#192: Binge Eating, Perfectionism, and the Myth of Willpower with Dr. Regina Lazarovich

On this episode of the Full Plate Podcast, Abbie is joined by Dr. Regina Lazarovich, a clinical psychologist, Health at Every Size (HAES)–aligned provider, and someone with lived experience of binge eating and perfectionism.

Together, they unpack the lesser-discussed connection between high achievement, perfectionism, and binge eating, and how shame and restriction can keep us stuck in painful cycles with food.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com

Tune in as a paid subscriber for more on:

*The connection between perfectionism and binge eating — and why it’s rarely talked about.

*Why restriction (mental, emotional, and physical) often drives binge eating, not “lack of willpower.”

*Regina’s story of developing binge eating disorder amid academic and cultural pressures.

*The shame cycle: how guilt after binge eating fuels renewed restriction and perfectionistic resolve.

*Why binge eating is a protective response from the body — not a personal failure.

*The impact of immigrant identity, family expectations, and internalized achievement pressure on self-worth and body image.

*The moral hierarchy of eating disorders — and how fatphobia shapes which struggles get compassion.

*Tangible ways to interrupt the binge–restrict cycle and begin to bring compassion to our relationship with food.

*Approaching binge eating through a body-trusting, HAES-aligned lens.

This is a bonus episode for paid Substack subscribers.

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*Extra full-length conversations like this one

*Bonus in-depth essays on body image, food, and movement

*Access to the entire archive of paywalled episodes and newsletters

*Deeper, more personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights

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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Glaubach

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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