Beyond Binge Eating

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Stefanie Michele—binge eating recovery and body image coach, somatic practitioner-in-training, and former occupational therapist. With a background in psychology and integrative health coaching, Stefanie brings a rare mix of science, lived experience, and nervous system wisdom to the recovery space.Here’s what we’ll cover in the video:From Disorder to Embodiment: Stefanie shares her 20+ year journey with disordered eating and how somatic therapy helped her finally break free from the binge-restrict cycle.The Nervous System & Bingeing: Why binge eating is often a nervous system response—not just a “bad habit”—and how understanding fight, flight, and freeze states can change your approach to recovery.Emotional Regulation Tools: How to use grounding, movement, and sensory interventions to process overwhelming feelings—without defaulting to food.Somatic Experiencing 101: What Stefanie learned from training in somatic experiencing therapy, and how she applies it to help clients build body trust and emotional resilience.Why Soothing Techniques Don’t Always Work: The real reason grounding tools might fail in the heat of a binge—and how to train your system to tolerate sensations over time.If you’ve ever felt stuck in binge-recovery, disconnected from your body, or frustrated that the usual advice just doesn’t work—this episode will give you the nervous system lens that’s been missing from your healing.🗣️ Contact and Follow Stefanie here: https://www.iamstefaniemichele.com/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele/https://open.spotify.com/show/7Mg0Jknc5JpjuMpcwU0D77?trackId=6VObnIkLVruX4UVyxWhlqmPlease like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources and support on your recovery journey!Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/ 00:00 – Intro 01:21 – Who is Stefanie Michele? 04:05 – Occupational Therapy Approach & Somatic Psychology 06:23 – The growing awareness of somatic tools beyond childhood 08:18 – Psychology’s influence on making somatic work mainstream 09:02 – What are Stefanie’s previous techniques to maintain recovery 13:15 – Stefanie’s current techniques to maintain recovery 13:57 – Stefanie's “go underwater” technique for emotional waves 15:03 – Bingeing vs. feeling emotions 18:05 – Stefanie’s transition from looking for help to helping others 20:50 – Self-soothing strategies for binge prevention 30:01 – Stefanie's early clinic experience with different ED types 33:10 – What your binge style might reveal about your nervous system 34:01 – It’s all trial and error—learning what your body really needs 34:43 – Stefanie's online courses and upcoming “Refining Intuitive” 36:20 – Where to find Stefanie online#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.

Struggling with autopilot eating or feeling disconnected from your body during meals? This guided mindful eating meditation is designed to help you slow down, reconnect with your senses, and approach food with presence and compassion—one bite at a time.In this video, you’ll be guided through:A grounding ritual to create safety and awareness before eatingSensory exploration of smell, texture, and tasteTools to observe urges and shift long-standing eating patternsGentle affirmations for self-compassion and body connectionThe rebellious act of eating slowly in a fast-paced worldThis practice is perfect for anyone navigating binge eating recovery, emotional eating, or looking to deepen their relationship with food and body. You don’t need hours—you just need two intentional bites.Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

In this week’s episode, we welcome Jennifer Donovan, founder of Whole Body Healing and a trauma therapist turned holistic health expert. Jennifer shares how her personal battle with chronic illness led her to discover the powerful connection between nutrition, nervous system regulation, and mental health.Here’s what we’ll cover in the video:From Trauma Therapist to Holistic Healer: How Jennifer transitioned from traditional therapy to a full-body approach, integrating gut health and ancestral nutrition.Food & Mental Health: Why nutritional deficiencies, gut imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction can masquerade as mental health issues—and how diet can play a key role in recovery.The Befriending Method: Why viewing your body as a partner (instead of an enemy) is essential for healing chronic illness and emotional struggles.Keto & Nervous System Regulation: How a bio-individual approach to keto and whole-food nutrition can help with depression, anxiety, and even severe neurological conditions.Overcoming Binge Eating & Stress Eating: The link between sensory input, grounding techniques, and why binge eating often stems from more than just willpower.Practical Steps to Heal: Jennifer’s go-to movement practices, mindset shifts, and brain exercises to help rewire your nervous system and regain control over your health.If you’ve struggled with chronic health issues, binge eating, or mental burnout—and feel like conventional solutions aren’t working—this episode will provide you with the tools and insights to start your journey toward healing.🗣️ Contact and Follow Jennifer here: https://www.instagram.com/wholebodyhealingwithjen/https://www.facebook.com/wholebodyhealingwithjenhttps://www.youtube.com/@WholeBodyHealingwithJen/videoshttps://wholebodyhealingwithjen.comPlease like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources and support on your recovery journey!Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 - Intro00:41 - Who is Jennifer Donovan01:51 - Jennifer's transition from trauma therapy to holistic health02:36 - The connection between trauma therapy, mental health, and nutrition04:17 - How nutritional changes impacted Jennifer’s mental health05:30 - The role of food in nervous system regulation06:36 - Common misconceptions about food and mental health07:18 - The impact of ketogenic diets on the nervous system08:29 - When a ketogenic diet is necessary for mental health09:26 - How ketosis supports neurogenesis and brain function10:30 - The relationship between fasting and mental clarity12:07 - Why ketogenic diets aren’t just about weight loss13:09 - Bio-individual approaches to diet and mental health14:46 - The difference between mainstream keto and therapeutic keto15:14 - The connection between binge eating and nutritional deficiencies16:39 - The role of protein and fat in preventing binge eating17:32 - Addressing emotional components of binge eating18:44 - Sensory interventions for binge eating urges20:03 - The importance of grounding techniques in emotional regulation21:21 - How sensory input helps regulate the nervous system22:55 - The role of soothing sounds and smells in nervous system regulation24:07 - The concept of "befriending" your symptoms and body26:19 - How symptoms communicate the body's needs28:51 - Viewing symptoms as feedback rather than an enemy30:34 - Movement and posture’s impact on nervous system function32:50 - Diaphragmatic breathing34:38 - Mindset work: shifting from neutral to positive38:17 - Brain exercises for rewiring thought patterns40:07 - How to gradually build mental resilience40:30 - Short brain exercises42:07 - Where to find Jennifer online and learn more about her work#autoimmunedisease #rewireyourbrain #recoveryjourney #mindbodyconnection Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.

Are you a high-functioning neurodivergent adult in recovery? You’re not alone. Sensory modulation isn’t just about comfort—it’s a powerful tool for staying grounded, managing urges, and supporting mental well-being.In this video, we’ll explore:Cold Exposure – How ice, cold showers, and cold plunges can reset your nervous system and stop binge urges in their tracks.Knocking the Kidneys – A Qi-Gong technique that enhances body awareness and provides instant calm.Weighted Input – From weighted blankets to pets to jiu-jitsu, discover how deep pressure can soothe and stabilize your system.By understanding and harnessing your sensory profile, you can regain control, avoid sensory overload, and create a recovery-friendly environment.Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/# Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 - Intro00:19 - How Sensory Strategies Help ADHD, Autism, and Addiction Recovery01:45 - Recognizing Sensory Triggers to Reduce Stress and Overwhelm04:03 - My Top 3 Sensory Strategies for Neurodivergent Adults in Recovery04:10 - #1 Cold Exposure: Ice, Cold Showers, and Their Grounding Effect04:42 - #2 Knocking the Kidneys: A Qigong Technique for Instant Calm05:03 - #3 Weighted Input: Blankets, Pets, and Jiu-Jitsu for Deep Pressure Therapy05:29 - Why These Sensory Strategies Have Been Life-Changing for Me05:46 - Final Thoughts: Are You Going to Try These Strategies?05:55 - Like, Subscribe, and Share With Others Who Could Benefit#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

In this episode, we sit down with Sandi James, a registered psychologist, certified eating disorder recovery coach, and lived-experience clinician with over 15 years in mental health and trauma recovery.Together, we explore the often-overlooked world of binge eating disorder, its deep connection with dissociation, and the innovative, person-centered approaches Sandi uses to help clients who feel let down by traditional treatment methods.Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:Why Binge Eating Disorder Is Underdiagnosed:Discover how shame, stigma, and medical bias contribute to the lack of recognition and treatment for BED.The Role of Dissociation in Binge Eating:Learn how dissociation disconnects individuals from their behaviors—and what can be done to break this pattern.The Power of a Personalized Approach:Why a one-size-fits-all treatment model often fails, and how Sandi's harm-reduction methods meet clients where they are.Joyful Movement & Creative Healing:From surfing to art therapy, find out how incorporating fun, engaging activities can ground the mind and support recovery.Practical Tips for Staying Present:Sandi shares actionable tools to help prevent dissociation and build resilience against binge episodes.If you or someone you know has struggled with binge eating, trauma, or feeling disconnected from their body, this episode offers compassionate, insightful guidance—and a message of hope.🗣️ Contact and Follow Sandi here: https://www.instagram.com/sandi_in_the_world/https://www.sandijames.com.auPlease like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources and support on your recovery journey!Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 - Intro 01:10 - The Underrecognized Nature of Binge Eating Disorder 02:45 - Shame & Stigma in Treatment04:30 - how anxiety, depression, and trauma frequently accompany binge eating.06:20 - Why many people delay seeking help until medical complications arise.08:15 - The Role of Dissociation in Binge Eating 10:05 - Sandi’s Personal Journey with Trauma & Recovery10:35 - The Therapeutic Relationship13:30 - How the pandemic tied in to Sandi’s relapse and what helped her recover.16:15 - Practical Strategies to Counter Dissociation 19:40 - Joyful Movement as a Recovery Tool23:10 - Why person-centered care is crucial for long-term recovery success.25:45 - How self-kindness plays a vital role in overcoming binge eating.26:00 - Tetris, juggling, games35:20 - The Importance of Creative Outlets in Recovery 38:10 - How to Connect with Sandi#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.

In this video, we delve into the fascinating science behind food addiction—why it happens, how it affects your brain, and, most importantly, how you can break free. Food addiction isn’t a matter of willpower; it's rooted in your brain's reward system, driven by dopamine, tolerance, and reinforcement patterns.Here’s what we’ll cover:Dopamine & Cravings: Why processed foods trigger massive dopamine surges and how this leads to compulsive eating.Tolerance Development: How your brain adapts to constant stimulation, causing you to eat more while enjoying it less.Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement: Understanding the shift from eating for pleasure to eating just to feel "normal."The Four Stages of Food Addiction: From casual indulgence to loss of control—and the steps you can take to stop the cycle.Breaking the Cycle: Practical strategies to reset your brain’s reward system and regain control over your food choices.If you've ever felt powerless over your eating habits, this video will help you understand why—and show you a path forward. Recovery is possible with the right knowledge, strategies, and support. Please like, subscribe, and share this video 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!Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/# Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 - Intro00:20 - The Brain’s Reward System and Food Addiction Explained00:55 - Dopamine and How Processed Foods Hijack Your Brain01:38 - The Nucleus Accumbens02:26 - How Tolerance Fuels Overeating03:04 - Positive Reinforcement03:40 - Negative Reinforcement04:35 - The Four Stages of Food Addiction05:51 - Steps to Break the Cycle and Rewire Your Brain06:30 - Final Thoughts#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we welcome Mary Roberts from Food Freedom with Mary, a food addiction recovery coach who brings nearly 11 years of experience and personal triumph over eating disorders to the table. Join us as Mary candidly shares her journey from battling bulimia, binge eating, and compulsive eating to finding sustainable recovery through a keto diet.Here’s what we’ll cover in the video:Mary's Early Struggles: How a chaotic childhood and early exposure to addictive foods set the stage for her lifelong battle with food.Turning Point: The pivotal moment that led Mary to the keto diet, transforming her approach to food and recovery.Keto’s Impact: How changing her diet improved Mary’s physical health and mental clarity, enabling her to tackle deep-rooted issues related to her food addiction.Sustaining Recovery: Mary discusses the importance of mindful eating and why intuitive eating doesn't work for everyone.Advice for Others: Insights into how Mary guides her clients through recovery, focusing on empowerment and self-awareness rather than rigid dieting.If you’re seeking understanding and guidance on navigating the complex journey of food addiction though keto, this video will provide you with both knowledge and hope. Discover how Mary’s approach to keto might be more than just a diet—it could be a pathway to lasting freedom.🗣️ Contact and Follow Mary here: https://www.instagram.com/ketomary71/www.foodfreedomwithmary.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@ketomary7114https://web.facebook.com/ketomary71Please like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources and support on your recovery journey!Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/# Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 - Intro01:01 - Mary shares her personal struggle with food addiction02:47 - Childhood and its impact on Mary's eating habits04:19 - Adulthood and continuing challenges04:34 - Atkins, different diets, different exercise programs06:20 - The keto diet as a turning point in Mary's recovery - turning down the food noise07:40 - Carnivore or keto can only do so much...often times you still need to do more work08:00 - The limitations of keto in treating eating disorders10:17 - The concept of 'food sobriety' explained by Mary13:30 - The ongoing nature of recovery and avoiding complacency15:14 - How Mary adjusts her nutrition and recovery over the years18:45 - Mary's current approach to food and her nutritional preferences21:00 - The importance of self-awareness in recovery23:07 - intuitive eating versus mindful eating26:11 - terminology "in Recovery" versus "recovered"29:25 - How Mary works with her clients towards recovery38:16 - how to connect with Mary#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

In this video, I highlight similarities between how our brains react to processed foods and addictive drugs. Drawing from compelling studies on both humans and rats, we highlight how sweetness and ultra-processed foods can exert a powerful influence over our brain chemistry.Here’s what we’ll cover:Sweet Seduction: How processed foods can outcompete even addictive drugs like cocaine in captivating our brain’s reward system.Emotional Highs: The temporary emotional uplift after consuming processed foods and how it compares to the effects of alcohol and drugs.Rat Study Revelations: Insights from a 2007 study where rats overwhelmingly chose sweetened water over cocaine, demonstrating the potent allure of sweetness.Crash and Crave Cycle: The rapid cycle of indulgence and emotional crash that keeps us reaching for more.Engineering Addiction: How the food industry designs products that make it nearly impossible to resist.Breaking Free: Strategies to understand and combat the manipulative effects of processed foods on our emotions and decisions.If you've ever wondered why ditching sugary foods feels so frikkin' hard, this video sheds light on the science behind your struggles. You're not alone in this fight, and understanding these dynamics can empower you to make healthier choices.Please like, subscribe, and share this video 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=2024-11Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / beyondbingeeating Facebook: / recoverybaddies LinkedIn: / kristina-dobyns Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com/Newsletter00:00 - Intro00:21 - Sweetness in Processed Foods00:44 - Emotional Impact of Processed Foods01:12 - Comparing Food Highs to Alcohol and Cocaine01:34 - The Rat Study: Choosing Sweetness Over Cocaine01:57 - Sweetness vs. Cocaine: A Surprising Preference02:29 - Why Our Brains Prefer Processed Foods02:55 - The Cycle of Eating and Crashing03:19 - Breaking Down the Science Behind Food Cravings03:37 - How to Understand and Combat Food Addiction04:00 - Conclusion: Empowering Yourself to Make Healthier Choices04:20 - Please Like and Subscribe to support the channel#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of food addiction with SUGAR/HMA-certified holistic nutritionist Rachel Murray. Through an insightful discussion, we explore how many individuals mistakenly focus on moderation when it comes to fixing food addiction except that in most cases this solution is not effective.Here’s what we’ll cover:Uncovering Sugar Addiction: Understanding how sugar acts as an addictive substance and the challenges it presents.The Misconception of Moderation: Why moderation doesn’t work for individuals struggling with food addiction and why an all-or-nothing approach is necessary.The Root of Weight Loss Struggles: How addiction can often be the hidden factor behind ongoing struggles with weight loss and dieting.Practical Insights for Recovery: Tips and strategies for overcoming sugar addiction naturally, through ancestral nutrition. 🗣️ Contact Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmurrayholisticnutrition/https://www.instagram.com/nutritioncraft_ca/https://www.rachelmurrayholisticnutrition.ca/Email Rachel: rachel@lifecraft.mePlease like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources 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=2024-11Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/# Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 - Intro02:57 - Rachel talks about her typical clients 05:01 - Importance of addressing food addiction first06:25 - Addictive foods09:07 - Challenge of moderation in food addiction10:37 - Benefits of eating fewer, larger meals while being flexible11:37 - Hormone balance, sleep, and stress management15:03 - Rachel shares go-to breakfast foods17:02 - Importance of protein and animal-based foods20:02 - Nourishing the body with whole foods23:27 - Rachel’s role at Nutrition Craft Canada27:25 - Ancestral nutrition and overcoming sugar cravings naturally30:05 - Eating protein and fat in the morning for sustained satiety32:37 - How to find Rachel Murray#FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy.

Feeling like binge eating is on autopilot? This episode dives into three mindfulness-based exercises to proactively interrupt compulsive patterns and to find the pause: self check-ins, seated meditation, and box breathing. These evidence-backed techniques can help you to tune into yourself, the moment, step out of autopilot, and support intentional choices. Please like, subscribe, and share this video 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! Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/# Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/Timestamps: 0:00: Introduction: struggling with binge eating and can’t find the pause? 0:23: The role of mindfulness and finding the pause for recovery 0:43 : Strategy 1: Building Interoceptive Awareness through self check-ins 1:33 : Using awareness to prevent automatic behavior 2:15: Strategy 2: Seated meditation for cultivating non-reactivity. 3:26 : Strategy 3: Nervous system regulation through box breathing. 4:10 : Recap: Three mindfulness tools for recovery. 4:30 : Outro: Engage, subscribe, and share your thoughts! #MindfulnessBasedRelapsePrevention #MBRP #findthepause #interoceptiveawareness #nonreactivity #nervoussystemregulation #boxbreathing