support a loved one; ryann nicole
Podcast

013. How To Support A Loved One Struggling With Binge Eating

January 18, 2021

Ryann Nicole

Hi, I’m Ryann.

Your Not-So-Average Food Freedom Therapist & Virtual Coach. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Nutritionist with a BA in Psychology, and a MA in Professional Counseling, yes I do a little of the "so how does that make you feel".

But my ultimate goal is to provide you with the resources you need, in an easy-to-understand way, on healing your disordered relationship with food and your body. 

TOp categories
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Binge Eating

Healthy Habits

Body Image

Emotional Eating

Mental Health 


Episode Transcript

Today, I want to address a specific audience – the parents, friends, family members, and spouses of individuals struggling with binge eating. It’s a tough situation, and I want to share my experience to help you understand and support your loved ones better.

Understanding Binge Eating

If someone you care about is dealing with binge eating, it’s crucial not to focus on food quantity. They don’t need a diet or less food; instead, they need encouragement to eat normally. Binge eating stems from a mindset issue, not the food itself.

Supportive Actions

  1. Encourage Normal Eating:
    • Normalize regular, mindful eating.
    • Shift the focus from dieting to enjoying food without shame.
    • Avoid restrictive measures, as they can exacerbate binge eating.
  2. Avoid Weight Fluctuation Comments:
    • Refrain from drawing attention to weight fluctuations.
    • Constantly thinking about their weight, your loved one doesn’t need additional comments making them feel worse.
    • Support them with love, acknowledging their beauty regardless of weight changes.
  3. Address the Mindset, Not Just the Food:
    • Understand that binge eating is a mindset problem, not solely a food problem.
    • Clearing out the pantry or altering the types of food won’t solve the issue.
    • Binge eating isn’t a conscious choice; it’s often an involuntary, subconscious act.

Supporting with Love

Being a supportive friend, family member, or partner means realizing that you can’t change the situation. Your role is to love and offer support. Ask your loved one what they need rather than imposing solutions. Love and support go a long way in helping someone struggling with binge eating.

If you’re here, it shows how much you care. Remember, there’s nothing you can do to fix the situation, but your love and understanding can make a significant impact. Reach out, ask questions, and be there for your loved ones.

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