In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab unpack the obsession with “Day One” in recovery. Why do so many of us cling to Mondays, fresh starts, and counting days—only to feel devastated when we “slip”? The shrinks share their personal stories, professional perspectives, and hard-won insights on why chasing Day One can become its own addictive cycle.

They explore: • Why we get stuck in “starting over” mode • The hidden comfort (and dopamine hit) of planning a restart • How perfectionism and diet culture feed the Day One trap • Finding motivation beyond counting days • Shifting from dogma to data: measuring recovery in more meaningful ways

Through humor, honesty, and real talk, this conversation reframes relapse, accountability, and motivation in a way that frees you from shame and helps you keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways • Counting days isn’t the only measure of recovery. Progress can also be found in mood, clarity, relationships, and consistency. • Day One can become addictive. Starting over offers a false sense of safety and dopamine, but it doesn’t build lasting self-esteem. • Recovery is messy. Perfection isn’t the goal—showing up and continuing forward is. • Dogma vs. data. Instead of rigid rules, ask: What’s working for me? What does my lived experience show?

Call to Action Do you have a question you’d like the Shrinks to tackle? Email us at [email protected].

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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.