Cover and Interview for FEMEST magazine

***please note that this article was originally published by FEMEST here

Nourishing Body and Soul— Sophie Benbow’s Journey from Corporate Lawyer to Mindful Eating Coach

In this insightful interview, Sophie Benbow shares her inspiring journey from a corporate lawyer to a Mindful Eating Coach and Meditation Teacher. With a compassionate approach to health, wellness, and self-love, Sophie blends mindfulness, self-compassion, and holistic practices to help others heal their relationship with food and cultivate lasting inner peace.

Sophie, can you share a bit about your journey from being a corporate lawyer to becoming a Mindful Eating Coach and Meditation Teacher? What inspired this significant career change?

Absolutely, it’s been quite the journey! It all started in 2016 when I launched my website to share nourishing recipes with my mum back in the UK. Unexpectedly, one of my articles on meal prep was picked up by The Daily Mail, and within days, it went viral, leading to magazine features, radio interviews, and more.

This whirlwind experience made me realize the incredible reach and impact wellness content could have. That spark grew as I saw how people could transform through mindful eating, healthy recipe creation and meditation.

Moving from the corporate world to coaching felt like a big leap, but it was a natural evolution of my own journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.

What led you to focus specifically on mindful eating, self-love, and meditation within the health and wellness industry?

Mindful eating, self-love, and meditation are the core pillars of what I believe create true wellness. Over the years, I learned firsthand how much the mind-body connection influences our relationship with food and overall wellbeing.

I became passionate about teaching people how to tune in to their bodies and minds, to help them experience food as nourishment and not just fuel. These practices also help people shift their focus from restriction to genuine self-care.

How do you integrate your knowledge of personal training, Pilates, and plant-based cooking into your coaching approach?

I love weaving these elements into my coaching because they reinforce a holistic approach to health.

Personal training and Pilates bring body awareness, which is so valuable for mindful eating. They help people tune into their physical cues, a skill that translates well into how they relate to food.

Plant-based cooking ties it all together and is one of my passions, offering my clients a path toward healthier eating that’s sustainable and delicious. My kitchen really is my happy place! – it’s like therapy for me.

Could you explain the concept of mindful eating and why you believe it is crucial for individuals struggling with their relationship with food?

Mindful eating has two important aspects. First, it involves looking at life as a whole and identifying factors that could be impacting eating habits, like stress, home environment, finances, grief, and other life challenges.

Often, food issues are rooted in these areas, and addressing them is key to making lasting changes. The second aspect is the physical act of slowing down, being present with your food, and truly savouring each bite.

It’s learning to listen to hunger and fullness cues instead of being driven by emotions. For anyone with a complicated relationship with food, this approach can be incredibly freeing. Together, these elements help people develop a more balanced, compassionate relationship with food.

How has your personal experience with an eating disorder influenced your coaching philosophy and the services you offer?

My experience has been pivotal in shaping my approach. I know what it feels like to struggle with food and body image, and that empathy is at the heart of my coaching.

I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where my clients feel supported in their journeys. I prioritize self-compassion and aim to help clients reconnect with their bodies in ways that feel gentle and empowering.

You mentioned wanting to create a connected community for those dealing with food-related disorders and emotional eating. How do you plan to foster that sense of community?

Community is essential for support and healing. My goal is to create a space—both online and in person—where people can share their experiences openly.

Through group coaching, workshops, and online sessions, I’m aiming to foster a compassionate, understanding environment where individuals can build connections and feel less alone in their journeys.

What challenges did you face in your own journey, and how do those experiences shape the support you provide to your clients?

One of my biggest challenges was shifting from a mindset of perfectionism to one of self-compassion.

This shift was life-changing for me, and it’s something I emphasize with my clients. I encourage them to let go of unrealistic expectations and to celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

My journey taught me resilience, patience, and acceptance—qualities I aim to pass on to my clients.

Can you elaborate on what holistic health means to you and how it influences your coaching practices?

Holistic health means approaching wellness from all angles—mind, body, and spirit. In my coaching, this means going beyond just food and exercise.

I bring in elements like mindfulness, stress management, and self-love to help my clients feel balanced. This way, they’re not only healthier physically but also emotionally and mentally.

How do you incorporate self-love into your coaching sessions, and why do you think it’s an essential aspect of healing?

Self-love is the foundation of true healing. In sessions, we explore practices that cultivate self-acceptance, like positive affirmations, journaling, and gentle goal-setting.

I believe that when clients learn to be kind to themselves, they feel more motivated to make choices that support their well-being rather than working against it.

As you’ve turned 40, what does this milestone mean for you in terms of your personal and professional life?

Turning 40 has been a time for reflection and intention-setting. It feels like an exciting new chapter to deepen my impact and fully embrace my calling.

Personally, it’s a time to focus on what brings me joy and fulfillment, and professionally, it’s all about continuing to grow my business, support my clients, and expand my community.

What can we expect from your upcoming online workshops and the group coaching program in 2025 focused on emotional eating?

The 2025 program will be all about giving people tools for healing their relationship with food in a supportive, engaging environment.

The workshops will dive into practical topics like stress management, mindful meal planning, and body positivity, all aimed at fostering a kinder relationship with food.

The group coaching will create a close-knit community, where clients can learn and grow together.

What advice would you give to women looking to improve their relationship with food and cultivate a more nourishing lifestyle?

Be kind to yourself and start with small steps. Healing your relationship with food is a journey, not a quick fix.

Focus on self-compassion, and aim to eat with intention, honoring your body’s needs. Embrace the journey, and remember that you’re worthy of a life filled with joy, nourishment, and love.

As Sophie Benbow continues to inspire and empower women through her transformative approach to wellness, she encourages us to embrace a journey of self-compassion and mindful living. Through her work, she is helping others break free from the chains of perfectionism and rediscover the joy in nourishing both body and soul.

Tune into Sophie Benbow’s podcast, “The Seeds You Water,” as she takes you on a meditation journey through the seeds you plant in your everyday life. Through guided meditation and mindfulness sessions, she will inspire you to slow down, reflect, and bloom into your best self.”