Struggle with binge eating? I see you because I’ve been to you. For years I struggled with food. I binged, obsessed, and based my worth on what I ate. Further, I shamed myself into believing that if I could get my food “just right,” everything else in my life would be fixed.

And believe me… I tried everything. Every diet, every restrictive tactic, and every trick in the book, but I could never seem to get the food “right.” I didn’t understand what was wrong. I just thought something was wrong with me and that my life would always be this way. (If you want to hear more about that, you can listen to my detailed story here).

6 Things You Need To Hear If You Struggle With Binge Eating

Things weren’t changing with food (and my struggle with binge eating would not stop) because I wasn’t doing anything different. Sure, a different diet, a new way of restricting, but it was still dieting. It was still restricting. It was still the same. And when I had this “ah ha” moment, I knew something had to change, and I took my life into my own hands.

So, here are the 6 things you need to hear today to start making and seeing some real changes in your recovery:

Any improvement is a win.

Binge eating recovery is hard work. When you take action and changes, happen (regardless of how big or small), celebrate them!

It’s okay to prioritize your needs

.. and no, it’s not selfish. You are allowed to prioritize yourself; a huge part of recovery is learning how to do that. You can’t help others until you can help yourself.

You can put yourself first.

If you struggle with binge eating, odds are you tend to put others' needs before yours. But here’s the thing: you don’t control other people's thoughts, feelings, and opinions. However, you DO have control over your own. So, focus on becoming someone YOU like first!

You can feel better today.

Your brain is going to want to jump into future worries. Don’t let it wander… bring it back to the present. Take things one day at a time. Take one action to feel good about yourself at the moment. It’s okay if this looks different every day.

Things do get easier.

Nothing changes if nothing changes, which is what perpetuates the struggle with binge eating. Every time you do something different, regardless of how big or small, you grow. Even a 1% change in the right direction daily adds to some serious progress!

You are worthy of love

I know you hear this all the time, but it’s true. Your struggle with binge eating doesn’t make you any less worthy. Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to your friend. Change those negative, unhelpful thoughts. Instead, offer yourself some love and compassion.