A 5-Step Guide to Take Control of Your Relationship with Food

Freedom from Binge Eating

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In the shadows of secrecy, I found myself locked in a nightly battle with food. Whether huddled in my car, at my desk, or in the pantry, the fear of being caught red-handed gnawed at me. Every mouthful of forbidden food was a risk, like a hidden dance between the cravings I couldn't control and the image I wanted to show the world.

"Why am I like this?" The question echoed in the quiet moments. "Do I have zero control? Am I addicted to food? Is there any way to quit this madness? I can't keep doing this!"

I get it. I truly do.

Even though this is what you see now....

In 2009, I went to therapy for the first time to seek help for what I later discovered was binge eating. At the time, binge eating wasn't a diagnosed disorder, so I thought something was wrong with me.

My goal was for my therapist to assist me in gaining control over my eating habits so that I could lose weight. Unfortunately, I didn't listen to any of her advice, and as a result, nothing changed.

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Undeterred, I gave therapy another chance in 2011, thinking this time would be different. The problem was that I still thought my eating was the issue, so I remained unmoved by my therapist.

I ignored everything she told me, didn't do any homework she suggested, and wasn't fully honest about my eating. Not surprisingly, the binges continued.

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2012 saw me swapping traditional therapy for a weight loss coach, believing a strict plan would be the answer. It wasn't.

I just got better at hiding my binges and lying about it. Living a double life became a full-time job. 

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By 2013, I was convinced I was addicted to food. So, I started Overeaters Anonymous and Food Addicts Anonymous, thinking abstinence must be the cure. Yet the more I tried to abstain from flour and sugar, the more insatiable I became.

A "good" week was making it from Monday to Thursday without a binge. And then, of course, I would binge all weekend with the goal of "getting back on track Monday."

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Then came 2014, the year I hit rock bottom and acknowledged the need for serious help. It was time to abandon my DIY solutions—they weren't cutting it.

That was the turning point. I relinquished control, relearned how to listen to my body, honored my physical needs, managed emotions without resorting to food, and finally, the urges to binge gradually faded until they were gone.

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Cold leftovers eaten with bare hands, English muffins, bagels, and sliced bread devoured straight from the package, fistfuls of crackers, cereal, pretzels, cookies, and popcorn shoved into my mouth—my self-destructive feast knew no bounds. 

Driving from one fast-food joint to another, devouring everything on the way to the next stop for more. Meanwhile, presenting an image of pristine, healthy eating when in the company of others—little did they know!


Cold leftovers eaten with bare hands, English muffins, bagels, and sliced bread devoured straight from the package, fistfuls of crackers, cereal, pretzels, cookies, and popcorn shoved into my mouth—my self-destructive feast knew no bounds. 
Driving from one fast-food joint to another, devouring everything on the way to the next stop for more. Meanwhile, presenting an image of pristine, healthy eating when in the company of others—little did they know!


Binge eating, for me, was a battle against self-implosion. The constant struggle to resist the urge consumed me. And when I finally gave in, it unleashed a chaotic war zone with food.

Ready to break free from the chains of binge eating? Excellent! Keep reading.

If any of this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. 

What You Need To Know About Binge Eating

Binge eating is a form of disordered eating characterized by compulsive or out-of-control feelings, and often (but not always) consuming a large amount of food at once. It’s associated with starting as a high-high, followed by clinically significant shame, guilt, and stress. 
The key distinction that separates binge eating from emotional eating and overeating is how the eating behavior unfolds.

Specific characteristics that categorize a binge include:




The eating is very rapid; there is no tasting of the food, and it feels compulsive and aggressive. 

The binge starts as exciting (maybe you even experience a high); however, that positive sensation is short-lived and replaced with disgust, shame, and anger. 

This is the biggie that differentiates binge eating from emotional eating or overeating. Loss of control is an inability to stop eating, almost like an out-of-body experience.

In most instances (if not all), binges occur in secret. You go to great lengths to hide the binge, which can feel like you're living a double life.

You might binge on whatever is available if you don't have options. However, given the option to binge on what you want, the foods consumed during a binge are typically your ‘restricted’ or ‘off-limits’ food.

It's not an addiction to food or a character flaw. Instead, it's your body's way of responding to unmet functional, emotional, and social needs—essentially, a mechanism aimed at keeping you safe.

Many individuals, myself included, have found themselves alive today because of binge eating. It served as a coping mechanism, redirecting us from a potentially destructive path we were on before the binges started.

Rather than placing blame on yourself for binge eating, consider adopting a curious mindset about the reasons behind these episodes. What if you shifted your focus from self-blame to understanding why the binges occur in the first place?


Binge eating is not a matter of willpower, discipline, or self-control.

If you feel like you've tried everything to stop binge eating and nothing is working, odds are you're making the binge eating the problem, rather than addressing what's causing it.

Three Most Common Unmet Needs Triggering Binges

To start, let's explore three of the most common unmet needs that often trigger binge eating:




If you're sticking to a set of rigid food rules, like specific timings and restrictions on what and how much you can eat, it might be causing more harm than good.

Here's the lowdown: overly strict diets often lead to binge eating. Why? Following these rules can leave you increasingly hungry over time, with cravings for all the things you've been denying yourself.

Breaking a rule may lead to self-blame and feelings of failure, triggering a full-blown binge on the forbidden foods. And when you begin to eat, it feels impossible to stop.

Not Meeting Your Functional Needs Due to Diet Rigidity

Do you constantly measure your self-worth by your weight or appearance? If the number on the scale or your reflection in the mirror dictates how you feel about yourself, it could be fueling binge eating.

This intense focus on appearance sets the stage for those strict food rules we discussed earlier, fostering negative feelings. To break the cycle of binge eating, shift the emphasis away from your weight and shape. It's time to prioritize your social well-being over rigid beauty standards!

Not Meeting Your Social Needs Due to Excessive Focus on Body Size

Ever notice yourself turning to binge eating after a challenging day? Mood changes, particularly negative ones, often precede binge eating episodes.

Why? Well, dealing with emotions like sadness, loneliness, anger, or frustration can be challenging. Instead of confronting these emotions, the instinct is to escape or avoid them.

Turning to food for instant pleasure becomes a quick fix. While everybody uses food to soothe from time to tome, the problem arises when food is your only method of coping with difficult emotions.

Not Meeting Your Emotional Needs Due to an Inability to Regulate Moods

The healing journey involves recognizing the impact of rigid diets, the influence of societal beauty standards on self-worth, and the role emotions play in our relationship with food.

As you reflect on these insights and consider their resonance in your own life, remember that this exploration is the first step towards breaking free from the patterns that no longer serve you. Armed with awareness and understanding, you're now better equipped to embark on the path of healing, paving the way for a healthier and more balanced connection with food.



The First 5 Steps To Stop Binge Eating

Yay, you're on a fantastic journey to heal your relationship with food! But knowing what to do next can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There's so much info out there, it's like a gigantic wave of confusion. But no stress, I've got you covered! In the next part, I'll walk you through five simple steps to kickstart your food freedom journey. We're breaking it down so you can ditch the overwhelm and start cruising towards a happier food connection. Let's do this! 




Recalibrating your internal hunger cues is the goal, aiming to return to normal eating patterns. Additionally, avoiding extreme hunger is crucial, as it's a major trigger for binge eating.

Why Eat Regardless of Hunger?

Regular eating disrupts harmful dieting practices often linked to binge eating, such as fasting, meal skipping, and overall undereating. This step not only eliminates these triggers but also enhances concentration, prevents lethargy, and boosts overall well-being. Planning your meals and snacks is key, ensuring no more than a four-hour gap between them.

Why Is This Helpful?

Step 1: Establish Regular Eating Habits, Regardless of Hunger

If binge eating has thrown your eating habits into chaos, it's time to bring order back. Creating a structured routine is crucial. Plan to eat at least three satisfying meals with snacks when needed, making sure there's no more than a four-hour gap between them, whether you feel hungry or not.

1) meal 1 at 7a, snack at 10a, lunch at 1p, snack at 4p, dinner at 7p, (if needed) snack at 10p

2) meal 1 at 8a, meal 2 at 12p, snack at 3p, meal 3 at 6p, (if needed) snack at 9p

3) snack at 5a, meal 1 at 9a, meal 2 at 1p, snack at 4p, meal 3 at 7p, (if needed) snack at 10p

A Few Examples of Consistent Eating:

  1. Awareness: Recognize negative thoughts about food or your body.
  2. Questioning: Check if thoughts are based on facts or assumptions.
  3. Alternative Perspectives: Consider more positive viewpoints.
  4. Evidence Gathering: Look for evidence contradicting negative thoughts.
  5. Realistic Evaluation: Assess if thoughts are fair to yourself.

How to Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts:

Challenging unhelpful thoughts reshape your perspective on food and body, disrupting the cycle leading to binge eating. It's like rewiring your mindset for a more positive foundation.

Why Is This Helpful?

Step 2: Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts

If binge eating is accompanied by a critical inner voice, it's time for a mindset shift. Challenge thoughts that aren't serving you to change how you feel and behave.

Unhelpful Thought: "I can't eat any carbs; they'll make me gain weight."
Challenge: "Carbs are necessary for energy and brain power."

Unhelpful Thought: "I'll only be happy if I lose X pounds."
Challenge: "My worth isn't tied to the scale. Happiness comes from overall well-being."

Unhelpful Thought: "I've already eaten one 'bad' thing today; might as well keep going."
Challenge: "I don't need to make this one food decision mean so much. I didn't do anything wrong. I can still listen to my body."

Examples of Challenging Unhelpful Thoughts:

Having different ways to cope is vital to break the cycle of using food as the go-to comfort. Diversifying coping mechanisms broadens your toolkit for handling stress, emotions, and challenges, reducing the need for binge eating. By exploring various coping skills, you gain more control over your emotional well-being, minimizing the reliance on destructive eating patterns.

Why Does This Help with Binge Eating?

Step 3: Discover New Ways to Cope

If you're wrestling with binge eating, it's not the binge you crave but the emotional relief it brings—whether it's a high, numbing effect, or a distraction. Even though you know binging leaves you feeling worse, emotions tend to override logic. To break free, learn to manage tough emotions without relying on food.

  • Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system.
  • Mindfulness Meditation: Engage in exercises to stay present and focused.
  • Journaling: Write down thoughts and feelings for clarity and tension release.
  • Physical Activity: Boost mood and reduce stress through exercise.
  • Socializing: Connect with friends or loved ones for support and distraction.

Examples of Coping Skills:

You're probably using food to numb, not soothe. Let's explore what you're trying to numb and why.

If nothing gives you the same sensation that food does...

Shifting the focus from appearance-based judgments to appreciating the body's functionality fosters a positive relationship with yourself. This change in perspective significantly reduces the negative emotions associated with body dissatisfaction, contributing to a healthier mindset and decreasing the likelihood of turning to binge eating.

Why Does This Help with Binge Eating?

Step 4: Acknowledge Your Body's Function

To have a healthy relationship with food, appreciating your body, even if you're not thrilled with its appearance, is crucial. Recognize and value your body for its incredible abilities beyond its external looks.

On tough body image days, redirect your thoughts toward appreciating your body's abilities. Engage in activities that make you feel good and focus on the positive aspects of your body's functions.

How to Practice Body Appreciation:

Body Appreciation Example

A support system fights the isolation that often accompanies disordered eating. It offers emotional encouragement and validation, counteracting negative feelings and shame. Practical assistance, whether from professionals, peers, or friends, helps navigate the ups and downs of recovery.

Why Does This Help with Binge Eating?

Step 5: Build a Support System

Battling binge eating can feel isolating. Having support is crucial—it combats feelings of loneliness, provides emotional encouragement, and offers practical assistance.

  • Therapists and Counselors: Mental health professionals offer guidance and support.
  • Support Groups: Local or online groups provide a sense of community.
  • Dietitians or Nutritionists: Seek guidance for a balanced approach to eating.
  • Friends and Family: Trusted individuals can provide emotional support.
  • Eating Disorder Helplines: Immediate support and resource connection.
  • Online Forums and Communities: Platforms for sharing experiences and support.

Where to Find Support:

Okay, now let's get to the good stuff – how to actually stop binge eating for good!

Your Simple Plan: Getting Started with These Steps

Every day, you'll have a task to do for each step. This sets the groundwork for ongoing progress toward lasting healing and freedom.



Day One

Set aside 10 minutes to plan an eating schedule you can stick to most of the time. Ensure this schedule doesn’t allow for more than 3-4 waking hours without food.

This consistency is crucial, even if you've had a binge (re-read step one above for why). Stick to your schedule to avoid falling back into old patterns until the binges have stopped.

Day One: Establish Structure In Your Eating

Day Two

Select two go-to mantras to combat destructive thoughts about food and your body. Write these mantras in multiple visible places, such as your phone wallpaper, a sticky note on your mirror, or a notecard on your desk.

Day Two: Decide On Your Go-To Mantras

Day Three

Make time to assemble a coping box or list. For a coping box, gather items that bring comfort during emotional moments. If you're making a coping list, jot down activities that soothe you, and keep it in your phone for easy access.

Day Three: Create a Coping Toolbox or List

Day Four 

Place a sticky note on your mirror with the question, “What is one thing you can thank your body for?” Answer this question every time you look in the mirror. If you prefer, set a silent reminder on your phone to ask you this question during the day.

Day Four: Set Reminders To Appreciate your Body 

Day Five

Dedicate 10 minutes to identify at least three sources of support, such as a Facebook community, a friend, or coaching with Ryann. 

Day Five: Find Your Sources of Support

Day Six

Celebrate small victories by noting them down and placing them in a jar.

Day Six: Create a Win Jar

Day Seven

Curate a positive online environment by unfollowing accounts that promote harmful body image or diet culture. And while you’re at it, rid your living space of diet-related items and create an environment that supports your food freedom journey.

Day Seven: Remove Diet Culture

Congratulations on Completing the First Seven Days of Your Journey Towards Food Freedom!

you did it!

Embrace the progress you've made and continue to prioritize your well-being. The path to lasting transformation is a journey, and you're well on your way to a more empowered and balanced lifestyle. Keep up the fantastic work!

Your Next Steps

While tackling binge eating solo is an option, there's something truly special about having a dedicated space where support is a constant. Introducing The Balanced Living Collective – a membership crafted precisely for individuals like you who seek a community-driven approach to their journey to food freedom. 

02. Join The Balanced Living Collective (Coming Soon!)

This a safe and fun space where I share all my favorite tips on healing your relationship with food, your body, and yourself! 

01. Follow Ryann on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Not ready to commit to anything but want to keep learning? I have just the thing for you: The Food Freedom Lab Podcast! 

03. Listen to the Food Freedom Lab Podcast

Frequently Asked Questions 

I am eating enough, why am I still binge eating? 

If you're consuming enough food but still struggling with binge eating, it's essential to consider various factors that may contribute to this behavior. Binge eating is a complex issue, and the reasons behind it can be multifaceted. Here are some possible explanations:

Emotional Triggers: Binge eating is often linked to emotions. Stress, boredom, loneliness, sadness, or other emotional states can trigger the desire to binge as a way of coping.

Psychological Factors: Underlying psychological issues such as low self-esteem, body image concerns, or a history of trauma may contribute to binge eating.
Dietary Restraint: Strict dieting or restrictive eating patterns can lead to a cycle of deprivation and overeating, possibly resulting in binge episodes.

Lack of Coping Strategies: If you haven't developed alternative coping mechanisms for dealing with stress or emotions, binge eating might be the default way your mind copes with these challenges.

Habitual Behavior: Binge eating can become a habitual response to certain situations, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without addressing the underlying causes.

Biological Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition or hormonal imbalances that contribute to binge eating behaviors.

Environmental Influences: Social and environmental factors, such as the availability of certain foods or peer influences, can play a role in binge eating.

If you're eating enough but still struggling, I suggest checking out Binge Eating Unchained for more help and support. This group coaching program can help you understand why you binge eat, find ways to cope, and build a healthier relationship with food. Remember, getting past binge eating takes time, and having support can really make a big difference as you work towards food freedom.

What if I want to lose weight? 

It's completely normal to have a desire to lose weight, and there's nothing inherently wrong with that. Throughout your life, you've likely received messages that losing weight is associated with being good, healthy, and liked by others. Conversely, being at a higher weight might have been portrayed as bad, unhealthy, and potentially leading to social disapproval.

It's okay to acknowledge and want to change your body size. Simply deciding to embrace your current body doesn't automatically eliminate the desire for weight loss, and that's perfectly fine. I am not against people wanting to lose weight or expressing their desires for a smaller body. In fact, it's important to have open conversations about these feelings.

However, what I am against is solely focusing on weight as the ultimate indicator of health, happiness, or worth. Weight is not a behavior, and linking it exclusively to these aspects oversimplifies the complex relationship between body size and well-being. I discourage the idea that your weight should define your capabilities, morality, or the most significant aspect of your identity.

So, what's the alternative? Where do you go from here? Instead of fixating on what your body looks like, consider shifting your focus to how you want to feel in your body. Then, incorporate behaviors (remember, weight isn't a behavior) that contribute to that desired feeling. 

This could include mindful eating practices like sitting down to eat, balancing your plate, eating slowly, respecting your fullness, listening to your hunger cues, managing emotions without using food, staying hydrated, finding a movement routine you enjoy, or prioritizing sufficient sleep. By concentrating on how you feel and adopting positive behaviors, you can foster a healthier relationship with your body beyond its appearance.

I tried these steps and I am still bingeing. What am I doing wrong?

If you've followed the suggested steps and still experienced a binge, it's important to understand that you are not doing anything wrong. Binge eating is a complex issue with various underlying factors, and progress may involve ups and downs. Experiencing a setback does not mean failure; it's a signal that there is more healing to be done.

Consider this as part of the learning process on your journey toward food freedom. Each person's experience is unique, and overcoming binge eating involves addressing not only the surface behaviors but also the deeper emotional and psychological aspects.

For additional support and guidance tailored to your specific needs, I recommend checking out Binge Eating Unchained. This group coaching program provides a supportive community, resources, and expert insights to help you navigate the challenges of overcoming binge eating. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, and with continued efforts and the right resources, you can make progress in your journey toward a healthier relationship with food.

How do I know when I’m fully recovered from binge eating? 

The journey to recovery from binge eating is unique for each individual, and there isn't a specific point that universally defines "full recovery." However, here are some signs that may indicate you're making significant progress:

Decreased Frequency and Intensity: You notice a considerable reduction in the frequency and intensity of binge episodes. Episodes become less frequent and less severe over time.

Improved Relationship with Food: Your relationship with food becomes more balanced, and you can enjoy a variety of foods without fear or guilt. Food is no longer the primary focus of your thoughts.

Emotional Regulation: You develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing emotions without turning to binge eating. Emotional triggers become less intense and more manageable.

Mindful Eating: You practice mindful eating, listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eating becomes a conscious and intentional activity rather than a reaction to emotions.

Reduced Shame and Guilt: Feelings of shame and guilt surrounding food and eating diminish. You can approach food without judgment and accept yourself, understanding that progress is a journey.

Stable Weight: Your weight stabilizes naturally as you focus on nourishing your body rather than engaging in restrictive dieting or binge-restrict cycles.

Enhanced Self-Awareness: You have a deeper understanding of your triggers, behaviors, and emotions related to binge eating. Increased self-awareness allows you to make conscious choices aligned with your well-being.

Positive Body Image: Your perception of your body becomes more positive, appreciating its functionality and health rather than focusing solely on appearance.

It's crucial to recognize that recovery is a process, and setbacks may occur. The key is to approach recovery with patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to continuous growth. If you find yourself struggling or want additional support on your journey, seeking guidance from professionals or support groups can be beneficial.

What do I do when I have the urge to binge? 

When you really want to eat a lot at once, instead of just trying to stop yourself in that moment (which only helps a little bit for a short time), think about why you feel like this. Understanding why can help you a lot more in the long run.

For example, if it's because you haven't been eating enough, try making sure you eat regularly and have enough food. This can mean having meals and snacks at specific times and making sure you eat even if you don't feel very hungry.

By figuring out why you feel this way and taking care of it, you can work towards having a better relationship with food and not wanting to eat too much as often. If you need more help, talking to professionals or joining a supportive community like what's inside Binge Eating Unchained can give you useful advice on this journey to feeling better.

How long does it take to recover? 

It depends. The more effort you put in and the more you actually implement these strategies, then the quicker you’re likely to see improvements.

Research shows that nearly half of those who implement these strategies properly experience a 70% reduction in binge eating within just 4 weeks. Just remember, however, that if you’ve been binge eating for many years, then you shouldn’t expect success overnight. It will take time. You need to be patient.

What happens if I binge again after a period of abstinence? This is completely normal. You shouldn’t feel discouraged because it’s all part of the process. What is important is how you perceive the binge. If you perceive it as a relapse (i.e., going back to square one), then there’s a strong likelihood that you’ll indeed revert back to old habits. In contrast, if you view it as a lapse (i.e., a minor slip-up), then you’ll treat it as such and will continue with your progress.

How do I find a good therapist for binge eating? 

Finding a good therapist who specializes in binge eating can involve a few steps:

Ask for Recommendations: Start by asking your primary care doctor, friends, or family for recommendations. They might know of qualified therapists in your area.

Check with Your Insurance: Contact your insurance provider to get a list of therapists covered by your plan. This can help narrow down your options and make therapy more affordable.

Online Directories: Utilize online therapy directories such as Psychology Today, TherapyRoute, or GoodTherapy. These platforms often allow you to filter therapists based on specialties, including binge eating disorder.

Specialized Treatment Centers: Consider reaching out to eating disorder treatment centers or organizations. They may have resources or can recommend therapists with expertise in binge eating.

Read Reviews and Bios: Read reviews and therapist bios to understand their approach and specialties. Many therapists provide detailed information on their websites, helping you find someone whose methods align with your needs.

Consultation Calls: Schedule consultation calls with potential therapists. This allows you to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and gauge whether you feel comfortable with the therapist's approach.

Credentials and Experience: Ensure that the therapist is licensed and has experience in treating binge eating disorders. Look for relevant credentials and certifications in eating disorder treatment.

Ask Questions: During the initial consultation or first session, don't hesitate to ask questions about their approach to treating binge eating, the types of therapy they use, and their success with previous clients.

Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and choose a therapist with whom you feel a connection. Feeling comfortable and understood is crucial for the success of therapy.

Discovering the ideal therapist is a unique journey, and it's completely okay if it takes time to find your perfect match. If you're seeking support along the way, consider exploring Binge Eating Unchained. We're here to assist you on your path to finding the support and guidance you deserve.

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