How to Overcome Binge Eating
Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of binge eating? If so, you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Stefanie and Sarah from the “Life After Diets Podcast” join me for a candid conversation about overcoming compulsive eating.
What Is Compulsive Eating?
We kick off by defining the difference between compulsive and impulsive eating. While impulsive eating is mindless snacking without forethought, compulsive eating feels like a loss of control – a behavior driven by forces beyond our conscious will.
How to Overcome Binge Eating: The Nervous System’s Role
Stefanie eloquently explains how our nervous system plays a crucial role in both creating and healing binge eating. When we restrict our food intake, our body perceives it as a threat and increases hunger signals to restore balance.
However, our conscious mind often rejects these signals, leading to an internal conflict. This clash between our body’s needs and our desire for control can fuel a compulsive eating cycle fueled by shame and self-criticism.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
Sarah emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in recovery. Shame corrodes our belief in our ability to change, making it harder to break free from compulsive patterns. By connecting with others who understand this struggle, we can cultivate self-compassion and emotional resilience.
How to Overcome Binge Eating: The Power of Support
Both Stefanie and Sarah stress the value of support in overcoming binge eating. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group therapy, or online communities, having someone to hold our hand through the recovery journey can make all the difference.
Stefanie’s coaching practice, for instance, offers daily WhatsApp check-ins to provide consistent, safe support – a lifeline for those navigating the challenges of compulsive eating day by day.
The Path to Recovery
Ultimately, the path to recovery isn’t about stopping binge eating but addressing the underlying needs and traumas that fuel the compulsion. As Sarah notes, trying to stop binge eating by solely focusing on stopping often backfires.
Instead, we must shift our attention to creating safety, self-acceptance, and a life less compatible with compulsive patterns. This process may involve therapy, somatic work, or simply learning to hold ourselves with fierce compassion, as Stephanie beautifully describes.
A Powerful Reminder
This conversation is a powerful reminder that binge eating isn’t a personal failing but a complex interplay of biology, psychology, and social conditioning. By understanding the nervous system’s role, cultivating self-compassion, and leaning on support, we can break free from the shame and isolation that often perpetuate compulsive patterns.
If you’re struggling with binge eating, know that you’re not alone – and that healing is possible. Take the first step today by seeking out the resources and support that resonate with you.
Sarah and Stefanie are co-hosts of Life After Diets, a podcast focused on personal stories exploring the nuances of eating disorder recovery and body image issues. Stefanie is a Recovery Coach and Somatic-Therapist-in-training based in the US, while Sarah is a therapist specializing in binge eating recovery based in the UK.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- The difference between compulsive and impulsive eating
- The role of the nervous system in creating and healing binge eating
- The importance of self-compassion and support in recovery
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
Instagram – Stefanie and Sarah
