Mind Over Menu, with Jared Gleaton

"Food had controlled me. The grocery store controlled me, restaurants controlled me—and I wanted to break free of that."

In this mouth watering episode, Mike Carlon uncorks the story of Jared Gleaton, a nationally certified school psychologist and captivating food critic. Jared takes us on a fascinating journey from his early social media food reviews to his dramatic mental and physical transformation. His book, A Feast for the Senses: The Psychological Art of Eating Well, explores the intersection of psychology and food. Through deep self-reflection, Jared unpacks the emotional triggers behind overeating and how he regained control of his life by redefining his relationship with food. Tune in to hear Jared’s powerful story of weight loss, self-discovery, and the importance of savoring both food and life.

Key Themes

1. The Power of Detailed Food Reviews: Jared discusses how his frustration with shallow restaurant reviews led him to create vivid, immersive descriptions that engage all the senses. His goal? To transport the reader right into the dining experience, emphasizing that food is more than just taste—it's an emotional and psychological journey.
2. Food Addiction and Emotional Eating: Jared reflects on his battle with overeating, which stemmed from childhood influences and emotional triggers. He shares the struggle of realizing how deeply intertwined his emotions were with his eating habits, particularly after the loss of his father.
3. Losing 176 Pounds Through Moderation and Mindfulness: Jared debunks the myth of drastic diets and quick fixes, explaining that sustainable weight loss is about moderation, portion control, and savoring the eating experience. He emphasizes that mindful eating, rather than deprivation, was key to his incredible transformation.
4. Psychology's Role in Eating Habits: Food is more than fuel—it’s a psychological experience. Jared explains how marketing, cultural norms, and emotional states can manipulate our food choices. By addressing the underlying psychological triggers, he was able to change his relationship with food and break free from destructive patterns.
5. The Flawed Promise of Weight Loss Drugs: Jared warns against relying solely on drugs like Ozempic for weight loss, noting that while they might suppress appetite, they don’t tackle the deeper psychological issues that lead to overeating. He stresses that without behavioral change, the weight is likely to return once the medication stops.
6. A Critique of Modern Food Culture: From fast food to gourmet, Jared critiques how modern culture encourages overindulgence. He sheds light on the subtle ways we’re manipulated by food marketing and how shifting our focus to fresh, high-quality ingredients can foster a healthier lifestyle.

Buy A Feast for the Senses : The Psychological Art of Eating Well

Amazon: https://amzn.to/487yV5H

Connect with Jared

Website: https://jaredgleatoneats.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredgleatoneats/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaredgleatoneats/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaredgleaton

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaredgleatoneats

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: