The Hidden Link Between Self Talk and Your Eating Habits

So, last week, my husband decided to bring home a tub of ice cream for the kids (instead of spending twice as much for a cone each at the shops). You know, the kind that stares you down from the freezer like it’s just waiting to sabotage your best intentions.

On Day 1, I was unfazed. I could practically hear it whisper, “You won’t miss me,” and I confidently walked past it like the boss lady that I am.

But by Day 3 hello, Friday: I was ready to toss my three-year-old to the lowest bidder. I was tired, emotional, and let’s be honest, my patience was evaporating faster than the ice cream was in that tub.

I cracked it open, inhaled deeply, and started digging in like I was on a mission. My goal? Just enough to make the top nice and flat, like a little victory over my willpower.

Did I mention I’m lactose intolerant? Yeah, the kind of minor detail that breeds painful regret the next day. But as I scooped that ice cream, my brain went into overdrive:

“Just finish it too! What’s a little pain compared to this moment of bliss?”

Then another part of myself said, “Really? Is this how we’re doing it? This is the moment you choose to ignore all the progress you’ve made?”

Cue the internal tug-of-war. On one side, the indulgent voice was practically throwing a party, promising that a few more bites would erase the week’s frustrations. On the other, my sensible self was waving a red flag, reminding me that I’d likely pay for this rendezvous later. If you're a Simpsons fan I felt like the good Homer was on one shoulder and the Devil Homer was on the other.

And there it was, the classic showdown between my desires and my dignity. 

But in that moment, I didn’t just feel like I was wrestling with a tub of ice cream; I was grappling with a lifetime of messages about food, guilt, and body image. 

It made me realise that this was about more than just dairy-laden dessert. This was the manifestation of a battle I had fought countless times before, and frankly, I was tired of losing.

So, I put down the spoon, took a deep breath, and asked myself: What do I really need right now? Because in the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t just about the ice cream, it was about finding a way to nourish myself (balance the old nervous system), that didn’t come with a side of shame or regret.

And that’s where it hits home: our self-talk can either lead us toward healthier choices or pull us into a downward spiral of guilt and self-sabotage. 

The truth is, the conversation we have with ourselves matters, more than we often realise. It shapes not only what we eat but how we feel about ourselves and our bodies.

So, the next time you find yourself in a similar situation, whether it’s ice cream, chips, or anything else that calls your name; pause for a second. Ask yourself how you want to speak to yourself in that moment. Because trust me, that little shift can turn a moment of weakness into a moment of empowerment.

That evening when I went to bed I listened to the Hypnotic Healing Meta-Meditation track Number 3 Called: Radical Acceptance. CHECK IT OUT HERE  It immediately gave me the inner reset that I needed. Soo beautiful.

Understanding Self-Talk

In our journey toward health and wellness, we often focus on external factors: what we eat, how we exercise, and the routines we follow. 

But what if I told you that one of the most significant influences on our eating habits lies within, specifically, in our inner dialogue?

Self-talk is the ongoing conversation we have with ourselves, the thoughts that play on repeat in our minds. 

It has the ability to shape our beliefs, influences our emotions, and ultimately guides our actions.

When it comes to eating habits, self-talk can either empower us to make healthy choices or sabotage our efforts, often without us even realising it.

Think about it: how do you speak to yourself when you indulge in a treat? Is it with kindness and understanding, or do you berate yourself with phrases like “I shouldn’t have eaten that, you’re a failure”? 

Such negative self-talk not only creates guilt but can lead to a cycle of emotional eating and further disconnection from our body's needs.

The Power of Empowering Self-Talk

Reshaping our self-talk is not about silencing the inner critic; it’s about cultivating a nurturing, compassionate voice that supports our well-being. 

Here are some ways to shift your inner dialogue and foster a healthier relationship with food:

1. Mindfulness is the Key
   The first step in changing your self-talk is being mindful of it. Pay attention to your thoughts around food and body image. When do you find yourself being critical or judgmental? Acknowledging these thoughts can help you start to reframe them.
2. Replace Negativity with Understanding
   Instead of chastising yourself for perceived “failures,” practice self-compassion. Replace phrases like “I’m so weak for craving this” with “It’s okay to enjoy treats in moderation; it’s part of life.” This shift encourages a healthier mindset around food.
3. Affirm Your Choices
   Create empowering affirmations that resonate with your goals and values. Phrases like “I nourish my body with healthy foods that make me feel good” or “I trust my body to guide me in what it needs” can reinforce a positive relationship with food and body.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
   Shift your focus from strict adherence to diets or rules to celebrating your efforts and progress. Every time you choose a nourishing meal or practice mindfulness around eating, acknowledge that choice as a step toward a healthier lifestyle.
5. Visualise Your Success
   Use visualisation techniques to see yourself making positive choices. Picture yourself enjoying a vibrant salad or savouring a healthy meal. Engaging your imagination in this way can create a mental framework that supports your real-life choices.

Building a Compassionate Relationship with Your Body

Ultimately, reshaping self-talk goes hand in hand with developing a more positive relationship with your body. Instead of viewing it as a project to be fixed or criticised, learn to appreciate it for its capabilities and the life it supports. 

This appreciation fosters gratitude and encourages healthier choices that feel aligned with your well-being.

Remember, the journey to health isn’t just about what you put on your plate; it’s also about the kindness and understanding you show yourself along the way. 

As you nurture your inner dialogue, you’ll find that healthier food choices become a natural extension of a more compassionate and supportive relationship with yourself.

Embrace the power of your self-talk as a tool for transformation. By choosing to speak to yourself with kindness and respect, you’ll not only cultivate a healthier mindset but also foster habits that support your overall well-being. 

Start today: listen to your inner voice, and let it be a source of strength rather than a barrier to your health goals.

With much love and bodily wisdom, see you next week beautiful

Larissa xx