In this candid and deeply personal episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab—dive into the challenging topic of self-abandonment, appeasement, and the consequences of chasing quick fixes. From past experiences with expensive treatment programs to navigating shame and self-doubt, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone struggling to hold on to themselves in moments of uncertainty. The hosts share their missteps, lessons learned, and actionable strategies to help listeners recognize and reclaim their power.

Key Takeaways:

The Cost of Quick Fixes:

🏔️Clarissa reflects on her experience with an overpriced treatment center that promised transformation but delivered minimal value. She highlights the allure of "glitzy solutions" and how they often lead to disappointment.

🏔️Molly Painschab and Molly Carmel share similar stories of misplaced trust in expensive programs, shedding light on the sunk-cost fallacy and the dangers of magical thinking.

SUNK-COST FALLACY: the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial.

Self-Abandonment in the Name of Appeasement:

🏔️The concept of appeasement, or people-pleasing, is explored as a survival mechanism that often leads to self-abandonment.

🏔️The hosts emphasize the importance of identifying and challenging the behaviors that lead to prioritizing others' expectations over personal truth.

The Power of Connection:

🏔️Shame thrives in secrecy. Sharing struggles with trusted individuals can break the cycle of self-doubt and isolation.

🏔️Building a "power circle" of supportive and honest people is essential for navigating challenging situations.

Lessons Learned:

🏔️Trust your intuition. Don't ignore the red flags if a program, relationship, or commitment feels wrong.

🏔️Always evaluate decisions transparently—if you can't explain or defend your choices to a trusted person, reconsider them.

🏔️Remember that true growth and healing come from consistent self-care and inner work, not quick fixes.

Practical Advice:

🏔️Talk to trusted people before committing to significant decisions.

🏔️Don’t let shame silence you. Even a simple text like “I’m not okay” can open the door to support.

🏔️Reclaim your narrative by acknowledging your truth, even in the face of fear or judgment.

Call to Action:

We’d love to hear from you! Please share your experiences, questions, and thoughts with us at [email protected]. Your stories inspire us and our listeners.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends and loved ones. Together, we can support each other in navigating the complexities of food, life, and recovery.

Join us next week for another honest, empowering conversation!

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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.