Ep. 195: The Protection Myth: Bingeing is Not Keeping You Safe

About this episode

In this episode, Kathryn Hansen discusses the misconception that binge eating provides emotional protection and how it can hinder recovery.

There is a widespread idea that bingeing has “protective” value for the binge eater—protection from difficult emotions, pain, stress, and other problems. I remember believing this when I was bulimic, and I know how convincing it can feel. In this episode, I talk about why the protection narrative may be holding you back in recovery, and how you can learn to see that bingeing isn’t safety—it’s dangerous and it’s hurting you. You can learn to recognize and dismiss the protection thoughts and realize you’re much safer without binge eating. Subscribe to my email list (and get my free Inspiration Booklet!) Episodes mentioned in this show: Episode 183: GLP-1 Medications, Food Noise, and Binge Eating Recovery with Marcus Kain Ep. 131: Ozempic and Eating Disorders with Robyn Goldberg RDN, CEDS-C Brain over Binge resources: Subscribe to the Brain over Binge Course for only $18.99 per month Get personalized support with one-on-one coaching or group coaching 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…

People in this episode

Host: Kathryn Hansen

Topics covered

• binge eating
• emotional protection
• recovery
• mental health
• eating disorders

Keywords

• binge eating
• protection myth
• recovery
• emotional safety
• mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brain over Binge Recovery Coaching, LLC

Books & works: Brain over Binge, Brain over Binge Recovery Guide

More episodes of Brain over Binge Podcast

• Ep. 204: Boredom is Better Than Bingeing · June 10, 2026 · 21 min
• Ep. 203: Food Noise, Part 4: Eating Foundations for More Stability and Ease (with Marcus Kain) · May 2, 2026 · 46 min
• Ep. 202: Building the "I Can Do Hard Things" Identity (with Coach Julie) · April 13, 2026 · 28 min
• Ep. 201: Food Noise, Part 3: Mindset Shifts for More Peace and Self-Trust · March 28, 2026 · 27 min
• Ep. 200: Coaching Notes: Recovery Reminders from My 1:1 Sessions · March 4, 2026 · 20 min
• Ep. 199: Food Noise, Part 2: The Effect of the Food Environment (You're Not Broken or Powerless) · February 6, 2026 · 24 min