Episode 22: Understanding Binge Eating Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support
Release Date: 03/04/2025
Plateful Parenting Podcast
🎙️ Season 1 Finale with Dr. Jackie Shiels In the final episode of Season 1, Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, welcome back clinical psychologist and fan-favorite Dr. Jackie Shiels for an honest, compassionate, and laughter-filled conversation about something we all grapple with: the words we use around food and bodies. Together, we unpack the everyday language that can shape a child’s relationship with food—for better or worse. From common “harmless” phrases like “You’ve lost weight!” or “Do you really need more?” to more subtle messaging around...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
Episode 33: GLP-1s, Body Shame, and Family Conversations: A Candid Talk with Samantha with Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Christine and Chanel sit down with Christine’s cousin, Samantha, for a vulnerable conversation about GLP-1 agonist medications—like Ozempic and Wegovy—and the emotional terrain surrounding them. As someone currently taking a GLP-1, Samantha shares her real-life experience, reflecting on the social stigma, family dynamics, and internalized shame that can come with body changes, food messaging, and weight....
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this episode of Plateful Parenting, co-hosts Chanel Kenner, RD and Christine Santucci sit down with Jenn Benson, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and founder of . With years of experience supporting kids, teens, and families through eating disorder recovery, Jenn brings a compassionate, weight-inclusive approach to healing relationships with food and body image. Together, we explore how to support children through early recovery, what collaboration with parents can look like, and how to rebuild trust at the table. Jenn also shares practical...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this special episode, co-hosts Chanel Kenner, RD and Christine Santucci sit down with Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN, founder of Kids Eat in Color, to talk about picky eating, mealtime stress, and how to build a positive food relationship with your child—without pressure or power struggles. Jennifer shares how her own experiences as a parent and dietitian led to creating one of the most trusted resources for feeding kids with compassion and flexibility. We dive into the difference between “normal” picky eating and more serious feeding issues like ARFID, how to use no-pressure food...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this episode, co-hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, sit down with Dawn Smith-Theodore—former professional ballerina, licensed therapist, and host of the Tutu Thin podcast—to explore the often-overlooked relationship between dance culture, body image, and eating disorders. Dawn shares her personal journey through the pressures of ballet, her own recovery from disordered eating, and how she now supports dancers and their families as a therapist and advocate. Together, we discuss the culture of body control in dance, red flags for parents, and how to foster resilience and...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this enlightening episode of Plateful Parenting, we’re joined by Keira Oseroff Lambert, a licensed therapist and faculty member at the Ellyn Satter Institute, whose work focuses on feeding dynamics, eating disorder recovery, and trauma-informed care. Keira shares her journey into the field of eating disorder treatment and how she became involved with Ellyn Satter’s approach to competent eating. Together, we unpack the Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR)—a foundational concept in Satter’s model—and how it supports autonomy, trust, and long-term healing in families...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this powerful episode of Plateful Parenting, cohosts Chanel Kenner RD and Christine Santucci are joined by Kelsey Gilchriest, a peer mentor with Equip and an inspiring voice in the eating disorder recovery space. Kelsey shares her personal recovery story, her work supporting families as part of Equip’s care team, and her insights on what makes peer mentorship such a unique and vital piece of the treatment process. Together, we explore how lived experience can complement clinical care, what families need to hear during the hardest moments, and how Kelsey helps parents navigate...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this week’s episode of Plateful Parenting, we’re joined by parent coach Oona Hanson, a nationally recognized expert in helping families navigate diet culture, body image concerns, and disordered eating. With a background in education and a deep understanding of the emotional landscape families face, Oona offers compassionate, practical guidance for raising body-confident kids in a world steeped in food rules and appearance pressure. Together, we discuss how diet culture shows up in parenting, schools, media, and even healthcare—and how parents can reframe their language and...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
In this insightful episode of "Plateful Parenting," hosts Christine Santucci and Chanel Kenner, RD, sit down with Dr. Jacqueline Shiels, clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist, to discuss what parents need to know about eating disorder treatment for teens and adolescents. Drawing on her vast experience that has encompassed residential treatment and outpatient pediatric care, Dr. Shiels shares the emotional and logistical challenges families face when their child is diagnosed with an eating disorder—and how to navigate them with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: ✅ What...
info_outlinePlateful Parenting Podcast
– Access to treatment for underserved populations – Education, helpline, and advocacy tools – Promoting body diversity and equity in health education – A weight-inclusive approach to wellness and care – Supporting BIPOC professionals in nutrition – Radical self-love and body empowerment – A directory for culturally responsive mental health care Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. 📲...
info_outlineWelcome to "Plateful Parenting," the podcast dedicated to providing resources, support, and community for parents navigating their child’s eating disorder recovery. In this episode, co-hosts Chanel Kenner, RD, and Christine Santucci discuss binge eating disorder (BED)—the most common yet often least recognized eating disorder.
Binge eating disorder is more than just overeating; it involves recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, often followed by guilt or shame. Unlike bulimia, BED does not involve compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. Many parents struggle to recognize BED because it doesn’t always align with stereotypical eating disorder presentations, but early intervention is crucial.
In this episode, Chanel and Christine explore:
- The diagnostic criteria for BED and how it differs from other eating disorders
- The emotional and physical consequences of BED, including its impact on mental health
- Treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), nutrition counseling, and medical support
- How parents can create a supportive home environment without reinforcing food shame or diet culture
- When to seek professional help and how to start the conversation with your child
Chanel provides expert insight into the role of a dietitian in supporting clients with BED and shares real-world examples of how shifting away from restrictive food rules can help break the cycle of binge eating. Christine offers practical strategies for parents to foster a safe, structured, and shame-free relationship with food at home.
Join us as we break down misconceptions, offer tangible tools for parents, and reinforce the message that recovery is possible, no matter where your child is in their journey.
Resources Mentioned:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): A trusted nonprofit providing education, resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
- Equip: A virtual, evidence-based eating disorder treatment program designed for individuals and families.
- Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA): Offers education, resources, and support for those affected by BED.
- Health at Every Size (HAES) Community: Focuses on weight-inclusive approaches to health and sustainable wellness.
- The Body Trust Approach: Encourages self-compassion and a non-diet approach to healing from binge eating and disordered eating patterns.
Conclusion:
Binge eating disorder is a complex and deeply personal struggle, but healing is possible with the right support, treatment, and compassionate guidance. If you or your child are struggling, reaching out for help is the first step. Remember, food is not the enemy, and your child’s worth is never defined by what they eat.
Thank you for joining us on Plateful Parenting. Stay connected with us for more expert insights, practical advice, and supportive conversations. See you next time!