Does binge eating feel like it zaps your life force and that each time you psyche yourself up for that infamous new beginning it just gets harder and harder? I know it can be difficult to believe, especially if you've been in these cycles for a while, but there is a way through. Have a look at my Free Recovery Guide and take that leap of faith and start your online binge eating recovery journey today!
I'm Olivia Shakespear, Nutritional Therapist and Health Coach and I was a binge eater for over 20 years. A lot of things moved online over the last few years, and I realised that binge eating virtual support could be a way of supporting people overcome their poor relationship with food in a more accessible and comprehensive way. When it comes to supporting people with food habits, particularly in the early stages, the level of support that is required is high, and so I’ve found that online binge eating support works really well as it allows me to stay in close contact with my clients on a daily basis.
Issues with food develop in different ways for each person, but a history of dieting is pretty much always there, and is a big driver in turning milder eating issues into full blown binges. Over time the brain gets rewired to automatically turn to food as a coping mechanism, whether this is for stressful situations or even boredom! Rewiring the brain back to more balanced choices is absolutely possible over time, especially when we understand that what drives these pathways is rooted in our subconscious rather than conscious mind. And there are things that you can do to help speed up the process, such as EFT, meditation and other mindfulness practices, all of which I look at with clients if it feels right for them.
The desire to diet goes hand in hand with negative feelings towards the body, so binge eaters often have a huge amount of shame, for their body and for their secretive eating behaviours. There is often a need to escape the difficult emotions that come up when you confront your body - the pain of unmet needs for acceptance, recognition and intimacy, amongst others. And of course food is the perfect form of escapism and distraction. My approach to recovery involves reconnecting into your body and learning to ride out the emotional waves. I help people understand how our body stores our old painful emotions and how we can release these as we rebalance.
In terms of recommendations around food itself, the first step is moving away from the self-imposed food prisons that people often make. These just set you up for failure. However, this is not to say that it doesn't matter what we eat at all. Nutrition is a hugely important healing tool. I go into this in much more detail in my free Recovery Guide. It also doesn't mean you have to give up on goals like losing weight or getting fit, but why not love and accept yourself as you go towards these goals, rather than making this a requirement of accepting yourself? And what's so wonderful is that food and your body can then truly become your allies! You'll find yourself making choices from a place of honoring your body rather than trying to force it to change.
Compassionate guidance and daily support are what make the biggest difference to overcoming binge eating, as we all know how easily it is for one bad day to turn into a bad week or more. It also means I get to know my clients very well, so the whole process becomes so much more enjoyable!
My one to one health coaching programmes are designed to support people who binge eat and/or yo-yo diet and as a result may also have a difficult relationship with their body.
I work with my clients for a minimum of 12 weeks. I offer three different packages ranging from my Basic level programme for those confident in their abilities to make these changes with only a light hand-holding through to more intensive support for those who may not trust themselves to go it alone for even a few days.
The total cost of the programmes are £345, £555 and £735 respectively. All payable in 3 instalments rather than all at once.
So if you’re looking for an online binge eating coach in the UK do contact me today for more information. Even if you aren’t UK-based then do feel free to get in touch. I offer early morning and late evening appointments to fit with people’s working hours, as well as different time zones. Binge eating virtual support gives a lot more flexibility. I'm here to create a supportive environment where you can thrive and reclaim your health and happiness.
Take that leap of faith and book your session today. Or give me a ring if you'd like to discuss first.
I would greatly appreciate that if you are unable to make the session, that you cancel or reschedule via the booking link or send me a message. Many thanks
Olivia Shakespear Diploma in Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy, BSc Hons, BA Hons, NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Please Note: I provide binge eating virtual support for people who have disordered and chaotic eating habits, and who may engage in binge eating behaviours, but please be aware that for anyone with a recognised eating disorder do also speak with your doctor. I only see people aged 18 and over.