EP 227: The Real Reason You Save Food & Calories for Later + 7 Steps to Break This ED Pattern Now🙌

On this MUST listen episode I share a listener question that will probably resonate with you: "I want to nourish my body more, but I save my calories until the end of the day. Why do I do this? Is this part of my eating disorder or just who I am?"

If you find yourself waiting to eat certain foods until later, saving up calories for dinner, or only allowing treats at specific times, this episode is for you. Lindsey breaks down the psychology behind this behavior and gives you 7 concrete steps to break free from the scarcity mindset that's keeping you stuck.

What You'll Learn

• The real reason you save calories (hint: it's not about hunger)
• Why this is classic eating disorder behavior rooted in scarcity mindset
• The difference between scarcity and abundance thinking with food
• 7 practical steps to start eating earlier and honoring your body
• How to challenge the rules you've created around "worthy" foods
• The "Best First Rule" - why you should tackle the hardest thing first

Key Concepts Explained Scarcity Mindset vs. Abundance Mindset

• Scarcity: Living from lack, believing you don't deserve abundance
• Abundance: Allowing food in and out like energy/currency
• The Truth: You were created to have all things abundantly

Why You Save Calories

• Classic eating disorder tactic based on scarcity
• Underlying belief that you don't deserve good things now
• Fear of overeating if you have something earlier
• Coping mechanism that turned sour

7 Steps to Stop Saving Calories 1. Honor Your Mornings

• Make a new rule: "Why wait for later what I can nourish now?"
• Question where your restrictions came from
• Pre-decide the night before to challenge morning rules

2. Eat Consciously Every 1-2 Hours

• Start with every 2 hours if needed
• Eat even when not hungry to create consistent patterns
• Break the "save up for later" cycle

3. Address Negative Emotions

• Ask "why" repeatedly to get to root fears
• Challenge illogical thoughts ("Will toast really make me gain weight?")
• Lean into uncomfortable feelings to change them

4. Honor Yourself - Act Now

• If you're dreaming of food freedom, act on it NOW
• Don't procrastinate on things you want
• Apply the "hardest thing first" principle

5. Remove All Rules Mentally

• Ask: "If all foods were zero calories and my rules didn't exist, what would I choose?"
• Give yourself permission to want things
• Make that choice without guilt

6. Switch Up Meal Times

• Try "breakfast for dinner" or eating 2 hours earlier
• Make it a game with small, achievable goals
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