Episode Details

Worried that years of disordered eating have permanently damaged your metabolism? You're not alone. In this Coaching Over Coffee episode, Lindsey addresses one of the most common fears in eating disorder recovery: "Is my metabolism broken?"

The truth might surprise you—and it's actually incredibly hopeful.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The truth about metabolism: What it actually is and how it works in your body
• Can you break your metabolism? Spoiler alert: No, but you can slow it down (and speed it back up!)
• The myth of "calories in vs. calories out" and why this oversimplified formula doesn't tell the whole story
• What happens to your body during restriction: How your metabolism, digestion, heart rate, and body temperature all slow down to conserve energy
• Hypermetabolism in recovery: Why your body goes into "high gear" during the restoration process
• Science-backed hope: Research showing metabolic changes are fully reversible
• How to boost your metabolism: Practical steps to work WITH your body instead of against it
• Set point weight explained: Understanding when your body reaches its optimal performance state

Key Takeaways

Your metabolism isn't broken—it's adaptive. When you restrict food intake over months or years, your body learns to conserve energy by slowing down non-essential functions. Think of it like turning off lights in the house to save power.

Research proves recovery is possible. A University of North Carolina study found zero metabolic differences between women who never had eating disorders and those fully recovered from anorexia and bulimia. All metabolic changes are fully reversible.

50-80% of your energy goes to resting functions. Your body needs fuel for basic organ function, tissue repair, fighting infections, physical activity, and digesting food—all before you even get out of bed.

The opposite of the disorder is the path to healing. Stop restricting. Start fueling. Embrace food variety. Let go of rigid routines. Prioritize hydration, quality sleep, and self-care.

Your body knows better than you think. At set point weight, your metabolism normalizes and your body operates at peak performance—not where society says you should be, but where your body thrives.

Quotes from This Episode

"You can slow down your metabolism and you can speed up your metabolism, but you can't break your metabolism. It's not ruined, it's not wrecked."

"Your body doesn't care how you think it should look, or what society says is the best or the trendiest. Your body cares about its optimal function."

"The lie that you