Why Eating Disorder Recovery Feels So Hard (And What Can Help)

Eating disorder recovery isn’t just about eating more or stopping certain behaviours—it’s about rewiring deep beliefs about food, body image, and control.

Why Recovery Feels So Hard

1. Your brain is adjusting – If you've been restricting, bingeing, or purging for a long time, your brain has adapted to those behaviours. Undoing them takes time.

2. Hunger & fullness cues are confusing – If you've ignored your hunger for years, it makes sense that your body might struggle to tell you when and how much to eat.

3. Your identity might feel tied to the disorder – Letting go of an eating disorder can feel like losing a sense of control, comfort, or even part of yourself.

4. Fear of weight gain or body changes – It’s normal to struggle with body image in recovery. Working with a professional can help.

5. Guilt and anxiety after eating – If food has been tied to rules for years, breaking those rules can feel wrong—even when it’s actually right.

   
   

What Can Help?

• Trust the process – Your body needs time to heal. Recovery isn’t linear.

• Challenge black-and-white thinking – There’s no such thing as “good” or “bad” foods.

• Seek support – You don’t have to do this alone. A dietitian, therapist, or support group can help.

Recovery is hard, but staying stuck is harder. Healing is possible—even when it doesn’t feel like it.