Fall's drinking culture can feel relentless—from tailgate kegs to festival wine tastings, the pressure to sip (or over-sip) is everywhere. In this episode, we explore how diet mentality sneaks into our relationship with alcohol, creating the same restriction-rebound cycles we see with food.

Drawing on neuroscience from Annie Grace's This Naked Mind and evidence-based research, Cheryl Hall unpacks why fall drinking pressure feels so intense and offers three core principles for freedom: unconditional permission, tuning into body signals, and respecting emotional needs without numbing.

Whether you choose mindful drinking, alcohol-free alternatives, or skipping entirely—this episode empowers you to own your choices with zero regrets.

Attend one fall event this week and practice full permission—choosing whatever feels genuinely right (alcohol, AF, coffee, or nothing). Check in before, during, and after to notice what comes up.

• This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
• Athletic Brewing IPA is my favorite!!
• Carbine, K. A., et al. (2019). The relationship between dietary restraint and binge eating: Examining eating-related self-efficacy as a moderator. Appetite, 127, 126-129.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Alcohol Facts and Statistics.
• Sirois, F. M., & Hirsch, J. K. (2021). Self-compassion and adherence in five medical samples: The role of stress. Mindfulness, 12, 2205-2213.
• Garland, E. L., et al. (2020). Mindfulness training targets neurocognitive mechanisms of addiction at the attention-appraisal-emotion interface. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 617.
• Stockwell, T., et al. (2016). Do "moderate" drinkers have reduced mortality risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis of alcohol consumption and all-cause mortality. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 77(2), 185-198.

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

Fall is here, and with it comes all the food-centered traditions we love—harvest festivals, tailgates, bonfires, and football Sundays. But if you've been stuck in diet culture, this season can feel complicated. Should you restrict before the big event? Feel guilty about the caramel apple or the beer? Push through fullness because everyone else is still eating?

In this special preview episode, I'm introducing a brand-new three-part series: Undieting Through Fall. We're going to explore how to show up at all those amazing fall experiences without the pressure to overeat OR over-drink, and without the restriction and guilt that diet culture imposes.

This isn't about perfection. It's about reconnecting with your body's wisdom and making choices that feel good physically AND emotionally. It's about being present at that bonfire, actually tasting that apple cider, and enjoying the experience without mental gymnastics.

Get ready for practical strategies, real-world examples, and the mindset shifts that will help you navigate this season with freedom and ease.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why fall can feel so complicated when you're stuck in diet mentality
• What undieting actually looks like at festivals, tailgates, and bonfires (hint: it's not about eating everything or restricting everything)
• The difference between honoring your body and following food rules
• What we'll cover in the full three-part series, including navigating social pressure, handling seasonal foods, and what to do if you're choosing not to drink
• How to imagine a fall season without guilt, restriction, or the all-or-nothing cycle

Key Takeaways:

• Undieting isn't about having no boundaries—it's about reconnecting with your body's wisdom
• You can enjoy fall traditions without the mental gymnastics of "earning it" or "making up for it" later
• Social situations don't have to mean losing connection with your hunger and fullness signals
• It's possible to navigate drinking culture (or choose not to drink) without feeling left out or pressured
• This fall can be about presence, not perfection

Coming Up Next Week:

Join me for the first episode in our three-part Undieting Through Fall series, where we'll dive into practical strategies you can use right away.

Subscribe & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Let's help each other unlearn dieting and enjoy this fall season together.

Join me next time as we unlearn dieting, lose weight for good, and make this fall season about presence, not perfection.

unDIETING 101

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

In this episode, Cheryl talks about unDIETING your pantry – clearing out the old diet stuff and setting up your kitchen so eating is hassle-free, with less food noise in your head and more joy in eating and preparing meals for your family. Using everyday examples from people who've done it and basic research on how your setup affects what you pick, she walks through simple steps to stock and organize, making mornings less of a rush and family time around food more fun.

Some Key Topics Covered:

• How a messy or diet-stocked kitchen creates daily food noise and hassle
• Stories from people who cleared their pantries and got back to joyful eating and family meals
• The psychology of environmental cues: The power of suggestion – what we see daily is what we think about, do, eat, or follow; visibility and accessibility shape habits, like Reese's Cups in a drawer for intention vs. on the counter for mindless grabs, or habit-stacking collagen by coffee – our brains go for what's in front of us
• Basic facts on how home setups cut down food noise for easier, happier eating
• Straightforward changes: From forced meal plans to stocking what brings joy to your table
• Setting up a kitchen that makes sense for your routine, with room for favorites and family experiments

This Week's Challenge: Clean one shelf – get crazy and clean out the evidence of all failed diet products, those things that make you feel shame when you look at them, and toss them without a second thought. Add something simple like fruit in plain sight, make a meal from it, and take the Clutterbug quiz at clutterbug.me/quiz to figure out your organization style – see how it feels, less noise, more joy. Share if you want. 🧡

References:

• Wansink, B., & Hanks, A. S. (2013). Slim by design: Serving healthy foods first in buffet lines improves vegetable consumption among university students. PLoS ONE, 8(11), e78712. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0078712
• Glanz, K., Bader, M. D. M., & Iyer, S. (2012). Improving the nutritional resource environment: State of the evidence and next steps. Journal of Public Health Policy, 33(3), 377–390. https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2012.20
• Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery.

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

In this episode, Cheryl uncovers the often-overlooked role of sleep in our food choices, explaining how skimping on rest can hijack your hunger signals and fuel mindless snacking, while prioritizing recovery empowers you to eat more intuitively. Sharing stories from clients who transformed their habits by hitting the hay earlier, she blends science with simple tweaks to make better sleep a game-changer for ditching diet drama.

Key Topics Covered:

• The science of how sleep deprivation messes with ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (fullness hormone)
• Real-life examples of "sleep debt" leading to emotional eating or late-night binges
• Diet culture's silence on rest as a "free" tool for health, versus quick-fix supplements
• Practical sleep hygiene tips tailored for busy lives, like winding down without screens
• How better sleep reduces stress eating and boosts energy for joyful movement
• Long-term wins: Improved mood, stable weight, and a calmer approach to meals

This Week's Challenge: Aim for an extra 30 minutes of sleep tonight by setting a no-screens bedtime routine – dim lights, herbal tea, or a quick gratitude journal. Track how your hunger feels the next day and note any shifts in cravings. Sweet dreams lead to satisfied days! Share your experience in the comments below or on social.

References:

• Nedeltcheva, A. V., Kilkus, J. M., Imperial, J., Kasza, K., Schoeller, D. A., & Penev, P. D. (2010). Insufficient sleep undermines dietary efforts to reduce adiposity. Annals of Internal Medicine, 153(7), 435–441. https://doi.org/10.1056/ANNALS-09-0009 (Full study available via PubMed or academic libraries; key finding: In a 14-day calorie-restricted trial, participants sleeping 5.5 hours/night lost 55% less fat than those sleeping 8.5 hours/night, despite identical diets.)
• Tasali, E., Van Cauter, E., & Ehrmann, D. A. (2008). Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 12(4), 307–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2008.01.001 (This review links poor sleep, including conditions like sleep apnea, to insulin resistance and heightened carb cravings.)

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

In this light-hearted episode, host Cheryl Hall leads a "closet rebellion" by applying unDIETING principles to your wardrobe. Discover how diet culture hides in your clothes, turning "someday" sizes into emotional clutter, and learn practical ways to let go for more confidence and freedom. Cheryl shares her personal story – including why most ill-fitting clothes won't magically improve with size changes (with jeans as her one adaptable exception!). It's all about undieting your style: trusting what fits and feels great on your body now, not chasing ideals. Perfect for anyone tired of wardrobe guilt.

This Week's Challenge: Launch your mini closet rebellion with an undieting twist: Spend 15 minutes auditing your wardrobe. Try on three "someday" items – if they don't fit or feel great now (based on your body's signals, not size labels), ditch them with gratitude. Spot any exceptions (like Cheryl's jeans) that still spark joy? Keep 'em! Notice how undieting your closet shifts your mood and confidence and share your experience in the comments on the blog or socials.

References & Resources:

• Anecdotal insights drawn from body image research, such as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) on how wardrobe habits impact self-esteem: nationaleatingdisorders.org.
• Tie-ins to past episodes: Ep 12 (The Courage to Disagree – Standing Up to Diet Culture Bullies), Ep 6 (Eating Your Way: Honoring Your Body's Unique Wisdom), Ep 5 (How Diet Culture Sold Us the Idea That Smaller Equals Happier). Listen at undieting101.com/blog.
• For more on intuitive living: Check out "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo (inspiration for the gratitude step, adapted for unDIETING).

Connect with Me:

• Website/Blog: undieting101.com/blog – Read the full episode description, leave a comment, or take the Start Quiz.
• Social Media: Follow for tips and community shares: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (Twitter).
• Podcast Feed: Subscribe via Spotify or RSS: feed.podbean.com/unDIETING101/feed.xml.
• Contact: Email Cheryl at [your email] or visit the Contact page. Share your closet rebellion stories – we might feature them!

Loved this episode? Rate and review on your podcast app to help others discover unDIETING 101. Subscribe for weekly episodes on unlearning dieting and embracing body freedom. What "someday" item are you ditching first? Tell us below!

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

In this episode, Cheryl explores the courage it takes to trust your own body when everyone around you disagrees with your food choices. From online diet communities that shame members for listening to their bodies, to the science proving we're all different, this episode tackles why food has become a battleground and how to reclaim your right to eat what works for you.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why food choices have become moral statements
• The story of "Emma" and her carnivore community backlash
• How diet culture bullying silences personal experience
• The science of individual variation in food responses
• Strategies for standing up to food bullies
• Building courage to trust your body's wisdom

This Week's Challenge: Practice a small act of food courage - whether it's ordering what you actually want at a restaurant, telling a friend their favorite diet didn't work for you, or simply eating what makes you feel good without apologizing.

References:

• Zeevi, D., et al. "Personalized Nutrition by Prediction of Glycemic Responses." Cell. 2015
• Berry, S.E., et al. "Human postprandial responses to food and potential for precision nutrition." Nature Medicine. 2020

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

Have you ever stood in the grocery store holding a carton of eggs, paralyzed by the thought that they’re both the perfect food and a guaranteed path to clogged arteries? Welcome to the information overload era of nutrition—where your yoga instructor doubles as a health coach, your neighbor becomes a keto guru after losing twenty pounds, and even your doctor can’t keep up with the ever‑shifting guidelines.

In this episode, we’ll cut through the noise and explore:

• Why nutrition advice feels so contradictory — from government flip‑flops (remember the food pyramid?) to weekly research whiplash.
• The “expert explosion” — how influencers, trainers, and lifestyle blogs became our go‑to sources (for better or worse).
• How bias and funding shape studies — and why clicky headlines often leave out the nuance.
• Social media’s role in nutrition theater — and why the algorithm loves food villains.
• Who you can actually trust when it comes to health advice.
• Practical red flags that signal when advice is more about selling products than helping you.
• How to become your own nutrition scientist and learn from your body’s real responses.

This week, become the scientist of your own body.

• Start with hydration tracking: check your urine color as your “built‑in hydration meter.”
• Observe energy, headaches, and sleep over a week.
• Build your own personal health data before chasing trends.

✉️ Feedback or questions? Drop me a message and share your experience with this week’s challenge.

🎧 If you liked today’s episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review—it really helps others discover the show.

1. 2018 DIETFITS Trial (JAMA) Effect of Low-Fat vs Low-Carbohydrate Diet on 12-Month Weight Loss in Overweight Adults

2. 2019 Red Meat Systematic Review (Annals of Internal Medicine) Effect of Lower versus Higher Red Meat Intake on Cardiometabolic and Cancer Outcomes

3. 2015 Personalized Nutrition Study (Cell) Personalized Nutrition by Prediction of Glycemic Responses

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.

In this episode of unDIETING 101, Cheryl takes you into the fascinating science of savoring — why slowing down at the table can help you enjoy food more, feel more satisfied, and reduce the urge to snack in between meals.

You’ll hear:

• 🧠 How satiety hormones like CCK, PYY, and GLP‑1 take 15–20 minutes to signal fullness.
• 👃 Why engaging all five senses — smell, texture, even sound — boosts satisfaction.
• 🍫 How savoring a single square of chocolate can feel more satisfying than rushing through the whole bar.
• 🌱 Practical, gentle steps you can try this week to bring savoring into your meals.

✨ Weekly Challenge: Choose one food this week and savor it with full presence. No distractions, no multitasking — just you and your food. Notice the flavors and textures and see how your body feels afterward. Share your moment with #unDIETING101WeeklyChallenge so I can celebrate with you! 🎉

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Kokkinos A. et al. (2010). Eating slowly increases the postprandial response of the anorexigenic gut hormones, peptide YY and glucagon‑like peptide‑1. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
• Andrade A. M. et al. (2008). Eating slowly led to decreases in energy intake within meals in healthy women. Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
• Herz, R. (2004). A naturalistic analysis of autobiographical memories triggered by olfactory, visual and auditory stimuli. Chemical Senses.
• University of Bristol (2013). Distraction during eating impairs memory for food intake and increases later snack intake.

Disclaimer:

The insights and tips shared in this podcast are based on my personal journey and are for informational and motivational purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or questions related to your medical condition, please consult with your healthcare provider. Remember, your health journey is unique, and what has worked for me might not be suitable for everyone. The content here does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and results from following the strategies discussed can vary.