Ep. 190: Supporting Your Nervous System to Support Recovery

Kathryn talks with Natasha Kostalas, author of Beyond the Barbell: Confessions of a Female Fitness Competitor, about her journey of overcoming binge eating that was fueled by competing in bodybuilding. Natasha shares how the intense restriction of competition prep led to a loss of control around food, and how binge eating often becomes a hidden aftermath in extreme fitness. She speaks openly about the harm this caused and how she eventually found a healthier relationship with food, her body, and training. This conversation is relevant not only for the bodybuilding community but for anyone struggling with bingeing. Learn more about Natasha Kostalas: Beyond the Barbell: Confessions of a Female Fitness Competitor Instagram: Natasha Kostalas Brain over Binge resources: Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide   Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

I talked with Dr. Aimie Apigian, author of the Biology of Trauma, about how trauma impacts the body and nervous system, and how that can create challenges in recovery. She explains how trauma healing creates more safety in the body and nervous system, which gives you more access to your decision-making abilities, and therefore supports recovery. Dr. Aimie shares insights from her medical expertise and personal experience, and also discusses how a trauma-informed approach helped her overcome her own binge eating issue. If you tend to binge during times of high anxiety or dysregulation—even when you know it won’t help—this episode is for you. Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet Learn more about Dr. Aimie Apigian: Get the book: The Biology of Trauma BiologyofTrauma.com 5 Day Nervous System Reset Brain over Binge resources: Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

If you’re a parent who has put your eating disorder behind you, or you are trying to recover, or you are still struggling, and you want to make sure your child never has these issues, this episode is for you. I talk with parent coach Oona Hanson about how to help kids build a healthy relationship with food and body. We cover how to spot early signs of restriction, how to talk about these topics without creating shame, and how to help your child learn skills that support a lifetime of peace with food. Oona brings clear, compassionate, and practice guidance to a challenging topic. Learn more about Oona Hanson: Oona Hanson’s website Instagram: @oona_hanson Substack: Parenting without Diet Culture Brain over Binge resources: Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

Kathryn is joined by Coach Julie to talk about letting go of the fixation with weight, body size, and shape. Weight is a complex topic, and concerns don’t disappear overnight—but you can make progress so that weight issues don’t interfere with recovery from binge eating. In this episode, you’ll learn how shifting your focus away from changing your body and toward caring for your body helps create space for self-trust, true healing, and long-term health. More weight related resources here:BrainoverBinge.com/Weight/ Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet Brain over Binge resources: Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

Kathryn talks with Ted Ryce—health expert, high-performance coach, and host of The Legendary Life Podcast. Ted shares his journey of resilience through tragedy and his experience helping successful professionals who struggle to prioritize health. Together, they discuss how to care for yourself during stressful hardships and seasons of high-achievement, and how balanced approaches to food and fitness can support you without extremes. Get the FREE 30-day Brain over Binge Inspiration Booklet Learn more: Ted Ryce Legendary Life Podcast Legendary Life Podcast Ep. 644: Brain Over Binge: How to Overcome Binge Eating Without Willpower with Kathryn Hansen Brain over Binge resources: Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide   Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

  I talked with Dr. Pamela Keel about her new study exploring the biological underpinnings of binge eating. We discuss how weight suppression affects key hormones—GLP‑1 and leptin—and how those changes can reduce satiety and drive binge eating. Dr. Keel explains what this means for understanding urges, recovery, and weight restoration—and we also discuss the potential role and risks of GLP‑1 medications in treatment. Learn more about Pamela Keel and her new study:  FSU researcher’s new findings connect biological and behavioral consequences of weight loss to binge eating Pamela Keel, PhD Brain over Binge resources: Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide   Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

Kathryn answers more listener questions about the intersection of binge eating recovery and relationships—whether that’s your relationship with yourself, romantic partners, friends, or family. This is the final episode in the series on healing your relationship with food, yourself, and others. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions—your vulnerability, curiosity, and willingness to contribute are deeply appreciated. Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet (this adds you to my email list) Parts 1-3 of this series:Ep. 171: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part I) Ep. 175: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part II) Ep. 179: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part III) Ep. 182: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part IV) Episodes mentioned in this show:Episode 15: Readiness for Recovery from Binge Eating Ep. 144: Eating Disorders and Narcissistic Relationships Ep 154: Eating Disorders and Recovery in the LGBTQ+ Community Brain over Binge resources: Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide   Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

Kathryn and Coach Julie talk about the role of productive discomfort in binge eating recovery. It’s natural to want recovery to feel easy, but the truth is that some discomfort is necessary—because that’s how the brain learns to let go of the binge eating habit. You’ll learn why feeling challenged isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong; it’s a sign that you’re making meaningful progress toward real, lasting change. Get 50% off of Magic Mind: https://www.magicmind.com/BOB50 Learn more about Coach Julie’s 7-Day Binge-Free Reset Get the free 31-Day Brain over Binge Inspiration Booklet   Additional Brain over Binge resources: Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide    Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

Kathryn welcomes back Marcus Kain for a thoughtful conversation about the increasing use of GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) in the context of binge eating recovery and weight loss. They discuss the significant risks—especially for those with a history of restrictive eating—while also acknowledging that some individuals have experienced benefits when these medications are used cautiously under medical supervision. This episode is not to provide medical advice or promote the use of any medication; it’s an honest, nuanced discussion about a complex and evolving topic. Kathryn and Marcus hold space for differing perspectives and emphasize that full recovery is absolutely possible and unique to each individual. Episodes mentioned on this show: Ep. 131: Ozempic and Eating Disorders with Robyn Goldberg RDN, CEDS-C Ep. 90: Letting Go of Unrealistic Recovery Goals and Unhealthy Fitness Standards (with Marcus Kain) Ep. 119: How Does Fitness Fit Into Recovery? (with Marcus Kain) Ep. 167: Healthy Goal Setting and Sustainable Change in the New Year (with Marcus Kain) Learn more about Marcus Kain: StrongNotStarving.com Instagram: @strongnotstarving Strong Not Starving podcast Brain over Binge resources: Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide   Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.

  Kathryn answers listener questions about the intersection of binge eating recovery and relationships—whether that’s your relationship with yourself, romantic partners, friends, or family. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions—your vulnerability, curiosity, and willingness to contribute are deeply appreciated. Get the FREE 30-day Inspiration Booklet (this also signs you up for my email list) Parts 1-3 of this series:Ep. 171: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part I) Ep. 175: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part II) Ep. 179: Healing Your Relationship with Food, Yourself, and Others (Part III) Episodes mentioned in this show:Episode 39: Q&A: Emotional Attachment to Binge Eating Episode 46: Q&A: How Do I Stay Binge-Free on Vacation or on a Holiday? Ep. 134: Recovery in Emotionally Challenging Times (with Coach Julie) Ep. 151: Emotional Not Eating Ep. 168: My Take: Using Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” Theory to Help You Stop Binge Eating and Break Other Harmful Habits Ep. 181: You Do Care and You Do Deserve Recovery (with Coach Julie) Brain over Binge resources: Get personalized support in one-on-one coaching or group coaching Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get the Second Edition of Brain over Binge on Amazon and Audible, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple iBooks, or Kobo. Get the Brain over Binge Recovery Guide Disclaimer: *The Brain over Binge Podcast is produced and recorded by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC. All work is copyrighted by Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC, and all rights are reserved. As a disclaimer, the hosts of the Brain over Binge Podcast are not professional counselors or licensed healthcare providers, and this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice or any form of professional therapy. Eating disorders can have serious health consequences and you are strongly advised to seek medical attention for matters relating to your health. Please get help when you need it, and good luck on your journey.