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 eating

If 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/erinlbellamy

https://www.ikrt.org

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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.