Are You Stuck in the C-FAST Cycle?

PDF

The following quiz is designed to help you identify whether you may be caught in the C-FAST cycle. For some individuals, conditioned responses contribute only slightly to food sensitivities, while for others, they can have a significant—even debilitating—effect.

As you go through the assessment, try to maintain an open and self-compassionate mindset.

Risk Factors

  • Mysterious symptoms
  • Food and symptom journaling
  • Diagnosed food hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis, celiac disease)
  • Food sensitivity testing
  • Participating in online support groups that discuss food sensitivities or rigid nutrition views
  • Reading articles or watching videos about the dangers of common foods
  • Limiting your diet based on restriction lists (e.g., low histamine, low salicylate, etc.)
  • Working with health professionals who suggest or reinforce extreme dietary restrictions

Red Flags

  • Overthinking food and symptoms
  • Symptoms when you see or think about food
  • Mental or physical tension when you think about food
  • Impulsive eating
  • Avoiding food-related social gatherings
  • Food restrictions have increased over time

Common Feelings When You Are Stuck

  • Frustrated by an endless cycle of elimination diets
  • Hypervigilant around food
  • Preoccupied with food and symptoms
  • Confused/frustrated about what to eat and what to avoid
  • Powerless over food and symptoms

If you checked three or more statements, you may be caught in the C-FAST cycle. Keep reading to learn how to rebuild trust with food and your body and expand your diet.

Previous Topic
Back to Lesson
Next Lesson