#skinthusiast Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: When Did Eating Healthfully Become “Diet Culture”, Easy Changes We Can Make To Feel Better Fast, and the Wedding Menu Drama Seen Round The World with Sam Cutler
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Hosts: Amy Koberling
Guest: Sam Cutler, Nutrition Coach and Health & Lifestyle Expert

Introduction

In this insightful episode of #skinthusiast, host Amy Koberling welcomes Sam Cutler, a renowned nutrition coach and health expert. The conversation delves deep into the intertwining of diet culture with healthy eating, making sustainable lifestyle changes, and navigating public scrutiny following Sam's viral wedding menu video. Listeners are treated to a blend of personal anecdotes, professional advice, and empowering discussions aimed at fostering both physical and mental well-being.

Sam Cutler’s Health Journey and Overcoming Challenges

Sam opens up about her personal battle with chronic health conditions, including severe adult acne, digestive pain, depression, and anxiety. Her journey highlights the importance of addressing internal health to achieve external skin improvements.

Sam Cutler [04:38]: "I suffered from a lot of chronic health conditions, many of which led back to inflammatory responses within the body... I was suffering from... severe adult acne... and horrible digestive pain."

Sam emphasizes that her transformation wasn't triggered by a single event but rather a continuous process of learning and layering positive changes.

Sam Cutler [08:15]: "It was really a journey that I had to go on. It was really learning and layering on... I'm still learning consistently."

The Intersection of Mental Health and Skincare

Amy and Sam discuss how mental health and skincare are intrinsically linked. Feeling confident and maintaining a positive mindset can influence one’s skin health, while skin issues can, in turn, impact mental well-being.

Sam Cutler [11:02]: "Everything is linked to our mental health and our mindset... when you feel confident and you feel better, you're more likely to make choices that feel good for you."

Sam shares her struggles with self-esteem due to her skin condition and underscores the importance of self-acceptance and personalized skincare routines.

Sam Cutler [12:30]: "We need to really take back control over the choices that we have to feel our best, and we should never be really, like, shunned for that."

Breaking Down Diet Culture

The episode tackles the pervasive issue of diet culture and its impact on how we perceive healthy eating. Both Amy and Sam express frustration over societal pressures and the oversimplification of health metrics.

Amy Koberling [25:50]: "We're just in this place of, like, should, should, should. It's not just about nutrition... It's about embracing our bio individuality."

Sam urges listeners to focus on their individual needs rather than adhering to one-size-fits-all dietary standards.

Sam Cutler [29:56]: "We need to really lean into learning our body instead of being upset about it."

Navigating Online Scrutiny and Public Backlash

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Sam's experience with a viral wedding menu video that sparked unexpected backlash. She candidly shares the emotional toll of online trolling and the lessons learned from the ordeal.

Sam Cutler [17:31]: "I had a video post-wedding went crazy viral... They started trolling me and attacking me instead of actually watching the video."

Sam reflects on the importance of resilience and the positive outcomes that emerged, such as the creation of her nutrition app, Mindful.

Sam Cutler [24:35]: "Through that pain, there was sort of a gain in it for me to really see that I can build Mindful."

Practical Tips for Sustainable Health Changes

Amy and Sam provide listeners with actionable advice to enhance their health and skincare routines. Emphasis is placed on manageable steps that can be easily integrated into daily life.

1. Prioritize Gut Health: Sam highlights the significance of a healthy gut as the foundation for overall well-being.

Sam Cutler [14:11]: "Think about what factors are impacting your gut. Adding something like a probiotic can improve the good bacteria."

2. Incorporate Whole Foods: Shifting towards whole, unprocessed foods is recommended to reduce inflammation and boost health.

Sam Cutler [43:17]: "Look at what’s in your fridge. Aim for 80% whole foods and 20% whatever you prefer."

3. Simple Physical Activity: Walking is endorsed as a free and accessible exercise that can be tailored to individual health levels.

Sam Cutler [43:17]: "Walking, it is free. It is accessible for most of us and can be as gentle or as intense as you make it."

4. Meal and Ingredient Prep: Preparing ingredients in advance can significantly reduce daily cooking time and decision fatigue.

Sam Cutler [48:41]: "Prep your vegetables and have them ready in the fridge. It makes choosing healthy options easier."

Building Resilience and Embracing Individuality

The conversation delves into the necessity of developing a resilient mindset to withstand online negativity and societal pressures. Sam advocates for embracing one's unique health journey and making informed, personalized choices.

Sam Cutler [28:17]: "We need to embrace our bio individuality and lean into that to thrive."

Both host and guest agree that understanding and listening to one’s body is crucial for long-term health and confidence.

Amy Koberling [39:39]: "It’s about collecting information and data points along the way so you just get better and better at literally doing life right."

Future Plans and Community Building

Sam shares exciting developments for her nutrition app, Mindful, including new meal prep programs tailored for the fall and holiday seasons. The focus remains on simplicity, mindfulness, and supportive community engagement.

Sam Cutler [55:55]: "We have a new meal prep program coming out, just in time to support people through the fall and the holiday... making it easier to eat healthy."

Closing Reflections and Advice

As the episode wraps up, both Amy and Sam reflect on the importance of self-love, continuous learning, and the courage to diverge from societal norms to achieve personal well-being.

Sam Cutler [58:01]: "If I could tell my younger self, I would say to quiet the noise and listen inward. Find what works for you and don’t be afraid to try something different."

Conclusion

This episode of #skinthusiast offers a profound exploration of the challenges and triumphs associated with navigating diet culture, managing chronic health issues, and maintaining mental health. Sam Cutler’s candid storytelling combined with Amy Koberling’s empathetic interviewing provides listeners with both inspiration and practical strategies to embark on their own journeys toward holistic health and skin vitality.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Cutler [04:38]: "I suffered from a lot of chronic health conditions, many of which led back to inflammatory responses within the body..."

• Sam Cutler [11:02]: "Everything is linked to our mental health and our mindset..."

• Amy Koberling [25:50]: "We're just in this place of, like, should, should, should..."

• Sam Cutler [17:31]: "I had a video post-wedding went crazy viral..."

• Sam Cutler [58:01]: "If I could tell my younger self, I would say to quiet the noise and listen inward..."

Resources Mentioned:

• Mindful App: Sam’s nutrition and health coaching platform offering meal plans, community support, and mindfulness coaching. Use code 50SKINTHUSIAST for 50% off your first month.

• Dairy-Free Products:

  • Cashew Milk by Elmhurst
  • Violife Dairy-Free Cheese
  • Trader Joe’s Feta

Recipes:

• Kimchi Egg Bites: Available on Sam’s Mindful website.

• Protein Balls: Customizable with various ingredients available on Mindful.

Connect with #skinthusiast:

For more skincare tips, recipes, and wellness advice, visit skinthusiast.com and follow Amy Koberling on social media. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen!