Navigating Hunger in Eating Disorder Recovery with Bethany Francois

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Beth Francois. Beth is a registered dietitian specialising in the treatment of eating disorders. Beth’s approach to eating disorder support is rooted in compassion, hope, and freedom. Beth combines evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the emotional complexities of eating disorders to help her clients find lasting recovery and rediscover the joy of nourishing their bodies and minds.

This week, we discuss:

  • Beth's thoughts around the term "extreme hunger" and why this occurs during eating disorder recovery.
  • The different ways hungered is perceived in active restriction vs recovery.
  • The urgency of hunger in recovery post restriction.
  • The importance of responding to hunger, restoring hunger cues in recovery and reframing thoughts towards hunger.
  • Overcoming fear foods, emotional eating and the feeling of losing control.
  • Tips for navigating binge eating following restriction.

You can find out more about Beth by finding her on Instagram @theeddietitian or visiting her website.

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).

Recent Posts

By Hannah Hickinbotham July 27, 2026
Art Psychotherapist Jessica Mackney shares how art therapy can offer a way into eating disorder recovery when words aren't enough, and what it really looks like beyond "just drawing or painting."
By hannah July 20, 2026
Hannah Whitfield shares her inpatient psychiatric care, restrictive practice, and eating disorder recovery, and how she turned survival into activism with Legally Detained.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 13, 2026
Eva Echo shares her experience of eating disorders, trans identity, and AuDHD, and what years of medical gatekeeping in UK healthcare really looks like.
By Hannah Hickinbotham July 6, 2026
When we focus on weight in eating disorder treatment, are we doing more harm than good?
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 29, 2026
How does people pleasing get in the way of eating disorder recovery? And why commitment, not motivation, might be the thing that carries you through. With insights from psychotherapist and lived experience advocate Sarah Parker.
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 22, 2026
OSFED and UFED are the most common eating disorder diagnoses, yet remain widely overlooked. Here's what they are, why that happens, and why it needs to change.
Show More