Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Criticism Keeps You Stuck

Beyond Willpower: Why Self-Criticism Keeps You Stuck

Author: The Fasting Method January 22, 2026 Duration: 5:22

Many people believe they need more willpower to stay consistent with fasting or eating habits.

🎙️In this bonus episode, Dr. Terri Lance gently challenges that idea and explains why so-called "self-sabotaging" behaviors are often coping responses, not failures. When stress is high and the nervous system is overwhelmed, food can become a fast and familiar way to regulate — not a lack of discipline.

Real, sustainable change doesn't come from pushing harder or criticizing yourself. It comes from understanding what's happening underneath your behaviors and learning how to respond differently when things get difficult.

This episode is part of the Beyond Knowing series — exploring the gap between knowing what to do and being able to do it consistently.

✨ Learn more about Beyond Knowing, Dr. Terri Lance's 12-week support program, here:
https://www.thefastingmethod.com/beyond-knowing-creating-your-true-transformation/


For anyone navigating the world of intermittent fasting, sorting through the noise can be the hardest part. The Fasting Method Podcast cuts through that confusion with clarity and authority. Co-hosted by recognized experts Megan Ramos and Terri Lance, Ph.D., this podcast is built on a foundation of real science and practical application. The conversations here move beyond simplistic tips to explore the nuanced physiology of fasting, the psychological hurdles, and the sustainable strategies that lead to lasting health changes. You’ll hear detailed explorations of metabolic adaptation, hormone regulation, and the social complexities of changing one's eating patterns, all grounded in the hosts' extensive clinical and research experience. This is a space where listener questions drive the dialogue, making each episode a direct address to the real-world challenges people face. Tune in for a candid, evidence-based resource that treats fasting not as a trend, but as a deeply personal tool for wellness. The discussions on this podcast are designed to empower you with knowledge, demystify the process, and provide a supportive audio companion for your journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 258

The Fasting Method Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Hot Topic: Challenges in Our Own Journeys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
Episode #205 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Heather to discuss the challenges they faced in their own fasting journeys. They too had to tackle the side effects and struggles that all of us encounter. Tr…
Guest Interview: Ben Azadi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:18
Episode #203 In this week's episode, Megan and Terri are joined by a very special guest, Ben Azadi, to talk about his new book Metabolic Freedom: A 30-Day Guide to Restore Your Metabolism, Heal Hormones, and Burn Fat. Th…
Member Transformation: Dave Mitchell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:57
Episode #201 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by TFM Community member, Dave Mitchell, who shares his journey through significant weight loss and improving his metabolic markers by using therapeutic fasting and cha…
Hot Topic: Self-Sabotage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:50
Episode #200 In this week's episode, Terri shares three common self-sabotage patterns that she sees most frequently when it comes to making progress in our fasting and healthy-eating journeys for weight loss and healing.…
Hot Topic: Prioritizing for Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
Episode #198 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Heather for an energized conversation about prioritizing your goals, your health, and, most importantly, YOURSELF! Sign Up to the Self-Sabotage Workshop here:…
Member Transformation: Melanie Bugg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:45
Episode #196 In this week's episode, Coach Bethany gets to talk with Melanie Bugg, a client who shares her health and weight-loss journey. Summary Timestamps: Melanie's journey with fasting and weight loss, and became aw…