April 10, 2025

198: The Food Freedom Illusion

198: The Food Freedom Illusion

Hello there, and welcome back to the podcast. In last week’s episode, I used the phrase ‘food freedom’ in the context of food being a mirror to show the relationship you have with yourself. But upon reflection, it doesn’t make sense. Food freedom is a phrase that is used a lot in diet culture and weight loss circles. But what is food freedom? It sounds catchy, but it’s an illusion. We don’t actually need freedom from food because food is not the problem. Rules around food are the thing keeping us hostage. That’s what I look into in this episode.

Hello there, and welcome back to the podcast. In last week’s episode, I used the phrase ‘food freedom’ in the context of food being a mirror to show the relationship you have with yourself. But upon reflection, it doesn’t make sense. Food freedom is a phrase that is used a lot in diet culture and weight loss circles. But what is food freedom? It sounds catchy, but it’s an illusion. We don’t actually need freedom from food because food is not the problem. Rules around food are the thing keeping us hostage. That’s what I look into in this episode.     

The guilt and shame we feel around food are because we have been taught that certain foods are bad or that there are food rules we must follow. We are taught to be afraid of carbs or sweets or emotional eating, and so we feel like we’re held hostage by food. That’s where the idea of food freedom comes from. But when we understand that food is not the problem and rules are, the idea of food freedom falls apart. Food is neutral. Hunger is normal. There is no perfect way to eat. We don’t have to fear food. We’re free to eat without guilt. Those are the five things I explore in this episode, breaking apart the idea that we need freedom from food.  

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About Dr. Michelle Tubman:

Dr. Michelle Tubman is certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine, which means she understands exactly what's happening in your body when you diet. Although she does not provide any medical advice in her coaching programs, this knowledge gives her an edge over most coaches.

She also holds Level 1 and Level 2 Precision Nutrition coaching certifications which make her skilled at coaching nutrition, dietary change, and habit change in general. Realizing that emotional eating and bingeing are complicated for most of us, she also did training in mind-body and intuitive eating. Peace around food is possible.

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Learn more about Dr. Michelle Tubman and Wayza Health: