🧠 Therapist Explains the Key Psychological Barriers to Changing the Way You Eat

PSYCHOLOGICAL BLOCKS TO CHANGING THE WAY YOU EAT
#eatingpsychology #overeating #emotionaleating
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If you're struggling to change your eating behavior, this video is for you. Instead of solely focusing on the behavior you want to change, let's explore the underlying belief systems and feelings influencing your choices. I've identified five psychological blocks that might be hindering your progress.
1. Anticipation and Expectations: Anticipating and expecting certain eating behaviors can affect the hunger hormone ghrelin. Studies show that what you think you've consumed can impact ghrelin levels, regardless of actual calorie intake. Anticipating restriction might trigger overeating even before you start, creating a psychological block.
2. The Desperation Effect: Desperation doesn't necessarily equal motivation. When we're desperate for change, the fear of not getting what we want can paradoxically make the desired outcome less likely. This is a crucial concept, especially for those who believe their lack of change is due to not wanting it enough.
3. Inner Conflict: People can be divided into rational behaviorists and emotional overthinkers. While rational behaviorists can easily change behavior based on information, emotional overthinkers may experience inner conflict. Listening to and acknowledging different parts of yourself is crucial for finding a sustainable compromise.
4. Inability to Be with Ourselves: Constant distraction in today's world can prevent us from being in our own minds. Creating space for self-reflection and accepting your thoughts is essential for making lasting changes to behavior. The inability to be with oneself often leads to using food as a distraction, emphasizing the importance of developing the skill of being comfortable in your own mind.
5. The Perpetual State of Distraction: Blaise Pascal's quote from 1654 still holds true-humanity's problems stem from the inability to sit quietly in a room alone. In an age of constant distraction, carving out time to be in your own mind becomes a valuable skill. Comfort with solitude can reduce the urge to use food as an escape.
Addressing these psychological blocks requires time and support. While behavior change is tempting for its immediacy, focusing on the mind and emotions is crucial for long-term success. Join my podcast community or consider attending live events for additional support in your journey.
Remember, changing your mindset is a gradual process, so be patient with yourself.

Пікірлер: 59

  • @Sarah-with-an-H
    @Sarah-with-an-H5 ай бұрын

    I looked at the root of why I developed binge eating disorder. It's intimately connected to my mother. Every single time she talked about my relationship with food or tried to control how I was eating like with being forced to interact at family gatherings and the people in my family that traumatized me. I turned to food so I didn't have to interact. She tried to control me and treated me like I was the problem when I was the victim of abuse. Every holiday was filled to disapproving glares in my direction from her.when food was my only source of comfort the mom looks of disapproval made me want to turn even more to food because it was my only comfort. I recognize that's the connection so I have had to set boundaries and asked her to not talk to me about my body how it looks in clothes and if I'm looking like I'm slimming down or fattening up. For the most part she obliged even though she took the boundary I need to be a personal attack on her. I recognize she's a narcissist because she recently confessed she has no sense of self and that means she feels a need to inform me about my body in spite of me being in this body every single moment of my life. She wants to take claim for being responsible for me getting a grip on this and she doesn't give a damn if it's accomplished in a healthy or disordered way. That reprieve of a couple months of her respecting my boundaries took the pressure off and I naturally just didn't binge as frequently. Knowing this is a source of emotional eating is a game changer. I still need to have agency over myself, but this really helps in reaching my goal of having a healthy not disordered relationship with food

  • @genevagem2671

    @genevagem2671

    5 ай бұрын

    I too think my disordered eating started in my teenage years around the holidays. I felt a change in how I was treated from being a younger child to a teenager that did not know how to cook the items being shared. I felt I had little value in what I had to share for conversation or a delicious dish that everyone would praise. The easiest thing to do was just eat and then I realized how awful I felt and my rebellion was to purge to feel like I had that outlet to do something bad. I have not purged in over 20 years but I still feel a certain way about if sharing a meal people are looking at my plate even though they probably aren't maybe just my mom. I still secret rat alone at home since I live in my own now. Listening to Sarah about talking to the rebellion in a constructive manner resonates well with me. I think it's sad so many mothers think they are helping daughters by encouraging a certain size.

  • @Oldbroad1
    @Oldbroad15 ай бұрын

    Once again, Sarah, you deliver powerful and thoughtful insights! Thank you for all your help.Your words are making a positive change in me, and I appreciate you very much! ❤

  • @melaniej.roberts206
    @melaniej.roberts2064 ай бұрын

    Wow. This is eye opening and really hits. I’m so grateful to have found your channel. Bless you for your wisdom and for sharing this.

  • @ThisIsJessPaul
    @ThisIsJessPaul2 ай бұрын

    This was so enlightening. I absolutely related to number three, inner conflict. I'm a pretty headstrong person who also wants to make healthy changes, so my brain both criticizes myself and then defends itself against the criticism at the same time. I find myself going on small binges almost in defiance and rebellion of that self critical voice by shutting off my brain and going for it. Then, of course, I regret it after. It's like if I order the "bad for me" food, I'm making myself weaker for depriving myself or letting that critic win. But they're the same person!

  • @paulinatracz3002
    @paulinatracz30023 ай бұрын

    Sarah, this makes so much sense now! I started binge eating 7 years ago and last year I started having major digestive issues - after months of experimenting, I found a way of eating I absolutely loved - my body felt great, I had amazing energy, mental clarity, focus and I was genuinely happy (before I had so much anxiety and felt depressed the majority of the time) and I stopped binge eating completely!!!! However after 3 months of following this new way of eating (animal based with inclusion of all meats, dairy, all fruit - sweet and non sweet, honey, sweet potatoes and sometimes regular potatoes) I started feeling lack of freedom, because my fiancé implied that it was a restrictive way of eating and it was hard to go out to eat with me. I am a creature of habit so eating similar foods day to day isn’t a problem for me - I see it as making life easier and since I am switching up the way I prepare my meals and rotate different options, I don’t feel bored of my diet. But when he said I’m being restrictive (I didn’t think I was, I simply wanted to FEEL good and that way of eating made me feel incredible) all of a sudden I started wanting to introduce more variety and the second I did, my binge eating came back… Now I see that I CAN eat in a way I want to and in a way that makes me feel my best, but it is also okay to have a little more flexibility when I’m with my fiancé (2 dinners a week) - a good balance - a compromise instead of the inner conflict. Thank you ❤😊

  • @ericaraymond234
    @ericaraymond2345 ай бұрын

    Sarah, you are a beautiful person. Thanks for what you do.

  • @ljgay
    @ljgay5 ай бұрын

    Thank you Sarah for sharing this. You’ve been with me in the binge eating recovery journey since the beginning - I got diagnosed by the doctor, referrals to work with a dietician, the doctor and my psychologist. And I’m making progress. I never thought I could ever have that mental freedom around food. A long way off still. But so far nothings worked and this has. Thank you! If I were in the UK I’d come to listen. But I’m in Sydney Australia - if you’re ever here, I’ll be there!

  • @zumbathon81
    @zumbathon814 ай бұрын

    Apart from the Rational Behaviour I tick every box here! I have always looked at food for comfort, but so desperately want to change, but am scared of failure, but guess what... I fail every time!! Everything makes so much sense! I'm going to work on this after watching your video, Thank you soooo much!! XXX

  • @roguestrength01
    @roguestrength015 ай бұрын

    So good!!! 💯💯 So much of what you say resonates with me insanely! I come from a bodybuilding background 🙄 and the idea of a cheat meal/ cheat day/ refeed totally messed me up! You totally hit the nail on the head with the ‘last supper’ way of thinking! All control was lost and the flood gates were opened as soon as I knew that tomorrow I was ‘back on plan’ .. Created so much chaos with my eating. You, Steph and all your content is an absolute Godsend! 💛🙏 thank you

  • @jenhasken
    @jenhasken3 ай бұрын

    The Last Supper Eating is basically my eating disorder.

  • @Tia-vj9ox
    @Tia-vj9ox4 ай бұрын

    Thank you , Sarah! I have come back to your vids for support as I try to become more healthy. Yes I want to lose weight but more importantly is that I need to get a grip on the bingeing. I am almost 69 and I have been struggling with food stuff my entire adult life. I am searching for peace.❤

  • @lizzyboo31
    @lizzyboo315 ай бұрын

    Every single week! This and your podcast with stef, somehow hits a punch to the binge eater in me every time. Of all the books, podcasts and social media people I've followed and read over the years, yours over the last three have always resonated so much! Thank you! Xx

  • @AnaK-kx4lr

    @AnaK-kx4lr

    4 ай бұрын

    Agree!

  • @waywrdsun
    @waywrdsun4 ай бұрын

    Wow. This is the channel I didn't know I was looking for. I'm a psychotherapist, myself, and I have struggled with binge eating on and off for decades. I've never heard anyone else so accurately verbalize what I experience internally around eating every day. Also, I appreciate that you're not coming from a strictly behavioral approach. I can't wait to dig into your channel. Thanks for being here!

  • @miyu-miyu9771
    @miyu-miyu97715 ай бұрын

    Hello Sarah! I just recently stumbled to your video after watching lots of videos that will help me lose weight. I'm 33 years old female and I have been the butt of the jokes of the guys because of my weight. I'm not pretty too. Your points resonated with me because I came to a point of desperation of wanting to be acknowledged and be called pretty once in my whole life which is why I was googling nonstop for weight loss videos. When I listened to you, I felt like I had a friend who finally understood my inner self even if I am not yet conscious of it. I'm trying to fasting, out of desperation to lose weight fast and see the results. To be acknowledged. But hearing your points really opened my mind. Thank you so much. Love, from the Philippines. ❤❤❤

  • @conniethornbury9464
    @conniethornbury946414 күн бұрын

    These concepts are applicable to so many aspects of life. Thank you! ❤

  • @AB-dj2nb
    @AB-dj2nb5 ай бұрын

    You are literally saving my sanity around food.

  • @mayerselena3246
    @mayerselena32465 ай бұрын

    Always happy when I see you posted! Thank you so much!

  • @juliemoore6957
    @juliemoore69575 ай бұрын

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  • @ADHDpancakesurprise
    @ADHDpancakesurprise4 ай бұрын

    I went to therapy for 12 years to heal my binge eating. While I no longer binge and I'm much smaller I still occasionally feel out of control around food. Your channel is great. I'm glad I found it. Thanks for sharing this info.

  • @hopeleclaire1354
    @hopeleclaire13545 ай бұрын

    Thank you SO much for all that share ❣️I totally resonate with and appreciate your direct and compassionate approach ❣️💎

  • @jurgitavozgirdaite1409
    @jurgitavozgirdaite14095 ай бұрын

    As always you are brilliant!

  • @amandastarshine89
    @amandastarshine895 ай бұрын

    I do allllllllll these things 🫣 I’m driving myself absolutely crazy being so stuck with it all, unable to follow through with any intention I set out - however reasonable or unreasonable 😅 I look forward to watching more videos and trying my best to apply the advice ☺️

  • @user-dw6vd1sg5z
    @user-dw6vd1sg5z4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so so much for making these videos and sharing this information! it has truly helped so much in just a few days of finding you.

  • @debbomstad9800
    @debbomstad98004 ай бұрын

    This resonates with me on so many points. Thank you!

  • @sfree322
    @sfree3225 ай бұрын

    I really heard a lot about myself in this video, some I was already aware of and some very new ideas. Thank you for this food for thought!

  • @koyebrown9293
    @koyebrown92934 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for this thoughtful insight! 🙏 You have given me so much to think about and begin to apply. I’ll definitely be rewatching this a few times!

  • @vanessageiger4914
    @vanessageiger49144 ай бұрын

    Sarah, I thank you sooo much for your help❤. Big hug from Switzerland

  • @kelly-ux8zy
    @kelly-ux8zy4 ай бұрын

    This video is your best one I've watched so far, thank u so much for the content you are putting out ❤

  • @alaween8000
    @alaween80004 ай бұрын

    This is incredible...thank you!

  • @bronwynlangfeldt1078
    @bronwynlangfeldt10784 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much....your page is just so helpful...it all makes sense😊

  • @user-wr3cv6xs7t
    @user-wr3cv6xs7t4 ай бұрын

    Spot on info!

  • @jojodaisy4
    @jojodaisy45 ай бұрын

    WOW very helpful and thought provoking info! THANKYOU

  • @karencooney5377
    @karencooney53775 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for this video. I could relate to all of it. This information is very helpful. Thank you!

  • @victoriaburgess700
    @victoriaburgess7004 ай бұрын

    Bravo! I’m an intuitive eating dietitian. You’re so right! Glad I found you ❤

  • @user-gs3ms3og8s
    @user-gs3ms3og8s5 ай бұрын

    Such great advice❤

  • @ryarya3291
    @ryarya32915 ай бұрын

    soooo true!!!

  • @janeosborne165
    @janeosborne1654 ай бұрын

    Talk about synchronicity: my computer desktop rotates daily through some of my motivational quotes and today's was Jung's quote about fate. My mouth fell open when I heard you say it💙

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    4 ай бұрын

    And Jung was all about synchronicity too!

  • @TheCelestialhealer
    @TheCelestialhealer5 ай бұрын

    Brilliant🎉

  • @andromeda0448
    @andromeda04485 ай бұрын

    Very interesting and helpful, thank you. On block number 1 there is an interesting book by David Robson: The expectation effect, he also cites some new studies on food and weight loss, I found that really fascinating.

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll look into this 🙂

  • @MsCatfish4
    @MsCatfish45 ай бұрын

    Would be so nice to not have my thoughts immediately be taken over with cravings too strong to cope with as soon as I finish work and buying out the whole shop on the way home, and definitely would be so nice to stop binging when I’m not even hungry and don’t even WANT food, just because I know I can cuz I’m not in restriction… which eventually always makes me go back into restriction cuz I’m so ashamed of my weight gain… which I eventually lose control of and the cycle continues.

  • @TeriHargraveartist
    @TeriHargraveartist5 ай бұрын

    Great information, and let's just take a moment to appreciate your nails....👏

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    5 ай бұрын

    💅🏼 😍

  • @kathylotter1966
    @kathylotter19665 ай бұрын

    This was fantastic are your podcast on spotify? If they are what is your channel called? Thank you

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    5 ай бұрын

    Yes it is! It’s called Life After Diets 😍

  • @evadebruijn
    @evadebruijn5 ай бұрын

    ❤️🙏

  • @noonmanji2086
    @noonmanji20865 ай бұрын

    Sarah- The meeting in Bournemouth, u put Thursday 24th Mary (Do u mean May?) and 24th is a Friday. Is it Friday 24th May u r referring to? Bournemouth is 2hrs away from my house, I’m hoping if I can I would like to attend if I can take time off work 😂 Also the meeting in Brighton u put Monday 21st May-But Monday is 20th May, do you mean this or Tuesday 21st May? P.S I love yr videos- it’s helping me understand myself more. I pray I will one day overcome my Binge eating. 🙏

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    5 ай бұрын

    Oops. Thank you!! That was a slip, which I have corrected now. It's supposed to be Monday 20th and Thursday 23rd. It would be great to meet you in Bournemouth!

  • @georgheinrich5224
    @georgheinrich52244 ай бұрын

    What irony to record this in a kitchen! 😆

  • @chloe10161
    @chloe101615 ай бұрын

    great video, thank you. xxx

  • @priusa8113
    @priusa81135 ай бұрын

    How much do u charge for online sessions please if they r available

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    4 ай бұрын

    I don't have any spaces for 1-2-1s but there are currently a couple of spaces in my groups: thebingeeatingtherapist.com/group-therapy/

  • @catherinebiermann7940
    @catherinebiermann79405 ай бұрын

    I thought when your grelin levels you felt hungry, not the other way around….

  • @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    @TheBingeEatingTherapist

    5 ай бұрын

    You thought when ghrelin levels were ? you felt hungry? I think you maybe missed a word in your comment. Rising ghrelin levels trigger appetite and drive us to eat and also anticipating you are about to eat raises ghrelin levels. Sometimes ghrelin comes first (depending on circadian rhythm and hunger levels) and sometimes anticipation comes first triggering the production of ghrelin. It's basically from the stomach and gut in preparation for food. Did that answer your query?

  • @katestephens4258
    @katestephens42585 ай бұрын

    I just love your videos, thank you so much. 🙏🩷🙏