Welcome to another episode of the Inflamed in the Brain podcast! I’m Krissy, your host and friendly neighborhood dietitian. I hope you’re doing well and had a fantastic summer. After taking a mental health break to spend quality time with my family, I’m excited to be back. For now, we’ll be releasing episodes every other week, but rest assured, I’m here to provide you with valuable content to support your anti-inflammatory journey. Make sure you’re subscribed to my email list for tips, anti-inflammatory food recommendations, and recipes! Head over to betterwithcarbo.com/email to subscribe or click the link in the show notes.
Main Points Covered:
1. What Does Unconditional Permission to Eat Mean?
Unconditional permission to eat means allowing yourself to enjoy the foods you truly crave without guilt. If you want a cookie, eat the cookie! It’s about letting go of the concept of good and bad foods and eating without self-punishment. This approach can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and prevent the cycle of overeating and restriction.
2. How Does Unconditional Permission to Eat Lower Inflammation for Good?
Restricting foods can increase their allure and lead to overeating when given the chance. By allowing yourself to enjoy these foods in moderation, you can reduce the power they hold over you and avoid binge eating. For example, if you crave pizza, having it occasionally without guilt can prevent you from overindulging later. This strategy can help you manage inflammation more effectively by reducing the frequency of inflammatory food binges.
3. How to Implement Unconditional Permission to Eat:
Start by introducing the foods you’ve been restricting into your home. Allow yourself to eat these foods without any penance afterward. Over time, this reduces the urgency and intensity of your cravings, making it easier to enjoy these foods in moderation. Remember, the goal is to eat mindfully and enjoy your food without feeling controlled by it.
4. Addressing Fears of Unconditional Permission:
Some people worry that allowing themselves to eat restricted foods will lead to overconsumption. However, research shows that repeated exposure to the same food can reduce its appeal over time. This process, known as habituation, helps you become less interested in the food and decreases the likelihood of overeating.
5. Balancing Anti-Inflammatory Substitutes:
While giving yourself permission to eat what you crave, there’s no harm in experimenting with anti-inflammatory substitutes. If you love pizza but need to limit it for health reasons, find healthier alternatives or enjoy a slice of your favorite pizza when you truly want it. This balanced approach helps prevent feelings of deprivation and supports long-term success in managing inflammation.
Outro:
I hope you found this episode insightful! If you have any questions or need further support, connect with me on Instagram @betterwithcarbo. Share this episode with friends, leave a review, and subscribe to stay updated on our anti-inflammatory content. Don’t forget to visit betterwithcarbo.com/email to join my email list and receive ongoing support. Looking forward to chatting with you soon!
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