HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER (AND CAN I DO IT FASTER)
#bingeeatingrecovery #vlog #eatingpsychology

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Disclaimer: This video is for information purposes only and my content should not be used as a substitute for seeking treatment from a healthcare provider. My content is not going to be suitable for everyone, so please use your self discernment before applying any video content in your own life.

In this video, I delve into the nuanced and often misunderstood journey of recovery, specifically from binge eating, using an old Buddhist story to illustrate the counterintuitive nature of "trying harder" in the process of healing. I often get asked how long it took me to recover, and honestly, defining that time frame is challenging because recovery isn't about clocking hours; it's about making profound shifts in understanding and behavior.

For the longest time, I believed that I wasn't trying hard enough, a sentiment echoed by therapists and commentators alike, suggesting a need to "toughen up." However, this approach of exerting more control, especially over my appetite, only fueled my binge eating further. It's a common trap many fall into, thinking that more effort equals faster healing, but as the story goes, sometimes doubling your efforts can actually double your time to success.

In addressing recovery, I advocate for a food freedom model rather than restrictive diets or cutting out specific foods, which only heightened my binge behaviors. I found that for some, particularly those for whom restriction is a primary trigger, cessation of restrictive practices can lead to quick improvement. However, for others like myself, where emotional triggers also play a significant role, simply stopping restriction isn't a complete solution.

Recovery for me was about understanding and managing these emotional triggers, not just sitting with my feelings, which can often spiral into more distress. Through techniques like the RALiC method, which I detail in my book, I've learned to process my emotions in a way that feels safe and constructive.

I also discuss the importance of reevaluating our narratives around recovery, particularly the conflation of recovery with weight loss. Many of us hold onto beliefs that not only hinder our recovery but also warp our perceptions of what healing looks like. Recovery, I've come to find, should not be a painful endurance test but a satisfying process of self-discovery and growth.

Throughout this video, I emphasize that understanding your specific triggers and learning how to manage them effectively is crucial. This isn't about quick fixes or merely trying harder; it's about making thoughtful changes to how we interpret and react to our triggers. And by changing our story and our approach to these challenges, we can truly begin to free ourselves from the trap of binge eating.

Thank you for watching, and I look forward to continuing this conversation in my next video, where we'll explore more about the transformative journey of recovery.