Summary
In this episode of Food on the Mind, Jeb Stuart Johnston explores the intricate relationship between our nervous system and behavior change. He challenges the conventional understanding of willpower, suggesting that it is not merely a moral virtue but a tool that functions best under regulated conditions. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding our internal states and how they influence our choices, advocating for a bottom-up approach to behavior change that prioritizes bodily awareness and regulation. Johnston emphasizes the need for gentle persistence in developing a healthier relationship with our nervous system, ultimately framing transformation as a collaborative process rather than a struggle against oneself.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Food on the Mind
00:36 Understanding Internal Dialogue and Willpower
02:42 The Role of the Nervous System in Behavior
07:23 Reframing Willpower: Tool vs. Muscle
10:12 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approaches to Change
14:04 Practical Framework for Regulation
16:54 The Ecological Nature of Regulation
19:58 Gentle Persistence in Regulation
23:01 The Partnership with Our Nervous System
Keywords
food psychology, willpower, nervous system, behavior change, Polyvagal Theory, emotional regulation, personal development, self-awareness, mindfulness, transformation
