EP 245: Stop the Restrict-Binge Cycle ~ Debunking Diet Culture's Biggest Lie (You Don't Need to Earn Your Food) cover art

EP 245: Stop the Restrict-Binge Cycle ~ Debunking Diet Culture's Biggest Lie (You Don't Need to Earn Your Food)

EP 245: Stop the Restrict-Binge Cycle ~ Debunking Diet Culture's Biggest Lie (You Don't Need to Earn Your Food)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this insightful conversation originally recorded with dietitian Brittany Braswell on Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast, I open up about the restrict-binge cycle that keeps so many women trapped—saving calories all day only to overeat at night. This episode dismantles the myth that it's about willpower and reveals the biological and spiritual truths behind this destructive pattern. What You'll Learn Why saving calories backfires: Understanding the biological response to restriction and how scarcity thinking drives the restrict-binge cycleThe worthiness wound: How diet culture has taught women they need to earn, ration, and delay food instead of deserving consistent nourishmentLindsey's personal story: Her years-long struggle with anorexia and calculating every meal, and how she found freedomPractical action steps: Four concrete strategies to start eating earlier in the day and breaking the restrict-binge patternIdentity in Christ: How knowing you're fearfully and wonderfully made changes how you treat your body as a temple Key Takeaways ✨ The restrict-binge cycle is biological, not about willpower - When you don't eat enough during the day, your body forces a response ✨ Scarcity thinking is rooted in worthiness issues - Diet culture has taught us food must be earned, rationed, and controlled rather than something we deserve consistently ✨ Comfort isn't the goal, freedom is - Breaking the cycle requires doing uncomfortable opposite actions ✨ Ask yourself: Is this decision from fear or love? - If you're making food choices out of fear, that's a signal to do the opposite ✨ You are fearfully and wonderfully made - Your identity is larger than the vessel you came here with Practical Strategies Discussed 1. Combat the Lie of Unworthiness Recognize you are deserving of good things NOW, not laterYour worth is tied to being made in God's image—periodFeelings aren't facts when you feel undeserving 2. Set New Non-Negotiables Create mechanical eating boundaries (2-3 meals + snacks) regardless of hunger cuesCommit to eating 1-2 hours earlier than your current patternMake a specific plan: What time? What food? Write it down. 3. Do the Opposite Action When the voice says "wait until later," immediately do the oppositeRewire your brain by not taking orders from "Regina George" anymoreBreak the rules that keep you trapped—the world won't fall apart 4. Start with Half Portions Earlier If eating a full meal earlier feels overwhelming, start with halfBuild consistency with small steps, not overnight overhaulsChange happens with consistent small actions 5. Get Logical About Time Challenge arbitrary eating times—it's already mealtime somewhere else in the worldDo the hard thing first to get it out of the wayMake concrete plans, not optional intentions Powerful Quotes "You were created by God, made in His image, and you are so worthy of love and nourishment—period. There's no arguing, no bargaining about that." "Comfort isn't the goal. Freedom is the goal." "Your body deserves consistent fuel. What would I tell my daughter, my best friend, you over coffee? I would never tell you that you can't have that coffee because there's cream in it." "Is this decision coming from a place of fear or a place of love? If it's fear, pluck that thought." "God's grace is built from abundance. Your identity is something larger than the vessel that you came here with." Key Questions for Reflection What am I believing that is false?What do I know is true when I'm feeling I don't deserve nourishment?What rules am I following that I need to break?Am I making this decision out of fear or out of love?What does my body deserve right now? About This Episode This conversation was originally recorded as a guest appearance on Brittany Braswell's podcast, Faith-Filled Food Freedom. Adapted and shared with the Her Best Self Podcast community because the message was too powerful not to share with you. Resources & Links Join The Recovery Collective Ready to break free from the restrict-binge cycle for good? The Recovery Collective is Lindsey Nichol's signature group support program where you'll get the support, strategies, and community you need to finally find freedom. Inside The Recovery Collective, you'll receive: Every other week group coaching calls with Lindsey A proven framework to break disordered eating patternsA supportive community of women on the same journeyPractical tools and resources for lasting recoveryBiblical foundation for healing your relationship with food and body Learn more and join The Recovery Collective at www.herbestself.co/recoverycollective Connect with Lindsey Nichol Website: www.herbestself.co One-on-One Coaching: Limited spots available - apply at herbestself.coFacebook: www.herbestselfsociety.com Connect with Brittany Braswell Check out Faith-Filled Food Freedom podcast for more faith-based nutrition and food freedom content at www.brittanybraswellrd.com ___________________________ If this ...
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.