Overeating in Brisbane: Ideas for recovery

In this post, I’d like to share with you how to reframe our experiences with overeating.

Reframing Overeating: A Fresh Perspective

Too often, overeating is labelled as a problem to fix or a sign of personal weakness.  But reframing overeating invites us to understand it as a maladaptive coping strategy— a way our bodies and minds have tried to self-soothe through difficult times.  By viewing it with gentle curiosity, we create space for self-acceptance and healing rather than shame.  When we meet our overeating with self-compassion instead of criticism, we reduce our feelings of shame and we make real, sustainable progress toward recovery.

I encourage people across Australia, especially in Brisbane, to pause and notice what’s really going on before the urge to eat compulsively takes hold.  Can you name the emotion, acknowledge your struggle, and offer yourself the same comfort and understanding you would extend to a friend?  This small but powerful act of self-kindness can instantly begin to shift old patterns.

Caring for Ourselves

Caring for ourselves – our health and wellbeing is the foundation of genuine recovery in Australia.  For many people, the roots of overeating are rooted in past traumas, unresolved grief and difficult feelings.  When we approach these challenges through a compassionate lens, we move away from judgment and blame, and toward curiosity and gentle exploration.

In my work, I find that when we normalize overeating as an understandable response to distress, it opens the door to learning healthier, more nurturing coping skills.  It’s not about “fixing” ourselves — it’s about offering care and validation, and gradually developing a relationship with food that is less emotionally reactive and perhaps more attuned to our real needs. This all leads to a more stable and positive sense of self and our bodies.

Body Image: Moving Toward Acceptance

Improving our body image is a central part of reframing overeating and recovery.  Here in Australia, we’re continually exposed to unrealistic standards, but compassionate care reminds us that our worth goes far beyond our appearance.  I encourage Mind-Full self-talk: when you catch yourself in a critical self-analysis about your body, pause and practice a neutral or appreciative statement instead, such as “My body helps me experience fun, comfort, connection, and adventure.”

Body neutrality and body Appreciation — focusing on what our body can do, rather than how it looks — is especially powerful.  Validating ourselves and connecting with other positive people and groups can reduce feelings of isolation and build up our sense of belonging, regardless of what size or shape our body is today.

Practical Strategies for Recovery

• Mind-Full Eating: Slow down, notice the flavours and textures of what you are about to eat, check in with your hunger and fullness cues with gentle curiosity.
• Develop Emotional Awareness: Use journaling to help identify what you might be feeling before reaching for food.
• Replace Criticism with Compassion: Try speaking to yourself as you would to someone you really care about. Place your hand on your heart and breathe deeply during stressful moments.
• Connect with Support: Reach out to professionals who can assist you to feel supported and valued.

Finding Hope: The Power of Self-Compassion

It is absolutely possible to transform your relationship with food and your body when you learn how you can “do” self-compassion in a way that works for you.  In my own journey supporting people with recovery in Australia, I have seen how self-kindness becomes a foundation for healing – and it’s usually the last thing we want to do.

Reframing our overeating and improving our body image, are strategies we can all lean into and they become essential acts of self-love believe it or not.

If you or someone you know struggling, please know that support is available, and recovery is possible.  You deserve respect, dignity, and kindness at every stage.  Let’s work together to build a future where each person values themselves and works on their own Self-Respect.