In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab sit down to unpack what it really takes to live—and thrive—in recovery while on the move. From European conferences to beach vacations, cross-country trips, and jam-packed social calendars, the Shrinks share how they balance life on the road with staying grounded in their recovery.

What We Talk About • Recovery on the road: Why prioritizing recovery has to come first when routines and environments shift. • Yellow light behaviors: How subtle slips (like bites, licks, and tastes) can creep in while traveling—and what to do about it. • Food flexibility: The challenges of different food cultures, time zones, and access, and how to adapt without abandoning your plan. • Practical tools: From stocking Airbnbs with groceries, packing Tupperware, and bringing along a fan for sleep, to scheduling meetings and workouts strategically. • Emotional honesty: Jet lag, depression, comparison, and the courage it takes to honor vulnerability instead of pushing through. • Takeaways: Why self-care, boundaries, and compassion matter as much as meal planning and meetings.

Key Insights • Recovery is the priority—if it slips, everything else does too. • Flexibility grows with time: What feels unsafe in early recovery may become manageable years later. • Comparison kills: Everyone’s recovery looks different—what matters is meeting your own needs, not matching someone else’s. • Future-you needs present-you’s support: From meal prep to scheduling downtime, small acts of foresight pay off big.

Travel can be a gift of recovery—but only if you protect it. Tune in for candid stories, practical hacks, and heartfelt reflections on making recovery work wherever life takes you.

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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. Transcript