If you’re on a mission to overcome food addiction or disordered eating, you’ve probably already realized that the foods you eat matter—a lot. But there’s one tool in recovery that doesn’t get talked about enough: animal protein.

Why Animal Protein Is So Important for Recovery

Let’s be real—years of battling food addiction, binge eating, or compulsive eating can leave your body and brain feeling wrecked. You’ve likely spent a lot of time stuck in cycles of sugar/carb binges, processed foods, and chaotic eating patterns that leave you feeling physically drained and mentally foggy.

Recovery is about healing. And for your body and brain to heal, they need real nourishment. Animal protein provides that nourishment in a way plant foods simply can’t match. Here’s why:

1. Steady Blood Sugar = Fewer Cravings

One of the biggest struggles in the early stages of recovery is dealing with those relentless cravings, especially for sugar and high-carb processed foods. What’s amazing about animal protein is that it helps keep your blood sugar levels stable.

When you eat foods high in sugar or refined carbs, your blood sugar spikes and then crashes—leaving you feeling tired, cranky, and craving your next fix. Animal protein, on the other hand, provides a steady source of satiation without the craving rollercoaster. That stability helps reduce those intense cravings that feel impossible to control.

2. Brain Support: Repairing the Damage

Did you know your brain actually needs animal protein to function properly? Specifically, the amino acids found abundantly in animal protein(especially red meat) are crucial for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

These are the chemicals responsible for mood, motivation, and your brain’s reward system. And guess what? Those are all things that get thrown out of balance when you’re stuck in the cycle of food addiction. By giving your brain what it needs to produce these feel-good chemicals, you’re actively working toward breaking that destructive cycle.

3. Feeling Full and Satisfied

One of the hardest parts of ED recovery can be that constant, nagging feeling of hunger and deprivation. But when you focus on high-quality protein from animal sources, you’re giving your body something that leaves you feeling truly satisfied.

Protein is the most satiating macronutrient. When you get enough of it, you stay fuller for longer, which means less snacking, fewer cravings, and a lot less obsessing about food. Feeling nourished instead of deprived makes all the difference. It quiets that food noise.

4. Nutrient Powerhouse

Animal protein isn’t just about protein. It’s also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that are hard to get from other foods, including:

•Vitamin B12: Essential for energy production, brain function, and overall mental health.

•Iron: Critical for energy and oxygen transport throughout your body.

•Zinc: Supports your immune system and helps with wound healing and cellular repair.

•Omega-3s: Found in fatty fish, these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and excellent for brain health.

These nutrients are pretty important when you’re trying to heal your body from the damage done by years of addictive and disordered eating and eating frankenfoods.

5. Healing Your Relationship with Food

Here’s something a lot of people don’t talk about: Making the choice to nourish your body with more protein can be a huge step in healing your relationship with food. It won’t fix it automatically but it will be one of the vehicles that helps pave the way for you to get your mind right with food.

Instead of punishing yourself with calorie restriction, starvation, or obsessive dieting, you’re actively choosing to feed your body something it truly needs. That mindset shift—focusing on nourishment instead of punishment—is powerful.

How to Include More Animal Protein in Your Diet

The good news is, adding more animal protein to your meals doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Here are some easy ways to get started:

•Start your day with eggs, bacon, or sausage instead of sugary cereals, oatmeal, smoothies or pastries.

•Include high-quality meats like beef, chicken, pork, or fish in your meals.

•Don’t shy away from fatty cuts of meat—your body and brain need those healthy fats.

•Add collagen or bone broth to soups or drinks for an extra boost of protein and nutrients.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been feeling stuck in the cycle of cravings, hunger, and frustration, prioritizing animal protein could be a total game-changer. This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving your body the real, healing nourishment it needs to feel better and function better.

You don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you need guidance or just want someone to walk this journey with you, I’m here to help.