EPISODE 123: Why You Rebel Against Your Own Food Rules (And How to Stop)

Jul 7, 2026

Here's why you keep "falling off" your diet by Thursday, even though Monday-you had the best intentions.

 

Dieters often want to blame their lack of willpower, discipline or for being weak, but it has nothing to do with that. It's a psychological problem.

 

In this episode, Coach Steph and I break down the four ways your brain rebels against restriction, and why the stricter your rules, the harder you crash. If you've ever cleared out the pantry after a "bad" weekend, you need to hear this.

 

We're covering:

 

• The Monday-Thursday split: why the version of you who made the rules isn't the version who has to follow them
• The pink elephant problem: why banning a food guarantees you'll obsess over it
• The rebellious teenager response: why your brain fights back the second something feels off-limits
• The exhale effect: why "blowing it" isn't a lack of control, it's relief from mental exhaustion

 

And we don't just leave you with the why. You'll walk away with two shifts you can start using today: how to trade rigid rules for real reasons, and how to give yourself permission without becoming permissive.

 

If you're smart, disciplined, and still can't crack this one thing, this episode is for you.

 

You can also connect with Leslie & Steph on Instagram.

 

Be the first to know when we're opening the doors to our signature psychology-based weight loss program, Outsmart Overeating (and get exclusive access to early bird discounts and fast action bonuses), join the Interest List. 

 

 

If you want to learn how to not-only lose weight, but also lose the struggle along side it, you can get started by taking the Weight Loss Psychology Quiz: Discover Your Diet Personality Type