Episode 170: Fitness & Health After Disordered Eating with Jason Phillips

Podcast: The Treatment Room
Host: Tessa Zolli
Guest: Jason Phillips, Founder of the Nutritional Coaching Institute (NCI)
Release Date: June 20, 2025

1. Introduction and Guest Background

In this compelling episode of The Treatment Room, Tessa Zolli welcomes Jason Phillips, a renowned figure in the nutrition coaching arena. Jason is celebrated for his evidence-based, client-centered approach and has been instrumental in coaching top athletes. As the founder of the Nutritional Coaching Institute (NCI), Jason brings a wealth of experience and a personal journey that deeply resonates with many listeners, especially those navigating the challenges of disordered eating.

2. Jason Phillips' Personal Journey with Disordered Eating

Jason opens up about his early struggles with nutrition and body image, providing a raw and honest account of his battle with anorexia.

“I developed a full-blown eating disorder. At 19, I was anorexic, I was 118 pounds… contemplating suicide.”
— Jason Phillips [07:05]

Jason describes how societal pressures and misleading nutritional advice in his youth led him down a dark path. His quest for abs and the conflicting messages about food created a tumultuous relationship with eating, culminating in severe physical and mental health challenges.

3. Overcoming Fear of Food and Rebuilding Trust

Jason discusses his journey toward healing, highlighting the pivotal moments that helped him rebuild trust with his body and food.

“I trusted that food in general wasn't the enemy… I never fully overcame it. I still think I'm anorexic.”
— Jason Phillips [10:11]

Through practical steps like adhering to high-calorie meal plans and making significant lifestyle changes during college, Jason began to see improvements. However, he acknowledges that overcoming anorexia is an ongoing process, emphasizing the importance of continual self-awareness and resilience.

4. Working with Clients with a History of Disordered Eating

Tessa queries Jason on the feasibility of achieving specific fitness goals for clients with a history of disordered eating. Jason emphasizes the need for open communication and tailored approaches.

“There needs to be a lot of very open communication between coach and client. And I think it needs to be acknowledged on day one and continuously acknowledged throughout the process.”
— Jason Phillips [14:51]

He underscores the slippery slope that can accompany nutrition coaching for individuals with eating disorders, advocating for a compassionate and informed strategy to prevent relapses.

5. Nutrition Basics: Macronutrients and Tracking

Jason delves into the fundamentals of macronutrients (macros) and their significance in achieving health and fitness goals.

“Calories in, calories out determines weight loss. The composition of those calories determines the body composition change during that weight loss.”
— Jason Phillips [28:24]

He advocates for tracking macros as a learning tool rather than a lifelong necessity, highlighting its benefits in educating clients about their eating habits and fostering better nutritional choices.

6. Metabolic Adaptation: Understanding and Managing

A critical discussion on metabolic adaptation reveals how prolonged calorie deficits can alter the body’s metabolism, making weight loss increasingly challenging.

“Our bodies will fight to do everything to get us to stay there [set point].”
— Jason Phillips [42:17]

Jason explains that continuous dieting can lead to a new set point where the body no longer perceives a calorie deficit, thus hindering weight loss efforts. He introduces a four-phase approach to dieting, which includes active goal pursuit, recovery phases, and pre-diet mental preparation to mitigate metabolic adaptation.

7. Hormonal Health and Its Impact on Metabolism

The conversation shifts to the profound effects hormones have on metabolism, particularly stressing the differences in metabolic adaptation between genders.

“Females… have much higher rates of adaptation and are less resilient in terms of metabolism.”
— Jason Phillips [52:11]

Jason discusses how hormonal profiles, influenced by factors like stress and intense training, can significantly impact metabolic rates and overall health. He highlights the importance of managing stress and ensuring adequate recovery to maintain hormonal balance.

8. Importance of Compliance and Effective Coaching Relationships

Jason emphasizes that the cornerstone of successful coaching lies in the relationship between coach and client, fostering trust and adaptability.

“Compliance is the single most important thing in any coach-client relationship.”
— Jason Phillips [35:47]

He shares anecdotes illustrating how flexible, empathetic coaching strategies lead to sustained client success, contrasting with rigid approaches that often result in setbacks.

9. Final Advice for Sustainable Fitness and Nutrition Journeys

As the episode draws to a close, Jason offers invaluable advice for individuals embarking on their fitness and nutrition journeys, emphasizing gradual change and long-term sustainability.

“It shouldn't feel excessive. It shouldn't feel like a massive overhaul. It should feel like change, but it shouldn't feel overly intrusive.”
— Jason Phillips [55:09]

He advocates for surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and adopting a balanced approach to lifestyle changes, ensuring that new habits are maintained well beyond initial transformations.

10. Conclusion

Tessa expresses her gratitude for Jason's openness and the profound insights he shared, reinforcing the episode's message of healing, balance, and informed nutritional practices.

“I want them to look back on the experience and not have this hateful relationship with food or their skin or their body.”
— Tessa Zolli [56:39]

Jason echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of sustainable change and the positive impact it can have on one’s relationship with food and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Stories Matter: Jason’s candid account of his struggle with anorexia provides a relatable and inspiring narrative for listeners facing similar challenges.

• Balanced Nutrition is Crucial: Understanding and appropriately managing macronutrients can lead to sustainable health and fitness outcomes without triggering disordered eating behaviors.

• Metabolic and Hormonal Awareness: Recognizing how the body adapts to prolonged dieting and the role hormones play is essential for effective and healthy weight management.

• Empathetic Coaching: Building strong, communicative relationships between coaches and clients fosters better compliance and long-term success.

• Sustainable Change Over Quick Fixes: Gradual, informed lifestyle changes are more effective and enduring compared to extreme, short-term diets or workout regimens.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for both clients and coaches, offering practical strategies and heartfelt insights into maintaining health and achieving fitness goals without compromising mental well-being.