The Hidden Dangers of Moderation for Food Addicts

Jan 28, 2025

Discover the hidden dangers of moderation for those grappling with food addiction. The discussion highlights how the common advice to eat in moderation can backfire, leading to increased cravings and binge cycles. Insights reveal that even small amounts of trigger foods can hijack one’s brain, intensifying the urge to overeat. Personal experiences combined with scientific research suggest that complete avoidance of these foods might be a more effective strategy, offering a path to recovery and a healthier relationship with food.

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INSIGHT

Moderation Not One-Size-Fits-All

Moderation isn't a universal solution for binge eating or food addiction.
It can be more harmful than helpful for some individuals struggling with these issues.

ANECDOTE

Kristina's Turn to Abstinence

Kristina tried therapists and dietitians promoting moderation for years unsuccessfully.
Switching to an abstinence-based framework brought her freedom from binge eating.

INSIGHT

Processed Foods Hijack Brain Reward

Highly processed foods trigger brain reward centers similar to drugs.
Small amounts can increase cravings instead of satisfying them, worsening binge cycles.

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In this podcast episode, I explain the often-overlooked perils of moderation for those dealing with food addiction. While moderation is frequently adopted as a universal solution for eating habits, it can be a hidden trap for those struggling with binge eating and food addictions.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

The Addictive Food Moderation Myth: Breaking down why the advice to "eat all foods in moderation" doesn't hold up for everyone, especially those with food addiction.
Why Addictive Food Moderation Fails: Insights into how moderate consumption can lead to increased cravings and binge cycles, making recovery even more challenging.
Biological Backfire: How even small amounts of trigger foods can hijack the brain's reward system, intensifying the urge to eat more.
The Abstinence solution: Why a complete avoidance of trigger foods might be a more effective strategy for some, offering freedom from the cycle of binge eating.
My Personal Experience: Combining personal experiences with scientific research to illustrate why moderation might not be the golden rule for recovery.

If you've ever found yourself frustrated by the common advice of moderation, or if you've felt trapped in a cycle of binge eating despite your best efforts to control your portions, this video is for you. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and alternative approaches like abstinence might just be the key to a healthier relationship with food.

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from it. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more insights and support on your recovery journey!

Ready to apply for 1:1 coaching? I empower educated, ambitious women to finally break free from binge eating and food addiction so they can reclaim their well-being and health. Through tailored mindfulness practices, sensory tools, abstinent nutrition, and other holistic methods, I help navigate them to freedom from compulsions so they can live out their unique, wild journey of life as they choose.

If you'd like to set up a complimentary call with me to see if we are a match, book a call here: https://calendly.com/beyondbingeeating-info/getting-to-know-one-another?month=2024-11

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00:00 - Intro

00:19 - Why Moderation Seems Like a Good Idea

00:52 - The Science Behind Why Moderation May Not Work for Everyone

01:59 - The Trap of Moderation: Why It’s Not Always Sustainable

03:01 - Is Abstinence a Better Option?

4:05 - Abstinence as Freedom, not Restriction

5:01 - How to Know If Moderation Isn’t Working for You

6:03 - My personal experience

6:20 - Do What Works For You

06:26 - Please Support the Channel

#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery