How much mental space does food take up in your life? Do you feel trapped by food rules, guilt, or the pressure to eat a certain way? Let’s put on our curiosity hats to explore our relationship with food.In this Salad with a Side of Fries episode, Jenn Trepeck discusses our important relationship with food.  From food triggers and guilt-free eating to breaking free from restrictive diets or mindsets, Jenn explores how our thoughts about food impact our daily lives. Plus, she highlights why seeking support can be a game-changer in creating a healthier, more balanced mindset around eating and relationship with food. Tune in next week for the second part of this discussion diving into body image with a special guest! The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let’s dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:51] Exploring our relationship with food, body shape and being food aware [11:29] Food triggers, guilt-free eating, and the time spent thinking about food[16:28] Food restrictions, One Meal a Day (OMAD), fear food and a discussion on eating disorders[26:22] Judging ourselves for food choices and how we can redirect these feelings[27:40] What a balanced relationship with food looks like[33:20] Exercise, activity choices and wearablesKEY TAKEAWAYS: Many people recall becoming aware of their body size and food choices at a young age, often influenced by family, social environments, and cultural messaging. Restrictive eating patterns are deeply ingrained behaviors influenced by diet culture. These habits contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating these mindsets for overall well-being.Food choices may be driven by fear, competition, or guilt. Instead of restricting, skipping meals, or yo-yo dieting, a balanced approach involves recognizing hunger and satiety, eating various nourishing foods, and honoring your body's needs without anxiety. A balanced lifestyle allows for flexibility—being able to eat at any restaurant without stress, working out without obsessing over steps or missing a day, and removing labels like "good" or "bad" from food choices. The key is self-awareness and making mindful choices rather than engaging in self-sabotage or comparison.QUOTES:         [9:44] “The first time I felt I had to watch what I ate was between high school and college. - Jenn Trepeck[14:11] “If we are choosing not to have social plans because we don't want to eat out, or we don't want to eat around other people, we are isolating. We want to look at our relationship to that. - Jenn Trepeck[15:40] “What we learn through the Healthy Vibe Tribe and what I learned that completely changed my life is that it's not actually about the calories. It's about what calories are made of.” -Jenn Trepeck.[2.0:06] “Are we eating to avoid something?” Jenn Trepeck[27:05] “What does a more balanced relationship, a healthier relationship with food, look like? It means eating in a way that nourishes your body and your mind. Guilt and anxiety are not present. It means recognizing hunger and satiety and fullness.” Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Become A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn’s Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries InstagramCr-Cr-Cr-CravingsDry Beyond January - Part OneDry Beyond January - Part Two