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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com I'm 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, we 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. 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. Paid members receive: *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 Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie’s Group Membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE . About Regina: Dr. Regina Lazarovich, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, trained teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion, and the founder of the private practice Compass CBT, serving clients across California, New York, and Florida. Dr. Lazarovich has dedicated her fifteen-year career to helping individuals break free from anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, disordered eating, binge eating disorder, body image struggles, people-pleasing, and perfectionism.With a wealth of expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Dr. Lazarovich approaches each client's mental health journey with kindness and understanding. As a Health at Every Size (HAES®) aligned therapist, she wholeheartedly believes that every body deserves care, compassion, and respect.