Binge Eating vs Alcohol: Amber Abila's Mindful Approach
Episode Overview
View binge eating as a habit rather than a disorder. Question automatic thoughts and challenge habitual urges. Develop skills in alcohol recovery that can transfer to food habits. Use attention units to minimise distractions during meals. Embrace the full spectrum of emotions as part of the human experience.
Just because we have a thought pop up in our head does not mean that it's true.
In episode 202 of The Alcohol ReThink Podcast, host Patrick Fox invites mindfulness-based coach Amber Abila to discuss the intriguing parallels between binge eating and alcohol consumption. Amber, founder of The Confident Eater, shares her journey of overcoming binge eating by rewiring her relationship with food through neuroscience, mindfulness, and habit change. The conversation unfolds with Amber recounting her struggles with food and how she learned to view binge eating as a habit rather than a disorder.
She emphasises the importance of questioning automatic thoughts and recognising the scarcity mindset that often drives binge behaviour. Amber's insights resonate with those looking to change their relationship with alcohol, as both habits require sitting with discomfort and rewiring thought patterns. She discusses how the skills developed in addressing alcohol dependency can transfer to overcoming binge eating, highlighting the need for awareness and the ability to challenge habitual urges.
Patrick and Amber explore the idea of attention units, a tool to help individuals focus more on their eating habits by minimising distractions like phones and TVs. The episode provides valuable strategies for disrupting unhelpful habits and fostering a healthier relationship with food and alcohol. Amber's humorous take on pizza crusts and her candid reflections make for an engaging listen, offering practical advice for anyone grappling with these issues.
As the discussion wraps up, Amber encourages listeners to embrace the full spectrum of emotions, viewing them as a gift rather than something to be numbed. Whether you're seeking guidance on binge eating or alcohol recovery, this episode offers relatable stories and actionable tips that might just be the nudge you need to rethink your habits.