Is people-pleasing connected to overeating?
Do you find it hard to say no to people... and food?
In this episode of The Food and Body Podcast, therapist Harriet Frew joins me to explore the deep links between people-pleasing, masking, self-abandonment, and emotional eating.
We discuss why trusting your own experience can be so difficult, how people-pleasing overlaps with neurodivergence/ADHD, and how out of control eating can become a "protected space" or escape from constantly putting others first. If you struggle to recognize your own needs, find yourself trapped in cycles of resentment and guilt or find indulging in overeating is your only "you time", this honest conversation offers actionable strategies for building boundaries and finding safety within yourself.
📌 Subscribe to the channel for more honest conversations on finding a peaceful relationship with food, body image, and self-acceptance.
⏱️ Timestamps & Chapters
00:00 — Introduction: People-pleasing & eating disorders
03:30 — Harriet’s story: Bulimia and the need to please
08:15 — Kindness vs. Self-Abandonment
13:40 — The overlap with ADHD, neurodivergence & masking
21:10 — Why binge eating becomes a protected escape
29:45 — The roots of people-pleasing: Culture, family & rejection
37:20 — Practical steps: Moving past "just say no"
45:00 — How relationships change when you set boundaries
🔗 Connect with Us
Connect with Harriet:
Connect with Becca:
- Instagram: becomingwithbecca_therapist
- Email: becca@beccarobinsonchinntherapy.com
- Website: wwww.beccarobinsonchinntherapy.com (coming soon)
Follow the podcast info:
- Instagram: @thefoodandbody_podcast
