Why do you keep starting strong on a diet—only to lose steam a few weeks later? It’s not because you’re weak. It’s not because you lack discipline. It’s because your brain is wired with three psychological needs that most diets ignore. In this episode, I break down Self-Determination Theory—a science-backed framework that explains why motivation fizzles and, more importantly, how to make it last. You’ll learn: The 3 hidden needs your brain craves to stay consistent (autonomy, competence, and ...
In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody takes us back to childhood — from Pizza Hut’s Book It! program to birthday parties at McDonald’s — and shows how those memories shaped the way our generation still views restaurants today. Back then, eating out was rare, special, and tied to celebration. But now, restaurants are everywhere, portions are massive, and we have our own money to “throw down” whenever we want. The problem? Our brains never updated. We still light up like it’s a spe...
Jody breaks down why identity—not willpower—is the real driver of lasting weight loss. You can have the meal plan, the app, and the gym membership, but if you still see yourself as the person who always quits or the binge eater who can’t be trusted around food, your actions will keep proving that story true. In this episode, Jody shares how every action is a “vote” for who you’re becoming, the repercussions of staying stuck in the wrong identity, and three simple tools you can use right now t...
---> Go grab the free six steps at DeliciousDeficit.com Bonus Episode 52: How I Actually Plan, Track, and Eat to Stay on Track Most of the time on this podcast we dive into the mental side of weight loss — habits, mindset, and the struggles that happen in your head. But in this bonus episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the practical side: how I actually handle the food. I’ll take you through the exact system I use to plan my meals, track them in an app, and make sure I hit my calories...
If you’ve ever promised yourself “no more sugar, no more carbs, no more eating after 7pm” only to end up back in the same cycle of guilt and frustration, this episode is for you. In Episode 51, Jody introduces the concept of harm reduction—a powerful approach borrowed from public health that flips the script on dieting. Instead of chasing perfection or extreme rules, harm reduction asks: “How can I make this less harmful and more sustainable?” You’ll learn: The history of harm reduction and w...
Why does everything fall apart after dark? You’re perfect all day — tracking, hitting protein, staying on plan — but once the clock hits 9 or 10 p.m., it’s like a switch flips. Suddenly the chips, cookies, and ice cream are calling your name, and before you know it, you’ve undone an entire day’s worth of effort. In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody unpacks why nights are the danger zone — and why it’s not about willpower or weakness. You’ll learn: The Hunger Gap and why being aw...
Most of us were never actually taught how to eat well. We picked up habits from our parents, lessons from diet culture, and shortcuts from convenience foods — but very few of us learned the actual skill of feeding ourselves in a way that supports energy, health, and peace with food. In this episode, Jody breaks down why eating is a learned behavior, not something you’re just born knowing how to do. From the Clean Plate Club to using food as a reward, to the confusion of diet culture and the f...
In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody dives into one of the biggest reasons weight loss feels impossible: living in extremes. On one end, you have rigid diets like keto that promise quick results but collapse under the pressure of real life. On the other, you have the “wing it” approach — no rules, no tracking — which quickly spirals into chaos, second-guessing, and stalled progress. Jody shares her personal story of trying keto, the psychology behind why strict rules backfire, a...
If you’ve ever lost weight only to gain it all back, it’s not because you’re weak — it’s because no one ever taught you the four core concepts that make weight loss work for the long haul. In this episode, I break down the principles that live at the intersection of nutrition science, behavioral psychology, and habit change — and show you how to use them to finally break the cycle of losing and regaining. You’ll learn: Why calorie awareness is the #1 skill you need — and how to build it witho...
Ever find yourself standing in front of the fridge even though you’re not hungry? Or grabbing your phone or a snack without even thinking? That’s not weakness. It’s not lack of willpower. It’s dopamine—your brain’s way of chasing quick comfort, relief, or distraction. In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody breaks down what dopamine-seeking behavior really is, why some people feel it more intensely than others, and how it directly impacts emotional eating, nighttime snacking,...
You’re tracking your food. You’re getting your steps. You’re drinking your water. But you still feel stuck. Why? Because sometimes the real sabotage doesn’t show up on your plate or in your planner—it shows up in your mindset. In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, we’re diving deep into the mental patterns that quietly derail your progress—even when you’re doing everything “right.” This is Part 2 of the Sabotage Series (if you missed Part 1, go back and listen after this!)...
You’re eating better. You’re moving more. You’re doing “all the right things”... So why the hell isn’t the scale moving? In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, we’re digging into the real reasons weight loss can feel so frustrating—even when you're trying your hardest. This isn’t about blaming hormones, age, or metabolism (although those can play a role). It’s about the subtle, sneaky habits that stall your progress without you even noticing. Here’s what we cover in Part 1: Why “...
If eating healthy, exercising, and staying on track feels harder than it should—you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. In this episode, we break down the real reason health feels like work: your modern lifestyle doesn’t match your ancient biology. From the way we move (or don’t), to the food we eat, to how we manage stress and sleep—your body is wired for a world that no longer exists. Inside this episode: What we can learn from the Hadza of Tanzania about movement, metabolism, and longevit...
Forget burpees. Forget burnout. If you’re trying to build a leaner, healthier, better-feeling body—you don’t need a brutal workout plan. You need a habit that actually fits your life. This episode flips the script on everything you’ve been taught about movement and weight loss. You’ll learn why walking—yes, walking—is one of the most powerful tools you have for fat loss, mindset, and long-term success. Because when you move with intention, everything changes. Inside this episode: Why walking ...
Forget guilt. Forget food rules. If you're trying to build a leaner, stronger, better-feeling body—you need more than willpower. You need the right tools. This episode will flip the script on everything you’ve been taught about “good” and “bad” foods. You’ll learn how to stop obsessing over clean eating checklists and start asking the real question: “What does this food do for me?” Because when you eat with purpose, everything changes. Inside this episode: How food actually shapes your mood, ...
Have you ever seen a photo of yourself and felt like all your progress disappeared? That happened to me this week. I sat down for what should’ve been a proud, exciting moment—recording a video podcast—but one unflattering photo from a bad angle sent me into a spiral. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what happened, how it made me question everything, and the tools I used to talk myself down and reclaim the truth about my progress. We’ll dive into: Why our brains lock onto flaws...
In this episode, Jody walks you through how to lose weight without giving up the foods you love—including cake. You’ll learn how to calculate your calories using the TDEE calculator at deliciousdeficit.com, how to track your food with confidence, and why a 20% calorie reduction is the sweet spot for sustainable fat loss. Jody breaks down how to use a food scale, how to build satisfying meals around protein and fiber, and how to fit in treats like bagels, tacos, and even dessert—on purpose and...
You’ve been told weight loss is complicated. That you need a perfect plan, the right supplements, and a whole lot of willpower. But what if that’s the biggest lie you’ve ever been sold? In this episode, Jody breaks down why the real problem isn’t a lack of knowledge—it’s a lack of trust in simplicity. She walks you through what actually works (spoiler: it’s not sexy, but it is sustainable), why it feels so hard even when it’s simple, and how to reframe the belief that you’re broken or failing...
Most women trying to lose weight make the same mistake: they tie all their progress to the scale. But what if your lack of motivation isn’t a character flaw — but a brain pattern? In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody breaks down why your brain is wired to crave rewards — and how relying on the scale for validation is sabotaging your success. You’ll learn how to tap into the science of dopamine to create real, daily motivation… not 30 pounds from now, but right now. We’ll walk th...
In this episode of How to Eat Cake on a Diet, Jody dives into one of the biggest mindset blocks that keeps women stuck in the cycle of starting over—comparison. Whether it’s social media, gym comparisons, or watching others drop weight faster, it’s easy to feel behind. But the truth? The only competition that matters is the person in the mirror. Jody shares the real-life story of Sarah, a Project 10 challenger who used to measure her worth by what she saw online—until she decided to track her...