How the Ketogenic Diet Can Help Food Addiction and Binge Eating

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Erin Bellamy—chartered psychologist, metabolic psychiatry practitioner, and researcher specializing in ketogenic therapies for mental health—to explore a unique, brain-first approach to food addiction and binge eating recovery.With a Ph.D. focused on ketogenic diets and depression, years of clinical experience, and a passion for bridging metabolism and mental health, Dr. Bellamy offers a refreshing, science-backed perspective on true healing.Here’s what we cover in the episode:• Dr. Bellamy’s journey from traditional psychology to pioneering metabolic psychiatry in eating disorder recovery• Why ultra-processed foods destabilize the brain—and how metabolic therapies can restore emotional and cognitive balance• The power of therapeutic ketosis for silencing food obsession, reducing binge urges, and building true resilience• The crucial differences between simply going “low-carb” and achieving therapeutic ketosis for mental health• How continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and ketone tracking could transform food addiction treatment• Practical strategies to transition safely into a ketogenic lifestyle—especially for those with a history of disordered eatingIf you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of cravings, emotional eating, or food addiction, this conversation offers real, science-based hope for lasting transformation.🗣️ Contact and Follow Erin here: https://www.instagram.com/erinlouisebellamy/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-louise-bellamy/https://x.com/erinlbellamyhttps://www.ikrt.orgPlease like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who might find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more resources and support on your recovery journey!Follow Beyond Binge EatingInstagram: / https://www.instagram.com/BeyondBingeEating/ Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/RecoveryBaddies LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-dobyns/Website: https://www.BeyondBingeEating.comNewsletter: https://beyondbingeeating.com/Newsletter/00:00 – Intro 00:46 – Today’s guest: Dr. Erin Bellamy 01:12 – How Dr. Bellamy entered the field 03:20 – Research on food addiction, binge eating, and ketogenic diets 05:25 – Discussion of first studies on keto for food addiction 07:14 – Review of low carb/ ketogenic studies for binge eating/food addiction 11:12 – Proposed ideal study: Low-carb vs. strict ketogenic comparison 15:08 – Therapeutic ketone range and clinical observations 17:46 – Guiding clients with binge eating toward ketosis 21:34 – Navigating complexity of food tracking and emotional triggers 23:55 – Views on dairy addiction and recommendations 25:52 – Continuous glucose and ketone monitors discussion 29:02 – Why CGMs may be more useful initially 30:24 – Research focus on alexithymia and eating disorders 32:13 – Shifting to a metabolic lens in understanding eating disorders 35:52 – Final reflections and future research suggestions 36:31 – How to connect with Dr. Erin Bellamy #FoodAddictionRecovery #FoodAddiction #BingeEatingRecovery #MetabolicPsychiatry #Ketosis Disclaimer: The information on this channel is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or therapy. The views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Kristina Dobyns or Beyond Binge Eating.