Episode 32: Body Image and Food Fears with Celeste Rains-Turk (Copy)

In this episode of Training Age, hosts Heather Adams and Valerie Lusvardi welcome Celeste Rains-Turk (@celestial_fit), a leading expert in mindset and body image within the fitness industry. Celeste shares her unique journey, from entering the bodybuilding world in 2015—where she uncovered underlying disordered eating patterns—to shifting her academic focus from dietetics to psychology. Her passion for holistic health and mindset is reflected in her podcast, Confessions of a Bikini Pro, and her powerful tagline, “build more than just a body.” As a licensed associate counselor and author of Believe Your Way to Badass, Celeste is dedicated to helping others transform their relationship with their bodies and themselves.

The conversation explores how body image evolves across different life stages and introduces “what if-formations” as an alternative to traditional affirmations. By questioning self-perceptions and aligning behaviors with a positive self-image, listeners can develop the skills to navigate body changes with confidence. Celeste, Heather, and Val discuss how body image challenges can arise at any age and emphasize the importance of anchoring self-worth in actions that align with personal values.

The discussion takes a deeper turn into the intersection of identity, body image, and faith, highlighting the risks of tying self-worth solely to physical appearance. Through personal anecdotes, Heather, Val, and Celeste stress the importance of rooting identity in values rather than external aesthetics and navigating societal pressures that often challenge this balance. As they explore ways to improve the relationship with food and body, they discuss how flexibility in diet and mindfulness can lead to a healthier self-perception. The episode closes with insights on self-talk, self-care, and balancing aesthetics with personal and family values, encouraging a well-rounded approach to fitness goals that positively impact all aspects of life.

Episode Summary

((0:00:08) - Exploring Body Image & Self-Concept (14 Minutes)

This chapter explores the fascinating journey of Celeste Raines Turk, a renowned expert in mindset and body image, especially for competitors in the fitness industry. We discuss her beginnings in bodybuilding in 2015 and how it illuminated underlying disordered eating patterns. Celeste shares her academic journey, transitioning from dietetics to psychology, and how her personal experiences led her to launch her podcast, "Confessions of a Bikini Pro," in 2018. Her tagline, "build more than just a body," reflects her commitment to holistic health and mindset, which she further pursued through a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Celeste also recounts writing her book, "Believe Your Way to Badass," and her unexpected journey into becoming a licensed associate counselor, highlighting her dedication to personal development and helping others transform their lives.

(0:14:15) - Navigating Body Image Changes in Life (6 Minutes)

This chapter explores the concept of body image and how it evolves throughout different life stages. We introduce the idea of "what if-formations" as an alternative to traditional affirmations, encouraging creative thinking about self-perception. By asking questions like "What if I appreciated my body's strength?" we can align our behaviors with positive self-image. We discuss personal experiences of body vulnerability, such as puberty and postpartum changes, emphasizing that body image issues can arise at any age. We highlight the importance of understanding that our bodies are meant to change and evolve. The goal isn't to achieve perfect body acceptance but to develop the skills to navigate these changes with confidence. By focusing on actions aligned with personal values, like nourishing and moving our bodies, we can take pride in the process rather than fixating on outcomes.

(0:19:49) - Rooting Identity in Something Stable (5 Minutes)

This chapter explores the complex relationship between identity, body image, and faith. We discuss the potential dangers of tying one's identity to physical appearance, especially given the unpredictable nature of our bodies. Personal anecdotes highlight how physical changes, like a facial scar from a dog bite or facial spasms, can challenge one's self-confidence and self-perception. We emphasize the importance of rooting identity in values and, for some, faith, rather than appearance. The conversation touches on how societal pressures, particularly on women, can lead to an overemphasis on maintaining a certain look. We also address the balance between caring for one's appearance and not letting it overshadow more meaningful values. As the discussion transitions to the connection between body image and nutrition, we recognize the significant impact of food choices on overall well-being and self-perception.

(0:24:59) - Improving Relationship With Food and Body (14 Minutes)

This chapter addresses the significant correlation between aesthetic-based female elite athletes and disordered eating. We explore how the daily reinforcement of connecting food intake with body image can lead to a fear of certain foods and black-and-white thinking about nutrition. Highlighting the importance of flexibility in diet and fitness routines, we discuss how vacations or changes in routine can trigger anxiety, but emphasize that perfection is not necessary for results. We suggest focusing on underlying habits, such as consistency and awareness, rather than specific foods or workouts. By shifting the narrative around food and exercise, we encourage adopting a mindset that allows for balance and self-awareness, even in unfamiliar situations.

(0:38:32) - Building Mindful Eating Habits (11 Minutes)

This chapter focuses on understanding the factors that lead to overeating and developing strategies to manage them. We explore how hunger, lack of meal planning, and emotional triggers can contribute to episodes of overeating, and discuss the importance of creating intentional eating habits and a supportive environment. Emphasizing the role of mindfulness and emotional awareness, we highlight the significance of reflecting on one's feelings and behaviors to break the cycle of guilt and shame associated with overeating. Additionally, I share practical tools like the hunger fullness scale and mealtime rituals to help clients increase self-awareness and manage their eating habits more effectively. By prioritizing self-compassion and learning from experiences, individuals can cultivate healthier relationships with food and themselves.

(0:49:20) - Influencing Body Image Through Self-Perception (13 Minutes)

This chapter explores the seamless integration of training and healthy eating into one's identity, likening it to everyday habits like brushing teeth. We discuss how building a better relationship with food and mindfulness around eating can enhance body image and self-trust. Trusting oneself is linked to how we perceive our bodies; positive choices lead to a more favorable self-view, similar to how trust impacts perceptions in relationships. We emphasize the power of self-talk and treating ourselves kindly, which can shape our self-image positively. Love as an action is highlighted, encouraging self-care through nourishing activities and using our gifts to foster self-acceptance. The discussion concludes with the idea that our internal dialogue significantly influences our perception, with different perspectives highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on our actions and choices.

(1:02:21) - Balancing Aesthetics and Family Values (11 Minutes)

This chapter explores the complex relationship between body image, personal goals, and self-care, especially in the context of motherhood. We discuss the potential pitfalls of setting unrealistic aesthetic goals based on someone else's body and emphasize the importance of focusing on personal improvements that align with one's own body structure. We also highlight the common struggle among mothers who feel guilty about taking time for self-care, comparing it to the need to put on one's oxygen mask first. It's important to find a balance where self-care enhances rather than detracts from family life. We acknowledge the potential for aesthetics-driven goals to positively impact confidence and encourage trying new things, but also caution against letting these pursuits consume one's life to the detriment of family connections. Ultimately, the chapter underscores the importance of balancing personal aspirations with family responsibilities, aiming for goals that contribute positively to all aspects of life.