Food Isn’t the Problem: Understanding Emotional and Physiological Scarcity with Stefanie Michele

In today’s episode, we sat down with Stefanie Michele for a deeply honest, compassionate conversation about binge eating, body image, nervous system regulation, and what it really means to heal from the inside out. Stefanie shares her personal journey through 25 years of disordered eating - restriction, bingeing, orthorexia, bulimia, and anorexia - and how she found true recovery at 40. Her story alone is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even when it feels unimaginable.We go far beyond food rules and willpower and into the nervous system, emotional regulation, trauma, and self-trust. We talk about why binge eating is rooted in scarcity (not lack of discipline), how physiology has to come before mindset work, and why shame keeps people stuck.This episode is for anyone who feels broken, out of control around food, or exhausted from fighting their body - and is ready for a more peaceful, sustainable way forward. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I do this?” or “What’s wrong with me?” - this conversation will help you see that nothing is wrong with you at all.“Binge eating is not a disorder of gluttony. It’s a disorder of scarcity.”- Stefanie Michele“When we don’t understand why we behave the way we do, we assume we’re broken.”- Stefanie MicheleThis week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:Why binge eating feels like a “hijacking” of the body—and how it differs from overeatingHow chronic dieting, restriction, and food rules disregulate the nervous systemThe role of physiology (adequate food, carbs, movement) in emotional regulationWhy shame and self-criticism actually fuel binge–restrict cyclesHow emotional suppression (like unexpressed anger) can drive binge eatingWhat it really means to have a regulated nervous system (hint: it’s not being calm all the time)How social media imagery impacts body image - and why curating your feed mattersPractical examples of using somatic tools to feel emotions without getting stuck Connect with Stefanie Michele:I am Stefanie Michele WebsiteI am Stefanie Michele InstagramI am Stefanie Michele SubstackFull But Not Finished Podcast - SpotifyFull But Not Finished Podcast - Apple PodcastsThanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.