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