{HMW} Understanding Your Binge: It's Not What You Think

Dear Reader,

The word "binge" carries so much shame and morality around food.

But here's what I've learned after years of coaching: a binge has less to do with what or how much you ate, and more about the feeling of losing control, being in a dis-regulated nervous system state and disconnecting from your body.

>>> You can't tell who and who doesn't binge just by looking at them. <<<

Additionally, trying to use willpower, dieting, or avoiding "trigger foods" rarely helps - in fact, restriction often makes it worse.

Instead, I help clients get curious about the patterns and what's really driving these episodes. When we give the binge a voice and listen with compassion instead of shame, we can finally address what's underneath.

Here are the 5 most common types I see:

The Post-Diet Binge - Also known as the rubber band effect. You restrict, then snap and can't take it anymore. Often the very foods you've been avoiding become the ones you binge on. It's laced with both relief and remorse, leaving you feeling hopeless about what comes next.

The Celebration Binge - Happens at parties, BBQs, or even watching the game at home. It involves distracted eating while socializing, and subconsciously mimicking others around us. When everyone's eating and drinking with abandon, we're more likely to follow suit.

The "I Deserve This" Binge - The rebellious comfort binge when you're stressed, exhausted, and/or premenstrual. It's a resolute "F you" to anyone who ever told you not to eat certain foods. You're using food to comfort, reward, and rebel against control. These tend to feel less shameful because you're doing it partly to push back against societal food rules.

The Body-Shaming Binge - Despair after a perceived criticism or body-image micro-aggression (i.e. "You're so brave to wear that!") or after a disappointing dressing room experience when nothing fits you right.

The Late Night Binge - One of the most common. After making thousands of decisions all day, you hit decision fatigue and reach for easy, processed foods. You might eat for quick energy when tired, follow unconscious food scripts (like ice cream during TV time), or use food to avoid boredom, seek connection, or numb out from daily stress.

Which one resonates most with you?

If you're tired of the shame cycle around food and ready to explore a more compassionate approach to your eating patterns, I'd love to chat. Book a free 30-minute inquiry call to explore how we can work together:

Have it:

Interesting Article Alert: How did our Taste Buds get so Spoiled? (Gift NYT article).

Made it:

5-Senses Sunday

👅 The plant-based meal kit I’ve used (and loved) for almost a decade

👃 The nostalgic scent of cornbread, courtesy of my mom and daughter

🦶 The healing magic of walking barefoot in morning dew

👂 A soundtrack for drifting into daydreams

👁 And a stunning visual that reminded me to look up & savor life’s idiosyncrasies

Check out this week's edition here!

Want it:

Why, yes....yes I would. Would you?

If you don't have access to a pool this summer, this is a very cool and affordable idea.

Ingredient Spotlight:

Saffron

Meet saffron; the world's most expensive spice by weight, and honestly, IMO it's worth every penny. These delicate crimson threads come from the hand-harvested stigmas of crocus flowers, with each bloom yielding just three precious strands.

That's why a little goes a long way.

Saffron brings an earthy, honey-like flavor with subtle metallic notes that transforms everything it touches. Think Spanish paella, Persian rice, or Indian biryani. A pinch elevates simple dishes like risotto, cream sauces, or even your morning oatmeal into something special.

Beyond its culinary magic, saffron contains compounds like crocin and safranal that have been studied for their mood-supporting properties. Some research suggests it may help with everything from PMS symptoms to supporting a positive mood.

To use it, steep the threads in a tablespoon of warm water, milk, or broth for 10-15 minutes, then add both the liquid and threads to your dish. Store it in a cool, dark place and it'll keep its potency for years.

>>>> 21 exciting ways to cook with Saffron

Announcements & Upcoming:

The Try This Bundle is live