Beyond Binge Eating

Many people believe that the longer they stay in recovery, the easier cravings should become. But what if cravings sometimes get stronger weeks or months later?

In today’s video, we explore the neuroscience behind something called the incubation of cravings, a phenomenon that explains why trigger-driven urges can intensify over time, even while overall progress is happening. Understanding this can help remove shame, reduce discouragement, and support a more realistic and sustainable recovery journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• The difference between baseline cravings and cue-induced cravings

• Why cravings may peak weeks or months into recovery

• How environmental, emotional, and unconscious triggers influence urges

• Why stronger cravings are NOT a sign that recovery is failing

• Research-backed insights on long-term recovery and relapse prevention

If you’ve ever felt discouraged because cravings returned later in your recovery, this video is for you. Recovery is not linear, and understanding how cravings evolve over time can help you approach healing with more compassion and clarity.

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, tools, and support on your recovery journey!

0:00 – Intro

0:29 – What is the “Incubation of Cravings”?

0:41 – Why cravings can increase during recovery

1:19 – Baseline cravings vs. Cue-induced cravings

1:55 – When cravings typically peak in recovery

2:22 – Why relapse risk can increase later (and why it’s not about willpower)

2:53 – The science behind food cravings and brain changes

3:21 – Why stronger cravings don’t mean recovery is failing

3:40 – What research shows helps reduce incubated cravings

4:10 – The truth about recovery being non-linear

4:30 – Encouragement and key takeaway

4:39 – Please like and subscribe

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Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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 episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Buchanan — a double board-certified physician in Family and Obesity Medicine, Certified Metabolic Health Practitioner, and founding board member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners.

Dr. Buchanan is at the forefront of a growing movement in medicine—one that prioritizes metabolic health, prevention, and lifestyle as the foundation for healing.

Through her telemedicine practice TOWARD Health, she’s helping patients reverse chronic disease, reduce food addiction symptoms, and rebuild a healthy relationship with food.

Her team’s recent 2025 study found that 61% of participants improved binge eating symptoms and 46% reduced food addiction symptoms—results that show how targeted nutrition, coaching, and real-time biofeedback can transform health from the inside out.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• How Dr. Buchanan’s frustration with traditional medical training led her to focus on metabolic and lifestyle medicine

• The 6 components of the TOWARD Health model—and why it’s changing how doctors treat food addiction and obesity

• Why traditional “eat less, move more” advice doesn’t work for most people

• The power of low-carb, whole-food nutrition in restoring metabolic balance and curbing cravings

• The role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in understanding your body’s real-time response to food

• The difference between harm reduction vs. abstinence in food addiction recovery—and how to know which approach fits you best

• The emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, and how nutrition may soon become a key treatment for anxiety, depression, and binge eating

If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t “just stop eating” certain foods or why cravings return even after diets, this episode will help you understand the metabolic roots of food addiction—and show you a science-backed path to lasting recovery.

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, I sit down with Nicole Laurent, LMHC—a licensed mental health counselor and leading voice in metabolic psychiatry—to explore how ketogenic therapy is helping people heal from mental illness, food addiction, and emotional dysregulation by addressing the brain’s underlying metabolic health.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• Nicole’s journey from traditional talk therapy, CBT, and EMDR, to becoming a pioneer in metabolic psychiatry

• How impaired glucose metabolism affects brain function, mood, and emotional regulation

• Why ketones can provide the brain with a cleaner, more stable energy source for healing

• The emerging science behind ketogenic therapy for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and binge eating disorder

• Why common fears around saturated fat and cholesterol are outdated and often harmful to recovery

• How ketogenic therapy can support long-term remission in mental health conditions once considered “treatment-resistant”

• The future of mental health care—and why nutrition and metabolism must become part of the conversation

Nicole blends deep clinical experience with cutting-edge neuroscience to reveal how nutrition can literally change the brain. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about the connection between diet and mental health, or those searching for new hope beyond medication and symptom management.

00:00 – intro

01:22 – Nicole’s journey into metabolic psychiatry

01:59 – Transition from traditional therapy to brain-based nutritional approaches

03:05 – How impaired glucose metabolism affects brain function and mood

05:12 – Why psychiatric medications often worsen metabolic health

07:02 – The science of ketogenic therapy for depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia

09:26 – Why ketones offer the brain a cleaner, more stable energy source

11:41 – Case studies: when metabolic therapy leads to psychiatric remission

16:00 – Ketogenic metabolic therapies as transdiagnostic

18:12 – Ketogenic therapy for binge eating disorder and food addiction

21:36 – How diet can stabilize mood and emotional regulation

27:30 – Does Keto make eating issues worse?

29:54 – How clinicians can integrate metabolic psychiatry in practice

32:18 – The future of mental health: nutrition, metabolism

34:47 – Final insights and where to learn more about Nicole’s work

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Contact and learn more about Nicole: www.mentalhealthketo.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlaurent/

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, yet it’s often misunderstood. It’s not just about eating large amounts of food—it can also be about the loss of control, secrecy, and emotional aftermath that come with it.

In today’s video, I’ll walk you through 5 signs of BED so you can better understand whether what you’re going through fits the pattern—and what steps you might consider next.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• The difference between overeating and binge eating disorder

• Why eating when not hungry can be driven by emotions, not physical need

• How urgency and speed around food can be a red flag

• Why secrecy and eating alone often point to shame, not just habit

• The emotional aftermath of binges—guilt, distress, and hopelessness—and how this fuels the cycle

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of eating, regret, and shame, this video is for you. The good news is that binge eating disorder is treatable—and recovery is possible.

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!

0:00 – Intro

0:47 – Sign #1

1:21 – Sign #2

1:48 – Sign #3

2:13 – Sign #4

2:41 – Sign #5

3:13 – The Good news

3:27 – Watch next: “Why binge when not hungry?”

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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 episode, I sit down with Heide Corse—registered dietitian and food addict in recovery—to explore what it truly means to find peace and freedom from food obsession after decades of struggle.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• Heide’s realization that she was living with true food addiction—and why moderation never worked for her

• The turning point that led to her final “day one” after a lifetime of failed diets and self-blame

• How she embraced abstinence from sugar, flour, grains, and alcohol—and stayed food sober for four years without a single slip

• Why abstinence, not moderation, is often the only path to lasting recovery for food addicts

• How the carnivore diet became her foundation for simplicity, stability, and peace of mind

• Practical strategies for maintaining recovery while traveling, socializing, or dining out

• The mindset shift behind “not engaging” with cravings or intrusive food thoughts

• What peace and freedom around food actually feel like—and how they’ve transformed her life

Heide’s story is both powerful and practical—a testament to how deep self-awareness, structure, and courage can lead to true recovery.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone who’s tried every diet, struggled with binge eating, or wants to understand how to finally feel at peace with food.

00:00 – Intro

01:12 – Heide’s Recovery Story

02:36 – Becoming an RD & diet-culture lessons

04:26 – Childhood, body image & early dieting

09:15 – How do you keep your abstinence strong?

09:38 – Early recovery rules (no sugar, flour, alcohol, grains)

11:40 – Evolving into (mostly) lion diet, simplicity, ease

14:30 – Navigating challenges?

16:15 – Dining out, travel & social strategies to stay abstinent

23:30 – Managing high-risk social situations & boundaries

24:08 – Life after recovery: peace, freedom & new passions

28:58 – Why “one bite” isn’t an option

30:59 – Advice for strugglers: first steps & mindset shifts

33:39 – Closing thoughts, contact info & final takeaways

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🗣️Contact Heide via email:

[email protected]

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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.

Today I’m joined by the lovely Mary from Mary’s Cup of Tea—a voice of warmth and wisdom in the body image and self-love space.

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

00:36 - What is something someone can do when they're having a bad body-image day?

02:51 - What is one physical or somatic way someone who does not like their body can start to get in touch with their body and accept their body, if not love their body?

05:55 - What is one question to ask yourself to invite in more self love?

08:20 - Where can people find you, Mary?

Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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Follow Mary

Website: https://maryscupoftea.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryscupofteaa

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marys-cup-of-tea-the-self-love-podcast-for-women/id1495128359

#bodyimage #selflove #eatingdisorderrecovery

In this episode, I sit down with Mari Hodges—pain specialist, Alexander Technique teacher, and founder of the PainSavvy Walk &Talk program—to explore how subtle body awareness, nervous system regulation, and the power of the pause can help us shift chronic pain, reconnect with our bodies, and reclaim agency over our lives.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• Why chronic pain is more than a physical issue—and how perception, stress, and emotion shape the experience of pain

• What the Alexander Technique really is (hint: it’s not about “sitting up straight”) and how it cultivates embodied mindfulness

• How the pause can help disrupt compulsive patterns like binge eating and perfectionism

• The science of body schema—and how to clarify your brain’s mental map of your body for lasting relief

• Somatic strategies to increase flexibility, awareness, and choice—especially for those healing from disconnection, trauma, or burnout

Mari brings clinical expertise, somatic depth, and grounded compassion to this conversation, making it essential for anyone navigating chronic pain, supporting others in recovery, or seeking a deeper relationship with their body.

00:00 – Intro

00:58 – Who is Mari Hodges?

02:12 – What is the Alexander Technique?

04:35 – Muscle tone, posture, and the “Goldilocks” balance

06:26 – Subtle movements and whole-body awareness

07:25 – Emotional and postural interconnection

10:02 – Letting go of “posturing” and exploring habitual patterns

12:51 – How Alexander Technique helps those disconnected from their bodies

14:04 – The power of the pause and building agency through awareness

18:24 – Enjoying the pause instead of suffering through it

20:09 – Returning to inner balance through attention and presence

22:05 – Mini guided Alexander Technique session begins

30:55 – Reflections on the practice and tension awareness

33:37 – Why awareness must come before self-regulation

36:03 – How Alexander Technique helps with chronic pain

37:05 – Body maps and the importance of body schema clarity

39:00 – Pain perception, naming sensations, and reducing distress

40:35 – Chronic stress, pain loops, and habitual protective responses

42:16 – Rediscovering safety in the body through movement

44:46 – Examples of body schema improvement through back movement exploration

47:20 – Curiosity and mindful body exploration as alternatives to compulsive behavior

49:09 – Where to find and follow Mari Hodges

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🗣️Follow and connect with Mari Hodges:

https://discoverease.how

https://www.facebook.com/mari.hodges.7

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-hodges-9aa4a534/

https://www.instagram.com/mari_hodges/

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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.

Have you ever finished a meal, only to find yourself back in the kitchen searching for snacks on autopilot? If you eat when you're not physically hungry, you're not alone—and it's not a lack of willpower.

In this video, I break down the hidden emotional drivers and automatic habits that trigger binge eating, even when your stomach is full. Understanding these triggers is the first crucial step to breaking the cycle and building a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

The Brain Chemistry of Comfort Food: How sugary, fatty foods temporarily lower stress and boost dopamine, making them a powerful (but short-lived) fix for overwhelming emotions.

Numbing vs. Nourishing: Why binge eating is often a coping mechanism to avoid feeling difficult emotions like loneliness, sadness, or shame.

Breaking Habit Loops: How your brain wires certain situations (like watching TV or feeling bored) to automatically trigger cravings, regardless of actual hunger.

This isn't about being weak or broken—it's about your brain trying to cope. Once you understand what's really going on, you can start to reclaim control.

If you're ready to break free from binge eating and finally feel in control around food, make sure to subscribe for more weekly insights and strategies on recovery.

0:00 - Intro

0:49 - Emotional Trigger #1

1:32 - Emotional Trigger #2

2:05 - Emotional Trigger #3

2:31 - Quick Recap

2:49 - It’s Not Your Fault

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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.

Evening cravings aren’t just about “weak willpower.” For many people struggling with binge eating, nights feel like the hardest time to stay in control—and there are real reasons why.

In today’s video, I’ll break down the 3 main reasons binge eating is harder to control at night and share what you can start doing differently to break the cycle.

What You’ll Learn in This Video:

• Why decision fatigue and willpower depletion make evenings a “danger zone” for binge eating

• How restricting food during the day can backfire at night

• The role of emotional stress and environmental cues in evening binges

If you’ve ever felt like you “do fine” all day but lose control at night, this video is for you.

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!

0:00 – Intro

0:39 – Reason #1 — Decision fatigue & willpower depletion

1:31 – Reason #2 — Daytime restriction (under-eating sets you up)

2:24 – Reason #3 — Emotional & environmental triggers

3:12 – why evenings become the “perfect storm” for binges

3:28 – What to change

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

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Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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 episode, I sit down with Karen Carnabucci—licensed clinical social worker, experiential therapist, and author of Healing Eating Disorders with Psychodrama—to explore how action-based, experiential methods can create profound transformation in eating disorder recovery.

Here’s what we cover in the episode:

• What psychodrama actually is—and why it’s so powerful for people with eating disorders

• The role of embodiment in disrupting disordered patterns and supporting real behavioral change

• How action methods like “the empty chair” and “walking the clock” help clients see their habits, choices, and stories from new angles

• Why practicing recovery roles (like abstinence, nourishment, or self-compassion) in the body is often more effective than simply talking about them

• How therapists can warm up clients to experiential work without pushing them out of their comfort zone

• Simple psychodramatic tools anyone can try—even on their own—to access insight, strength, and clarity

Karen’s approach is creative, compassionate, and deeply rooted in both clinical wisdom and real-world healing. Whether you’re a clinician, a person in recovery, or simply curious about how deeper change happens—this conversation is a must-listen.

00:00 – Intro

02:50 – How Kristina found out about Psychodrama

4:23 – What is psychodrama?

6:53 – The role of embodiment in healing disordered eating

10:02 – Practicing recovery patterns in the body, not just in theory

11:04 – The disconnect in disordered eating and how the body drives automatic behaviors

11:58 – Karen’s path from journalist to psychodrama therapist

13:24 – What are some surprising insights clients might gain from psychodrama versus talk therapy?

15:20 – A client’s breakthrough moment with lemon meringue pie

16:35 – Common psychodrama techniques for eating disorder clients

17:23 – Walking around the clock structure

24:42 – Empty Chair exercise

27:14 – How to help clients feel safe and "warm up" when trying something unfamiliar

35:05 – Solo psychodrama: Can it be done at home?

35:10 – Journaling, role reversal, empty chair, embodying strength and wisdom,

41:30 – Karen’s experiential trainings, retreats & upcoming workshops

45:00 – Books she’s writing: Tarot in psychotherapy, Sandtray, and ancestral healing

49:00 – Where to learn more & stay connected with Karen

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🗣️Follow and connect with Karen Carnabucci:

https://www.youtube.com/@realtruekaren

https://www.instagram.com/realtruekaren/

https://www.facebook.com/realtruekaren

https://www.realtruekaren.com

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Follow Beyond Binge Eating

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/

Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.com

Newsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grab your FREE Eat-With-Awareness Bundle to slow down, stay present, and reclaim peace with food: https://beyondbingeeating.com/opt-in/

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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.