Books by Kathryn Hansen
Brain over Binge Books
Start with Brain over Binge, Kathryn’s story and the brain science behind her recovery. Then use The Brain over Binge Recovery Guide to put the approach into practice in your own life.
- 265,000+ copies sold
- In paperback, Kindle, and audio
Book one · Second edition (2022)
Brain over Binge
Part memoir, part science: Kathryn’s recovery from bulimia and binge eating, and the brain-based ideas that made it possible.
Kathryn traces the course of her bulimia, then explains the approach that ended it: why urges to binge can feel so powerful, and how you can learn to dismiss them. First published in 2011, it’s for anyone struggling with bulimia, binge eating disorder, or any form of out-of-control eating.
New in the second edition
- Streamlined concepts and clearer explanations
- New information and research
- Kathryn’s life since recovery
- A new chapter of recovery stories
Updated to reflect Kathryn’s current thinking. If you read the first edition, the core ideas are the same.
- Paperback
- Kindle
- Audiobook, read by Kathryn
Book two · The follow-up (2016)
The Brain over Binge Recovery Guide
A simple, personalized plan for putting the approach into practice in your own life.
With contributions from fellow specialists and authors Amy Johnson, Ph.D., Katherine Thomson, Ph.D., and others, Kathryn uses a self-help format to guide you toward recovery.
Built around two goals
Dismiss urges to binge
See urges as automatic messages from the primitive brain, not commands you have to follow.
Eat adequately
Nourish your body consistently, without dieting or unnecessary food rules.
Comprehensive in scope and simple in approach, it helps you develop your own insights and find what works for you.
- Paperback
- Kindle
- Audiobook, read by Kathryn
What readers say
From recovery stories shared by readers
In my 10+ years struggle with an eating disorder, Brain over Binge was the first book I had ever read that broke down the concepts of the brain so clearly, as they apply to bingeing and restricting. … Brain over Binge remains my most-referenced book and my copy has more highlighted pages than not.
With Brain over Binge, I was able to learn to slow down my thoughts and actually challenge my lower brain. I learned to put space between my thoughts and actions. This is so empowering! I am now over 8 months binge-free and can honestly say my urges are less every day.
Quite simply, her book completely changed my life and has helped me to liberate myself from the shackles of a 30-year battle. … For me, the cognitive understanding was instant, but changing the behaviors has taken time and practice.
I’m a scientist so the background theory made sense to me, and it was so incredibly clear. … It took help from a therapist and a nutritionist, but the Brain over Binge principles were the main tools that got me over this, and every single component is important!
Before you read
Common questions about the approach
Isn’t this too simple?
Recovery comes down to two goals, but simple doesn’t mean easy. Putting the ideas into practice takes time, and the path looks a little different for everyone.
Does it ignore emotions?
No. Stress, sadness, and boredom are real, and they deserve care. Letting an urge pass, even on a hard day, gives you room to cope in ways that actually help.
Is it against therapy?
No. Brain over Binge is education, not a substitute for medical care or therapy. If a doctor, therapist, or dietitian is helping you, these ideas can work right alongside that care.
More questions? Read the FAQ →
Two free resources from Kathryn
Your Free
Brain over Binge
Starter Kit
Encouragement for every day
31 daily messages in the Inspiration Booklet to help you stay focused on recovery.
Support after a binge
The 10-minute Manage Your Mindset After a Binge audio to help you regain perspective and move forward.