In this episode, I'm talking about why so many attempts to change your relationship with food seem to fizzle out, even when you're motivated and genuinely want things to be different. Because constantly starting over doesn't mean you're lazy, uncommitted, or missing some magical piece of information. We're digging into the deeper reasons certain behaviors stick around, what they may actually be doing for you, and why curiosity is often far more helpful than criticism. This conversation goes beyond meal plans and motivation and gets ...
In this episode, I'm talking about why so many attempts to change your relationship with food seem to fizzle out, even when you're motivated and genuinely want things to be different. Because constantly starting over doesn't mean you're lazy, uncommitted, or missing some magical piece of information.
We're digging into the deeper reasons certain behaviors stick around, what they may actually be doing for you, and why curiosity is often far more helpful than criticism.
This conversation goes beyond meal plans and motivation and gets into the questions that most people never think to ask.
Quotes
"We don't lead with the question, what do we do about this? We lead with the question, what is this actually all about? It's the question that changes everything when someone is really willing to look at it, because the answer is usually not what you think it is."
"Most of us are so focused on fixing the behavior that we haven't stopped to ask what the behavior is doing."
"The reason change feels so hard isn't because you're weak; it's because something would have to be given up if you changed. Meaning, if the behavior is protective in some way, shape, or form, it's providing something for you."
"You don't need to know the answer yet. The key is starting to think about this and removing the blame that we're pointing at ourselves and starting to ask questions."
"Sometimes this isn't something that you can do alone, and that's where you might need a real person like a therapist or a dietician. Sometimes we need people who can see the patterns that we're too close to see."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I keep failing when I try to change my eating habits?
Repeatedly struggling with food does not necessarily mean you lack motivation or discipline. Many behaviors serve a purpose, and understanding what they are providing can help create lasting change.
Why do I sabotage myself around food?
What feels like self-sabotage is often a protective pattern. Behaviors around food may be helping you cope with emotions, stress, shame, or fear, even when those behaviors are no longer serving you well.
Why is giving up dieting so scary?
For many people, dieting feels tied to safety, control, belonging, or fear of weight gain. Letting go of those rules can bring up emotions and beliefs that deserve attention and support.
What does fear of weight gain really mean?
Fear of weight gain often goes beyond the number on the scale. It can be connected to shame, past experiences, fears of rejection, or beliefs about worth and acceptance.
Why do I feel stuck between wanting recovery and wanting to stay the same?
Feeling pulled in two directions is called ambivalence, and it is a normal part of recovery. Having conflicting feelings does not mean you're doing anything wrong.
Does structured eating help with disordered eating?
Structured eating provides consistency and helps create a foundation for healing. Many people benefit from eating regularly throughout the day rather than relying on hunger cues alone in the early stages of recovery.
Do I need a therapist or a dietitian for eating disorder recovery?
Support can be helpful when you're too close to your own patterns to see them clearly. A therapist or dietitian can help you understand what is driving your behaviors and provide practical tools for recovery.
Resources
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Episodes Mentioned:
-Episode 45. Basics of Intuitive Eating
-Episode 122. Ozempic, Wegovy, & Mounjaro with Laura Cipullo
-Episode 133. GLP with Dr. Kim Dennis
-Episode 160. Intuitive Eating Updates You Need to Know with Elyse Resch MS, RDN, CEDS-C, Fiaedp, FADA, FAND
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