225. The Surprising Link Between Diet Culture and Your Sex Life with Vanessa Marin

"If you treat your body poorly outside of the bedroom, it's not like you pass through the doorway into your bedroom and all of a sudden you're super tuned into your body and confident."

This week, we’re diving into a topic that’s often pushed into the shadows but deeply impacts our well-being: sex. I sat down with Vanessa Marin, a licensed sex therapist, to talk about how the cultural scripts we’ve grown up with shrink women, disconnect us from our bodies, and rob us of joy, in and out of the bedroom. Just like the food rules diet culture imposes, these messages around sex convince us we’re the problem when things don’t feel right, when in reality the system is broken, not us.

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed, awkward, or ashamed talking about sex (or avoided the conversation entirely), you’re not alone. Vanessa and I discuss how body image struggles show up in the bedroom, why pleasure is truly an act of rebellion, and simple, shame-free steps you can start taking to reconnect with your body and advocate for your own needs. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, there are actionable takeaways to help you create a more enjoyable and empowered sex life.

I know it can be hard to open up about these topics, but the more we have these conversations, the less alone we feel, and the more power we have to create real change. Just like becoming an intuitive eater or ditching diet culture, prioritizing your pleasure is about reclaiming your own narrative and choosing freedom.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why so many of us struggle to talk about sex, and why it’s NOT your fault
• How cultural scripts teach women to shrink, disconnect from their bodies, and put others’ needs first
• The surprising ways body image struggles show up in the bedroom
• How tuning into pleasure in small, everyday ways can heal your relationship with your body
• Five conversations to have with your partner that will transform your love life
• Why embracing pleasure is a true act of rebellion (and how collective sisterhood can make advocacy feel less overwhelming)

I hope this conversation sparks a little rebellion in you, wherever you are on your journey. Remember: there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, whether we’re talking about food, your body, or your sex life. Permission granted to claim your pleasure, advocate for your needs, and break free from shame. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and let’s keep spreading this message of empowerment.

Vanessa’s Resources:

• Website
• Instagram: @vanessaandxander
• TikTok
• Podcast
• Book and Card Deck

Come back next week for another episode and connect with me over on Instagram at @diet.culture.rebel.

Struggling with food, but not sure where to start?

You don’t have to feel 100% ready to get support. If you're tired of obsessing over food or feeling stuck in the diet cycle, my team of Registered Dietitians is here to help. We offer one-on-one nutrition counseling—and we accept insurance! Spots are limited, so head to https://dietculturerebel.com/insurance to see if we’re covered in your state and learn how to get started.