Q&A from The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle: Exercise Compulsion, Setbacks, Safe Foods and Coping with Diet Culture

This episode of Fly To Freedom is something very special — a real glimpse into the kinds of questions asked inside The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle, my private membership community.

These are raw, honest questions from women right in the heart of recovery — navigating fear, confusion, and moments of hope — and the answers come straight from my heart and experience. We cover everything from exercise compulsion and energy deficit, to those nights when you can’t stop eating cereal, to the sting of hearing “you look well” when recovery feels terrifying.

If you’ve ever wondered whether full recovery is truly possible, how to cope when everyone around you is dieting, or whether your wobble means you’ve failed — this conversation will help you see that you are not alone, and that healing is absolutely possible.

00:00 – Q1: Is exercise compulsion an addiction to energy deficit – and if so, how is recovery possible if we can’t avoid movement forever?
Understanding the difference between addiction and compulsion, how the body becomes hooked on energy deficit, and why rest is essential to rewire the brain.

08:25 – Q2: You’ve said recovery isn’t linear — does it ever fully settle down, or will I have to work on this forever?
How recovery unfolds in layers, why it becomes easier over time, and what life feels like once freedom is your new normal.

11:40 – Q3: How do I know if something is a small setback or a full relapse?
How to stop catastrophising, understand what your response really means, and learn to meet slip-ups with compassion instead of shame.

15:15 – Q4: Why do I latch onto specific safe foods like cereal, especially at night?
Exploring why the brain fixates on predictable foods in recovery and how to gently widen food variety without triggering fear or restriction.

20:00 – Q5: How do I cope when I’m gaining weight and everyone around me is dieting and being praised?
Reframing internal language, stepping away from comparison, and learning to see recovery as an act of courage in a diet-obsessed world.

24:20 – Q6: If I’ve stopped compulsive movement, do everyday activities like walking with my family ‘break’ recovery? And what if I feel full and stop eating — is that okay?
Understanding intention behind movement, spontaneity versus compulsion, and rebuilding body trust without fear.

27:40 – Q7: I restrict all day, then use alcohol in the evening to relax and eat more — but feel shame the next day. How can I break this cycle?
Why alcohol can act as false permission to eat, how the restrict-drink-shame loop forms, and how to create safety without needing alcohol to silence the eating disorder voice.

33:40 – Q8: People keep saying I ‘look well’ and I can see I’m gaining weight — do I still need to keep increasing my intake?
Explaining metabolic healing, why early weight gain doesn’t mean you’re fully nourished, and how continuing to eat more helps you move from survival to freedom.

💛 And if you're looking for real support from people who’ve been there and truly get it, The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle is here for you.
It’s a unique community of people at all stages of recovery, supporting each other through the mess, the milestones, and everything in between. Inside, you’ll find the Feelings Navigator to guide you through hard emotions, monthly coaching calls, live workshops, on-demand recovery courses, and me — Julia — with you every step of the way.

Come be part of something that actually helps. You don’t have to do this alone.
👉 Join The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle

eating disorder recovery, anorexia recovery, overcoming exercise compulsion, fear of weight gain, body image, recovery setbacks, food freedom, diet culture, metabolic healing, The Eating Disorder Recovery Circle, Fly To Freedom podcast