Diet Culture Exposed: Why Rachel Lavin Says It's Time to Ditch the Scale

How do you find true happiness after spending years chasing an illusion?

Rachel Levine, body love educator, coach, and author of "The Donut Diaries," joins us to share her transformative journey from struggling with body image to embracing self-love.

At 40, after achieving society’s ideal physique, Rachel discovered that true contentment lies in self-acceptance, not a dress size. Tune in to hear her riveting story and how she now helps others break free from toxic diet culture.

Rachel opens up about her lifelong battle with body image, starting from age 11, and the profound impact it had on her relationships and mental health.

In a powerful recount, she shares the moment she realized that her happiness was not tied to being a size zero but to the daily practice of positive affirmations. By surrounding herself with uplifting messages, Rachel transformed her mindset, proving that small, consistent changes can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Discover the simple yet transformative power of self-kindness and positive reinforcement.

Join us to hear Rachel’s vision for the future and her ongoing mission to inspire small, daily improvements for a life of wellness and growth.

Connect with Rachel:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook

Chapters

• 0:08 Positive Body Image With Rachel Levine
• 6:53 Healing Trauma and Finding Happiness
• 19:52 Evolution of Fitness Industry and Wellness
• 28:10 The Power of Self-Love
• 36:06 Empowering Wellness and Growth

Transcript

Dai Manuel: 0:08

Welcome to the 2% Solution Podcast, where small changes lead to monumental impacts. I'm your host, diamond Well, and today we're diving deep into a topic that's close to my heart and I bet you likely yours too. Our guest today is Rachel Levine, a published author, professional speaker, body love educator and certified health coach. Rachel's journey is nothing short of inspiring, from her early struggles with body image to her transformation into an advocate for self-love and positive body image. Rachel's 2% moment came when she turned 40 and realized that true happiness wasn't about fitting into a size zero, but finding peace and love within herself. Her book, the Donut Diaries whatever your title, by the way is a testament to that journey and a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever felt less than in their skin.

Dai Manuel: 1:03

Today, rachel's here to share insights on how we can all walk back to ourselves, to break free from the change of diet culture and embrace a more nourishing, loving relationship with our bodies and minds. But here's the kicker Rachel isn't just about feel-good mantras. She has bold opinions on the fitness industry and how it often perpetuates unhealthy standards. If you've ever struggled with body image, felt overwhelmed by societal expectations, or want to hear a fresh, empowering perspective on health and wellness. This episode's for you. Trust me, you're not going to want to miss this conversation. Rachel, welcome to the 3%.

Rachel Lavin: 1:41

Solution Podcast. Thank you so much for having me so here we are.

Dai Manuel: 1:50

I know you were one of the first people that actually applied to be on the show, which I am very, very grateful for. Since then, lots has happened. I always just think things happen on the perfect timing. So you know the fact that we're meeting today. I'm just excited about this. Also, you were so kind to send a copy of your books for me to take a look at, which I had a great but also, more importantly, a very powerful message.

Rachel Lavin: 2:09

And.

Dai Manuel: 2:09

I thought you know what a great place to start today, but what was sort of the inspiration that took you to the place to write the Donut Diaries? I love the title, by the way. Yes, thank you, I love it too.

Rachel Lavin: 2:29

What really motivated me to do it was I knew that I was not the only person who felt this way about their body, the way they saw themselves. Now that I was on this journey to kind of getting on the other side of that, I really wanted to provide a message that would help people go. Oh yeah, I know what that feels like. Or, yeah, I get that 100%, without feeling like it was a self-help book. The last thing I wanted people to feel like was I had to go journal for 30 minutes with a lit candle and do all that. I just there's so many out there and, trust me, I read them all and they're very helpful, but I just didn't want to create a book like that. I just wanted it to be like I was telling you my story. So I feel like I did accomplish that.

Dai Manuel: 3:07

What's the main takeaways that you always hope? That I mean as an author myself, I know we always have the greatest of intentions, but often we write the story for ourselves. Right, it's that cathartic nature that we write for ourselves, but then we hope that it makes impact in other people's lives and I know your book is. And I'm curious what are the main takeaways that you would want the readers to really? You know, once they finish the book or as they read the book, what are those sort of aha moments that you're hoping to instill in them?

Rachel Lavin: 3:30

My first one, that I even mentioned throughout the book many times, that you are not alone. I really want my reader to get that and that's why I say it more than once. And then the second thing that I really want people, when they click on that book, is to feel like they can at least attempt to break free of diet culture and they could try to have a healthy, loving relationship not only with themselves but with food, because I really believe in our society.

Dai Manuel: 3:58

how much food and our horrible relationship with it is the culprit for this entire movement in the first place oh man, I I love how you do address the diet culture, but also just sort of those influences, because I, you know, being a father of two daughters myself, you know they're 18 and 20 and just just seeing what they've had to navigate, you know and even I have one client and I remember her dealing with this with their own mom and then, all of a sudden, you know her daughter at nine years old coming home and saying mom, I think I need to go on a diet like a nine year old girl you know, like, and it was just heartbreaking to hear this, you know, and so

Dai Manuel: 4:37

can you just speak to that a little bit like what, what is the diet culture for those that maybe aren't familiar with that terminology? Because I I think this is a nice pushing off, because then I also want to talk about your story and your relationship with the understanding of diet culture. And you've made some huge transitions also, you know, ever since, especially 40, I know it was a big milestone for you, so we'll dive into that first. But why don't we talk about diet culture first?

Rachel Lavin: 4:59

Absolutely. I mean, even if you are not familiar with that term or that expression, trust me, you are immersed in it, whether you want it to be or not. Good point, I mean just look around you. I mean there's magazines, there's commercials, there's the new fun injectables that are going around. So you are in it, even if you don't know it, and that's the sneaky, sad part of it that makes me so crazy. I guess I try not to use that word, but you're infuriated because it sucked me in for, like you mentioned, for over 40 years. And so diet culture is everything that you're inundated with, the thoughts that you have on a daily basis of I can't eat, that I shouldn't eat, that I have to go to the gym in order to earn that food. I mean, it's all just this repetitive, horrible, horrible thing, and it's been coined in the past decade diet culture.

Dai Manuel: 5:58

I think very well said, and I mean you're absolutely right. You may not be familiar with the term, but trust me, we're all in it. I remember being influenced, even as a kid, and back then we didn't have the internet or Google like we do today, and so I definitely feel for the newer generations that have grown up within just content. Do you mind talking about your story, because I know your 40th birthday was a huge milestone and as well as a turning point for you. You know and I I remember you describing this as a realization that basically it was the ignition or the spark that got you started to seek true happiness, but also a better relationship with your son, and I think we're all seeking that in some level. So I'd love to hear what was it, what? What happened?

Rachel Lavin: 6:39

take us through that story of course, I really love sharing this story because I think it's so fascinating to know that I am turning 40. It's a beautiful, huge birthday. I'm excited. I am a size zero. I am a size zero for the first time in my life at 40.

Rachel Lavin: 7:00

And I am miserable. I don't feel connected to myself. Even though I was having a really good career in New York City as a personal trainer, I didn't feel connected, period. I just didn't feel connected. But the most important thing was I had strived for this body my whole life. 11 years old is the first time I remember knowing and being conscious that my body was not okay or different, or I was different. And so here I am, turning 40. I gotta say it again, and I was really sad and miserable and that, to me, was a wake up girl. I don't want to spend the next four years being unhappy and sad and going through all these things I go through looking on the outside to be happy. I realized at that moment I have to start digging pretty deep and heal from some traumas that have been swirling around inside me for a long, long time. And so that's when I started to do.

Dai Manuel: 8:05

Thank you for one, for sharing that, but also two. I was just curious because I think we can relate a lot I know I can to a lot of what you just said and I'm curious how was it showing up for you Sort of this disconnectedness with yourself, just to sort of give it some more color? I know that there's people out here listening to watching this. They're like, oh, that sounds like me.

Dai Manuel: 8:26

You know, sometimes we forget how does it actually affect us in our day to day life? Like that's the thing. Where is it making the impact, or negative impact in many cases, and do you mind just expanding on that?

Rachel Lavin: 8:36

Of course. So internally it looks like I have to think about myself, my body, food, the size of my body, clothes, the size of my clothes every day. Externally, it's picking the wrong man, having tumultuous relationships with people, cutting people off, being angry, just not being a good person. I'm not going to lie person because I was always so self-involved with thinking about my body that was supposed to fit into society so I could be loved and be, happy and all of it.

Rachel Lavin: 9:11

It's literally the most vicious roller coaster and I know that there are many people on it.

Dai Manuel: 9:19

There is, and it seems like there's lots of people getting on and off the train constantly, and I think that's also where a lot of frustration lies. You know, it's just this ebb and flow and I think it always just leaves us feeling more empty. Yeah, and I hate to giggle at that, but I do, because you know, I found myself in that whirlwind many, many times. We call it a cyclone ride, like at the fairgrounds right, just whips you around, you get out of it and you're like what the hell is that did?

Rachel Lavin: 9:45

I go on that.

Dai Manuel: 9:46

That's ridiculous you know and, and I know that there's been a couple activities and I shouldn't say activities, but more so habits that have been really influential, and you sort of come me through this transformation or realization and and you talk about the power of daily affirmations can, can you walk everyone through sort of what is that specifically, why is it important and also how can they do it? A little bit.

Rachel Lavin: 10:10

Absolutely. I think the first thing. We your listeners, myself, you, we all have to realize how nasty we are to ourselves. Right, we are our own worst critic. We are so nasty to ourselves, and I realized for me that that's where I had to start. I had to start shifting my mindset, shifting my actions and shifting my voice, to start speaking kindly to myself With the knowledge and the acceptance. There was no way in heck I was going to believe it right away, like it was going to be a struggle to say these things out loud.

Rachel Lavin: 10:48

And so I was living at the time in a 400 square foot New York City apartment and I got a package of hot pink post-its and I wrote three things I am beautiful, I am smart and I am capable and I put them in places that I knew I've had to look at every day my refrigerator, my coffee maker, my bathroom mirror, whatever.

Rachel Lavin: 11:15

And I forced myself to say them out loud every day, every day, and I was doing other things. But this is a simple thing that anyone can do, starting right this moment, everyone has a package of Post-its or no paper at home and some tape right, so you can do this right now. And then I remember about a month later, one morning, I was like I am capable and then I just remember feeling like yeah, I am. So it took some time I'm not gonna lie like saying these things, you start to believe them about yourself and then you start to behave in a way that yes, I am capable, I can do this. I can it. Just just like our bad behavior kind of spirals, so does good behavior, and that's what worked for me in the beginning.

Dai Manuel: 12:06

That's so cool. I love this. My wife she'll do mirror messages so she'll take an iRace marker and write it on the bathroom mirror very often and she used to do that in our girls' bathroom, especially a weekly message, and I just always loved that. But when I first talked to you and you talked about the post-it note idea, I thought that was just genius, because what a wonderful way to also just I mean, you can have it all over the place. The continuation of constantly reinforcing that message is your own subconscious and I think that's the thing right.

Dai Manuel: 12:34

when we can align the conscious thought with the subconscious thought, big, big changes can happen and it does feel easier, you know, when those two things are aligned. And so what else did you find most helpful as you sort of adopted this new mindset and perspective, especially on yourself? You know, I'm just really fascinated by what you did. So I know you talk about a number of things and obviously I'll tell everybody read the book. The link to the book is obviously in the show notes as well. So those that are interested check out the Donut Diaries. But for now, what else would be an exercise that could really help people get started with something similar?

Rachel Lavin: 13:08

I think that we have to realize that a lot of people I talk to they have this relationship with the parent or the primary caregiver which is very negative and they feel very traumatized by that. And I know I did and I went to therapy, I journaled, I read beautiful books. I did all the things because the bottom line was I was really exhausted emotionally, physically and mentally from being that person and I knew that it was going to take a lot of effort to get out of that. And so the other interesting thing was, through the help of an amazing therapist I had was you're not your mother, you are your own person, you don't have to live in her trauma, it's not your trauma, you are your own person. And to have that kind of awakening was like I mean, I don't understand like to have that thought, to be able to like almost like separate from that is just so freeing. And I also feel like that helps me just kind of move forward with this new purpose and this journey and not give up.

Dai Manuel: 14:25

Well, thank you because your book is very inspirational. I think we forget at times that we aren't alone in our suffering and our challenges, and it does as soon as you start opening up about it. Isn't it amazing how other people put up their hands saying, oh my gosh, me too. I had no idea, I didn't think anybody would understand me, and so thank you for your vulnerability and for being the one to go first. You know, because it does. It takes a lot to go first but it also gives others the courage to go next.

Dai Manuel: 14:55

And you know, I know you're not someone that's afraid of change, especially with the adoption of this new mindset, and who you are. But so what's the deal with me? From Northern California to becoming literally a lifestyle and wellness advocate in Greenville, south Carolina, like that just seems like such a shift, especially to go from New York as well, right, so I want to hear about this, like why, what spawned that move? You know?

Rachel Lavin: 15:19

Well, ty, I'm a Sagittarius and we are like full of wanderlust. I'm not going to lie there's a part of me that just loves to move. I do, and I never really felt connected growing up in Northern California the San Jose, the Bay Area, whatever you want to call it I just never felt connected to it. The Bay Area, whatever you want to call it I just never felt connected to it. And then I had the opportunity, with my first husband, to move to the Northwest. And after that, after that excitement, I got divorced and decided in my mid-30s to go back to school and found a program at Portland Community College that was all about fitness and I just remember feeling called to do that, just like writing this book was my destiny. Becoming a fitness professional was also my destiny. So I completed this two-year degree program and I always knew that I had a choice if I wanted to be a successful trainer, I could go move to Southern California, la, or I can move to Manhattan, and I chose Manhattan. What?

Dai Manuel: 16:26

was that like?

Rachel Lavin: 16:28

I mean to go from.

Dai Manuel: 16:29

California to Manhattan. It seems like a big contrast.

Rachel Lavin: 16:34

Yeah, but I went from Portland which was still, at the time, super sleepy to Manhattan.

Dai Manuel: 16:40

I will super sleepy to Manhattan.

Rachel Lavin: 16:42

I will not lie to you. For the first six months I cried every single day. I called my mom, I want to go home. It was rough, it was rough, it was rough. Then I found an apartment, I found a good job, I found my footing, I figured out how to subways work and then I just was like, yeah, I'm in Georgia now and I loved it for 15 years. I loved it for 15 years and then COVID hit and I just didn't want to sit in a city in my apartment, paying rent and not doing anything. We just had no idea when or if the city was going to open back up again. So we sought some refuge with my boyfriend family in florida and then we just hung out there until we figured out what we were going to do. And here we are now, in greenville, south carolina well, I love it.

Dai Manuel: 17:37

I've actually been through greenville before when we were road tripping as a family and I thought it was just a beautiful little place, you know, and I shouldn't say little, but it's still a good size, but I mean, compared to Canadian standards but it's just beautiful. I mean, the Carolinas is just gorgeous countries.

Dai Manuel: 17:53

I can see why they didn't know that that's sort of this direction that you're going and how that could be a nice fit for you. Okay, so let's chat a little bit about this idea of self-love because you know, I think it's a term that we hear a lot of these days. You know, self-love, self-care, self-self-self right, we're hearing a lot of this terminology, but I still think people don't really understand what we mean by self-love. Do you know what I mean? Like I I find that people are specifically men. I just say it as it is. I'm a man who identifies as a man and I've had the pleasure of connecting with a lot of men on different conversations, very vulnerable, and you know, this idea of self-love is not something that they're open to even discussing at times.

Dai Manuel: 18:32

And I don't know if it's because of a lack of understanding, or is it just something that makes them really uncomfortable? You know, and I'd love to get your take on this.

Rachel Lavin: 18:42

I mean, listen, I think it could be all the above, and in our culture, in our society, there's always been buzzwords, and I think that this body positivity, body neutrality, self-love, self-care is a simple way of explaining and having a word for people to connect to, what it really means Heal yourself, come from a place of love, and how you treat yourself and how you treat others. Honestly, if you run yourself ragged and treat yourself poorly and do all these things to your body, your future is going to be spent in a hospital bed instead of road tripping with your family. I use the term self-love too because, again, if I didn't love myself and respect myself and honor myself, we would not be here today yes, absolutely.

Dai Manuel: 19:42

I think this would be interesting to get your take on this, because I know we've talked about a number of different subjects today, but it's all on the same theme and that's the best way to ask us. I guess you know the fitness industry. I've been around it for almost three decades now in my 30th year actually and obviously I've seen lots of changes right, lots of trends come and go and opinions and misinformation as well. Lots of interesting gadgets and tools, but also perspectives, and I know people are finding themselves in certain situations very desperate. You know they're feeling very low, feeling very sad. I mean, every time I look in the mirror they're wondering who am I, how did I get here?

Dai Manuel: 20:23

And if people don't relate to that, well, I'm just repeating back how I felt a couple times in my life, I guess from your experience as a personal trainer. How does that influence you? Because I think it's interesting having a foundation in fitness but also see where you transition to and how you're advocating for healthy living, healthy lifestyles, self-love, positive self-talk, and I just think it's a wonderful transition. But what are your thoughts on the fitness industry? I imagine you must have an opinion on it and where you think it needs to mature or to evolve, and I'd love to just hear your thoughts on that, because I definitely feel that way. I'm interested in your perspective because you spend time on both sides of that fence. Let's hear what your thoughts are, because I think this also helped you with setting up to write the Donut Diaries.

Rachel Lavin: 21:11

Right? Well, I appreciate that, because you know I do try to come from a place of. When I hear current people in the fitness industry spouting that same old thing, I do roll my eyes, but at the same time it's like, hello, girl, you said those things for many years too. So you know, relax, but it does work temporarily. But think about this, right. Do you have a client who is constantly in pain or constantly focusing on the size of their body? Or I've done it. We got to step it up because I got to get ready for my beach vacation.

Rachel Lavin: 21:56

This is your opportunity to share with them the consistency part of exercise or the consistency part of their diet, and stop touting that fad diets work because they only work for a short period of time, and that's why you guys gain the weight back. That's why you guys, your joints and your back and all these things, hurt, because you're not feeding your body with the nutrients it needs. And so I know I have a long way to go in order to change this. But, fitness professionals, if you're listening, this is your opportunity to really help people, because I know that's why you started. That's why I started, because I want to help people, but you've been fed a lie and now you're regurgitating that lie and your clients are suffering. So, if you're worried about the money, if you're worried about the income, if you're worried about being different, I have had clients that are still with me virtually 15 years later, because I have just been honest with them. They've watched the way I've evolved and they trust me. If your clients trust you, they will never leave your side.

Dai Manuel: 23:14

That's very well said and I appreciate that you've taken a role as an advocate and you're advocating for a positive body image, especially, and I think I'd be remiss if I didn't at least ask for your thought on this, because I know that that's a very real concern for a lot of the people in my audience, because the bulk of them are between 35 and 55, you know our demographic.

Dai Manuel: 23:35

You know, and, gosh, I know what it's been like going from 35 to even 47 and all the adjustments and changes and mental things I've had to navigate. You know, and, gosh, I know, what it's been like going from 35 to even 47 and all the adjustments and changes and mental things I've had to navigate, you know. And so let's just say there's somebody listening right now that is struggling with body, and what would be your, your advice or invitation to them to get started. Just get started, cause you know that's the hardest part, right, and that's the whole point of this show is is like what can we do if we're getting set aside 30 minutes or 2% of every 24 hours to really set some intentional boundaries around our lives, but also intentional actions to see that needle move forward, see life get better, to experience more happiness, you know joy, fulfillment. What would be that activity that you think would be best for them to get started?

Rachel Lavin: 24:28

I think that in any struggle, especially with body weight, we are conditioned to believe that I have to go on a diet to decrease the size of my body. I would ask your audience to sit with themselves, sit with those thoughts for a minute and ask myself is this working? And if your answer is no, then that means you're open enough to thinking that there's a different way. And for me, that's where it started, because if you truly believe that me living on chicken and steamed spinach is the way to go and I'm going to do this for the rest of my life, living on chicken and steamed spinach is the way to go, and I'm going to do this for the rest of my life You're not ready, and that's okay. I wasn't ready for many years either. But if I ask myself this or tell myself or have a thought this isn't working for me anymore, that means there's been a seed planted and I'm ready to change.

Dai Manuel: 25:14

I'm ready to think a different way, and that's when you start to do the research and ask questions and believe and trust in yourself that you can do it. Beautiful, I think that's beautifully said. I'm curious, and I'm sure people are too, because if this is their first time being introduced to you and what you do, I know that there is so much more. It's not just what we're talking about today. You have a breadth of knowledge and wisdom and you're servicing people in many different ways. What's the next phase of Rachel looking like? What are you excited about these days? Where are you heading right now as far as impact is concerned? Because I know everything that you do there's an intention to help people. I'd love to just give the audience an idea of what you have coming. Thank you.

Rachel Lavin: 25:54

Well, I have just decided that I don't want to put any limitations on who I help and how I help. So I am just broadening my spectrum a little bit. I don't want to just be fitness focused anymore, I want to be lifestyle focused, I want to be wellness focused. So I changed my name to Rachel Lavin, lifestyle and Wellness, and I think that, moving forward, I'm going to be out in the community. I'm going to be doing my brain ball classes. I'm going to be out in the community. I'm going to be doing my brain ball classes. I'm going to be helping people with their living space and kind of decluttering their space, which helps them declutter inside too. I'm still going to be doing my book promotion and my body love stuff.

Rachel Lavin: 26:35

But I just don't think that we have to be one thing and I think that there's so much for all of us that the fear that was kind of holding me back it's like well, my message, my message. Well, I can deliver my message in lots of ways, and when I feel like I'm hitting that wall with someone, I don't want to say that I'm giving up on them because I'm not. I'm just shifting the conversation because I understand you're not ready, you still believe chicken and steamed spinach is the way to go. I can only lead by example and show that by me having a well-rounded diet and I don't mean bad diet, I mean the food and drink that I have on a daily basis. So that's where I'm at right now.

Dai Manuel: 27:22

So I love it, but I also I'm a big believer in that too. I know because I used to be just like you. I was so heavily into fitness right Because I just talked about it all the time. I shared about it, I was supporting people with it, and so you know it's about nine, 10 years ago. I ship or to open people's eyes to all the other amazing things that we do. I just think it's wonderful how you're showing up every day.

Dai Manuel: 27:48

And the fact that you are modeling and mentoring through your actions and the sharing you know, and that's how we all learn. We all learn through mentorship and modeling. Neuroscience has now proven it. But I mean, if we were to think about it, it was like, yeah, that makes sense. I'd love to ask you just one more. Well, actually I got two more questions before we end today.

Rachel Lavin: 28:06

And.

Dai Manuel: 28:06

I always like to guess last words, so just a little plant in the seed there, get ready. But on the application, you talked about a book that I wasn't a hundred percent familiar with, but I've had it recommended to me and you made a note that this book really impacted your life, and so it's on my to read list now, especially when I saw it come through and I know that it's a book that's really made a positive impact in your life, and it's called the Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer. And can you tell us a little bit about why? Why that book and how did it impact you?

Rachel Lavin: 28:35

Well, I think that so many of us kind of believe our thoughts, right. So we have this constant chatter that goes on. Believe our thoughts, right? So we have this constant chatter that goes on all the time. And he calls it like your roomie, which.

Rachel Lavin: 28:51

I have read the book, but I also listened to the audio book. But this book is actually another very quick read, but it for me it was very powerful and I heard this from other people. It's just so interesting to be able to learn how to quiet your mind, because I think that constant chatter keeps people up at night, it keeps people from living or maybe going for their dreams. It makes you think that you have to be this certain thing. And if you can learn to understand my thought, it's just a thought. It's not who I am, it's not the I'll age myself, the soundtrack I have to listen to. It's just a thought I'm having. It can come and it can go, and I used to get so wrapped up into my head and all those things that it would literally kind of handicap me from doing anything else. So to be free of that or to at least know when it's happening, I can say, all right, calm down, it's just a thought. It's really kind of freeing it made me feel like I can do anything Wow.

Dai Manuel: 29:55

And it's evident with what you've been doing. So I think the person, the pudding as they say, and I can't wait to read the book because it's definitely on my reading list now and it's been interesting because every speaker I have on every guest has a different book. I haven't seen the same book recommended twice yet, which is just awesome. It's a great reminder of how much wisdom is out there for our fingertips to just grasp hold of, and I just think it's wonderful that you're able to share, especially Kate, that the power of quieting the mind. I know that that's something I struggle with Doesn't mean I don't try, but it's definitely challenging and I think we can all use a little bit more support with that. Thanks for the recommendation.

Dai Manuel: 30:33

I'd like to give last words to my guests and, don't worry, everybody In the show notes, as always, I have all of Rachel's amazing links, but I also have a link to her book. Definitely highly recommend that you check it out, get a copy. It's a super simple read but very impactful. Before we go today, rachel, is there anything you'd like to share with the audience For those people that might be just on the edge, they've loved everything that you've been sharing, but they're like that little voice is just like maybe not me, you know, maybe for other people, but maybe not me. And so please, the floor is yours.

Rachel Lavin: 31:04

Thank you. Well, I would love to leave your listeners with the promise of, if you take a risk and take a chance on yourself, that you can get through anything. You just have to want it, and I know that sounds so simple, but we are making things so hard. It's very simple to listen to our bodies. It's very simple to enjoy what we do. It's very simple to have good relationships. You just have to want it and you have to do the work to have the skills to do it. And if you're willing to do it, you can oh, I love it.

Dai Manuel: 31:44

I better give you a little bit of shivers and make you want to go out and do something right now. Maybe read the Donut Diaries. I don't know what will, but thank you for those insights and reminders. Specifically, you know, and I also appreciate that in your use of language you use the term simple, not easy, because there is a difference. You know we still have to take action. You know doing something to move that needle forward, and so thank you for all the great ideas today.

Dai Manuel: 32:10

I'm looking forward to covering my walls with sticky notes, positive affirmations, and watch. We'll see a spike in post-it note sales because of this interview. So, who knows, maybe 3M will reach out to your sponsorship, right? But, rachel, I'd love to have you back next season just to follow up on where the journeys are gone and how things have been. But in the meantime, for the audience because I know you're very active online what's your favorite social media channel? What's the best one for them to connect with you on, to just to start to get to know you and engage with you? Which is your favorite that you use?

Rachel Lavin: 32:40

I honestly love Instagram, but I'm on Facebook and Instagram. So, rachel Lavin, lifestyle and wellness Find me, let's talk, let's communicate, let's have fun together.

Dai Manuel: 32:53

I love sharing all kinds of things. Rachel, thank you again for being here today on the 2% Solution Podcast, so you have me back next season and, in the meantime, again thank you. Congratulations for you and everything that you're doing in the world.

Rachel Lavin: 33:05

Thank you so much, I appreciate you.

Dai Manuel: 33:11

All right.

Rachel Lavin: 33:12

Let me stop recording. How does music make you so?

Dai Manuel: 33:14

popular. I lived in Bali for two and a half years and I hung out with a lot of Australians and a lot of people actually from Hawaii, which is really interesting. There was a number of people because I was trying to learn how to surf while I lived there and inevitably you meet all these people and it's just, it's now stuck with me. You know that and this, this is very much a gesture that they use in Indonesia. When you meet somebody, it's like this acknowledgement that I see it's also Muslim and based but anyway. So there's these things that have just been hardwired in. I forget that.

Rachel Lavin: 33:40

I do it, you know, but yeah, I've lived in Maui for a year and a half, and so I mean All the time.

Dai Manuel: 33:48

And it's great, like I. You know it's like my virtual high five. So well, thank you. You know you're awesome and I just love your energy and just how you're leading by example. I'm excited to introduce Pikachu to your work and, you know, probably looking at about four to six weeks before this publishes but I will keep you abreast of when the date is I'm going to give you lots of socials that you can share, even audiograms, lots of cool stuff to make it easy for you and my way of saying thank you for being on the show. And, of course, if there's anything I can support you with in any of these future endeavors, please know that I'm here.

Rachel Lavin: 34:21

I'd love to Instagram right now. Are you under your name or under the 2%?

Dai Manuel: 34:29

Just my name. My name, I keep everything just that way. It's a lot easier and it's all part of what I do. So the 2% Solution Podcast is promoted to my personal account as well. Okay, perfect, I just followed you. I'll do that back and we'll stay in touch. Like I said, I'll be tagging all your accounts on the different platforms that I'm active on, and you know other than that. Please just keep me abreast. You got a new book coming out. You got new projects on the go. Let me know if I can be of any support. I appreciate that. Thank you. Well, I know, if I get down to Greenville, I know who I'm going to be looking up. Yes, sir, and if you get up to Vancouver, I'm expecting a call.

Rachel Lavin: 35:04

Okay, I don't have the plan at the moment. I know If you ever get up again just let me know. Okay, thanks, rachel.

Dai Manuel: 35:12

Have a great rest of your week.

Rachel Lavin: 35:13

Thank you, bye.

Dai Manuel: 35:19

Rachel's amazing Told you it was going to be an incredible conversation. And if there's one thing I'm taking away from today's convo, it's the power of loving ourselves, truly loving ourselves beyond the scales, beyond the sizes, well beyond the expectations. Rachel's journey from struggling with her body image to becoming a powerful advocate for self-love is inspiring and a call for action for all of us. Remember, as Rachel beautifully put it change starts with simple steps. It's not always easy, but it is possible, whether starting your day with positive affirmations, breaking free from diet culture or simply permitting yourself to love who you are right now, there's no better time to start than today.

Dai Manuel: 36:06

If Rachel's story resonated with you and I'm sure it did be sure to check out her book, the Donut Diaries, and connect with her on Instagram at Rachel Levine Wellness. I have linked to both of those in the show notes, along with a couple other resources mentioned in the episode. She's got so much more wisdom to share and, trust me, you'll want to keep up with her journey. Thank you for tuning into another 2% Solution podcast episode. Let's take what we've learned today and apply it, because small shifts can lead to big changes. And, as always, stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in the coming weeks and until next time, keep striving to just be 2% better daily. I'll see you next time.