In this episode of The Body Love Binge Podcast, Julia and I answer listener questions about recovering from eating disorders. We provide insight, advice, and motivation on topics like dealing with fear of weight gain, extreme hunger, choosing recovery even when it’s uncomfortable, addressing exercise addiction, and more.
Main Discussion Points:
– Managing fear of weight gain and extreme hunger in recovery
– Getting to the root cause of your eating disorder
– Making progress in recovery even with genetic digestive issues
– Honouring your hunger signals and learning to feel comfortable while resting
– Letting go of old habits and clothes that no longer fit
– The importance of taking action to create change
Key Quotes:
“You’re never gonna wake up one day and go, oh, I’m ready now. Today is the day. So it is simply how do I stop by stopping? Right now, right this moment.” (Julia at 57:47)
“Feelings change after actions are repeatedly done to change the feelings. Feelings will not change until the actions are being done again and again and again. And then they do change.” (Julia at 1:00:55)
Summary of the episode:
Chatting All Things Recovery
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with my dear friend and fellow recovery coach Julia. We dove deep into some very thoughtful questions from our amazing community around all aspects of the recovery journey.
Addressing Those Tricky Low-Level Compulsions
One issue that comes up time and time again is how to manage those sneaky lower-level movement compulsions that can feel so relentless. I’m talking the going up and down stairs, cleaning, standing – those habitual restless behaviors we often turn to out of anxiety or as distraction.
The first step here is truly allowing yourself permission to stop. What does the recovered version of you want to be doing day-to-day? As Julia wisely said, this is very much a practice. Be aware of when you engage in these subtle compulsions. When you catch yourself, say NOPE, out loud if needed, and actively choose a different behavior that grounds you into the present moment. This gets much easier the more it’s practiced!
Honouring Extreme Hunger in Mind and Body
Another common question was around extreme hunger – worries that all the biscuits and ice creams are simply greed or binging in disguise. I so relate to how terrifying the sheer quantity of food consumed in EH felt. But rest assured, every bite serves a purpose for rebuilding, replenishing, signaling safety. If you are waking in the night restless and pacing, that’s often a strong sign of lingering hunger as well.
Give yourself radical permission to honor what your body truly needs right now. This too shall pass! Stay anchored on your end vision of freedom and let the food be medicine, bringing you back.
Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
We also discussed the painful trap of comparing ourselves to friends or partners who seem to “have it all” together in relationships, family, career. Julia said it perfectly though – you have your own lane in life. Repeat that to yourself anytime you catch the comparison habit creeping back in. What others have going on is just that – THEIR thing. Stay true to your authentic path.
The gift lies not in pleading to be someone else but fully embracing your unique recovering self, whoever she may become. Have faith that by walking this road step by step, doors you cannot even envision will open when you are ready for them.
In closing, I was so inspired by this rich dialogue with my soul sister Julia. If you resonated with any part of this post and want to explore working privately to become the fullest expression of YOU, we would be honored. Just know that you ALWAYS have options and support. Never stop seeking it. Together we are so much stronger.
