About this episode
Are you stuck in an endless cycle of dieting, perfectionism, and guilt? Do you find yourself constantly switching between strict control over food and complete abandon, only to feel joyless and exhausted? How about finding a way to break free from these patterns and truly enjoy your life without fear or shame around food, body, and weight? The perfectionist mindset can feel like a trap—rewarding us with fleeting moments of control but leaving us drained, frustrated, and disconnected from our authentic selves. For many, the holidays amplify this struggle, with extra food, drinks, and social expectations heightening the pressure to "stay on track" while secretly longing for freedom and joy. The more we strive for perfection, the more we may feel we're missing out on the vibrant, colorful life we deserve. In this episode, Leslie shares her transformative journey from rigid dieting and fear-based control to a life of freedom, joy, and authenticity. She invites us to shift from perfectionism to integrity, explore new sources of joy, and embrace our full self-expression. Let's move past the limitations of all-or-nothing thinking and rediscover what it means to live in the present moment. Listen to Leslie's insights as they offer a powerful roadmap for change. "Give yourself permission to have joy this holiday. That is what they're all about. That is where we get access to it. And if that feels impossible to you, just know that there are ways to get there." - Leslie Thornton What you will learn from this episode: 01:52 - Leslie sharing her journey from struggling with dieting and food addiction to discovering joy and freedom through her HEAL method 05:05 - Describing a client's experience with the unsustainable cycle of strict dieting and binge eating 07:10 - Discussing the fear and challenges of balancing strict control and permission around food during the holidays and normalizing common struggles and embracing joy 15:37 - Exploring the journey from perfectionism to authenticity, and embracing flexibility, integrity, and joy in living your life 21:56 - Emphasizing the importance of rediscovering joy and using personal struggles as catalysts for greater freedom and self-expression 26:46 - Inviting everyone to join her program to overcome perfectionism and food rules for a more joyful and empowered life Valuable Resources: Join my next LIVE masterclass Join the 8-week Fastrack to Food Freedom Program -Guaranteed mental and emotional freedom from food Connect With Leslie Thornton: Book A Clarity Call Website Facebook LinkedIn Email: Leslie@hpwl.co If you enjoy the podcast, Would you please consider leaving a quick review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes in under 60 seconds? It brightens our day and helps us bring you incredible guests for top-notch content. Plus, I cherish reading every review! Click here to make a difference!