Stop Skipping Meals—Here’s Why It’s Hurting You

“The more that you are noticing there's that negative self talk going on, you're in protection mode. If that negative self talk is not there, you're in safety mode.” - Sherry ShabanHave you ever found yourself skipping meals as a way to "make up" for overindulging? I’ve been there too. For years, I thought intermittent fasting and strict dieting were the answers—until I realized they were keeping me stuck in a cycle of self-sabotage. In this episode, I open up about my struggles with food, body image, and the nervous system’s powerful role in shaping our eating habits.I will share the common patterns we fall into—like being “good” all week only to binge on the weekend—and reveal why restriction always backfires. The truth? Lasting change isn’t about more control or willpower. It starts with understanding your nervous system and breaking free from the protection mode that keeps you trapped.I’ll walk you through the third step in my seven-step approach to shifting from self-judgment and restriction to self-compassion and nourishment. We’re letting go of the obsession with the scale and embracing the natural fluctuations of our bodies. If you’re tired of the guilt, the shame, and the endless cycle of dieting, this episode is for you.Topics Covered:0:02 Overcoming Binge Eating and Emotional Eating Cycles4:26 Understanding Weight Fluctuations and the Myth of a Fixed Number5:25 Overcoming Weight Obsession by Understanding Nervous System Triggers11:51 Triggering Thought Patterns Through Sensory Experiences14:04 Shifting From Protection Mode to Safety Mode for Weight LossIf 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.That’s what I teach inside my 9-Day Rapid Release Masterclass starting March 17. REGISTER HERE: https://www.sherryshaban.com/rapidreleaseYour transformation starts now—let’s do this together!Download FREE E-Book: https://bit.ly/calm-the-cravingsJoin my Facebook CommunitySubscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode! Spotify, iTunes, YouTubeShare your biggest takeaway and tag me on social media @makepeacewithfoodWant to go deeper? Visit https://www.makepeacewithfood.com to learn more!Join me for the Transformation in Paradise Empyrean Retreat in Costa Rica May 24-31, 2025. This will be the most transformative week of your life at the breathtaking Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Intrigued? Curious? Let’s book a call to find out if this retreat is right for you. Just head on over to ⁠sherryshaban.com/retreats