Cristina Castagnini, PhD, CEDS

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Cristina Castagnini, PhD, CEDS

Dr.Castagnini is a licensed psychologist in CA. Specializing in the treatment of eating disorders as well as general mental health issues.

She hosts tge weekly podcast, Behind the Bite, which is part of the The Los Angeles Tribune podcast network. As I licensed psychologist, I specialize in giving you the tools to navigate life's bumpy roads. We all struggle with roadblocks and I'm completely focused on you finding a solution. My style is focused, practical and results-driven. I have particular success with clients struggling with eating disorders and insomnia. If you're ready for help, I'm available. My office is centrally located in San Ramon, Ca.

01/30/2026

In this compassionate solo episode, I explore the rising trend of a "Soft January" and validates those who feel exhausted by the traditional "New Year, New Me" pressure.

I dig deep into the psychology of perfectionism and people-pleasing,
explaining why the failure of rigid resolutions often feels like a personal character flaw rather than a flaw in the system itself.

I offer a fresh perspective on motivation, challenging listeners to separate their self-worth from their productivity and to view "good enough"not as settling, but as a profound act of self-trust and resilience.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

- The meaning behind the "Soft January"trend and why it’s gaining traction.

- Why high-functioning perfectionists are most at risk for the "New Year' Crash".

- The difference between feeling "inspired" versus feeling "evaluated"by your goals.

- How to identify "Conditional Worth" and stop tying your value to your output.

- Why "good enough" is actually a healthier, more sustainable form of discipline.

Listen here: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/if-january-feels-heavy-this-episode-is-for-you-ep-271/

01/29/2026

NEW PODCAST!⁠ 🎤 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠
⁠
IF JANUARY FEELS HEAVY, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU with Dr Cristina Castagnini
⁠
In this solo episode, I explore why so many people are quietly opting out of New Year’s resolutions and resonating with the idea of a “Soft January.”

Not because they don’t care about growth, but because years of trying to do things the “right” way have left them feeling like failures when those plans inevitably didn’t stick.

We talk about how January pressure mirrors diet culture, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, especially for those who’ve spent years believing they weren’t disciplined or consistent enough.

I unpack why the problem was never you, but the systems that set you up to internalize failure.

This episode isn’t anti-goals or anti-change. It’s about separating growth from self-worth, and learning how “good enough” can be a powerful corrective experience.

If you’ve ever walked away from a resolution, a reset, or a new start feeling like you were the failure, this episode is for you.

To listen click: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/if-january-feels-heavy-this-episode-is-for-you-ep-271/

01/28/2026

In this week's podcast episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini is joined by Melainie Rogers, Founder and CEO of BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center, to navigate the chaotic "wild west" of the current weight loss landscape.

Melainie is a veteran in the field with decades of experience in weight-
inclusive, evidence-based care, known for her work in professional education and advancing non-diet, recovery-focused approaches.

Under her direction, BALANCE provides comprehensive treatment including
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the "health" promised by weight loss drugs may actually be damaging your metabolism and body composition long-term.

• The shocking statistic regarding muscle mass loss versus fat loss when using semaglutide medications.

• How the current wave of weight loss prescriptions mirrors the dangers of past diet trends like liquid diets and bariatric surgery.

• The connection between rapid weight loss, brain atrophy, and increased anxiety, drawing parallels to the Minnesota Starvation Study.

• Why a BMI between 24 and 27 is statistically associated with greater longevity, debunking the "hinner is better" narrative.

To listen click here: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/making-sense-of-the-noise-eating-disorder-treatment-in-a-shifting-landscape-with-melainie-rogers-ep-270/

01/27/2026

NEW PODCAST!⁠ 🎤 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠
⁠
MAKING SENSE OF THE NOISE: EATING DISORDER TREATMENT IN A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE WITH MELAINIE ROGERS
⁠
In this critical and timely episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini is joined by Melainie Rogers, Founder and CEO of BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center, to navigate the chaotic "wild west" of the current weight loss landscape.

As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy saturate the market, Melainie pulls back the curtain on the alarming side effects that are often swept under the rug, from significant muscle atrophy to "medically induced anorexia."

This conversation challenges the pervasive myth that thinness equals health, exposing how the lack of informed consent and the rise of med-spa prescriptions are setting the stage for a future of metabolic damage and disordered eating.

To listen click: https://behindthebitepodcast.com/making-sense-of-the-noise-eating-disorder-treatment-in-a-shifting-landscape-with-melainie-rogers-ep-270/

01/26/2026

The Future of Wellness & Culture Is Being Rewritten. Will You Lead It?

On Saturday, January 31st at 10AM EST, The Los Angeles Tribune and CITY ZERO present a global broadcast: Wellness, Movement & Comunidad at CITY ZERO—a virtual launch event celebrating culture, wellness, and nuestra comunidad.

This isn’t hype. It’s a high-level conversation on how movement, leadership, and storytelling are reshaping health, connection, and cultural impact.

Join us for the official launch of the LATIN JOURNAL, the debut of the VERY CALIENTE Podcast (English + Español), and a special live appearance by Beto Pérez, creator of ZUMBA®.

My segment is at 3:00pm EST - 3:20pm EST on the 31st of JAN.

Virtual. Global. Free to attend.

🔗 Register now: https://www.latwellnessmovement.com/wellness-movement-comunidad-at-city-zero-home⁠⁠⁠

01/25/2026

Reminder for the week ahead. 💖

01/24/2026

Reminder for today and everyday. 💖

Address

2010 Crow Canyon Place, Suite 100
San Ramon, CA
94583

Telephone

+19252525808

Website

https://www.behindthebitepodcast.com/

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Our Story

As I licensed psychologist, I specialize in giving you the tools to navigate life's bumpy roads. We all struggle with roadblocks and I'm completely focused on you finding a solution.

My style is focused, practical and results-driven. I have particular success with clients struggling with eating disorders and insomnia.

If you're ready for help, I'm available. My office is centrally located in San Ramon, Ca. Please visit my website: https://www.freedomtowellness.com