A Supportive Approach to Binge Eating Disorder and Chronic Dieting Recovery with Judith Matz

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Juidth Matz. Judith is the co-author of several books on the topics of eating and weight struggles, including Beyond a Shadow of a Diet: The Comprehensive Guide to Treating Binge Eating Disorder, Emotional Eating and Chronic Dieting. This has been called “the new bible” on this topic for professionals. Her other resources include the recently released The Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Binge Eating & Body Image Workbook, The Body Positivity Card Deck, The Making Peace with Food Card Deck, and The Diet Survivor's Handbook.

Judith has a private practice in the Chicago area where she focuses her work with clients who want to get off the diet/binge rollercoaster and learn to feel at home in their bodies. Through her counselling, workshops, training for mental health professionals, and books, Judith has helped thousands of people to develop self-care skills that increase physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing without a focus on the pursuit of weight loss. Through educational programs, she is dedicated to helping people end their preoccupation with food and weight and to fighting weight stigma.

This week, we discuss:

  • Judith's journey to working with individuals with binge eating disorder and writing her book, Beyond a Shadow of a Diet.
  • The impact diet culture has on our perception of binge eating disorder and recovery, as well as how complex this can be.
  • The concept behind the Health At Every Size (HAES) movement and how this supports individuals to focus on health, not weight.
  • The concept of intuitive eating and how to reframe your relationship with food and exercise to support health.
  • How clinician's can support their clients in recovery from binge eating disorder and increase their understanding of the mental health condition.

You can find out more about Caroline by finding her on Instagram @judmatz , visiting her website , or joining her Diet Survivors Facebook Group.

Please note that this podcast explores topics some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email info@firststepsed.co.uk.

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

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