In today’s conversation with Sherry Shaban on “Graced Health,” we delved into the transformative journey of embracing intuitive eating and integrating consistency into one’s wellness routine. Sherry, an osteopath, and anti-diet health coach, brings over 23 years of experience in fitness, offering insights that synthesize physical well-being with mental and emotional health.

The Beginning of Sherry’s Journey

Sherry’s story is one of resilience and discovery. Her athletic journey was abruptly halted at 16 due to a life-changing accident. After overcoming a severe back injury, a long road led her to embrace a life of pain management and healing through fitness. She realized her passion was not only about physical recovery but also about finding mental and emotional peace. Her journey highlights how fitness helps align our mental and emotional selves, providing a sense of autonomy and self-discovery.

Understanding Intuitive Eating

Transitioning into intuitive eating requires addressing underlying traumas or unwanted eating behaviors like emotional or binge eating. Before becoming an intuitive eater, Sherry worked to understand her triggers and develop a healthier relationship with food. True intuitive eating returns us to our body’s natural cues, allowing us to enjoy food without guilt or predetermined rules.

Sherry emphasizes that real hunger is felt physically and occurs naturally over time, prompting us to seek real nourishment. Conversely, emotional hunger is immediate, intense, and often specific, pointing towards high-calorie cravings. This understanding is crucial for distinguishing between genuine and emotionally driven hunger.

The Role of the Nervous System in Eating Habits

Sherry explains how our nervous system significantly impacts eating behaviors. Our autonomic nervous system has two modes: “protection mode” (sympathetic) and “safety mode” (parasympathetic). Unwanted eating often stems from nervous system imbalances where protection mode is triggered by stress or trauma. Learning to manage this state requires monitoring thoughts and emotions and practicing mindfulness to shift towards safety mode.

Strength Training and Aging Gracefully

Strength training is a key element of maintaining health as we age. Sherry highlights that the “why” behind our actions is crucial. Training for appearance shifts to training for strength, autonomy, and graceful aging. Understanding the purpose fuels motivation and aligns fitness with life goals, moving past diet culture’s restrictive mindset.

Resources for Your Journey

Sherry’s “Make Peace with Food” course offers comprehensive tools to help transition from protection to safety mode in eating habits, promoting long-term wellness and sustainability. Additionally, her “Fall in Love with Fitness” podcast and YouTube channel share insights into reconnecting with fitness joyfully and sustainably.

Consistency Over Intensity

In summarizing the conversation, Sherry emphasizes the power of consistency over intensity. Whether it’s in fitness or eating habits, small, repeatable actions yield the best long-term results. Focus on maintaining consistent practices that resonate with personal values and goals, which ultimately leads to greater overall wellness.

For more insights and to embark on your transformative journey towards intuitive eating and fitness, you can reach Sherry on Instagram or explore her free resources at MakePeaceWithFood.com. Remember, it’s the consistency in our actions, not the intensity, that defines our success.

Links Discussed

Why Your Tight Hip Flexors Might be a Function of Your Nervous System with Elisabeth Kristof

Graced Health Podcast Season 21 Intuitive Eating 

Sherry’s Links

Hit Decks App

FREE download of the Make Peace With Food Workbook at www.makepeacewithfood.com

Sign up for the free 9-day Masterclass

Fall in Love with Fitness Podcast

Connect with Sherry

www.sherryshaban.com

Instagram: @sherryshabanfitness

Facebook: Sherry Shaban Fitness

YouTube