Do You Really Need to Eat Regularly in Recovery? (Short Answer: Yes, and Here’s Why)

One of the biggest things people struggle with in eating disorder recovery is eating regularly—even when they don’t feel hungry.

Why Eating Regularly Matters

1. Your body needs consistency to rebuild trust – If you’ve been restricting or bingeing, your body doesn’t know when food is coming next. Eating every 3-4 hours helps stabilise this.

2. Skipping meals leads to more extreme hunger – Ignoring hunger leads to stronger cravings, low energy, and potential binge eating later.

3. Your hunger cues won’t ‘just come back’ without regular eating – Many people expect hunger to return naturally, but if you’ve suppressed it for a long time, your body needs structure first.

4. Regular meals help with mood and focus – Blood sugar dips can cause irritability, anxiety, and low energy. Balanced meals keep everything steady.

5. Eating prevents digestive issues – Irregular eating can cause bloating, constipation, and nausea. Your gut thrives on routine.

   
   

How to Make Eating Regularly Easier

• Set reminders – Use alarms or meal prompts if you tend to forget.

• Have easy options available – No prep is key.

• Think of it as self-care, not a chore – Your body deserves food.

Even if you don’t feel hungry, eating regularly is essential for full recovery.