In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the power of language and its impact on our food choices. Have you ever said things like ‘I have no control around pizza,’ or ‘I can’t stop eating once I start’ – you’re not alone. 

We are talking all about how negative self-talk can lead to self-sabotage and what you can do to break free from this cycle. So, If you’re ready to break free from uncontrolled food habits and bingeing, this episode is a must-listen!

How Self-Talk Can Sabotage Your Relationship with Food (And What to Do About It!)

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “Once I start eating, I can’t stop!” or “If I have one cookie, the whole box is gone!”? Well, I’ve got news for you: the way you talk about yourself around food matters. Big time. Today, we’re diving into how those words can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and trust me, I get it because I’ve been there. I’m not here to lecture but to show you how even subtle, seemingly innocent phrases shape the way you think—and act—when it comes to food.

You see, when you say things like, “I have no control around chips,” you’re actually training your mind and body to believe it. Imagine standing in front of the fridge at midnight, shoveling shredded cheese or going spoon-first into a tub of ice cream until you hit the bottom. You’re frustrated, swearing to “start fresh tomorrow,” yet the cycle repeats. Sound familiar? That’s because you’re focusing on the last piece of the puzzle—the binge itself—without addressing what led up to it. So let’s rewind and dig into those patterns a bit.

The Power of Words: Setting Yourself Up for Success (or Failure)

Think of the way you talk about food as setting an intention. When we say, “I can’t stop at just one slice of pizza,” our actions often follow suit. Just like when one minor inconvenience in your day has you saying, “When it rains, it pours,” and suddenly everything goes wrong—because you set that tone! It’s the same with food. If you label yourself as someone who “can’t control themselves around cookies,” your body will follow through. So, why are you surprised when you end up exactly where you predicted?

Self-Sabotage in Disguise: Casual Jokes and Everyday Labels

We’ve all been there—out with friends, passing the bread basket, and jokingly saying, “Oh, if I have one slice, I’ll eat the whole thing.” We’re used to downplaying ourselves to bond with others, but in doing so, we unintentionally set ourselves up for those very actions. Our casual remarks solidify a narrative that becomes hard to break. These seemingly harmless jokes are more than words; they’re cues that reinforce our relationship with food in negative ways.

Breaking the Cycle: Check Your Labels

Take a second (or five minutes) today to reflect on the things you say about yourself. Do you catch yourself declaring that you have no self-control or joking about bingeing? Pay attention. Acknowledge these labels you’ve placed on yourself, and start recognizing how they affect your behavior.

Remember this: the way you label yourself determines how you act around food. If you keep labeling yourself as someone who “always eats the whole box” or “can’t control themselves,” it’s no wonder that’s the path you end up taking.

One Step at a Time: Learning to Change Your Self-Talk

This isn’t just about food. It’s a mindset that can impact every corner of your life. For example, my therapist once pointed out how I often say things like, “This is so dumb” or “I can’t believe I’m saying this.” Even though I wasn’t directly criticizing myself, I was still putting myself down—dismissing my feelings before they even had a chance to surface. Doing that, I realized, was a quick way to ignore emotions rather than face them. And, well, if I hadn’t learned to hold space for those feelings, guess what I’d be doing? Yep, reaching for food.

The good news? Learning to change your self-talk doesn’t just change your relationship with food; it can improve your entire life. I’ve had members say things like, “I’m more present with my kids,” or “I finally asked for that promotion.” When you stop undermining yourself, you open up a world of possibilities.

Takeaways: How to Shift Your Self-Talk Today

So here’s what I want you to do. Take a few minutes to think about the words you use to describe yourself—whether it’s about food, your career, your relationships, or anything else. Be honest with yourself. Ask if those labels are helping or hindering you. You’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make when you simply stop saying things that set you up for failure.

I hope this gave you some food for thought (pun intended!). Thanks for joining me for this quick, practical dive into self-talk and food freedom. Can’t wait to connect with you in the next episode!

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Are you ready to stop overeating and finally be in control around food? Watch my FREE training How to Stop Binge Eating (Without Cutting Out Your Favorite Foods) to learn how it’s possible!