Top 3 Signs You May Be Neglecting Your Recovery

Recovery from food addiction is rarely linear. There are highs and lows, wins and setbacks, and seasons where everything seems to click. One of the most deceptive times in recovery is the honeymoon period—that stretch where things feel easy, the food feels effortless, cravings are quiet, and the sabotage voice seems to have gone on vacation.

It’s tempting to think, I’ve got this now.

But often, this is when subtle neglect begins. And left unchecked, that neglect can pull you right back into old patterns before you even realize what’s happening.

Here are the top 3 signs you may be neglecting your recovery—even if everything feels okay right now.

1. You’ve Stopped Prioritizing Your Recovery Routine

During the early, messy parts of recovery, we cling to structure like a life raft. We journal. We show up to coaching calls. We follow our food plan like it’s sacred. But once things feel good, it’s easy to start letting those things slide.

You might think, I don’t really need to journal today. I feel fine.

Or, I’ll skip the Zoom call—I’m not struggling right now.

These decisions seem harmless in the moment, but they add up. Recovery is a daily practice, not a one-time event. And when we stop showing up for it, we make space for old thoughts and behaviors to creep back in.

2. You’re Getting Complacent Around Drug Foods or Danger Zones

In the honeymoon period, we sometimes develop a false sense of control. You might start thinking you can be around your drug foods without risk—or that you can handle a situation that used to send you into a binge.

But just because the eating disorder voice is quiet doesn’t mean it’s gone. It’s just waiting for the right opportunity. And too often, that opportunity comes when we’ve let our guard down.

Respecting your boundaries—even when you feel strong—is a key part of staying food sober.

3. You’re Minimizing the Role of Support and Accountability

“I don’t want to be one of those people who always talks about food addiction.”

“I should be able to handle this on my own by now.”

Sound familiar?

Many people begin to downplay the seriousness of their addiction during the honeymoon phase. They stop checking in with their coach, stop participating in groups, or stop talking honestly about their food sobriety with trusted people.

But food addiction thrives in isolation and secrecy. When you stop reaching out, stop telling the truth about where you are, and stop inviting others to hold space for your process, you make yourself vulnerable to relapse.

The honeymoon phase is seductive—it makes you believe that maybe you’re “cured.” That maybe you can loosen your grip. But food addiction recovery isn’t about clinging to control; it’s about staying committed, especially when things feel easy.

If you recognize yourself in any of these signs, don’t panic—but do pause. Recommit. Return to your tools. Reach out. Your recovery is worth protecting, every single day.

If you have not grabbed your copy of my free Beginner's Guide to Food Sobriety, click on the image below.