Make Peace With Food – Details, episodes & analysis

What if your cravings had nothing to do with food, and everything to do with your mind?

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the real reason why so many of us struggle with food, cravings, and stubborn weight—and no, it’s not about willpower. I’m breaking down why true health doesn’t start with a diet or a workout plan—it starts in the mind.

You’ll hear me unpack how our thoughts, habits, and even our hormones all work together (or against us) when it comes to our relationship with food. I share my personal journey and the powerful shifts I had to make to stop living in the constant tug-of-war with cravings and emotional eating.

We’ll explore the role of the “scarcity mindset,” how stress can spike certain hormones that literally drive us to reach for sugar and carbs, and why traditional dieting often sets us up to fail. I also teach one of my favorite tools, the “Power Pause,” a simple yet game-changing practice to help you reconnect with your body, regulate your urges, and make empowered choices.

Topics Covered:

• Overcoming Cravings and Ineffective Habits for Lasting Change

• Harnessing the Mind for Hormonal Balance and Weight Release

• Understanding Scarcity Mindset and Its Impact on Thoughts

• The Dangers of Unrealistic Weight Loss Expectations

• Personalized Approaches to Healing Emotional Eating and Food Relationships

• Understanding Nighttime Snacking and Aligning with Circadian Rhythms

• Healing Trauma and Behavior Change Through Empowering Conversations

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of starting over, this episode is for you. It’s not your fault—and there is a way out. Let’s explore it together.

Let’s get something straight—If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of cravings, weight struggles, and energy crashes…

It’s not your fault.

Your body isn’t broken. It’s just trying to survive.And the reason it feels like food has control over you?

Your hormones are running the show.

That’s why I’m inviting you to my free 3-day masterclass:

Control Your Hormones – Conquer Your CravingsBecause when you understand what’s happening in your body, everything changes.

In just 3 sessions, you’ll learn exactly what’s keeping your cravings, appetite, and metabolism stuck—and how to finally reset your body (and your mind) for freedom and ease.

>> Reserve your spot here: www.sherryshaban.com/masterclassYou don’t need to fight harder. You just need the right approach.

• Listen to more episodes at www.makepeacewithfood.com/podcast or subscribe to me on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube so you never miss an episode!

• Join my Facebook Community here: www.myfoodfreedomlifestyle.com

• Work with me: www.sherryshaban.com/transform

• Want to go deeper? Visit www.makepeacewithfood.com to learn more!

• Share your biggest takeaway and tag me on social media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn

What if the real reason you feel stuck isn’t a lack of willpower—but a mindset wired for protection instead of transformation?

In this episode, Louise and I explore why real, lasting change doesn’t come from willpower alone—it comes from being system-focused. We dive into how nervous system regulation, mindset, and internal alignment are essential for transformation in any area of life: health, relationships, and self-worth.

I open up about what it takes to ignore external noise and connect with your inner truth, and how beliefs drive behavior far more than we realize. We also talk about the daily practices—like internal reflection and gratitude—that can shift us out of protection mode and into the safety needed for deep, lasting change.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, misunderstood, or frustrated with repeated setbacks, this conversation will help you reconnect with your power and see that transformation isn't just possible—it's inevitable when you work with your system, not against it.

Topics Covered:

• Transformative Health Journeys Through System Focus Over Outcomes
• Overcoming Adversity: A Journey from Injury to Empowerment
• Discovering Inner Intuition Through Silence and Self-Reflection
• Trusting Inner Wisdom and Exploring Alternative Health Solutions
• The Power of Self-Belief in Overcoming Life's Challenges
• Harnessing Gratitude and Meditation for Personal Growth
• Transforming Mindset for Achieving Personal and Health Goals
• Connecting With Sherry Shaban and Louise Digby Online

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!

• Listen to more episodes at www.makepeacewithfood.com/podcast or subscribe to me on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube so you never miss an episode!

• Join my Facebook Community here: www.myfoodfreedomlifestyle.com

• Work with me: www.sherryshaban.com/transform

• Want to go deeper? Visit www.makepeacewithfood.com to learn more!

• Share your biggest takeaway and tag me on social media.

Did you know your menstrual cycle is deeply connected to your nervous system—and can even influence your healing?

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Leslie Draffen, and wow—what a powerful conversation. Leslie brings such a unique perspective, blending her deep knowledge of the nervous system with the wisdom of the menstrual cycle. We dove into her personal story—how she went from a career in TV journalism, filled with anxiety and shame, to becoming a women's somatic coach who helps others reconnect with their bodies and feel truly safe again.

Leslie opened up about her experience with adoption, health struggles, and the healing journey she’s been on through somatic work and microdosing. One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation was how deeply the menstrual cycle is connected to the female nervous system. And the best part? Her insights aren’t just for people who still get a period—she also shares powerful tools for those in perimenopause or menopause.

We also explored how aligning your daily habits and even your business with your cycle can completely transform the way you show up in life. Plus, Leslie shares how sensuality—defined not as sexuality but as a gentle, body-based practice—can help heal trauma and rebuild trust with your body.

This is a conversation that’s close to my heart, and I know it’ll resonate with anyone on a healing journey.

Topics Covered:

• From News Anchor to Somatic Coach: A Journey of Healing

• Understanding and Syncing with the Female Menstrual Cycle

• The Power of Simplicity and Permission to Slow Down

• Embracing Perimenopause and Menopause as Empowering Life Phases

• Healing Through Sensuality: Reconnecting With the Body Safely

• Healing Shame Through Sensual Embodiment and Body Posture

• Listening to Your Body and Distinguishing Intuition from Fear

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!

Want to go deeper? Visit www.makepeacewithfood.com to learn more!

“Life is going to happen and the more that we understand, reconnect, remember that reconnection with our inner wisdom, the easier it is to actually engage with life." - Brian Berneman

On today’s Episode of Fall in Love with Fitness, I’m sharing with you my conversation with Bryan Bernemen on The Conscious Action Podcast.

I challenge the conventional wisdom on dieting and fitness as we look at why diets fail, and what you can do differently. I’m also unpacking the nuances of ‘transformation’ versus ‘results,’ and how you can move from a life of limitations to one of endless possibilities. 

From the role of intuitive eating to overcoming chronic pain to the habits that define successful “athletes” in all walks of life, this is a holistic conversation about optimizing your performance from the inside out.

Plus, I also talk about my journey with some personal stories I’ve never shared publicly before being a child athlete and always competing to getting hit by a car and the consequences of it.

Topics Covered:

0:04 - Exploring Deeper Connections for a Better World

1:32 - Overcoming Adversity: From Athlete to Health Advocate

8:04 - The Power of Ownership in Rewriting Your Life Story

12:40 - Resilience and Rebuilding After Severe Back Injuries

18:27 - Listening to Your Body's Signals for Holistic Well-Being

24:34 - Understanding Intuitive Eating and Reconnecting with Natural Hunger Cues

32:38 - Empowering Food Choices and Listening to Your Body

39:18 - The Chemistry of Thoughts and Emotions

41:22 - Understanding the Nervous System's Role in Behavior and Safety

52:32 - Overcoming Emotional Eating and Transforming Unwanted Behaviors

Key Takeaways:

• Rewriting Your Story: Sherry Shaban underscores the power of taking ownership of your life and rewriting your story to overcome personal and health-related challenges.

• Listening to Your Body: The importance of tuning into the body's signals and understanding the difference between physical and emotional hunger is highlighted.

• Intuitive Eating and Movement: Sherry explains how reconnecting with natural hunger cues and intuitive movement can lead to a healthier and more balanced life.

• Impact of the Nervous System: The role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in shaping behavior and health is discussed, with practical advice on moving towards a state of calm and safety.

• Holistic Approach to Fitness: Incorporating love, kindness, and mindfulness into fitness routines and daily life is essential for overall well-being.

Connect with Brian Berneman:

Brian Website

Podcast Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Spotify

Apple Podcast

Connect with Sherry Shaban:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

YouTube

If you’re struggling with self-sabotaging behavior and other non-serving habits that have been keeping you from hitting your health goals, I'd like to invite you to join me in Transformation in Paradise: Metamorphosis Greece this October 12–19, 2024, in Lefkada. RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

Visit www.tranformationinparadiseretreat.com for more details. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, email me at sherry@sherryshaban.com and let's get in touch to go over all the details and answer your questions to determine if this retreat is the right fit for you.

Keep it up, Athletes!

Sherry

In this minisode, Sherry Shaban became a guest on The Plant Trainers Podcast with hosts Shoshana and Adams. Sherry delves into the complexities of unwanted eating behaviors and how to overcome them through intuitive eating and nervous system regulation. She then introduces the concept of anti-diet culture and examines how intuitive eating can help break the cycle of dieting and self-sabotage.

Throughout the minisode, Sherry shares personal anecdotes and professional insights on listening to your body's needs without succumbing to the societal pressures of dieting. She addresses the emotional roots of cravings and binge eating, explaining how they often stem from childhood experiences and survival instincts. By focusing on gut health, food variety, and non-judgmental self-awareness, Sheri provides actionable steps to achieve food freedom. The conversation offers valuable advice for anyone struggling with emotional or mindless eating, stressing the importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and intuition.

If you're ready to break free from emotional eating, Sherry offers a free discovery call to explore how her program, Make Peace with Food, can help you find freedom in six months or less. See the booking link below!

Join Make Peace With Food CommunEATy:

http://ourcommuneaty.com

Book a Food Freedom Strategy Call:

https://calendly.com/sherryshaban/makepeacewithfood

Get Your Free Food Freedom Workbook:

https://www.makepeacewithfood.com

Fall In Love With Fitness Podcast:

http://www.fallinlovewithfitness.com

Download HIIT Decks App Now!:

http://www.hiitdecks.com

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/@sherryshabanfitness  

"Health is number one. Without energy, you can't start tackling everything." - Milad Rahnama

Many people are seeking ways to improve their overall well-being. The key to a fulfilling life is finding a balance between faith, fitness, and finance. Individuals can transform their lives and achieve their full potential by focusing on these three pillars.

In this episode, Milad Rahnama, a Rare Movement founder, shares his transformation and the philosophy behind his holistic approach to fitness. Milad shares his journey from rock bottom to rebuilding his life, addressing his health, finances, and spirituality along the way. He emphasizes taking ownership, removing temptations, and finding flow-state activities to replace unhealthy coping mechanisms. Milad also offers insights into managing emotional spending and the power of hiring coaches who have overcome similar challenges. 

Don't miss this inspiring episode on transforming your life from the inside out!

Topic Cover:

1:38 - A Journey from Vice to Victory

3:38 - Emotions and the Illusion of Rational Financial Decisions

4:53 - Transformation Through Sobriety, Fitness, Finance, and Faith

6:21 - Owning Mistakes and Pursuing Transformation

8:48 - Finding Strength Through Adversity and Self-Reflection

12:26 - Healing Through Sharing and Self-Awareness

14:05 - Prioritizing Health for Energy and Life Balance

18:52 - Overcoming Gym Anxiety Through Outdoor Exercise and Meditation

19:30 - Embracing Incremental Progress and Honest Health Journeys

21:26 - Overcoming Addiction Through Eliminating Temptations

24:03 - Maintaining Momentum: The Challenge of Consistency

25:41 - Identity Transformation and Consistent Rituals Across Environments

29:20 - Transforming Health, Relationships, and Finances

32:32 - Balancing Emotional Spending With Financial Goals

33:08 - Transforming Lives Through Mindset and System Changes

33:53 - Strategizing Personal Finance for Life Enjoyment and Security

37:01 - Emotional Connections With Food and Consumer Choices

38:04 - Choosing Mentors Based on Their Lifestyles, Not Just Words

39:11 - Insights on Coaching and Overcoming Personal Struggles

Key Takeaways:

How to transform morning routines into personal empowerment

Replace negative coping mechanisms with flow-state activities

What are the hidden Impact of emotional spending

Strategies to control emotional spending

Connect with Milad Rahnama:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Connect with Sherry Shaban:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

YouTube

If you’re struggling with self-sabotaging behavior and other non-serving habits that have been keeping you from hitting your health goals, I'd like to invite you to join me in Transformation in Paradise: Metamorphosis Greece this October 12–19, 2024, in Lefkada. RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

Visit www.tranformationinparadiseretreat.com for more details. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, email me at sherry@sherryshaban.com and let's get in touch to go over all the details and answer your questions to determine if this retreat is the right fit for you.

Keep it up, Athletes!

Sherry

In this minisode, Sherry Shaban delves into the heart of emotional eating, offering insights and strategies for overcoming this common challenge. She dispels the myth that conquering emotional eating is about willpower or finding the perfect diet, instead directing listeners to consider their emotional landscape as the foundation for change.

Sherry opens up about the pitfalls of relying on discipline to beat emotional eating, emphasizing that emotional triggers can easily derail such efforts, leading to a cycle of guilt and frustration. Sherry shares that we can begin to heal our relationship with food by understanding and decoding our emotional triggers. She breaks down human behavior into its drive towards pleasure and away from pain, describes how various emotions like sadness, fear, anger, and joy can lead to emotional eating, and offers a pathway to identifying and addressing these underlying issues.

If you're ready to break free from emotional eating, Sherry offers a free discovery call to explore how her program, Make Peace with Food, can help you find freedom in six months or less. See the booking link below!

Join Make Peace With Food CommunEATy

http://ourcommuneaty.com

Book a Food Freedom Strategy Call

https://calendly.com/sherryshaban/makepeacewithfood

Get Your Free Food Freedom Workbook

https://www.makepeacewithfood.com

Fall In Love With Fitness Podcast

http://www.fallinlovewithfitness.com

Download HIIT Decks App Now!

http://www.hiitdecks.com

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/@sherryshabanfitness 

"We can control the things that we believe we can’t control. We just need to dig deep and find where we have that belief from and then transform it." - Karoline Fischer

While many may equate success with outward achievements such as professional accolades and financial prosperity, the reality is that our internal narratives—many rooted in childhood experiences—play a pivotal role in shaping our behaviors and actions. As we navigate the complexities of life, it becomes essential to recognize the profound impact of subconscious beliefs and traumas on our ability to manifest our best selves. With hypnotherapy emerging as a powerful tool to access and transform these deeply embedded patterns, we delve into its potential to unlock personal growth and empowerment.

In this episode of FILWF, host Sherry Shaban with Karoline Fischer discuss hypnotherapy, the subconscious mind, and overcoming trauma. Karoline’s unique intersection as a medical doctor and hypnotherapist provides an enriching perspective on the power of addressing issues rooted in subconscious beliefs and past experiences.

Karoline takes us through a deep exploration of how trauma impacts behavior and may manifest as challenges in diet, discipline, and life choices, despite seemingly unrelated circumstances. Karoline discusses the concept of the "inner child" and the significance of understanding and resolving past traumas to release emotional blocks and move towards the highest version of oneself. The episode also brings to light the current mental health strategies, highlighting the importance of empowering individuals as opposed to fostering dependence on therapy.

Topics Covered:

0:03 - From Medicine to Hypnotherapy: A Doctor's Journey

3:17 - Exploring the Subconscious Mind in Health and Discipline

5:06 - Trauma, Self-Blame, and Overweight as Protection

6:07 - Challenging Subconscious Beliefs and Personal Growth

10:10 - Subjectivity and Identity Shaped by Childhood Experiences

11:27 - Healing the Past Through Inner Child Work

13:49 - Breaking Associations Between Smoking and Safety

14:30 - Debunking Self-Control Myths in Personal Struggles

16:21 - Embracing Emotional Pain and Overcoming Life's Traumas

17:33 - Emotional Management and the Importance of Support

20:45 - Reflecting on Trauma, Parenting, and Mental Health Strategies

23:25 - Challenging Psychiatry's Approach to Trauma and Medication

26:08 - Empowerment in Choosing the Right Therapist for Trauma

27:53 - Distinguishing Hypnotherapy From Stage Hypnosis

28:40 - Empowerment in Therapy and Mental Health Collaboration

31:06 - Empowering Clients Towards Autonomy and Independence

32:21 - Connecting With Hypnotherapist Karoline Fischer

Key Takeaways:

• How to overcoming self sabotage and limiting beliefs
• Why inner child work is crucial in addressing how past emotions and beliefs influence present behavior and choices
• Debunking Self-Control Myths in Personal Struggles
• Trauma, Self-Blame, and Overweight as Protection

Connect with Karoline Fischer:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Connect with Sherry Shaban:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

YouTube

If you’re struggling with self-sabotaging behavior and other non-serving habits that have been keeping you from hitting your health goals, I'd like to invite you to join me in Transformation in Paradise: Metamorphosis Greece this October 12–19, 2024, in Lefkada. RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

Visit www.tranformationinparadiseretreat.com for more details. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, email me at sherry@sherryshaban.com and let's get in touch to go over all the details and answer your questions to determine if this retreat is the right fit for you.

Keep it up, Athletes!

Sherry

Discover why focusing on weight loss can actually lead to weight gain in the long run in this episode. Host Sherry Shaban explores how diet culture and societal pressures can trigger our nervous system into protection mode, leading to a cycle of restrictive eating, binge eating, and negative self-talk. She emphasizes the importance of shifting into safety mode, harnessing self-love and compassion, and breaking free from the dieting mindset. 

If you're ready to release yourself from this self-made prison, Sherry offers a free discovery call to explore how her program, Make Peace with Food, can help you find freedom in six months or less. See the booking link below!

Book a Food Freedom Strategy Call

https://calendly.com/sherryshaban/makepeacewithfood

Get Your Free Food Freedom Workbook

https://www.makepeacewithfood.com

Join Make Peace With Food Community

http://myfoodfreedomlifestyle.com

Fall In Love With Fitness Podcast

http://www.fallinlovewithfitness.com

Download HIIT Decks App Now!

http://www.hiitdecks.com

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/@sherryshabanfitness 

"We've got to live in the modern world, we've got to work online, we've got to interact online, but we don't have to be online for everything." - Colin Corby

Amidst growing concerns about excessive screen time and the impacts of digital immersion on mental health and familial bonds, conversations about reducing dependency on technology and reclaiming control over our digital consumption have become vital. 

In today’s episode of Fall in Love with Fitness with digital detox advocate Colin Corby, we discuss the dangers of excessive technology use, the importance of finding balance, parenting challenges in the digital age, and offer strategies for creating healthy habits around technology. Colin shares his journey of overcoming stress and finding balance through fitness and mindfulness. He emphasizes the need to separate from our devices and create space for self-reflection and creativity. 

So, are you ready to unplug from the matrix and experience the benefits of a digital detox? This episode is perfect for you!

Topics Covered:

0:02 - Discussing Digital Detox and Its Impact on Families

1:46 - Transforming Stress Into Athletic Triumph

4:19 - Balancing Digital Connectivity with Offline Life

7:15 - Overcoming Digital Distractions and Habitual Change

11:17 - Mastering the 'Just One Thing' Smartphone Challenge

14:32 - Combatting the Lure of Social Media Distractions

15:30 - Embracing Solitude for Creativity and Mindfulness

19:46 - Parenting in the Digital Age

24:28 - Redefining Addiction and Embracing Free Will

27:59 - Small Steps to Achieve Fitness Goals and Transform Habits

31:00 -  Overcoming Adversity Through Memory and Performance Training

33:24 - Challenging Age Stereotypes Through Endurance Swimming

36:18 - Mastering Social Interaction and Digital Detox

Key Takeaways:

• How to create physical and mental spaces for non-digital activities

• How conscious behavior changes in parents can influence healthier digital habits in youths.

• Learn how to challenge yourself for self-awareness and mindfulness

• Why digital overuse is about small behavioral modifications that can affect the identity of a person

• Importance of digital detox in life

  
  

Connect with Colin Corby:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Digital Detox Course

Connect with Sherry Shaban:

⁠Website⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

YouTube

If you’re struggling with self-sabotaging behavior and other non-serving habits that have been keeping you from hitting your health goals, I'd like to invite you to join me in Transformation in Paradise: Metamorphosis Greece this October 12–19, 2024, in Lefkada. RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

Visit www.tranformationinparadiseretreat.com for more details. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, email me at sherry@sherryshaban.com and let's get in touch to go over all the details and answer your questions to determine if this retreat is the right fit for you.

Keep it up, Athletes!

Sherry