Episode 13 Binge Eating and High Performance with Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms
If you’ve ever felt like you “should have more willpower” when it comes to food, this episode is going to change everything. In this episode of Cupcakes and Clarity, Lisa Pirinelli with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms, unpacks the real reason high-achieving women struggle with emotional and binge eating.
This episode breaks down emotional eating in a way that is both science-backed and deeply relatable, helping you move from shame to understanding. If you’re ready to stop blaming yourself and start getting clarity around your habits, this conversation is your starting point.
What listeners will learn:
Why emotional eating is a nervous system response rather than a lack of discipline.
The difference between enjoying food and using food to cope with stress.
How urgency, patterns, and aftermath reveal whether food is being used emotionally.
Why nighttime cravings happen due to depletion, not failure.
How high-achieving women unknowingly create internal pressure that leads to binge cycles.
What your body is actually asking for in moments when food feels urgent.
Why awareness, curiosity, and compassion are the foundation for healing your relationship with food.
FAQ:
Why do I lose control around food at night?
It’s not about losing control—it’s about depletion. Your brain and nervous system are exhausted from the day, making food a fast and effective way to regulate stress.
How can I tell if I’m binge eating or just enjoying food?
Look for urgency, repetitive patterns, and how you feel afterward—guilt, shame, or disconnection are key indicators of emotional eating.
What is the first step to stopping emotional eating?
Awareness. Start by asking what you actually need in the moment instead of trying to immediately stop the behavior.
Ways to contact Dr. Jessica Neukam-Helms:
Free 1 hour webinar on decreasing binge & emotional eating: Webinar: How To Decrease Binge & Emotional Eating with 3 Steps
