Society has conditioned us to judge health by appearance, our own and others', through media, fitness culture, and even our healthcare system. But looking "fit" doesn't mean you're healthy, and carrying more weight doesn't mean you're unhealthy. We're breaking down why appearance is a terrible health metric, introducing the health triangle (physical, mental/emotional, and social health), and explaining why body composition doesn't tell the whole story. From the social media trap and genetics reality to real stories of coaches who were at their leanest but least healthy, we're covering what actually matters for your wellbeing. Plus, we're giving you actionable steps to stop judging your health by the mirror and start measuring it by what truly counts: how you feel, how you function, and how you're nourishing all dimensions of your health, not just the visible ones.

Ready to ditch diet culture for good in 2026? Diet culture is more than just fad diets and calorie counting—it's a pervasive belief system rooted in racism, sexism, and control that convinces us our bodies are problems that need constant fixing. From the dark history of moralizing food (yes, the graham cracker guy has a wild backstory) to the modern marketing machine exploiting our insecurities on social media, we're breaking down where diet culture came from, how it shows up in your everyday life, and most importantly, how to break free from it. We'll cover the red flags to watch for (like moralizing food as "good" or "bad"), why shame never creates lasting change, and practical ways to pursue your goals—yes, even aesthetic ones—from a place of worthiness instead of punishment. Because ditching diet culture isn't giving up, it's choosing a life with more peace, energy, confidence, and actual health.

A nutrition degree gave me the science. Coaching real people taught me everything else. Here’s what I’ve learned from working with hundreds of clients—and why it’s changed how I coach forever.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down key insights from our latest Black Iron Radio episode, where coaches Morgan, Joyce, and Acacia dive into the concepts of body positivity and body neutrality—what they mean, how they differ, and why each approach can serve a different purpose in someone’s body image journey. They explore everything from how these movements have evolved, to the pressures of toxic positivity, to finding peace with your body through neutrality. Whether you’re working through body image struggles yourself or supporting someone else, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives and practical mindset shifts that can help create more freedom and flexibility around food, fitness, and self-image.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the biggest takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode on the myth of the “athletic look.” What does it really mean to look fit—or look like an athlete? If a specific image comes to mind, you’re not alone—but it’s time to challenge that narrative. Krissy, Kelsey, and Chelsea dive into where this idea came from, how media and the fitness industry have shaped it, and why true athleticism has nothing to do with aesthetics. Whether you lift, run, ski, or climb—if you do the thing, you are the thing. Keep reading for an honest conversation on identity, body image, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.

Social media can be a double-edged sword—while it connects us, it also distorts our perception of body image. Discover how to navigate this digital landscape and protect your mental health by embracing a more positive relationship with your body.

From a young age, I always noticed that I had a "belly". So much so that I hated the word "belly" with a fiery passion. To this day, the word still makes me queasy. But I always felt like I was overweight in some regard simply because I had a "belly". What exacerbated the situation was that I chose to be competitive in swimming, where I would wear a simple Speedo brief. And I felt like I stood out (or rather stood "rounder") in the way I didn't want to: I was one of the "fat" ones in a sea of tall, skinny swimmers.