Your Friday Five: The Science Behind “Delay, Don’t Deny”

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us. This week’s Friday Five brings you inside a phrase that’s been echoing through my mind lately: delay, don’t deny. (here is a video where I talk about this experience) It’s a simple strategy I’ve used for years in the clinic—and in my own life—but today I’m breaking down why it works and the science that makes it powerful. I tell the real-life story of walking past my favorite bakery, spotting the rare chocolate donut, and making a very intentional decision: Yes, I’m going to have it… but not yet. Inside this short episode, we explore: 1. Why “delay, don’t deny” keeps your metabolism stable Putting protein + fiber into your system before a treat dramatically changes the blood sugar curve. A blunted rise = fewer cravings, fewer urges, and a calmer body afterward. 2. How your hunger hormone reacts to restriction (this will surprise you) Research shows that even thinking you’re about to restrict increases ghrelin—the hormone that tells you you’re hungry. Translation: Telling yourself “I can’t have that” makes you want it more. 3. Why this approach breaks the urge-driven eating cycle A pause—even 10–30 minutes—creates just enough space between the emotion and the action. You still have full permission to eat the food; it’s simply not dictating the timing. 4. What balanced first meals look like in real life I walk you through exactly what I ate: spinach, cucumbers, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt with ranch, all tucked into little silicone molds. Nothing fancy—just quick, nourishing, and ready. 5. How to create your own “fast-action foods” list This part is crucial. A fridge list takes the guesswork out of what to reach for when you’re ravenous and tempted to go straight for the pantry. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, fruit, veggies—simple staples that are always there to stabilize your system. If you ever find yourself walking through the door starving, tempted to eat whatever is closest, try this approach: Delay, don’t deny. Nourish first. Pause. Reassess. Then decide. Over time, this leads to totally different eating patterns—and a calmer, more predictable body. Have an amazing weekend. Let me know how “delay, don’t deny” goes for you. See you Monday. All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast. If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You. Get my free Podcast Roadmap —a simple guide to help you find the episodes that matter most to your journey. Whether you're on GLP-1s, navigating plateaus, or just starting out, there's something here for you. Support the show