In this episode of Before Dieting, I answer a question from listener Karla about relief eating. An eating pattern many women have but almost no one is comfortable talking about. Relief eating is often mistaken for “bingeing”, but it’s something very different.

You’ll learn how relief eating works inside your Eating System, why it appears suddenly, why it feels automatic, and why it’s one of the biggest contributors to weight regain.

We walk through the three stages, so you can start recognising your own patterns with curiosity instead of shame.

🎧 WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN

If you’ve ever wondered how you can start the day with a green smoothie and end it inhaling a block of chocolate, this episode finally explains why in simple, honest terms. It does this without blame or shame, and gives you a reframe on autopilot eating you’ve never been given before.

⭐ KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Relief eating isn’t bingeing

The word binge isn’t helpful and carries judgement. Relief eating is a system response, not a personal failure.

2. Relief eating begins with an emotional disturbance

It starts with hungering, a body-level disturbance that signals emotional imbalance.

3. The system takes over

During the eating phase, the behaviour feels automatic because your Eating System is trying to stabilise you.

4. Relief eating can be avoided

By recognising the signs of hungering non-food solutions can be employed.