In this compelling episode of the Eat Love Do Show, host interviews gut health expert and anti-diet coach Margaret Bell, who shares her remarkable 30-year journey from teenage anorexia to becoming a leading advocate for intuitive eating and gut wellness. Margaret’s story begins with psychological bullying at school that led to severe eating restrictions, followed by her father’s tragic death from stomach and bowel cancer, which sparked years of binge eating and drinking as coping mechanisms. Through personal struggles including divorce, depression, and job loss, Margaret discovered that true healing comes from understanding the profound mind-gut connection and learning to listen to your body’s unique cues rather than following restrictive diets. This episode reveals groundbreaking insights about how gut health controls our hormones, mental state, and overall wellbeing, with Margaret explaining that stress – not just food choices – is the primary factor affecting digestive health. She breaks down the three types of stress (emotional, physical, and chemical) and introduces practical techniques like grounding versus relaxing, proper belly breathing, and intuitive eating practices that help transform your relationship with food. Margaret’s anti-diet coaching approach focuses on food freedom and personalized nutrition, recognizing that what works in your 20s won’t necessarily work in your 40s, making this essential listening for anyone struggling with digestive issues, stress eating, or diet culture burnout.