4 Roles You Still Play That Quietly Fuel Your Overeating Cycle

Some patterns run deep.
So deep, you don’t even realize they’re there.

You think your overeating is about food.
But often, it’s tied to old roles you learned to play, long before your first diet.
Roles that helped you survive, stay safe, or feel loved as a child.

The problem?
They’re still running the show today… and they’re exhausting you.

Let’s look at four of the most common roles women fall into—and how they might quietly be fueling your overeating cycle.

1. The Helper

You take care of everyone.
You say yes even when you're running on fumes.
You’re the reliable one, the kind one, the “I’ve got it” one.

But by the end of the day, you’re drained.
And food becomes your only break.
Your only “me time.”
Your only reward.

It’s not about the chips or chocolate.
It’s about the pause your brain desperately needs.

2. The Peacemaker

You avoid conflict.
You keep the peace, even when it costs you your own.

You smile when you’re hurting.
You hold back your opinions.
You push down your feelings, all day long.

And then, when you’re alone, food helps release the tension.
It softens the emotions you never let out.

It gives you a voice, without saying a word.

3. The Achiever

You do it all.
You aim high.
You chase goals.
You don’t rest, because resting feels like falling behind.

But perfection has a price.

Food becomes your only escape.
The one place where there are no rules.
No deadlines.
Just release.

Until guilt creeps in… and the cycle starts again.

4. The Strong One

You don’t ask for help.
You don’t show weakness.
You carry everything, your stress, your family, your pain.

But strength without support is heavy.

And eventually, something has to give.
Often, that’s food.

It becomes the only space where you let your guard down.
The only place you stop pretending you’re okay.

These Roles Were Smart

You didn’t make them up for fun.
You learned them to feel safe.
To belong.
To get through hard things.

They helped you survive.
They worked.

But now?
They’re draining you.
And food has become your rescue.

You Can Choose Again

You are allowed to rest.
To feel.
To say no.
To drop the weight of “holding it all together.”

You don’t have to earn comfort through food.
You can give it to yourself—in other ways.
Real ways.
Kind ways.

You’re allowed to rewrite the story.

Which role feels most like you?

Naming it is a powerful first step.
Because once you see it… you can start to shift it.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

With love,

Your Health Coach, Silke 💖

P.S. Don’t forget to share this with a friend who might find this helpful! 💌

If you enjoyed this article, you will love my 5 Small Changes to Stop Overeating - for women who are tired of overeating, bingeing and finally want peace with food:

Book your FREE 30-minute Clarity Call to uncover what’s driving your binge or overeating, and discover small steps you can take to overcome it.