Food Shrinks

In this episode, Molly C, Molly P, and Clarissa dive deep into the feeling of being "othered"—that sense of not quite fitting in, even among close friends or trusted spaces. We explore: ✅ The fear of being too different—what happens when our thoughts, experiences, or intuition don’t align with those around us ✅ The connection between feeling othered and food behaviors—how discomfort leads to numbing or binging ✅ The armor we put up when we feel excluded—why we protect ourselves instead of reaching out ✅ The power of naming our feelings—and how vulnerability in friendships can heal deep-seated fears ✨ Big Takeaways from This Episode: • Feeling “othered” often comes from historical wounds rather than present reality. • Our shame thrives in secrecy, but when shared, it loses power. • Authentic friendships are a space to practice saying, “I feel left out,” instead of shutting down. • We all have parts of ourselves that we fear are “too much”—but often, those are the parts people love most. • Belonging doesn’t come from sameness, it comes from being fully seen and accepted. 💡 Listener Reflection: • Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong, even in a group where you "should" feel connected? • What “armor” do you put on when you feel that way? • How do you soothe yourself when those feelings come up? 💬 Final Thought: We all want to be seen. And today, we saw each other. ❤️ Take Care of Yourself After This Episode: This one was deep, friends. If it resonated, be gentle with yourself. Maybe take a walk, journal, or check in with a friend who makes you feel truly seen. 📩 Got a Question or Topic for the Shrinks? Send it to AskTheShrinks@FoodShrinks.com—we’d love to hear from you! 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review!  If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might need it.  📢 Follow Us:  📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks  📧 Email: AskTheShrinks@foodshrinks.com  🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com  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.

In this soulful and vulnerable episode of Food Shrinks, Molly C and Molly P sit down for a heartfelt conversation about spirituality, what it means, how it manifests in recovery, and why it has become the cornerstone of their healing. With Clarissa off on vacation (an Alaska cruise, anyone?), the Mollys dive deep into how spirituality is not about finding answers, but about the willingness to see life differently. They share personal stories, therapeutic insights, and unexpected turning points, from early resistance to mindset shifts, to dreamcatchers in correctional facilities, to how trauma, addiction, and spiritual transformation are intricately linked. Whether you’re just starting your journey or questioning the next step, this episode invites you to gently open the door to something greater than pain. and maybe even greater than you. In this episode, we discuss: 🩷Why spirituality in recovery isn’t about religion (and how it often starts with pain) 🩷The “evil filter,” cognitive distortions, and how therapy and neurofeedback helped Molly P shift her lens 🩷What it means to wear different “glasses” and let life in fully—ugly, beautiful, and everything in between 🩷The connection between trauma, control, addiction, and our resistance to trust 🩷Spirituality as both armor and surrender 🩷Why belief is just a thought you keep thinking—and how we can learn to tell a new story Listener takeaways: 🩷You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin a spiritual path 🩷Resistance doesn’t mean you’re broken—it might just mean you need a new way in 🩷You are allowed to believe something new about yourself and your life 🩷There are infinite ways to reconnect with something bigger than your wound Quotes we love: 🩷“Pain is usually the only way we get to a spiritual life—because it’s the moment we realize this isn’t working anymore.” 🩷“Spirituality has become a kind of armor between me and life on life’s terms—it helps me reframe the story.” 🩷“The voice of trauma and addiction comes in the same ringtone—it takes time to know which part of you is speaking.” 💌 Questions? Comments? Want more episodes like this? Write us at AskTheShrinks@FoodShrinks.com 🎧 Listen, Subscribe, and Share: If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might need a spiritual reframe today. Every comment, like, and share helps us reach others in recovery. 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.

In this deeply honest and layered conversation, The Food Shrinks—Clarissa Kennedy, Molly Carmel, and Molly Painschab— dive into one of the most misunderstood and rarely talked-about experiences in food addiction recovery: volume of whole foods in food addiction recovery. What begins as a casual check-in quickly becomes a masterclass on the biological, psychological, and emotional roots of overeating. 🔍 What you’ll learn: 🌸Volume addiction might be harder to heal from than sugar and flour because it’s not just about what you eat, but how much and why. 🌸For many, volume eating is a trauma response—a way to regulate a dysregulated nervous system, not just a habit or lack of willpower. 🌸Physiological shifts like stretch-blunted stomachs, serotonin imbalances, and leptin resistance play a massive role in satiety and fullness signals. 🌸There’s no one-size-fits-all solution: healing involves patience, interoceptive awareness, nervous system work, and sometimes nutritional supplementation. 🌸And above all? It's about slowing down, getting curious, and giving ourselves the grace to find our unique path to peace. Whether you identify with volume struggles or you're just learning about this facet of food addiction, this episode offers deep validation, practical insights, and hope. 🔗 Mentioned: 🌸 Sweet Sobriety Foundations Program  https://sweetsobriety.newzenler.com/courses/sweet-sobriety-foundations 🌸 Breaking Up with Sugar https://mollycarmel.com/buws/ 🌸 Sacred Immersion Retreat (June 20–22 in Stamford, CT) email molly@mollycarmel.com 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: AskTheShrinks@foodshrinks.com 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com 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.

In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly C. shares a significant life shift—she's entirely off social media! Coming back from a retreat, she realized how much screen time was impacting her nervous system, focus, and ability to engage with life. She opens up about the moment she knew she had to step away, the withdrawal symptoms she experienced, and how she transitioned off social media with the help of the Freedom app. Molly and Clarissa also explore the broader topic of digital addiction, drawing connections to food addiction and other compulsive behaviors. They discuss insights from Dr. Anna Lembke’s work on dopamine and addiction, how social media companies profit from our dysregulation, and what it means to take back your power. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Molly decided to quit social media and what changed for her The surprising benefits of stepping away from constant scrolling How screen addiction mirrors food addiction and other compulsive behaviors Practical steps to reduce digital dependence Signs your social media use might be a problem Why reclaiming your time is an act of self-care Resources & Mentions:  Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke  Dr. Anna Lembke’s podcast interview  Freedom app for screen time management Join the Conversation:  Have a question for us? We want to hear from you! Email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com Watch & Share: If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from learning about healthy communication and conflict resolution!  Follow Us:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FoodShrinks  Instagram: @FoodShrinks   Email: AskTheShrinks@foodshrinks.com   Website: foodshrinks.com    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.

In this candid and impromptu episode of The Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab dive deep into their personal experiences with psychedelics, focusing on their potential as tools for emotional and psychological healing. From ketamine-assisted therapy to psilocybin journeys, the hosts share raw insights into their transformative—yet challenging—experiences. This conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, professional guidance, and integration, underscoring that psychedelics are not a quick fix but a profound tool in the toolbox of recovery and self-growth. Key Topics Discussed: 🔥The unexpected start to this heartfelt conversation on psychedelics. 🔥Molly Carmel’s journey through ketamine-assisted therapy and its impact on her reactivity and emotional balance. 🔥Clarissa Kennedy’s psilocybin experience addresses shame and self-compassion and the science behind how psychedelics work on the serotonin pathway and parietal lobe. 🔥Molly Painschab’s profound insights from her psilocybin journey, including overcoming deeply ingrained emotional narratives. 🔥The importance of therapeutic preparation, intention-setting, and post-experience integration. 🔥The challenges and benefits of these experiences, including shadow work and ego death. 🔥A reminder that psychedelics are a tool—not a silver bullet—and require careful consideration and professional support. Key Takeaways: 🔥Personal Growth Through Psychedelics: Psychedelics can offer transformative experiences, but they demand a willingness to face difficult emotions and memories. 🔥Preparation and Integration Matter: Effective use involves guided preparation, structured sessions, and post-experience processing to maximize benefits. 🔥Scientific Insights: Psychedelics impact the brain by reducing inflammation, increasing neuroplasticity, and rewiring key areas like the serotonin pathway and parietal lobe. 🔥Varied Experiences: Every journey is unique, and expectations can shape outcomes. 🔥Caution and Support Are Essential: These tools are not suitable for everyone and must be used with care, professional guidance, and in safe environments. 🔥Broader Implications for Recovery: Psychedelics may serve as an intervention for those struggling to move past entrenched patterns or emotional barriers in recovery. We want to hear from you! Have questions, topics you'd love us to discuss, or experiences to share? Email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com, and join the conversation. Tune in next week as we continue exploring tools for healing, recovery, and personal transformation. Remember, recovery is a journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.

Today the Food Shrinks unpack what "diet culture vultures" represent in the context of diet culture and self-help programs, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and how to recognize manipulative tactics in various industries, including healthcare, food recovery, and coaching. This honest conversation also explores personal vulnerabilities, the importance of critical thinking, and the need to trust one’s inner wisdom. Key Topics Discussed: ⛄Defining "Diet Culture Vultures": ❄How vultures prey on insecurities and vulnerable moments, often selling unrealistic promises of quick fixes. ❄Examples: Diet programs, coaching, self-help services, medical treatments, and even books or summits that create dependency or fear. ⛄The Impact of Vulnerability and Dysregulation: ❄How heightened emotional states can impair critical thinking and lead to susceptibility to manipulation. ❄Personal insecurities make individuals more prone to being "preyed on." ⛄The Science of Self-Determination: ❄Emphasizing sustainable recovery and growth stems from self-ownership and internal motivation rather than external solutions. ⛄Recognizing Red Flags in Offers: ❄Beware of promises of quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. ❄Manipulative tactics, such as isolating you from alternative options or pressuring immediate decisions, are signs of a vulture-like approach. ⛄Navigating Professional Relationships: ❄The importance of advocating for oneself, asking questions, and maintaining boundaries in relationships with professionals or programs. ❄Understanding that not every misalignment is malintent; it could simply be a mismatch of needs and services. ⛄The Role of Recovery in Building Resilience: ❄Recovery is a steady, imperfect process that requires patience, flexibility, and trust in one’s journey. Key Takeaways: ⛄Mantras to Identify and Avoid "Vultures": ❄❄Safety is sexy: Choose relationships and programs that foster calmness and security. ❄❄Urgency is not an emergency: Quick fixes are neither quick nor sustainable. ❄❄Connect with your inner wisdom: Trust your gut and critically evaluate any offer. ❄❄If someone says there’s only one way, run away: Avoid programs or professionals claiming theirs is the only solution. ⛄Tips for Empowerment: ❄Pause and self-regulate before making significant decisions. ❄Seek second opinions and involve trusted supporters in decision-making. ❄Trust that you can change course if something feels wrong. Do you have questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com Support Us: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share! Help us spread the message and support others on their journey. Find more content on our YouTube Channel. Stay connected, stay empowered. See you next week! Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks You tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEga4gG2ma0 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.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Food Shrinks delve into the allure—and pitfalls—of wellness programs, self-help summits, and fitness courses that promise transformation but often lead to unfulfilled intentions. The trio unpacks the psychological and emotional drivers behind impulsive purchases, the cultural conditioning of "quick fixes," and strategies to make more intentional decisions about investments in personal growth. Key Topics Discussed: 🔑The pervasive marketing tactics targeting pain points in wellness and recovery. 🔑The emotional and psychological reasons behind impulsive purchases include fear of missing out (FOMO) and searching for external validation. 🔑The damaging cycle of buying self-help programs and not following through leads to decreased self-trust. 🔑The importance of pausing, reflecting, and taking intentional steps before purchasing. 🔑Strategies for regaining power and making aligned decisions prioritizing consistency over quick fixes. 🔑The upcoming challenges of January's "New Year, New You" marketing blitz. Key Takeaways: 🔑Pause Before Purchasing: The hosts emphasize the importance of waiting at least 48 hours before making impulsive purchases. Ask: “Can this wait?” 🔑Interview Your Wellness Programs: Treat choosing a wellness program like interviewing a caregiver—take your time, ask questions, and ensure it aligns with your values and capacity. 🔑Beware of Quick Fixes: Recovery and healing are not one-size-fits-all or instant solutions. Prioritize intentional and sustainable approaches over programs promising overnight change. 🔑Recognize Marketing Manipulation: Understand how advertising plays on pain points and creates urgency. This awareness can help resist impulsive decisions. 🔑Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Healing often requires tuning out external noise and trusting your internal guidance to choose what’s best for you. 🔑Commit to Follow-Through: Only invest in programs or resources you have the time, space, and intention to fully engage with. Listener Challenge: Join the Food Shrinks hosts in a no-impulse-buying challenge! Before purchasing, wait, reflect, and consult trusted friends or accountability partners to ensure the decision aligns with your needs. What are your thoughts on impulsive buying in wellness? How do you decide which programs to invest in? Please share your insights and questions with us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. Join us next week for another honest, empowering conversation! Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.

In this candid and deeply personal episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab—dive into the challenging topic of self-abandonment, appeasement, and the consequences of chasing quick fixes. From past experiences with expensive treatment programs to navigating shame and self-doubt, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone struggling to hold on to themselves in moments of uncertainty. The hosts share their missteps, lessons learned, and actionable strategies to help listeners recognize and reclaim their power. Key Takeaways: The Cost of Quick Fixes: 🏔️Clarissa reflects on her experience with an overpriced treatment center that promised transformation but delivered minimal value. She highlights the allure of "glitzy solutions" and how they often lead to disappointment. 🏔️Molly Painschab and Molly Carmel share similar stories of misplaced trust in expensive programs, shedding light on the sunk-cost fallacy and the dangers of magical thinking. SUNK-COST FALLACY: the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial. Self-Abandonment in the Name of Appeasement: 🏔️The concept of appeasement, or people-pleasing, is explored as a survival mechanism that often leads to self-abandonment. 🏔️The hosts emphasize the importance of identifying and challenging the behaviors that lead to prioritizing others' expectations over personal truth. The Power of Connection: 🏔️Shame thrives in secrecy. Sharing struggles with trusted individuals can break the cycle of self-doubt and isolation. 🏔️Building a "power circle" of supportive and honest people is essential for navigating challenging situations. Lessons Learned: 🏔️Trust your intuition. Don't ignore the red flags if a program, relationship, or commitment feels wrong. 🏔️Always evaluate decisions transparently—if you can't explain or defend your choices to a trusted person, reconsider them. 🏔️Remember that true growth and healing come from consistent self-care and inner work, not quick fixes. Practical Advice: 🏔️Talk to trusted people before committing to significant decisions. 🏔️Don’t let shame silence you. Even a simple text like “I’m not okay” can open the door to support. 🏔️Reclaim your narrative by acknowledging your truth, even in the face of fear or judgment. Call to Action: We’d love to hear from you! Please share your experiences, questions, and thoughts with us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. Your stories inspire us and our listeners. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends and loved ones. Together, we can support each other in navigating the complexities of food, life, and recovery. Join us next week for another honest, empowering conversation! Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.

In this episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly C., Molly P., and Clarissa—gear up to combat the "diet culture vultures" that descend during the New Year season. They discuss empowering listeners to reclaim their role as the solution to their challenges rather than falling victim to shame-based marketing tactics. This conversation is packed with insights into navigating January's pressures with mindfulness, self-compassion, and an emphasis on long-term recovery. Key Takeaways: 🔥"You're Not the Problem" Mantra: Shift the narrative—you're not the problem; you're the solution. 🔥Avoiding Shame-Based Marketing: Recognize when urgency or fear tactics are being used to manipulate you. YOUR healing is not for sale; recovery isn’t about dependency on a single program or coach. 🔥The Power of Mindful Choices: Making decisions from a grounded place, rather than in states of shame, fear, or urgency, leads to sustainable recovery. 🔥Understanding the Brain and Nervous System: Trauma responses like fight, flight, and appease can cloud judgment. Regular self-care practices, such as mindfulness and peer support, help regulate these responses. 🔥Recovery is Personal: Growth requires evolving tools and practices. What worked years ago might not be what you need today. Stay curious about your changing needs. Listener Challenge: As you face the tidal wave of New Year’s diet marketing, ask yourself: 🔥"Does this program enhance me as the solution?" 🔥"Am I buying this out of fear or empowerment?" 🔥"What do I truly want for myself this year?" Molly C.'s Pro Tip: "If it’s urgent, it’s not wisdom." Take your time and trust your inner guidance. Quotes from the Episode: 🔥"Your healing is not for sale." – Clarissa 🔥"Their urgency is not your emergency." – Clarissa 🔥"When we make decisions in a dysregulated state, we lose the thread." – Molly C. Connect with the Food Shrinks: Have questions or stories about navigating diet culture vultures? Share them with us! 📧 Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com We’ll incorporate your stories and questions into upcoming episodes and YouTube content. Let’s face the January frenzy together—empowered and awake! Subscribe & Share: Love this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with friends. See you next week! Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, your hosts, Molly Painschab, Molly Carmel, and Clarissa Kennedy, dive into the topic of 12-step programs and their role in food addiction recovery. This conversation explores their diverse experiences with 12-step recovery, its benefits, challenges, and alternatives, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own path to healing. Key Takeaways from the Episode 🩷Personal Experiences with 12-Step: Molly Carmel shares her transformative journey through OA (Overeaters Anonymous), from initial skepticism to finding a foundation for her spirituality and emotional recovery. Meanwhile, Clarissa Kennedy reflects on how her experience with AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) differed, highlighting challenges like shame and fear-mongering but also discussing how she found support in alternative recovery programs like Women for Sobriety and Monument. 🩷The Power of Community: All three hosts agree on the vital importance of community in recovery, whether through 12-step programs or other support networks. They emphasize the value of finding what works best for each individual. 🩷Trusting Yourself in Recovery: This episode tackles balancing outside advice with self-trust. The hosts discuss the importance of listening to your inner wisdom while navigating the complexities of recovery programs. 🩷Finding the Right Fit: Whether exploring different meetings, seeking out supportive sponsors, or finding alternative programs, the hosts encourage listeners to stay curious and keep searching until they find the right recovery environment. 🩷Practical Advice for Recovery: From learning tolerance and humility to understanding the neurobiology of addiction, this episode is packed with actionable advice for those in any stage of their recovery journey. Episode Highlights 🩷Molly Carmel’s candid story of reluctantly joining OA and how it became the foundation for her spiritual and emotional recovery. 🩷Clarissa’s experience of leaving AA and finding healing in alternative programs felt more compassionate and empowering. 🩷The hosts’ discussion on the pitfalls of diet culture infiltrating food-based recovery groups and the importance of rejecting shame-based approaches. 🩷Practical advice for interviewing sponsors, navigating challenging recovery environments, and staying open to new possibilities. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next.  Please email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. We’re here to support you on your recovery journey. 🩷Stay Connected Follow The Food Shrinks for more insights, personal stories, and expert advice on food addiction recovery. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Resources Mentioned 🩷Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 🩷Women for Sobriety 🩷Monument: An online recovery community for alcohol addiction 🩷Sweet Sobriety: A supportive community for food addiction recovery Tune in, stay curious, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey. Let’s recover together! Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.

Ever wondered whether stepping on the scale supports or sabotages your food recovery? This week on Food Shrinks, we're tackling this tricky topic head-on! Today, the Shrinks discuss the complexities of weighing oneself during recovery, the potential triggers, and the importance of tailoring recovery to individual needs. Key discussions include: 🔥The dangers of focusing on weight loss over recovery. 🔥How scales can act as triggers and distractions for those in recovery. 🔥The power of spiritual and emotional growth in stabilizing recovery. 🔥Understanding recovery non-negotiables for long-term success. Takeaways: 🔥Recovery over weight loss: Focusing solely on weight can undermine recovery. Prioritize healing and stability. 🔥The role of the scale: Weighing oneself can be helpful but must be approached with caution, neutrality, and clear intent. 🔥Patience with weight stalls: A stall in weight loss may require patience, medical intervention, or acceptance—it’s a journey, not a race. 🔥Tailored recovery: Every individual's journey is unique; avoid cookie-cutter solutions and work with an experienced practitioner. 🔥Self-care is key: Regular routines, mindfulness, and support systems are essential to maintaining recovery and mental health. 🔥Recovery non-negotiables: Identify daily practices that keep you grounded and focused on long-term healing. We want to hear from you! Do you weigh yourself as part of your recovery, or have you let go of the scale? Please share your thoughts, questions, and recovery stories with us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. Your feedback inspires our future episodes! 📩 Connect with us: Do you have ideas for future topics? Please send us an email or comment on our social platforms. Let’s continue the conversation together! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Please stay connected for more honest conversations about recovery, tools, and hope. Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EURgLlAddwE 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.

In this episode, The Shrinks explore the complexities of the holiday season, particularly for those managing food addiction or emotional challenges tied to festivities. With a mix of humor, science, and heartfelt personal experiences, the hosts discuss strategies to navigate the season authentically and with self-compassion. From preparing in advance and managing food temptations to setting boundaries and taking timeouts, this conversation is packed with practical advice for handling both food and family dynamics. Whether you love the holidays or find them overwhelming, this episode offers insights to help you approach the season with confidence and care.   1. Diverse Experiences with Holidays: o The holidays evoke a range of emotions and experiences, from joy and celebration to anxiety and trauma. Acknowledging and owning your feelings about this season can be a powerful step toward navigating it authentically.   2. Holiday Preparation is Key: o Whether you love or dread the holidays, preparation can reduce stress and decision fatigue. Key strategies include:  Self-Care Before Events: Exercise, mindfulness, or grounding activities can help center you.  Eating Beforehand: Arrive at events satiated to avoid hunger-driven choices.  Visualization: Mentally rehearse how you want to feel and act at events to set the tone.   3. Managing Food Temptations: o Overvalued holiday foods can trigger overeating. Incorporating “special” foods into your regular diet ahead of the season helps reduce their scarcity and allure. o Approach events with a plan for navigating tempting foods, such as focusing on connecting with people instead of grazing on appetizers.   4. Practical Tools for Overwhelm: o Time-Outs: Step away when needed—go outside, listen to music, or take a breath to reset. o Alternative Activities: Volunteering for tasks, like doing the dishes, can provide a purposeful escape from triggering situations. o Exit Strategies: Feel empowered to leave early or set boundaries to prioritize your well-being.   5. The Power of Accountability: o Connect with supportive communities to share your goals and celebrate successes. Accountability partners can help you stay grounded and navigate challenges.   6. Food Addiction Insights: o Euphoric recall, where food memories are heightened by dopamine and cortisol, plays a significant role in holiday food cravings. Awareness of these patterns can help you make mindful choices.   7. Shift the Focus: o Instead of placing all emotional value on a single holiday or food, embrace the broader season. Reframe the experience by integrating traditions and flavors into everyday life to reduce pressure and scarcity mentality.   8. Boundaries are Acts of Self-Love: o Setting limits with family, food, and even your own expectations is a profound act of self-care. It's okay to prioritize your mental and physical health, even if it means saying no or stepping away.   9. Permission to Protect Yourself: o Whether by taking timeouts, bringing an ally, or using “fake sick” as an exit strategy, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your recovery and well-being.   10. Stay Connected: o Holidays can be isolating, but they’re also an opportunity to lean into support systems. Use resources, like the podcast Q&A shorts on YouTube, to stay motivated and remind yourself you’re not alone. Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJz7uP8kmP4

Welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Food Shrinks! This week, we’re diving deep into what triggers us and how they show up in our lives. It’s Molly C.’s turn to share, and her honesty and vulnerability bring so much wisdom to the table. Molly opens up about navigating big life transitions, like her recent move from North Carolina, back to the Northeast. She shares how underestimated stressors—like moving, saying goodbye, and caring for a sick pet—combined with her “I’m fine” coping mechanism led to a challenging time in her recovery journey. Key highlights from the episode include: •Navigating Big Life Changes: How Molly’s move and life upheavals triggered unexpected behaviors and emotions. •Facing the Scale and Reality: Molly’s candid story of realizing she needed to reset her recovery plan after emotional eating and stress. •The Importance of Asking for Help: Molly’s decision to hire a coach, reframe her support system, and accept that even with 15 years of abstinence, there’s always room for growth and guidance. •Humility in Recovery: The humbling experience of needing to revisit basic tools, despite being a leader in the recovery space. •Reframing Relapse: Why the term “recurrence” is a more compassionate and accurate way to describe returning to disordered behaviors in food addiction recovery. •Embracing Imperfection: Life isn’t about perfection, even in long-term recovery. Molly discusses how recognizing moments of chaos can lead to profound personal lessons. •We also explore the importance of maintaining ongoing support, staying curious about your own behaviors, and embracing the idea that recovery isn’t linear—it’s a lifelong process of learning and growing. Key Takeaways for Listeners: •Recovery is a daily practice, not a destination. •It’s okay—and vital—to ask for help when you need it. •Naming and normalizing struggles can be the most healing act. •Life’s challenges don’t disappear; learning to navigate them with grace is what matters. Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this journey. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might benefit from hearing it. Don’t forget to rate and review—we love hearing from you! See you next time, and remember: We’re all in this together. 💜 Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com  Website: www.foodshrinks.com  Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.   

In this episode, The Shrinks dive deep into identifying and managing triggers on the path to recovery, with a special focus on insights from Molly P. We discuss how overwhelming schedules, feeling controlled, and people-pleasing tendencies can drive emotional eating or even binge-eating episodes. Molly reflects on her journey and the importance of recognizing when she's overextending herself, neglecting self-care, or shouldering more than she can bear—all classic triggers in her recovery. Key takeaways include the value of setting boundaries and prioritizing yourself in the face of external demands. Our panel emphasizes creating space in your schedule for breaks and meals and urges listeners to pause and check in with themselves regularly, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. This small act can help curb stress and prevent overwhelm. A powerful theme emerges around vulnerability and the need for support in recovery. Whether it's scheduling short breaks, learning to say "no," or asking for help, these are essential skills for protecting one’s mental and emotional health. Remember, self-care doesn’t require perfection—it’s about consistent, small steps that help you thrive. Join us as we explore the daily practices that contribute to a resilient recovery journey. Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOnmZOhF9Ts&t=1s Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with others who might need these insights! Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.  

In this episode Clarissa shares one of her latest challenges in Food Addiction Recovery. The shrinks dive into a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about resilience and recovery in the face of unexpected health challenges. After Clarissa lost her sense of taste and smell due to long COVID, she found herself navigating a tricky path back to healthy eating and sobriety. She opens up about how these changes impacted her relationship with food, triggering old patterns and even leading to a brief return to use.  Together, they explore how to keep a balanced food plan, manage fatigue, and find self-compassion through tough times. With supportive insights and practical strategies for maintaining routines when food loses its appeal, this episode is a beacon of hope and encouragement for anyone on a recovery journey. Tune in for a candid chat on the power of not feeling like you have to start over but instead just continuing on your recovery journey, leaning on support systems, and embracing self-care every step of the way. Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks 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.    

We’re beyond excited to bring you real recovery talk with some of your closest friends. Welcome to Food Shrinks, where your hosts— Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab —serve up candid, compassionate conversations about food addiction, recovery, and finding true freedom with food. In every episode, we dive deep into the messy, meaningful realities of healing your relationship with food. Drawing from years of clinical experience and personal insight, we share what we’ve learned, what’s worked, and practical tools to guide you along your journey. This is not just expert advice—it’s real, raw, and honest talk among friends. We know that recovery isn’t always a straight line, and we’re here to embrace that truth. Whether you’re unpacking diet culture, learning to trust yourself with food again, or still figuring out what works best for you, we’ll walk this path together. Join us for heartfelt conversations, actionable insights, and a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered.   Email: asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks   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.    

In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab unpack the obsession with “Day One” in recovery. Why do so many of us cling to Mondays, fresh starts, and counting days—only to feel devastated when we “slip”? The shrinks share their personal stories, professional perspectives, and hard-won insights on why chasing Day One can become its own addictive cycle. They explore: • Why we get stuck in “starting over” mode • The hidden comfort (and dopamine hit) of planning a restart • How perfectionism and diet culture feed the Day One trap • Finding motivation beyond counting days • Shifting from dogma to data: measuring recovery in more meaningful ways Through humor, honesty, and real talk, this conversation reframes relapse, accountability, and motivation in a way that frees you from shame and helps you keep moving forward. Key Takeaways • Counting days isn’t the only measure of recovery. Progress can also be found in mood, clarity, relationships, and consistency. • Day One can become addictive. Starting over offers a false sense of safety and dopamine, but it doesn’t build lasting self-esteem. • Recovery is messy. Perfection isn’t the goal—showing up and continuing forward is. • Dogma vs. data. Instead of rigid rules, ask: What’s working for me? What does my lived experience show? Call to Action Do you have a question you’d like the Shrinks to tackle? Email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. If you loved today’s episode, help us grow: subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with a friend. 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.

In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab tackle two heartfelt listener emails about food, weight, and grandchildren. The questions: How do I navigate my fear that my grandkids will inherit my struggles with food addiction? And how do I talk to my grandkids about food without shaming or harming them? 💬 Topics we cover: • Why “hands off the body” is one of the most powerful family rules • The difference between offering food with love versus testing or shaming kids • How weight stigma—not weight itself—can harm children’s confidence and eating patterns • Bliss point, ultra-processed foods, and what early exposure really means • Why codependency, fear, and our own unresolved wounds often shape how we parent and grandparent • Practical tools: keeping the focus on yourself, checking your nervous system, and modeling healthy boundaries ✨ Takeaways: • Love is complicated, and fear often shows up as overprotection or control. • Children need to be loved and accepted—not monitored or managed around every bite. • Your relationship with your own body and food is the most powerful influence you bring to the table. • Noticing when your concern is really about your own history can help you heal and protect the next generation. If you’ve ever worried about your children or grandchildren’s relationship with food—or struggled to know when to step in and when to let go—this episode offers compassionate, honest insight from three therapists who have been there. 📩 Got a question for us? Email asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. ⭐ Love the show? Subscribe, leave us a five-star rating, and share this episode with a friend who cares about breaking cycles in their family. 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.

In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab open up about the everyday struggles of saying no, setting boundaries, and navigating the fawn response. With humor, honesty, and lived experience, the trio explores how people-pleasing, guilt, and self-abandonment show up in both personal and professional spaces—and how these patterns often connect to food, stress, and recovery. 💬 Topics we cover: • Why setting boundaries feels so uncomfortable (and why “no” rarely feels like enough) • The fawn response and how it fuels overwhelm, resentment, and food use • Codependency, trauma responses, and the Karpman drama triangle (rescuer, persecutor, victim) • The link between guilt, self-abandonment, and eating as regulation • Real stories of how boundaries get tested between friends, family, and colleagues • Why practicing boundaries is messy but essential for recovery and well-being ✨ Takeaways: • Boundaries are a daily practice, not a one-time skill. • Guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it often means you’re breaking old patterns of self-abandonment. • Observing your reactions and slowing down can create space for wise mind choices. • Progress matters more than perfection—each “no” is a step toward self-respect and self-care. If you’ve ever found yourself saying yes when you meant no, or using food to soothe the stress of people-pleasing, this conversation is for you. 📩 Got a question you’d like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com. ⭐ Love the show? Subscribe, give us a five-star rating, and share this episode with a friend who needs it! 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.

In this raw and courageous conversation, Molly C, Molly P, and Clarissa shine a light on one of the most hidden and stigmatized struggles in eating disorder recovery: laxative abuse. What begins as a listener request turns into a deeply personal and honest discussion about secrecy, shame, and the painful realities of this often-overlooked behavior. Clarissa shares her lived experience of recovery—what it took to stop, how her body responded, and the emotional toll of trying to heal without compassionate support. Together, the Food Shrinks explore the intersections of addiction, distress tolerance, body image, and the grace-filled moments that can spark change. This episode dismantles stigma, validates lived experience, and reminds listeners that they are not alone. Recovery is possible, even when it feels messy, uncomfortable, or overwhelming. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Key Themes: • Why laxative abuse is rarely discussed—and why it must be. • How secrecy, shame, and medical misunderstanding keep people trapped. • The brutal reality of recovery: water retention, discomfort, and the patience it requires. • Grace as a catalyst for change—and how to act on those fleeting moments. • The power of telling the “uncomfortable” stories and finding compassion in the shadows. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________  Takeaways: • You’re not alone: Many people struggle in silence with behaviors that feel too shameful to name. • Recovery is worth it: While challenging, the body and spirit can heal with time, support, and persistence. • Grace is real: Sometimes the smallest, quietest voice inside us says “enough”—and that moment can be life-saving. • Hard conversations matter: Talking about the dark, messy realities creates space for healing and connection. 👉 Have a question or a topic you’d like the Food Shrinks to discuss? Email us at asktheshrinks@foodshrinks.com 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.