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: Fasting Foundations or Framework [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:39
Episode #185 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Bethany to talk about the importance of establishing and returning to your fasting foundations or the framework structure you have put into place. They emphas…
Hot Topic: Thoughts From The Fasting Analogy Queen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
Episode #183 In this week's episode, you will hear a solo episode by Terri, the Analogy Queen. Because her brain works in analogies, she wanted to share some recent images she has been using in her work with fasting clie…
Hot Topic: Making The Leap From a 24-Hour Fast to Overnight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:39
Episode #182 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Heather for a discussion about a common struggle for so many fasters - getting beyond the 24-hour fasts to do an overnight fast. They highlight how to navigat…
Hot Topic: Exercise - Are You Overtraining or Not Moving Enough? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Episode #181 In this week's episode,Terri is joined by TFM Coach Bethany who shares wisdom to help listeners assess if they might be interfering with their goals by overtraining or avoiding exercise due to beliefs that d…
Hot Topic: Ways To Boost Motivation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
Episode #179 In this week's episode,Terri is once again joined by Coach Heather Shuker. They discuss ways that we interfere with feeling motivated vs ways that we can help foster motivation. Transcripts of all episodes a…
Member Transformation: Lisa Enns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Episode #178 In this week's episode,Terri is joined by TFM Community mentor Lisa Enns who shares her health and weight-loss journey. This is a great episode to remind all of us of the longer-term reality of the 'fasting…
Hot Topic: Understanding What Motivates Our Brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:41
Episode #177 In this week's episode,Terri is joined by Coach Heather Shuker. They discuss what actually motivates the brain and why this makes relying on motivation to fast and make healthy food choices complicated. Tran…
Hot Topic: Are You Relying on Motivation? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:16
Episode #176 In this week's episode,Terri is joined by Coach Heather Shuker. The two jump into a topic they both love--motivation! They discuss how relying on motivation often leads our attempts to crash and burn or smou…