Episode 43: Why Dieting Broke Your Hunger Cues—Reconnecting with Intuitive Eating

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcast | YouTube | iHeart Radio | Listen Notes

Did you know dieting can actually disconnect you from your body’s natural hunger signals?

In this episode, I’m opening up about my personal journey with dieting—and how the constant noise of diet culture led me down a path of confusion, emotional eating, and disconnection from my body.

We live in a world where we’re told what to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat… and yet, so many of us feel more lost than ever. I share how these mixed messages impacted my relationship with food—and how I eventually found my way back to intuitive eating and self-trust.

I’ll break down how dieting messes with our instincts, why it triggers stress and binge eating, and how you can start healing by tuning back in to your body.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still feel stuck, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with powerful mindset shifts and practical steps to rebuild a healthy, lasting relationship with food—without the guilt, shame, or rigid rules.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to Dieting and Intuitive Eating
  • Natural Body Signals and Childhood Eating
  • Impact of Societal Influence on Eating Habits
  • Confusion and Rules Around Dieting
  • Emotional Triggers and Eating Behaviors
  • Personal Struggles with Dieting and Binge Eating
  • Addressing Emotional Triggers as the Solution

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right—eating well, exercising, pushing yourself—but your body just won’t let go of fat, there’s a reason.

Your nervous system is either in Protection Mode (fight-or-flight) or Safety Mode (rest-and-digest)—and fat release only happens in Safety Mode. But if your body feels unsafe? It clings to fat, slows metabolism, and even triggers binge eating and self-sabotage.

Think about it. You go through stress, and suddenly you’re reaching for food you swore you wouldn’t touch. You’re not weak—it’s biology. When your body is in survival mode, it’s wired to conserve energy and seek quick fuel. That’s why unwanted eating behaviors feel so out of control sometimes.

But here’s the kicker: fat loss isn’t just about burning calories—it’s about making your body feel safe enough to let go.

So the real question is—are you pushing your body into Protection Mode without even realizing it? Because if you are, no amount of dieting or exercise is going to override survival mode.

It’s time to stop fighting your body and start working with it.

So if you’re ready to Break Free from Emotional and Binge Eating, download my FREE eBook: Calm the Craving: 7 Steps to Break the Emotional and Binge Eating Battle.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to regulate your nervous system to eliminate cravings, make peace with food, and allow the weight to naturally release itself.

Download your free copy here: ⁠www.sherryshaban.com/calm⁠

You deserve to experience food freedom, I can’t wait to see you inside!