Are your eating habits driven by stress and restriction—or guided by safety, self-love, and true nourishment?

In this episode, Sherry talks about how our nervous system affects the way we eat and take care of ourselves. She explains the shift from Protection Mode (where we feel stressed or unsafe) to Safety Mode (where we feel calm and in control), and why that shift is so important for healthy habits.

Instead of using food and exercise as a form of punishment, Sherry encourages us to choose a mindset of kindness and self-love. This helps us build a better, more natural relationship with food and fitness.

She also shares how diet culture and past experiences can confuse our eating patterns, and why changing the way we think—from “I can’t eat that” to “I don’t need that”—can lead to long-term health and freedom around food.

Topic Covered:

Journey to Intuitive Eating and Fitness

The Impact of Diet Trends on Mental Health and Eating Habits

Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System's Role in Emotions

Understanding Weight Fluctuations and the Impact of Diet Culture

Embracing Intuitive Eating and Self-Compassion for Health

Addressing Emotional Eating Before Starting Intuitive Eating

Healing Your Relationship With Food Through Intuitive Eating

Redefining Fitness Goals for Aging and Personal Empowerment

Shifting From Can't to Don't for Identity Transformation

Embracing Fitness and Consistency Over Intensity for Success

If you've ever felt like food has power over you, I hope this conversation brings you comfort and inspiration. You’re not alone, and healing is possible.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right—eating well, exercising, pushing yourself—but your body just won’t let go of fat, there’s a reason.

Your nervous system is either in Protection Mode (fight-or-flight) or Safety Mode (rest-and-digest)—and fat release only happens in Safety Mode. But if your body feels unsafe? It clings to fat, slows metabolism, and even triggers binge eating and self-sabotage.

Think about it. You go through stress, and suddenly you’re reaching for food you swore you wouldn’t touch. You’re not weak—it’s biology. When your body is in survival mode, it’s wired to conserve energy and seek quick fuel. That’s why unwanted eating behaviors feel so out of control sometimes.

But here’s the kicker: fat loss isn’t just about burning calories—it’s about making your body feel safe enough to let go.

So the real question is—are you pushing your body into Protection Mode without even realizing it? Because if you are, no amount of dieting or exercise is going to override survival mode.

It’s time to stop fighting your body and start working with it.

So if you’re ready to Break Free from Emotional and Binge Eating, download my FREE eBook: Calm the Craving: 7 Steps to Break the Emotional and Binge Eating Battle.

In this guide, you'll learn how to regulate your nervous system to eliminate cravings, make peace with food, and allow the weight to naturally release itself.

Download your free copy here: www.sherryshaban.com/calm

You deserve to experience food freedom, I can’t wait to see you inside!

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