Best Helly Barnes Podcasts (2024)

1
Maintaining Motivation In Eating Disorder Recovery-A Simple Tool 18:01

6d ago18:01

18:01

Maintaining motivation in eating disorder recovery isn't easy when the process is hard and can take months and years. Life can take over, small improvements will seem enough and it's easy to stop pushing forwards before you have found full freedom. This episode provides a simple tool to help you maintain motivation and focus in recovery. My books: …

1
Why is Overcoming an Eating Disorder SO Hard? The Return of Emotions 24:57

2M ago24:57

24:57

Overcoming an eating disorder is so hard. And the powerful return of emotions during the process is a key factor in making it so challenging. In this episode I talk about the return of emotions in eating disorder recovery, why your emotions can return so suddenly and how to manage this difficult stage of the process. My books: Addicted to Energy De…

1
Develop Your Self-Empowerment to Eliminate an Eating Disorder! 26:11

3M ago26:11

26:11

Self-empowerment is critical to overcome an eating disorder and build a free life. This involves taking control of the process and gaining confidence that you can recover, doing so in your own way. This episode discusses what self-empowerment involves, why it matters and how to develop it in YOUR eating disorder recovery. My books: Addicted to Ener…

1
Ingredients for Eating Disorder Recovery - Choosing Recovery Isn't Enough 26:04

5M ago26:04

26:04

To choose eating disorder recovery and commit to it is advice that's often given. But this well meant advice over simplifies a process that necessitates so much more. There are several other key ingredients for eating disorder recovery success and that's what I talk about in this episode. My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit - A Neuroscience Based …

1
"I never had children because of an eating disorder" 25:50

6M ago25:50

25:50

If you never had children because of an eating disorder and you are now in your mid life, you might face unique and difficult emotions. This episode covers some of the reasons an eating disorder can stop you from having children, the emotions you might experience and finally, how to move forwards. My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Ove…

1
Be The Hero, Not The Victim: Eating Disorder Recovery 18:32

8M ago18:32

18:32

An eating disorder can make it easy to adopt a victim mindset. It can make you feel that life is happening to you. But what if you can choose to be a hero, not a victim in eating disorder recovery? My Books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Overshoot www.hellybarnes.comBy Helly Barnes

1
Getting Real About Quasi-Recovery & Eating Disorders 20:36

8M ago20:36

20:36

It's time to get real about 'quasi-recovery' and eating disorders… it's usually a state of being 'highly functional' but still with an active eating disorder. In this episode I talk about what I mean by this and what to do if you are in this situation at the moment. There is still so much hope for a FULL recovery!! My Books: Addicted to Energy Defi…

1
Overcoming an Eating Disorder as a Parent 36:55

10M ago36:55

36:55

In this episode, which is part of a series about overcoming an eating disorder when you are in your mid or later life years, I talk about some of the specific challenges that arise from overcoming an eating disorder as a parent and the extra considerations that you will face as a result of having children. My Books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aimin…

1
Why Fun Matters in Building Your Life Beyond an Eating Disorder 19:53

10M ago19:53

19:53

An eating disorder will impact on your ability to have real fun in life but fun in life is so important. This episode considers why fun matters and the importance of finding more of it as you overcome an eating disorder and build yourself a life that is eating disorder free and a little more feck it and fun! My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aim…

1
Achieve Your Eating Disorder Eliminating Goals By Setting Daily Intentions 14:53

10M ago14:53

14:53

Setting eating disorder eliminating goals or new year resolutions is important in the process to overcome an eating disorder. But to achieve those bigger goals, establishing daily intentions can help you to stay focused and accountable, so that you make meaningful progress. My Books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Overshoot www.hellybarnes.c…

1
Don’t Think - Just Eat to Overcome a Restrictive Eating Disorder 21:55

11M ago21:55

21:55

Are you trying to make food decisions to find your freedom from an eating disorder and struggling each day with overthinking and anxiety? Perhaps it is time to apply the 'Don't Think-Just Eat' approach! My Books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Overshoot www.hellybarnes.comBy Helly Barnes

1
I Just Can’t Decide What to Eat! Food Decisions & Eating Disorders 16:16

12M ago16:16

16:16

Food decisions with an eating disorder and when overcoming one can be hard, emotional and have a lot of anxiety and overthinking attached. This episode discusses the idea that maybe you don't have to decide between different foods or food situations... My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Overshoot www.hellybarnes.com…

1
Changing the Narrative - Eating Disorders are Not a Fear Of Weight Gain! 32:37

12M ago32:37

32:37

In this episode I challenge the very common narrative in our modern Westernised culture that restrictive eating disorders are at their core driven by a fear of weight gain. I believe that this view is an oversimplified and convenient narrative that has been convenient to draw but it also prevents eating disorders being more widely understood. My bo…

1
What The Minnesota Starvation Experiment Teaches Us About Starvation Syndrome 25:46

12M ago25:46

25:46

This final part of the series about the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, relating its findings to restrictive eating disorders, covers what the Minnesota Starvation Experiment teaches us about starvation syndrome and the physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural effects that semi-starvation alone can have on a person. My books: Addicted to Ene…

1
Relating the Minnesota Starvation Experiment to Restrictive Eating Disorders 24:17

1y ago24:17

24:17

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment gives us the best evidence we have of what starvation can do to a person and what happens when emerging from semi-starvation. In this episode, the experiment and its findings are compared to what can be experienced with restrictive eating disorders and recovering from one. My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aim…

1
You Need to Know About The Minnesota Starvation Experiment- Part One 32:56

1y ago32:56

32:56

If you have a restrictive eating disorder then you need to know about the Minnesota Starvation Experiment and its findings. This experiment, carried out during the Second World War, is the most important evidence we have for the effects of hunger and starvation on a person and what happens as they 'refeed' and rehabilitate back to health. This epis…

1
Overcoming an Eating Disorder in Mid or Later Life - Part 2 - Partners & Spouses 32:19

1y ago32:19

32:19

In this second episode of the series about overcoming an eating disorder when you are in mid or later life, I talk about the extra considerations that you need to account for when you have a partner or spouse. A partner or spouse can be a benefit to the eating disorder recovery process but there are also challenges that can come too. It is also imp…

1
Self Identity & Overcoming an Eating Disorder 20:28

1y ago20:28

20:28

Your self-identity can be deeply affected when you have an eating disorder. When you are overcoming an eating disorder, an important part is to let the eating disordered parts of your self-identity go and allow yourself to learn who you are without it. My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Overshoot www.hellybarnes.com…

1
Overcoming an Eating Disorder in ’Mid’ or Later Life - Part 1 - Belief & Identity 22:41

1y ago22:41

22:41

Eating disorders are hard to overcome at any age but when you are overcoming an eating disorder in mid or later life, there are more factors to consider, with the 'adult' responsibilities and limiting beliefs you might have. This is the first in a series of posts on this topic and this focuses on the importance of self-belief that you can recover, …

1
Overcome Restrictive Eating by Deliberately Eating To Gain 26:22

1y ago26:22

26:22

With a restrictive eating disorder, your brain can lose the ability to understand what it means to eat without restriction, let alone let you actually do it. One effective way to push past this brain fog and to really overcome the eating disorder, reprogram your brain and emerge from energy deficit is eating to gain... Eating to gain weight and eat…

1
The Power of Anger when Overcoming an Eating Disorder 22:59

1y ago22:59

22:59

We are taught to avoid anger, to suppress it and not show it but anger is a valid human emotion and serves a purpose. When you are overcoming an eating disorder, anger and angry eating can be a powerful means to help push you forward in making more significant changes if you direct that anger in the right direction. I talk about this in more detail…

1
Is an Eating Disorder or Recovery from One a Choice? 20:21

1y ago20:21

20:21

Are eating disorders a choice? Does someone choose to develop an eating disorder and what about in whether they overcome an eating disorder or not? In this episode, I explore this topic in more detail. My books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for OvershootBy Helly Barnes

1
The Pendulum-Swing Effect in Eating Disorder Recovery 23:44

1y ago23:44

23:44

Eating disorder recovery can be compared to a pendulum-swing effect. It can feel like the eating disorder pulls you to one extreme and as you let the eating disorder go, you go through centre to the other extreme in all kinds of ways, such as high hunger, eating more, feeling exhausted, weight gain and body changes which can all be alarming. My boo…

1
Let’s Talk about Poop and Restrictive Eating Disorders! 21:17

1y ago21:17

21:17

Restrictive eating disorders and the things you need to do to overcome one will affect your digestion and your poop in ways that can be uncomfortable and even alarming if not expecting them. In this episode I talk about some of the symptoms that you might experience and how to cope with them. Don't miss my two books that are also available now abou…

1
The Evolutionary Theory & Addiction Models For Eating Disorders Combined! 23:04

1y ago23:04

23:04

Restrictive eating disorders and the ability of the brain to develop an addiction to energy deficit has an evolutionary explanation. This episode explores how and why the brain adaptations that occur with a restrictive eating disorder were once a much needed survival response and not the 'mental illnesses' they are considered today The information …

1
Eating Disorders Don’t Have a Size! 19:35

1y ago19:35

19:35

The stereotype of restrictive eating disorders having a look and only being present in people who appear emaciated is damaging and completely false. Restrictive eating disorders don't have a size and the symptoms and risks of an eating disorder are the same, no matter where a person falls on the BMI spectrum. Find out more in my books: Addicted to …

1
Aim for Overshoot to Overcome an Eating Disorder?!? Introducing the Book 15:28

1+ y ago15:28

15:28

My second book, 'Aiming for Overshoot' is available to buy now and is a complementary handbook to 'Addicted to Energy Deficit'. This episode of the podcast introduces the book and why you should aim for overshoot to overcome a restrictive eating disorder. My two books: Addicted to Energy Deficit Aiming for Overshoot www.hellybarnes.com…

1
Refeeding Syndrome & Complications from Overcoming an Eating Disorder 21:01

1+ y ago21:01

21:01

Refeeding syndrome is a potential risk when you are abstaining from restriction and overcoming a restrictive eating disorder and addiction to energy deficit. An awareness of the risks and how to prevent them will help to ensure you are able to continue to do all you need to beat the eating disorder out of your life safely. More on this is available…

1
Moderation to Overcome an Eating Disorder & Addiction to Energy Deficit?!? 18:31

1+ y ago18:31

18:31

When overcoming a restrictive eating disorder and addiction to energy deficit, you can apply an abstinence or moderation approach. This post explores what moderation to overcome a restrictive eating disorder & addiction to energy deficit can look like and when you might choose this method. Find out more from my book, 'Addicted to Energy Deficit - A…

1
Abstain from a Restrictive Eating Disorder?!? 31:49

1+ y ago31:49

31:49

Restrictive eating disorders can also be described as an addiction to the state of energy deficit. The gold standard approach to overcome any addiction can is often considered to be abstinence... But how do you abstain from a restrictive eating disorder? This episode discusses this and you will find out more in my book, Addicted to Energy Deficit. …

1
Withdrawals from a Restrictive Eating Disorder & Addiction to Energy Deficit 14:23

1+ y ago14:23

14:23

The withdrawal symptoms when you are overcoming a restrictive eating disorder and addiction to energy deficit can be intense. This episode explains what symptoms to expect and what causes them. To know even more, please see my book, 'Addicted to Energy Deficit - A Neuroscience Based Guide to Restrictive Eating Disorders'. www.hellybarnes.com…

1
The Power of Rituals with Eating Disorders 11:24

1+ y ago11:24

11:24

Rituals and restrictive eating disorders go hand in hand. If you have a restrictive eating disorder or are working to overcome one, it is important to understand rituals - what they are, how to recognise them and why it is so important to address them. Want to know more? My book, 'Addicted to Energy Deficit - A Neuroscience Based Guide to Restricti…

1
Why was Energy Deficit so Rewarding it became Addictive? 13:05

1+ y ago13:05

13:05

When you have a restrictive eating disorder, your brain has developed an addiction to the state of energy deficit. But what is it that made energy deficit so rewarding to your brain in the first instance that it led to this addiction? The answer to this is explored in this episode. To understand more, my book, Addicted To Energy Deficit is availabl…

1
A Restrictive Eating Disorder and Your Dopamine Balance 15:56

1+ y ago15:56

15:56

Understanding restrictive eating disorders as a form of addiction, it helps to understand the neuroscience behind an addiction to energy deficit. In this episode I explain the the dopamine balance model to addictions and to restrictive eating disorders and how this impacts on the symptoms you will experience in overcoming an eating disorder. To und…

1
A Restrictive Eating Disorder as a from of Deep Learning 12:56

1+ y ago12:56

12:56

Understanding eating disorders as an addiction allows you to then understand a little more of the neuroscience to an addiction to energy deficit. This episode focuses on the deep learning processes that occur in the brain in the development of an eating disorder and overcoming one. To understand more, please pick up a copy of my book, 'Addicted to …

1
An Addiction to Energy Deficit with an Eating Disorder 14:04

1+ y ago14:04

14:04

As I continue to introduce my newly published book, 'Addicted to Energy Deficit - A Neuroscience Based Guide to Restrictive Eating Disorders', I continue from the last episode, with an explanation about what an addiction to energy deficit actually is and what behaviours and symptoms it can lead to. The book is available now to buy on Amazon and oth…

1
Restrictive Eating Disorders as an Addiction to Energy Deficit—My Book!! 18:12

1+ y ago18:12

18:12

I have written a book!! It's called 'Addicted to Energy Deficit' and it is all about what restrictive eating disorders are, using neuroscience and research to finally de-mystify exactly what is happening with a restrictive eating disorder and how to use this information to overcome one. This episode introduces the book and why eating disorders are …

1
A Scarcity Mindset and Eating Disorders 33:03

1+ y ago33:03

33:03

A scarcity mindset is a very powerful feature of a restrictive eating disorder and will add extra layers to the impact the eating disorder has on your life, how you live, think and function. It's important to recognise the symptoms of a scarcity mindset so you can address it, aiming for abundance for a while instead! www.hellybarnes.com…

1
The Pre Mortem Tool for Eating Disorder Bashing! 16:33

1+ y ago16:33

16:33

A very helpful tool to use as you are going through the process of overcoming an eating disorder, or eating disorder bashing as it is also known, is something called a pre-mortem. This is where you get out your crystal ball to predict disaster and then take steps to ensure disaster does not strike. Intrigued? Have a listen to find out more. www.hel…

1
I’m Giving Up - Let the Eating Disorder Consume Me! 12:50

1+ y ago12:50

12:50

This episode is a personal one in which I share more of my journey to overcome the eating disorder and a point in the process in which I was mentally exhausted, emotionally drained and ready to give up on it all and let the eating disorder fully consume me again. This is for anyone in that position now. www.hellybarnes.com…

1
How does Restrictive Eating Affect the Body Metabolism? Eating Disorders 21:34

1+ y ago21:34

21:34

When you eat restrictively for any length of time through a restrictive eating disorder or as a result of dieting, your body metabolism will be affected. Many people have concerns and questions about this. In this episode, I cover what the metabolism is, what it means to have a high or a low metabolism and how restrictive eating can impact on this,…

1
Make the Weight Gain Justified as you Overcome an Eating Disorder! 15:02

2y ago15:02

15:02

When you are overcoming a restrictive eating disorder and bringing your body out of a state of energy deficit, weight gain is inevitable. But when you are gaining weight despite still engaging in some level of restrictive eating and disordered behaviours, it can feel unjustified and make the process even harder. Therefore, this episode is about mak…

1
Overcome an Eating Disorder by Making Commitments that Work FOR You! 21:16

2y ago21:16

21:16

Many people make commitments in the process of overcoming an eating disorder which might be things like, 'I will eat without restriction'; 'I will non purge' etc etc... These commitments are great but they are also up in the clouds and not entirely meaningful to the brain. One way to make those commitments work FOR you is by using If-Then statement…

1
Eat to Extreme Hunger to Overcome an Eating Disorder 21:17

2y ago21:17

21:17

In eating disorder recovery, many people experience very high or 'extreme' levels of hunger. The extreme hunger experienced can be overwhelming and frightening when it hits, especially when a person is coming from a history of very restrictive eating. This episode is about what extreme hunger can feel like and it is about some of my experiences whe…

1
Eating Disorder Recovery need NOT Be a Tug of War Part Two 24:40

2y ago24:40

24:40

In part one (the last episode), I discussed the analogy of eating disorder recovery as a tug of war and explained that when it feels like you are fighting that inner battle with the eating disorder, it is time to put the rope down and walk away... This episode covers some practical recovery examples of what battling the eating disorder in that tug …

1
Eating Disorder Recovery Need NOT be a Tug of War Part One 22:14

2y ago22:14

22:14

Eating disorder recovery very often feels like a constant game of tug of war between you (in recovery) and the eating disorder. This looks like constant mental battles, mental gymnastics and negotiations. It is exhausting, anxiety provoking and distressing. However, what if recovery doesn't need to be like this? What if you don't need to engage in …

1
The Neuro-Biology of Hunger. What Happens in Eating Disorders? 25:27

2y ago25:27

25:27

The way in which the body monitors our energy levels and need for food is through a variety of different processes, chemicals and structures (all very complicated!). In this episode, I explore what these processes are in a 'healthy' person and how they differ when someone is experiencing an eating disorder. www.hellybarnes.com…

1
Recognising ALL the Signs of Hunger in Eating Disorder Recovery 39:53

2y ago39:53

39:53

Hunger can manifest in many different ways, particularly when you are in eating disorder recovery, your physical hunger cues are unreliable and you have lost the ability to recognise what is hunger and what isn't in the way 'normal' people do. In this episode I talk about all the different ways hunger can manifest physically, mentally, emotionally …

1
Christmas and Eating Disorder Recovery - Aarghh!! 31:23

2y ago31:23

31:23

Christmas* when you have an eating disorder and you are in recovery can be hard, as I spoke about in the last episode. In this episode, I provide some tips on how you might make this Christmas better, despite the eating disorder and despite a brain screaming at you to restrict or to compensate for eating! (**feel free to replace the word Christmas …

1
Reflecting on Why Christmas with an Eating Disorder is so Hard 15:42

2y ago15:42

15:42

In this episode I begin to talk a bit about Christmas (although you can apply this to Thanksgiving or Hanukah or any other celebrations you are due to attend). Here I read a blog post I wrote when I was in recovery and about to experience my first Christmas as a recovering but not yet fully recovered person with an eating disorder! The post was abo…

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