Stronger Standards

Why food feels like comfort (and what you really need)


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If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for food—not out of hunger, but because you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or just need something—this episode is for you.


I'm walking you through what’s really happening in your brain and body when emotional eating shows up, and why it actually makes sense. More importantly, I’ll share what you can do instead - without shame, rules, or willpower.


Here’s what wecover:

  • Why comfort eating isn’t a failure—it’s a learned strategy your nervous system has relied on
  • The difference between safety and safeness, and how that shows up in daily life
  • How your brain learns to associate food with relief (and why that pattern repeats)
  • The role of your soothing system and how to start activating it on purpose
  • Why food brings short-term comfort but doesn’t meet your deeper needs
  • A weekly experiment to help you build other sources of comfort that actually work


This isn’t about replacing food with a walk or drinking water and hoping the urge passes.

It’s about understanding your emotions and building real tools to care for yourself - so food becomes a choice, not your only option.

More Resources:

  • Grab the free mini-course: Emotion Systems Audit – Download here
  • Connect with Shannon on Instagram: @coachshannonbeer
  • Learn more about compassion coaching: get the details here
  • Join Body Image Fundamentals: learn more here
...more
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Stronger StandardsBy Shannon Beer