August 20, 2025

Why Letting Go of Restriction Feels Unsafe in Eating Disorder Recovery

12 minutes

Why does letting go of food restriction feel unsafe, even when you're ready to recover? In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne explores how restriction can become a form of survival. She discusses the ways restriction may provide a sense of control, structure, or identity, especially for those who are neurodivergent, live in marginalized bodies, or have trauma histories.

You will learn about the difference between egosyntonic restriction, which feels aligned with your values, and egodystonic restriction, which feels distressing. This insight can help make sense of your internal conflict and guide you toward a more compassionate approach to healing.

This episode offers a perspective rooted in liberation, not compliance. Dr. Marianne invites you to honor the role restriction has played in your life while also creating new ways to feel safe and supported in your body.

📌 In This Episode, Dr. Marianne Covers:

Why restriction can feel protective, not harmful

How trauma, sensory overload, and executive functioning challenges influence restrictive patterns

What it means for restriction to be egosyntonic or egodystonic

How restriction can feel both comforting and distressing at the same time

Why grief is a natural part of letting go

What it looks like to build safety, attunement, and structure without relying on restriction

⚠️ Content Cautions:

This episode includes discussions of restriction, eating disorders, trauma, and anti-fat bias. Please take care of yourself while listening.

🌱 Want More Support?

If you’re navigating sensory-based food challenges or ARFID, and want support that centers neurodivergent needs, explore Dr. Marianne’s self-paced course:

👉 https://www.drmariannemiller.com/arfid

📚 Related Episodes on Restriction, ARFID, and Anorexia:

Autism & Anorexia: When Masking Looks Like Restriction, & Recovery Feels Unsafe on Apple & Spotify.

Atypical Anorexia Explained: Why Restriction Happens at Every Body Size on Apple & Spotify.

Complexities of Treating ARFID: How a Neurodivergent-Affirming, Sensory-Attuned Approach Works on Apple & Spotify.

Understanding Anorexia: Causes, Solutions, & Coping Strategies on Apple & Spotify.

🎧 Listen Now

If letting go of restriction feels terrifying, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Marianne offers grounding, compassion, and support for every step of your recovery.

INTERESTED IN HANGING OUT MORE IN DR. MARIANNE-LAND?

Follow me on Instagram @drmariannemiller

Look into my self-paced, virtual, anti-diet, subscription-based curriculum. It is called Dr. Marianne-Land's Binge Eating Recovery Membership.

Live in California, Texas, or Washington D.C. and interested in eating disorder therapy with me? Sign up for a free, 15-minute phone consultation HERE or via my website, and I'll get you to where you need to be!

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Want more information? Email me at [email protected]

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By mariannemillerphd

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