Stop Binge Eating At Last!!

When you stop binge eating, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you’ll be putting less stress on your body as well as your mind. Binge eaters, escape their emotions by stuffing themselves – and this is an ongoing problem for many people, more people in Canada are affected by binge eating than any other eating disorder. And although this study reflects on Canada, I’m assuming that it applies similarly to other countries in the Western world.

Binging is commonly found in young women, but older women, men and boys also suffer from the syndrome. Evidence suggests that there is a malfunction of the hypothalamus gland or low levels of serotonin which may contribute to binge eating -- which is often associated with depression. But whatever the chemical reason, if you are a binge eater, you know that like any other addict you become obsessed.

What is Binge Eating

Binge eaters eat normally, or are on diets and can feel very ‘good’ but for what seems to be no reason at all, there is an overwhelming urge to consume an awful lot of food. This binging is done on a regular basis – eat normally, then binge – and then feel very guilty.

So, if this has been happening -- you feel guilty and upset with yourself, and then get back on track, only to do it again, you would probably be considered a binge eater.

Who are Binge Eaters

Causes of Binging

Obsessing about food (constantly thinking about it),

Guilt about weight,

Anxiety -- expressed by uncontrollable eating.

Emotional Eating

Meaning of food

Memories -- certain smells evoke childhood memories.

Feelings -- associations with our body, (fat, thin, ugly etc) and sometimes with trauma.

Escape – We can use food as a temporary escape from reality – just like anyone with an addictive personality binging puts you in a zone – and now you’re not thinking of the problem at all – until you stop binge eating. Then you’re too stuffed or sick to think about it. So essentially binging is a dysfunctional way of coping with situations or thoughts that you’d rather not deal with.

Obviously, it’s not simple to just to stop binge eating. Binging becomes a habit and there are many triggers that set you on the roller-coaster.
Steps to Stop Binge Eating
Think Ask yourself if food is really what you want

Ask why – are you really hungry, bored, what’s going on???

Look at yourself. Are you sitting down at the table or raiding the pantry?

Triggers Notice when you’re eating. Are you tired, or are you bored?

Being mindful of your rituals around food is very important, because binging is impulsive behavior. To stop binge eating you have to slow down the process. Here are some

tips for eating less

When you are binging, you escape the problems or situations in your life – it’s hard to think of a break up, or loss – binging brings temporary relief but it becomes a vicious cycle, because you’re hurting yourself physically as well as damaging your self-esteem. You can feel helpless and hopeless, so this behavior can lead to depression, but binging also becomes a habit, and when you stop binge eating you have to replace the binge with a positive activity.

Binge Foods

Fast food

All these are on top of the list. Binge eaters crave unhealthy choices – high fat and carbs.

I have never heard of a binge eater devouring a 10 lb bag of carrots. The cravings are always about eating high calorie foods – eating them quickly, while staring at the TV or standing at the kitchen sink.

When you eat fast, the brain cannot signal that you’re full. You become stuffed and you may have put away a huge amount of calories.

Although binge eating gives short-term escape for problems, it does not bring relief. After the When you stop binge eating, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you’ll be putting less stress on your body as well as your mind. Binge eaters, escape their emotions by stuffing themselvesYour guilt and anger fades, and you forget. You think you’re OK. This is the twisted thinking, because like a flash, you’re primed to do it again. Binging eating is a compulsive behavior, but you are not doomed. There are support groups like overeaters anonymous and if 12-step programs are not for you, or you need more strategies to change your behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Works (CBT) You may be a binge eater now but you can learn to eat healthy and become friends with food

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