Podcast Show Notes: Episode 36 Episode Title: My Fridge, The Bigger Picture   Episode Summary In this soul-nourishing episode, we explore the emotional root of cravings, the difference between hunger and emotional eating, and how societal conditioning traps us in cycles of self-sabotage. Patricia shares deeply personal reflections, insights from her coaching practice, and powerful tools to start healing your relationship with food, all through the lens of self-love, compassion, and conscious choice. "We must learn to love ourselves so we self-care, not self-sabotage." Key Takeaways & Themes Cravings vs Hunger: Hunger is a biological need; cravings often stem from emotional longing or unmet needs. Emotional Eating Patterns: Food becomes a "pacifier" to numb discomfort, pain, or stress, leading to cycles of guilt and shame. The Power of the Pause: Creating space between the craving and the action allows us to tune into our "true essence" and choose differently. The Judge Saboteur: Harsh inner criticism perpetuates shame and can drive emotional overeating. Quick Fix Culture: From slimming pills to injections, many chase short-term solutions that ignore root causes, and the potential long term consequences. Hormonal & Biological Factors: Ghrelin, GLP-1, and other hormones play a significant role in hunger regulation, it's not just willpower. Reclaiming Power Through Self-Love: Healing starts by nurturing compassion, joy, and patience within yourself.   Quotes to Remember “Am I hungry? Or am I craving something else right now?” “What felt like comfort was a cycle, an emotional rollercoaster masquerading as relief.” “You are not weak when you binge eat, you're weary.” “Learn to love yourself so you self-care, not self-sabotage.” “Gaunt is not good. Tricking the body into not eating is not healing.” “Eat like you love yourself. Move like you love yourself.” — Jim Kwik “Nothing is more desirable than to be released from an affliction... but nothing is more frightening than to be divested of a crutch.” — James Baldwin “People are fed by the food industry which pays no attention to health, and treated by the health industry which pays no attention to food.” — Wendell Berry “At some point we need to stop just pulling people out of the river, we need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” — Desmond Tutu   Referenced in This Episode GLP-1 Drugs / Slimming Jabs (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy) Vanessa Feltz Show: Commentary on slimming injections and societal attitudes toward weight Lizzie Cundy: On anorexia recovery and caution about slimming drugs Documentaries on food education (not named but mentioned) Psychologies Magazine – daily affirmations: o “Eat to nourish, not punish” o “Move to the rhythm of your body”   Tools & Practices Shared The Power of the Pause — slowing down before reacting to cravings Daily affirmations to rewire your beliefs around food Self-inquiry prompts like “Am I really hungry?” Listening to your body’s signals over societal conditioning Understanding hormones and how they influence cravings and hunger   ❤️ Final Message You are not alone in your struggle with food, cravings, or emotional eating. The path to healing starts with self-awareness, continues with self-compassion, and is empowered by self-love. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, presence, and patience. “You are not your body, but your body responds to how you treat it. Choose to drive it with love, not fear.”   👉 Join the Self Love Movement — a community focused on healing from the inside out. 📩 To find out more about my work check out my website www.pacoaching.co.uk 🎧 Subscribe & share this episode if it resonated with you!   Hear more about my weight loss and self love journey on my conversation with Martha Rice on her Casting the Net Podcast  https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=w04jsaohKQE&feature=youtu.be   www.pacoaching.co.uk, contact me to find out mor