In this powerful episode, we tackle a question that resonates deeply for so many in recovery: "Why can’t I stay off sugar, even after a life-threatening diagnosis?"

We received a heartfelt listener question from someone who has been struggling with sugar addiction for years—even after a cancer diagnosis. This sparked a deep, honest conversation about the nature of addiction, why even fear or facts aren't always enough to inspire change, and how recovery takes more than just motivation—it takes connection, community, repetition, and reframing.

💬 In this episode, we cover:

🌱Why fear, force, and facts aren’t sustainable motivators for change

🌱How addiction hijacks the brain and overrides even our strongest survival instincts

🌱Why relapse is not a moral failing, but a symptom of a powerful brain-based disorder

🌱What to do when willpower alone isn’t cutting it

🌱How to expand your recovery toolkit to match the severity of the problem

🌱The importance of community and compassionate self-care in recovery

🌱What “ICU-level care” for food addiction might look like

✨ We explore the truth that addiction is not your fault, but recovery is your responsibility—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re binging every day or white-knuckling your way through abstinence, there is hope, and there are practical tools to help you build a sustainable, supported recovery.

📩 We want to hear from YOU!
Got a question for the Food Shrinks? Email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com

🙏 Support the Podcast:
We LOVE making this podcast for you—but creating free content isn’t free. Here’s how you can help us keep the mic on:

🌱Subscribe to the show

🌱Rate & Review—we love a 5-star, but you do you, boo

🌱Share this episode with friends, recovery groups, or anyone who needs to know they’re not alone

Big hugs. Big whoosh. You’ve got this—and we’re with you every step of the way.

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this episode:

Clarissa opens up about a deeply personal and challenging season in her life—navigating grief, fear, and emotional overwhelm as unexpected hardships pile up. From her puppy's serious health concerns to her mother’s cancer recurrence, Clarissa vulnerably shares what it’s like to face wave after wave of uncertainty.

The Food Shrinks dive into what happens when emotional pain feels relentless, and all the usual tools start to feel... not enough. Together, they explore:

💡How to manage emotional pain when it feels like you’re at capacity
💡The dance between disassociation and anger in response to trauma
💡The silent fears about relapse or returning to old coping mechanisms
💡De-shaming the fear of recurrence and reframing relapse prevention
💡The importance of community and connection when survival mode kicks in
💡How empathic individuals may be significantly impacted by global and personal uncertainty
💡Practical tools for staying grounded, even when the storm feels never-ending

Through candid conversation and dark humor (because, hey, sometimes we need it), the team navigates the murky waters of high-stress seasons and how to “put on your wetsuit” when life feels like an emotional downpour.

Takeaways:
✨ Why acceptance is sometimes more challenging than it sounds
✨ The power of community and skill-building during emotional overwhelm
✨ How loosening shame around relapse fears can actually create more resilience
✨ “Help me to want what I have” – the uncomfortable but powerful prayer for navigating tough times

🎧 Listen now for an honest, raw, and heart-opening conversation on what it means to be human, in recovery, and doing your best when life feels just too heavy.

💌 Listener Q&A is open!
Have a question for The Food Shrinks? Send it to AskTheShrinks@foodshrinks.com and you might hear it answered on a future episode!

💡 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast! Your clicks help keep this work going, and we appreciate you being part of this community. 🩷

📢 Follow Us:
📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks
📧 Email: AskTheShrinks@foodshrinks.com
🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this thought-provoking episode of Food Shrinks, we challenge the concept of self-sabotage and explore a radical reframe—what if it’s not sabotage at all, but an attempt at protection? Join us as we unpack the deeper, more compassionate understanding of behaviors that are often mislabeled as sabotage. Together, we discuss how our brains are wired for survival, not destruction, and how unmet needs, fear, and safety-seeking responses shape our actions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why we don’t believe in self-sabotage—and what we think is actually happening
✔️ The difference between intentional harm (true sabotage) and subconscious protective mechanisms
✔️ How labeling behaviors as “sabotage” can create shame and keep us stuck
✔️ The role of childhood survival mechanisms and nervous system responses in our habits
✔️ Why language matters—how the words we use can either empower us or hold us back
✔️ The impact of chaos, stability, and safety on our decision-making and emotional responses

Key Takeaways & Highlights:
💡 "Your brain is wired for survival, not sabotage." The behaviors we often call sabotage are usually our brain’s way of keeping us safe from discomfort, fear, or overwhelm.
💡 Labeling creates limitations. When we call ourselves “self-saboteurs,” we’re reinforcing a belief that we are our own worst enemy rather than recognizing our need for new coping skills.
💡 Self-compassion is key. Understanding our behaviors through a lens of protection rather than destruction allows for healing and real change.
💡 It’s not sabotage—it’s an unmet need. Instead of asking, “Why am I sabotaging myself?” try asking, “What need is going unmet, and how can I address it in a healthier way?”
💡 Language shapes reality. The words we use—whether “sabotage,” “lazy,” “manipulative,” or others—carry energy and impact how we see ourselves.

Listener Reflection Questions:
🔹 Have you ever labeled your own behaviors as self-sabotage? How did that label impact you?
🔹 What if your “sabotage” was actually your brain trying to protect you? How might that change your perspective?
🔹 What language do you use to describe your struggles? Does it help or hinder your growth?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you believe in self-sabotage, or do you resonate with this reframe? Email us at AskTheShrinks@FoodShrinks.com and let us know!

Support the Show!
If you loved this episode, help us keep Food Shrinks going!
✔️ Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear it.
✔️ Follow/subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
✔️ Rate & review us—it’s how we grow and stay alive in the podcast world!

Until next time, Food Shrinks—keep it real, keep it kind, and keep exploring! 🎙️🩷

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.