In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Sherry Shaban, Certified Athletic Therapist, Osteopath, Hypnotherapist, and creator of the Make Peace With Food method. Sherry shares her powerful personal journey from being a competitive athlete, to a life-altering accident that left her in chronic pain, to rediscovering strength, and eventually questioning everything she had been taught about nutrition and fitness. Through her story, listeners will learn how diet culture and endless cycles of restriction create confusion, fear, and disconnection from the body. Sherry explains how nervous system dysregulation often lies at the root of emotional eating, bingeing, and food fear — and why true healing requires going beyond calories, macros, and meal plans. Together, Sherry and Dr. Cristina uncover why most diets fail, how fear drives food behaviors, and how cultivating self-compassion and emotional safety can transform not just eating habits, but overall well-being. This candid conversation offers a refreshing, hopeful approach: healing from the inside out.

Sherry Shaban is a Certified Athletic Therapist. Osteopath. Hypnotherapist. Former CrossFit gym owner. And now — the creator of the Make Peace With Food Method. After two decades in the fitness and nutrition industry, Sherry Shaban realized that the real issue wasn’t what her clients were eating — it was how they were living. Reacting. Repeating patterns. Spiraling. Shaming themselves. Since then, she has helped thousands of women release the deeper blocks keeping their bodies stuck — using an approach that integrates behavior, hormones, and subconscious pattern work. Sherry is the creator of transformational programs and retreats designed to reset the mind and body. Her mission is to empower others to heal from the inside out — no willpower, restriction, or guilt required.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Sherry’s journey from athlete to chronic pain patient to fitness leader and healer.
  • Why diets — no matter how scientific — often lead to fear, shame, and confusion.
  • The role of trauma and nervous system dysregulation in binge and emotional eating.
  • Why cravings are biological signals, not failures of willpower.
  • How fear around food fuels cortisol and stress cycles.
  • Why information overload (from diets, influencers, even AI tools) keeps people stuck.
  • The importance of redefining “diet” as more than food — including media, conversations, and relationships.
  • How to shift from food rules to nervous system regulation and true nourishment.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 01:21 Meet Sherry Shaban: A Journey from Pain to Empowerment
  • 05:26 The Confusion of Diet Culture
  • 08:26 Understanding the Nervous System and Food Relationship
  • 17:14 The Impact of Social Media and Environment on Diet
  • 21:16 Navigating Personal Questions
  • 21:45 Shifting the Conversation
  • 22:26 Diet and Exercise Queries
  • 22:58 Reprogramming Mindsets
  • 25:51 The Shift Away from Diet Culture
  • 26:23 The Role of Medications
  • 27:10 Understanding Eating Behaviors
  • 33:43 Practical Steps to Healing
  • 37:29 The Importance of Self-Love
  • 39:13 Resources and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH Sherry:

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.