next episode which will be with a special guest Dr. Nicola Rinaldi and will dive into Hypothalamic Amenhorrea, how the hormonal profile looks, the long-term consequences and more (when your monthly cycle disappears due to stress & under-eating).  Thank you so much for your support, connect with me on instagram @ashoneluv. 

Recovery Insights & Intro. to Diet Culture

This episode dives into the origins of my eating disorder, how I struggled in silence & shame for so long & how I decided to choose healing. This may be triggering for people who are sensitive to this topic, although I do try to almost entirely avoid numbers in my discussion (in terms of weight, calories, etc). The next episode, Episode 3, was originally going to be on Self-Care and Boundaries, however I have decided to focus on Hypothalamic Ammenhorea + Hormonal Imbalances from over-training which is a major component of my experience, before I move on to other mental health topics. I will be including experts in the field in my next upcoming episodes! You can connect with me on instagram (@ashoneluv) at any time, I would love to hear from you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your support.

My Eating Disorder History

Welcome to my first short podcast of Fully Free with Ashley! I've been wanting to start a podcast for a very long time but let fear of judgement get in the way. I've committed to living life on my own terms, in other words choosing freedom, and that begins by living outside of my comfort zone. This introductory episode is a short window into my life, who I am, what I love and what I stand for. I cover a bit about my passion for mental health, body love + self-love, our opportunity for full lives and what the podcast will focus on moving forward! This podcast is a bit random in terms of it's flow, but that's me, and I thank you all for coming on this ride with me. <3 

Welcome to my first short podcast of Fully Free with Ashley! I've been wanting to start a podcast for a very long time but let fear of judgement get in the way. I've committed to living life on my own terms, in other words choosing freedom, and that begins by living outside of my comfort zone. This introductory episode is a short window into my life, who I am, what I love and what I stand for. I cover a bit about my passion for mental health, body love + self-love, our opportunity for full lives and what the podcast will focus on moving forward! This podcast is a bit random in terms of it's flow, but that's me, and I thank you all for coming on this ride with me. 

Fully Free with Ashley Introduction

The podcast bringing you many insights to support your journey of creating your best life, on your own terms. In other words, living fully free. The podcast will bring you conversation on mental health, personal growth, relationships, eating disorder recovery, hypothalamic ammenhorea and so much more.

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Fully Free with Ashley

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