Episode 252: Protein Goals, Hunger Cues, & The Honeymoon Phase (Q&A)

“Aiming for a protein goal cannot be done at the expense of adequate calories, carbs, and fats.”

Do you ever wonder whether tracking protein could help or harm your journey to food freedom? In this episode, I’m digging into real questions like this that come up when you’re healing your relationship with food. We’re talking about the protein craze, how to reconnect with your hunger cues, and what’s actually happening during that infamous honeymoon phase after restriction.

Whether you find yourself constantly thinking about macros, worried that you can’t trust your hunger signals, or feel out of control around previously “forbidden” foods, you’re not alone. I break down why tracking protein can feel so mentally consuming, why you get out of touch with hunger cues after constant dieting, and how to get back in tune with what your body really needs. Plus, I’m sharing real stories from Rebels just like you about the powerful transformation that’s possible on the other side of restriction.

Healing your relationship with food is tough work, but you deserve the clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps that can help you rebuild trust with your body and truly ditch all those exhausting food rules. My hope is that you’ll leave this episode feeling seen, supported, and ready to try on some new, kinder ways of thinking about food.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why following a protein goal might be helpful or harmful when moving towards intuitive eating
• How to honestly reflect on your history with tracking numbers, food rules, and body checking
• Ways to start recognizing (and honoring) your hunger cues again
• The truth about the honeymoon phase after restriction and why feeling out of control is actually a normal, necessary step
• Practical tips to ground yourself emotionally when doubts and fears come up in your food freedom journey
• Simple ways to implement flexibility, curiosity, and self-trust in your day-to-day eating choices

Thank you for tuning in and doing the hard, rewarding work of healing your relationship with food. Remember: it takes time, but you’re not alone, and it really does get easier!

Resources:

• Grab the Hunger & Fullness Scale Guide at DietCultureRebel.com/hungerfullnessscale and take your next step toward building trust with your body and food.
• Episode 198, Is the Protein Craze Just Diet Culture…or Valid? Deciphering Protein Needs As An Intuitive Eater
• Connect with me over on Instagram at @diet.culture.rebel.

Struggling with food, but not sure where to start?

You don’t have to feel 100% ready to get support. If you’re tired of obsessing over food or feeling stuck in the diet cycle, my team of Registered Dietitians is here to help. We offer one-on-one nutrition counseling—and we accept insurance! Spots are limited, so head to https://dietculturerebel.com/insurance to see if we’re covered in your state and learn how to get started.