In this special episode of The Body Love Binge, Victoria and Julia dive into an honest and unfiltered Q&A session, tackling some of the most pressing questions from their listeners about eating disorder recovery, exercise, self-acceptance, and navigating the messy middle of healing.
From the challenges of reintroducing exercise to the ongoing battle with body image thoughts, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice. Victoria and Julia share their personal experiences and professional perspectives to give you the tools to keep pushing through recovery, even when it feels impossible. Plus, they discuss how to navigate social stigma, find motivation in tough times, and celebrate progress—even when it feels small.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] – Reintroducing Exercise After Recovery:
Victoria and Julia discuss the delicate process of bringing exercise back into your life after exercise addiction. They share their personal approaches, from mindful movement to complete breaks from exercise.
Key takeaway: Tune into your body’s needs and separate movement from calorie control or body manipulation.
[00:08:00] – Handling Guilt Around Rest:
Addressing the guilt of resting when society expects you to be active. Victoria and Julia share how to embrace rest as a vital part of healing, rather than something to be ashamed of.
Key takeaway: Rest is a radical act of self-care and recovery.
[00:15:00] – Navigating the “Messy Middle” of Recovery:
The messy middle is a daunting part of recovery where progress feels stagnant and body image thoughts intensify. The duo discusses how to stay committed to freedom during this challenging phase.
Key takeaway: Stay focused on your deeper why and take it one day at a time.
[00:27:00] – How to Stop Thinking About Food All the Time:
Why mental hunger doesn’t mean you’re doing recovery wrong—it means your body is still healing.
Key takeaway: Honour mental hunger as your body’s way of signalling it still needs nourishment.
[00:39:00] – Dealing with Social Pressure to Exercise After Weight Gain:
How to stand firm in your recovery when people around you assume you’re ready to get back into exercise.
Key takeaway: Your recovery is about you—not anyone else’s expectations.
[00:47:00] – Honouring Morning Hunger:
Why eating in the morning is crucial for recovery and how to push through the fear of eating breakfast.
Key takeaway: Start your day with recovery—not with your eating disorder.
5 Memorable Quotes from the Episode:
💡 "Recovery is not about avoiding fear—it’s about stepping into it every damn day."
💡 "Start your day with recovery, not with your eating disorder."
💡 "Your body doesn’t understand why you restricted in the first place—it just wants to protect you from famine."
💡 "Own the shit out of who you are, or else it will own you."
💡 "It’s not about eating perfectly—it’s about showing up for yourself, consistently, with compassion."
Journal Prompts from This Episode:
🌸 What stories am I telling myself about rest and why do I feel guilty when I honour my need to slow down?
🌸 How can I show up for my recovery today—even when fear tries to take the wheel?
🌸 What would it feel like to fully embrace my body as it is right now?
🌸 Where can I show myself more kindness and patience in this journey?
5. 🌸 What would freedom do right now? What would acceptance do?
Resources Mentioned:
Join Victoria’s Free Support Group: Get live coaching and community support.
Connect with Julia: Follow her on Instagram and stay updated on her new group coaching program.
💛 Recovery Circle community and courses: https://www.edrecoverycircle.com/
