Ep 170: These Nervous System Regulators Can Change Your Relationship With Food with Sherry Shaban | Diet Culture | Nervous System | Fight or Flight | Women’s Health | Hormone Imbalance | Hunger & Hormones

Are you dealing with thyroid symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression, and still feeling out of control around food? How does nervous system regulation affect cravings, cortisol, insulin, sleep, and hormones, especially if you’re in fight or flight mode around dieting and exercising? This week on the She Talks Health podcast, I sat down with Sherry Shaban from Make Peace With Food to talk to you about why having “all the knowledge” around diet and exercise still doesn’t create sustainable results if your nervous system is stuck in protection mode. Sherry shared how her obsession with finding the “right” way to eat led her through every diet fad imaginable — low-fat, calorie-counting, Atkins, paleo, macros counting, keto, and even veganism — until the constant rule changes resulted in stress, secrecy, and binge eating issues.We talked about the nervous system as the “software” running the body, and how our thoughts can control so much of how we feel and react to things that happen to us. Sherry also called out how the phrase “nervous system regulation” has become overused in our industry, so regulation can become another form of perfectionism or avoidance if we’re trying to erase uncomfortable emotions instead of learning to sit with them. Sherry also broke down how chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated beyond its normal rhythm, and why that can drive cravings for refined carbs and salty/sugary foods. The real rollercoaster often comes from insulin spikes and drops, creating more cravings, and this cascade can disrupt sleep and dysregulate hunger and fullness hormones. We close things out talking about why the most disciplined, “go-getter” women often struggle the most. Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overachievement as trauma responses, and even dopamine rewards, can reinforce the cycle of bad habits. Sherry emphasized that less is more, rather than obsessing over calories and macros. If we can get out of a perfectionist headspace and take small steps toward healthier habits, we can get sustainable results that still give us the reinforcement we need to keep going. Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.In This Episode: [3:02] How trauma shaped Sherry’s health journey[5:10] The slippery slope into disordered eating from diet confusion[7:52] Why knowing what to eat isn’t enough for weight loss[10:27] How the nervous system affects our diet and health[14:03] Nervous system regulation explained[16:50] Disordered eating habits are fear-driven[18:40] Common eating patterns in clients[24:02] The hormonal connection between cortisol, cravings, and belly fat[28:22] How to reset your metabolism and hunger cues[31:58] Why perfectionists often struggle the most[36:52] Sometimes doing less is more productive[40:05] Thinking about your relationship with food in terms of hormones, not caloriesFind more from Sherry online:Website: https://sherryshaban.com/Instagram: @makepeacewithfoodofficialThe Hormone Reset Guide: https://sherryshaban.com/hormoneresetPodcast: https://makepeacewithfood.com/podcast/Connect with Sophie: Instagram: @shetalkshealthWebsite: shetalkshealth.comApply to work with us: <a href="http://www.shetalkshea