The Truth Behind Quasi-Recovery & “Extreme” Hunger with Amalie Lee

In this week’s podcast, Han is joined by Amalie Lee! Amalie is a trained coach with a background in Psychology. Frustrated with the lack of easy-to-understand, science-backed eating disorder information online, Amalie started Let's Recover during her recovery from Anorexia Nervosa over a decade ago. Amalie is especially interested in the biopsychology of eating disorders, reactive hunger, and the cognitive-behavioural effects of undernourishment. In addition to coaching, Amalie hosts the podcast 'Recovery Talk', and writes the Substack newsletter 'Let's Recover'.

This week, we discuss:

  • Our thoughts behind extreme, or reactive, hunger and why this occurs during eating disorder recovery.
  • The change in hunger and energy levels during an eating disorder vs recovery, why this happens and how to navigate it.
  • The secret nature of an eating disorder that makes you feel special, and how to swap this narrative.
  • How to navigate intrusive thoughts from your eating disorder around your weight and food, and how to keep eating through recovery.
  • The difficulty quasi-recovery brings, how to challenge eating disorder beliefs and the importance of recognising where eating disorder behaviours arise.
  • The theory behind cravings and a famine response in anorexia.
  • Amalie's advice when clients experience reactive hunger and how to keep engaged in recovery.

To find out more about Amalie, you can follow them on Instagram @amalielee , visit their website or check out their podcast, Recovery Talk.

Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.

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