Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

Why Bad Diets Feel So Good (the REWARD & Dopamine High of Diet Culture)

May 19, 2026·22 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode: The Honeymoon Phase of Dieting Why Restriction Feels Rewarding Rapid Weight Loss: Water vs Fat Metabolic Adaptation Explained Symptom Relief and Elimination Diets Why Dieting Creates a Sense of Control Rigid vs Flexible Restraint The Power of External Validation Why Most Diets Eventually Fail How to Break the Diet Cycle Building Sustainable Eating Habits The Hunger Crushing Combo Approach References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/014976349500033B https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3124340/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306452223000416 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277539521001217 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471015314000221 https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(19)30338-6/abstract https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10865-016-9717-y Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider. If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •✨ Reach Your Weight & Health Goals — Without Dieting! Pre-order The Hunger Crushing Combo Method, Abbey’s revolutionary additive approach to eating well. Learn how to boost satiety, stabilize blood sugars, reduce disease risk, and improve your relationship with food — all while getting the best nutrient bang for your caloric buck. With 400+ research citations, cheat sheets, evidence-based actionable tips, meal plans, and adaptable recipes, The Hunger Crushing Combo Method is the only nutrition bible you’ll ever need. 👉 Pre-order today! 🛒 Where to Purchase:AmazonBarnes & NobleAmazon KindleApple BooksGoogle PlayKoboApple Books (Audiobook)Audibleabbeyskitchen.com/hunger-crushing-combo• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •✉️ Subscribe to My Newsletters:Abbey’s Kitchen Newsletter 📘 Check out my FREE E-Books:Hunger Crushing Combo™ E-BookProtein 101 E-Book👋 Follow me!Instagram: @abbeyskitchenTikTok: @abbeyskitchenYouTube: @AbbeysKitchenBlog:

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