In this powerful listener-inspired episode, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab dive deep into one of the most confusing questions in recovery: Is it food addiction, or am I just addicted to dieting? This compassionate and nuanced conversation explores how perfectionism, purity culture, trauma, and diet dogma can cloud our recovery journey—and how to find the middle way that truly supports freedom and healing.

In This Episode:

🧠A heartfelt listener email sparks a raw discussion on chronic relapse, self-doubt, and quasi-recovery

🧠The difference between being addicted to dieting vs. addicted to ultra-processed food

🧠How shame, perfectionism, and moral purity culture sneak into recovery

🧠Why self-determined recovery looks different for everyone—and why that’s a good thing

🧠The danger of idealizing helpers and the importance of working with professionals who’ve done their own shadow work

🧠Practical tools for navigating all-or-nothing thinking, “doing it right” pressure, and bouncing between restriction and chaos

🧠The unexpected freedom of letting go of outcomes and being your own scientist

Key Takeaways: 💜Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. What works for someone else may not work for you—and that’s okay. 💜Both food addiction and diet addiction can be true—and may need to be treated together. 💜You are not broken. Your body and brain are trying to cope in a chaotic world. 💜Healing doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from curiosity, compassion, and community.

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The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.