After cancer treatment ends, food becomes so much more than food. It becomes emotional, confusing, filled with questions, rules, guilt, comfort, and sometimes even fear. One moment you're enjoying a slice of toast, and the next your mind whispers, “Should I be eating this? Should I be juicing kale? Is this biscuit going to ruin my life?”
If you’ve ever felt this tug of war between wanting to nourish yourself and wanting to live freely, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.
Today, Gabby unpacks why food becomes complicated after cancer, how trauma attaches itself to eating habits, and why extreme thinking (“I must eat perfectly forever” vs “forget it, pass the biscuits”) is so common. You’ll learn a simple, calming approach to food—the Energy Plate Principle, that removes perfectionism and brings you back to ease, trust, and confidence.
This episode is not about strict rules, nutrition degrees, or counting grams. It’s about helping you feel safe in your body again, rebuilding energy gently, and making food a source of nourishment rather than stress.
What You'll Learn in This Episode- Why food feels emotional after cancer (and why that is completely normal)
- How trauma affects eating patterns, cravings, and decision-making
- The Energy Plate Principle: a simple, balanced way of eating without tracking or restriction
- Why carbs are not the enemy and why enjoying your food matters
- How hydration, sunlight, gentle movement, and real foods support mood and energy
- Why the biggest shift is not what you eat, but how you think about what you eat
- How to rebuild self-trust after cancer erodes confidence in your choices
- The difference between lacking discipline and lacking energy
- Why compassion, not perfection, is the foundation of healing your relationship with food
Resources & Links:
- Book a free clarity call with Gabby: Schedule here
- Connect with Gabby on Instagram: @gabby.mottershead
- Visit the website: confidenceaftercancer.co.uk
- Watch on YouTube: Subscribe here
- Join Gabby’s weekly newsletter for tips on life after treatment: Sign up here