All In Recovery: Is It Right for You?

“All in recovery” is often talked about in the eating disorder recovery community, especially on social media. If you have not come across the term, it describes a complete commitment to letting go of restriction, rules, and control around food, and instead trusting your body’s needs fully.

For some people, this approach can bring huge freedom and healing. For others, it can feel too sudden, unsafe, or simply not the right time. If you are wondering whether going “all in” is right for you, this blog post will help you understand what it means, the potential benefits, and why a more gradual approach might sometimes be better.

Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Your journey is your own, and whatever pace you choose is perfectly valid.

What Does “All In Recovery” Actually Mean?

Going “all in” means fully committing to recovery. It often involves:

• Eating enough food to meet your body’s true energy needs
• Giving up calorie counting, portion control, or rigid food rules
• Allowing your body to reach its natural weight range
• Resting your body rather than pushing through excessive exercise
• Letting go of behaviours that keep you stuck in partial recovery
• Fully committing to therapy

The idea behind “all in recovery” is that partial recovery keeps your body and brain trapped in survival mode. By eating enough and trusting your body, healing can happen more completely. This is not an evidenced based approach but one that has sprung up on it’s own.

However, this level of change can be emotionally intense and physically uncomfortable, which is why it is not right for everyone at every stage. For some people this approach does really work and for others it is too overwhelming. I have worked with some people for whom this approach has really worked but it has certainly not been for everyone.

Why “All In Recovery” Can Be Transformative for Some

For some people, going all in is the turning point that finally breaks the cycle of restriction, overthinking, and guilt around food. When your body receives the energy it needs, your brain begins to function more clearly, your mood stabilises, and your physical symptoms start to improve.

Possible benefits of going all in:

• Improved concentration and focus – once your brain is well-fuelled, you can think more clearly and make decisions more easily.
• Better mood and emotional balance – nutrition supports your hormones and neurotransmitters, helping you to feel more stable and calm.
• Reduced obsession with food – when you eat enough and allow flexibility, constant cravings and food thoughts often lessen.
• Restored physical health – weight restoration allows your body to repair organs, balance hormones, and support normal digestion, sleep, and temperature regulation.
• Freedom and trust – many people describe going all in as freeing. The structure and control that once felt safe are replaced by trust in your body and its cues.

For some, the “all in” approach removes the grey area of recovery where restriction still holds power. It can feel like finally stepping out of the eating disorder’s control and choosing life.

Why “All In Recovery” Is Not Always the Right Choice

While “all in” recovery works well for some, it can also feel overwhelming for others. Recovery is deeply personal, and no single method works for everyone.

For people who are at a very low weight, living with co-occurring mental health conditions, or managing trauma, jumping straight into unrestricted eating can feel too intense or even unsafe. The fear of losing control may be so strong that it leads to panic, bingeing, or retreating further into restriction.

Other people may simply need more structure in their eating at first. Structured meal plans, snack schedules, or support from a dietitian can help your body and brain feel safer as you increase intake gradually.

You might need a gentler approach if:

• You are still learning to recognise hunger and fullness signals
• You have significant anxiety or fear around certain foods
• You need medical monitoring or regular check-ins
• You have been living with your eating disorder for many years
• You are managing complex emotions or trauma alongside recovery

A more gradual, supported recovery does not mean you are failing. In fact, it can often lead to more sustainable progress because it allows your body and mind to adjust slowly and safely.

Finding a Middle Ground in Recovery

Recovery does not have to be “all or nothing”. Many people find healing through a balanced, flexible approach that combines nourishment with emotional support.

Some helpful middle-ground steps might include:

• Challenging one food rule at a time – for example, allowing a “fear food” once or twice a week.
• Increasing portion sizes gradually – adding small amounts regularly can help your body adapt without overwhelming you.
• Eating at consistent times – regular meals and snacks help stabilise blood sugar and reduce extreme hunger.
• Reducing exercise slowly – rest days and gentle movement can help rebuild body trust.
• Seeking professional support – working with a dietitian or therapist can provide structure, reassurance, and accountability.

Every small step towards nourishment is an act of recovery. You do not need to do everything at once to make meaningful progress.

The Role of Social Media

Social media can be a double-edged sword in recovery. On one hand, it can provide inspiration and community. On the other, it can create unrealistic expectations.

People who share their “all in” recovery journeys online often show only the highlights. You rarely see the difficult emotions, medical support, or gradual progress behind the scenes.

It is important to remember that your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. What matters most is that you are moving towards health, stability, and peace with food, in a way that feels right for you.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Recovery

True recovery is not just about food or weight. It involves your thoughts, emotions, environment, and relationships.

As a specialist in eating disorders, I take a holistic approach with every client. That means looking beyond nutrition alone and helping you understand the deeper issues that keep you stuck. Together we work on:

• Building a positive relationship with food
• Developing emotional coping strategies
• Reducing anxiety around eating
• Understanding hunger and fullness
• Creating sustainable routines that support long-term recovery

Recovery is not about perfection. It is about learning to listen to your body, care for it with kindness, and find balance again.

Support for Your Recovery Journey

If you are unsure whether “all in” recovery is right for you, you do not have to figure it out alone.

You can work with our team 1:1 for personalised support. Together, we will create a recovery plan that suits your needs and helps you take confident steps towards a healthy, balanced relationship with food.

Or, if you prefer community and accountability, you might like to join The Recovery Tribe. In this 12-week group programme, you will:

• Build confidence in what to eat
• Challenge fear foods and intrusive thoughts
• Develop calming and coping skills
• Connect with others who understand what you are going through

Both options are designed to help you move forward with compassion, knowledge, and support.

The Bottom Line

“All in recovery” can be a powerful choice, but it is not the only path to healing. Recovery looks different for everyone, and there is no shame in taking things slowly.

Whether you go all in, or take steady, supported steps, what matters most is that you are choosing recovery. You are choosing to nourish your body, care for your mind, and move closer to peace with food.

You do not need to do it alone. Support is here when you are ready.