EPISODE 97: Extreme Diets Don't Create Faster Results — They Create Overeaters

If January feels more exhausting than exciting, this episode is for you.   Steph and I break down why New Year's resolutions hit differently when you have a long history of dieting and why extreme plans, fast starts, and "I can't mess this up again" thinking often lead straight back to overeating and guilt.   We talk about how urgency and fear drive overly restrictive rules, why those rules backfire, and what it actually takes to stop the cycle without giving up on your goals.   In this episode, you'll learn:   Why motivation fades faster each year you diet How extreme rules fuel overeating and binge cycles How to respond to slip-ups without starting over What it means to become a different eater, not just follow another plan Simple mindset shifts you can start using today to create consistency   If you're tired of restarting and want a calmer, more sustainable way forward, this episode will help you do January differently.   🎧 Press play and let's break the cycle.   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

In this week's episode of Outsmart Overeating, we're talking about that weird week between Christmas and New Year's—leftovers everywhere, days blending together, and the "New Year, New Me!" messaging all over the internet.   If you've ever felt frustrated with resolutions that fizzle out by February, this episode is for you. We're breaking down why traditional goal-setting fails and showing you how to create goals that actually fit your life, your habits, and your brain. No extreme detoxes. No overnight transformations. No perfection. Just realistic, actionable steps you can implement today.   Here's what we cover:   Why resolutions fail: Most goals are based on wishful thinking or past patterns, not the realities of life, stress, and cravings. Reflect before you set a goal: Identify your real motivations, obstacles, and the habits that have tripped you up in the past. Mindset matters: Learn how to bounce back after slips without spiraling into guilt or shame. Sustainable, repeatable goals: Simple habits you can do even on your worst day—not just your perfect day. Accountability is key: Use accountability to prioritize your goals and stay on track when life gets messy. Plan for your life, not a fantasy version of yourself: From workouts to meal planning, create goals that match your real-life schedule and responsibilities. Habit stacking for long-term change: Small, consistent actions over time lead to transformation and freedom from food obsession.   By the end of this episode, you'll have a framework for setting goals that actually stick, a plan that works with your life, and a mindset shift that helps you feel in control around food... without extreme dieting.   If you're tired of resolutions that fizzle, binge-restrict cycles, and want this new year's resolution to be a success, this episode is your starting point.   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

If the holidays leave you feeling exhausted, out of control around food, and wondering why you can't just stop, this episode is for you.   In this week's Outsmart Overeating Podcast, Coach Steph Miramontes and I unpack a pattern I see constantly in chronic dieters: overeating isn't a willpower problem, it's a rest problem. When your life is nonstop go-go-go and food becomes the only way you pause, overeating becomes predictable.   We talk about why burned-out dieters struggle most during the holidays, how hustle culture and perfectionism fuel emotional eating, and the key difference between collapsing from exhaustion and becoming a steady rester... someone who rests on purpose before cravings take over.   You'll walk away with simple, actionable ways to slow down, reduce urges, and enjoy holiday food without guilt or starting over in January.   Plus, I'm sharing a FREE mini training + workbook with a clear, doable strategy to prevent overeating at holiday parties, so you can enjoy the food and the season.   Press play if you're ready to stop relying on food for relief and start feeling in control of what and how much you eat, at all times.   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

If you feel "addicted" to snacking, pulled to food even when you're full, or stuck in a nightly cycle of overeating and guilt, this episode is for you.   In this episode of the Outsmart Overeating Podcast, Coach Steph Miramontes and I break down a Reddit post that perfectly captures what so many chronic dieters experience, especially during the holidays: constant food noise, autopilot snacking, and the belief that willpower is the problem.   Spoiler: it's not.   We unpack what's actually driving these urges -- habit loops, restriction, and sneaky thoughts that keep you stuck -- and show you how to interrupt them without cutting out foods or relying on discipline.   You'll also get access to my FREE workbook: "25 Mic-Drop Scripts to Clap Back at 'One Bite Won't Hurt' and 24 Other Sneaky Thoughts That Sabotage Weight Loss," so you're not trying to fight urges in the moment without a plan.   You're not broken. You're not addicted. You've just been solving the wrong problem, and this episode shows you a better way.

If you've ever woken up after an overeat already planning how to "fix it," this episode will feel like a relief.   I'm Leslie Hooper, and today Coach Steph Miramontes and I break down exactly what to do after an overeat so you can stop the shame spiral, stop the compensating, and stop letting one slip turn into a full-on derailment.   Most dieters think the overeat is the problem, but it's really the guilt, judgment, and "I blew it" thinking that keeps you stuck in binge/restrict cycles.   In this episode, we'll show you the simple, grounded strategy our clients use to recover quickly, rebuild trust with their bodies, and make their next decision the one that moves them forward.   You'll learn:   What naturally thin eaters do after an overeat (it's not what you think) The surprisingly simple step that stops the spiral instantly How to look at overeats without shame so you can learn from them Why one overeat does not ruin your progress How to shorten the gap between overeating and getting back on track... without punishment or restriction   If you're tired of letting overeats snowball into all-day (or all-week) chaos, this episode will show you how to bounce back with confidence and clarity.   Press play and learn how to recover from an overeat without allowing it to ruin your day. You can start by purchasing Season's Eatings: Your Holiday Plate Playbook mini-course today!   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

If the holidays already have you stressing about seeing people you haven't seen in a while—especially if your body has changed—you're definitely not the only one.   Coach Steph and I get into all of that in this episode: why these moments bring up old insecurities, and how you can show up confidently in the body you have today.   No waiting on the weight. No hiding in photos. No shrinking yourself to make everyone else comfortable.   In this episode you'll learn:   Why holiday gatherings trigger old body insecurities How your brain interprets weight changes (and why it feels so intense) What to say or do when someone comments on your body or your plate Simple mindset shifts to stop spiraling How to enjoy the holidays without obsessing over food or "making up for it"   If you're tired of sitting on the sidelines or feeling like you need to "fix" yourself before you can enjoy your life, this episode will feel like a deep exhale—and give you tools you can use immediately.   Press play and let's make this holiday season about memories, not macros. You can start by purchasing Season's Eatings: Your Holiday Plate Playbook mini-course today!   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

If Thanksgiving has you feeling excited and secretly anxious about losing control around food, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.   This week, Coach Steph and I break down four real Reddit posts from people navigating the same holiday struggles you are: multiple Thanksgiving meals, pressure to "live a little," panic over leftovers, and the urge to skip meals to "save up" for dinner.   Instead of tired dieting tips, we're giving you psychology-based, binge-free strategies to help you:   Handle double (or triple) Thanksgiving meals without spiraling Stop the "skip breakfast so you don't overdo it later" cycle Keep leftovers from triggering binges Set boundaries with food-pushy family members   If years of dieting have made holidays feel like all-or-nothing eating events, this conversation will show you the calmer, saner middle ground.   Press play and let's make this holiday season the most intentional, enjoyable one you've ever had... and you can start by purchasing Season's Eatings: Your Holiday Plate Playbook mini-course today!   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

If the holidays always leave you feeling like you've completely blown your progress — between the cocktails, the parties, the endless trays of "only come around once a year" foods — this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.   In today's conversation, Coach Steph and I tackle one of the most frustrating holiday triggers for overeaters: alcohol.   Not from the old diet-culture angle of "just limit yourself to two drinks" or "choose the lowest-calorie option"… because if that actually worked, you wouldn't be here.   Instead, we're breaking down the real psychology behind why drinking often leads to overeating, especially for chronic dieters, and how to interrupt that pattern without relying on willpower, restriction, or swearing off alcohol altogether.   Inside the episode, we walk you through:   How to find your "peak pleasure point"... the sweet spot where drinking feels fun and relaxing… before it turns into regret, overeating, or waking up wondering what happened. Why your brain is more vulnerable to overeating when you've been dieting for years (it's not a lack of discipline, it's biology + psychology). How to stop mirroring other people's drinking habits and instead stay aligned with your goals, values, and next-morning priorities. How to make intentional choices before the night begins so you never feel out of control around food later. Why alcohol doesn't magically "make" you overeat... and the mindset shift that finally breaks this cycle for good. The exact questions we have clients ask themselves so they can enjoy the holidays and wake up feeling proud of their decisions.   If you want to enjoy the season without the food guilt, without the holiday hangover, and without that yearly "I'll start over in January" spiral, this episode will show you how to finally break that pattern.   Press play and let's make this holiday season the most intentional, enjoyable one you've ever had... and you can start by purchasing Season's Eatings: Your Holiday Plate Playbook mini-course today!   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

  If you've ever thought, "Where the hell did my motivation go?" around the holidays, this episode is for you.   Because it's not gone… it's just buried under a pile of stress, sugar, and social pressure.   In this week's episode, Coach Steph and I are showing you exactly how to get your mojo back without cutting carbs, skipping dessert, or pretending you don't care about your goals.   You'll learn:   Why motivation isn't something you lose (and the sneaky reason it fades this time of year) How to spot all-or-nothing thinking before it sends you into a "screw it" spiral The #1 mindset shift that keeps you consistent even when life feels chaotic What to focus on when your routine falls apart (hint: it's not willpower) How to use the holidays as practice, not punishment — so staying on track feels easy year-round   No more starting over in January. No more "I'll be good after the holidays."   Listen now and let's make this the year you actually enjoy the holidays and feel in control around food.    Join the email list to get first access to the "Season's Eatings" Mini Course.   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

If you've already caught yourself thinking, "I need to get back on track after Halloween…" — this episode is your cue to pause before the holiday overeating spiral begins.   Every year, it starts the same way: a few fun-sized candies turn into "I'll start fresh in January." But what if this year could actually be different?   In this episode, Coach Steph and I unpack the early warning signs that the holiday overeating cycle is beginning — and share how to stop it before it snowballs. You'll learn how to:   Shift out of the all-or-nothing "holiday free-for-all" mindset. Create a simple plan that lets you enjoy your favorite foods without guilt or restriction. Reframe your thoughts so you feel peaceful and in control around food. Practice the habits of naturally thin people — even during the most tempting time of year.   We're also putting the finishing touches on our brand-new "Season's Eatings" Mini Course: Your Holiday Plate Playbook, which will be available soon. It's designed to help you head into the holidays with confidence, enjoy your favorite foods, and ditch the stress of "getting back on track."   If you're tired of ending every holiday season bloated, frustrated, and starting over from scratch, this episode will show you exactly how to break that pattern — and finally enjoy the holidays like a naturally thin person.   Listen now and learn how to Outsmart Overeating before it even begins.   Join the email list to get first access to the "Season's Eatings" Mini Course.   You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.     If you're struggling with emotional, binge, or compulsive eating and want to master self-control at every bite while turning the volume down on food noise, watch the FREE "Curb the Urge" mini-training and download the accompanying workbook.     Or, if you want to be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List.