Can We Control What We Eat?

In this episode, I explore how we can protect ourselves in a food environment that’s designed to overwhelm us. I talk about why eating well can feel so hard - not because we lack willpower, but because we’re living in a system that constantly cues us to eat and rarely gives our brains a break. I’ll share practical, psychology-based strategies to reduce your exposure to food triggers, set up helpful defaults for when you’re tired or stressed, and support your mental health so you’re not relying on willpower alone. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing when it comes to making food choices this episode is for you. If you'd like to work with me on a 1-1 basis, visit headfirst.ie or drop me an email at [email protected].

After a 3-year break, I'm back and diving into one of the most misunderstood topics in psychology and nutrition: control over food. In this episode, I unpack why so many of us feel out of control with our eating, and why that has much more to do with our food environment than with willpower. From the structure of the brain to the layout of your local Tesco, I break down how our behaviour around food is driven by powerful, automatic processes evolved to keep us alive. If you've ever felt shame around your eating habits, or told yourself “I should just try harder,” this episode is for you.  For any professional enquiries contact [email protected]  Take care. 

In this podcast, I explore the reasons why people might make excuses or come up with reasons not to engage in health behaviours.    Of course, people's reasons are valid, however we sometimes try and poke holes in the reasons. I wanted to dive into some of the deeper reasons why someone may, consciously or subconsciously, come up with a reason not to engage in a health behaviour.    IG: @headfirst0 Website: www.headfirst.ie Podcast: The Head First Podcast

On this episode I speak to renowned Eating Disorder Researcher, Dr. Jake Linardon.    We speak about binge eating treatment, diagnostic issues, sub clinical binge eating, weight loss and predictors of eating issues, amongst many others. Jake has been someone I've been wanting to speak to for a long, long time so I'm really excited to hear how this one goes! You can also reach Jake at his website www.breakbingeeating.com and his IG: @break.binge.eating   IG: headfirst0 www.headfirst.ie [email protected]

In this episode I speak to Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sophie Mort, who speaks to me about emotions, the purpose of them, the importance of paying attention to them and also the harm in neglecting them.  Sophie's book is called "A Manual for Being Human". Her book explores all aspects of life, from birth to where you are right now, giving us an entire foundation of understanding the human experience.    [email protected]

On this episode I'm lucky to be joined by Dr Mike Banna. Personally, I really enjoy Mike's discussions online - he adds so much nuance and balance to very black or white conversations and this is no different!  I think Mike is a really great example of how weight loss is not ALWAYS a bad thing for people, while recognising the harm it has for others.    [email protected]

On this episode, I speak to Dr Sara Oroz, a Counselling Psychologist who has completed a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology as well as a Masters in Advanced CBT.  We dive into what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is, and all you need to know about it!  Honestly, this is one of my favourite episodes so far and is a wonderful answer to a lot of the questions I get about CBT!    [email protected]

This week, I'm answering a question that I received on Instagram.   Q - I binge in response to weight gain. What can I do?    A lot of people come to me and talk about weight loss and binge eating, and this episode dives into some of the topics we might discuss in sessions.   For professional enquiries: www.headfirst.ie Instagram: @headfirst0   [email protected]  

In this episode, I speak with Emilia Thompson who is a Nutrition Consultant, founder of EIQ, and a former bodybuilding competitor. We speak about what needs to change in the health and fitness industry, the role of a coach in supporting clients, and why so many nutritionists are retraining in psychology. I must say, this is one of my favourite episodes so far!    For professional enquiries: www.headfirst.ie Instagram: @headfirst0 [email protected]

In this new short series, I dive into some of the things that mental health professionals commonly hear in the therapy room!   Just as a precursor to the podcast, these are general things that therapists might hear from clients and they are not specific to the people I work with or the clinicians I work worth.     [email protected] In addition, it’s important to remember that everyone is at a different stage of their journey when it comes to mental health and it’s important not to compare where you’re at with what is discussed in these podcasts.   IG: headfirst0 Email: [email protected]