Beating Binge eating
A deep dive into understanding the inner workings of Binge Eating and ways of breaking it’s shackles
Relationship with Food Part 2: Podcast Interview with Jeremy Reid
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What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by episodes of overeating accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt. It typically starts in the late teens to early twenties, although it can occur at any age. It is a chronic disease and can last for many years.
A binge eating episode is characterized by eating larger than normal amounts of food in a relatively short period of time. In BED, this behavior is accompanied by feelings of distress and lack of control.
Dealing with Binge Eating
A very common thing for people in their pursuit of good health is to get into a ‘diet’ and continually restrict themselves – to a point that causes them to binge.
Over-eating and under-eating are prevalent in Binge Eating.
Identify Behavioral Patterns and Triggers
The first step to breaking your Binge Eating habit is becoming aware of the causes and trigger points that constantly lead to a binge.
What exactly is your pattern for the habit? Is your pattern every night at 8pm because you under-ate all day? Does it occur when you feel you over-ate breakfast and that results in a binge a couple hours later?
Scrutinize your behaviors and patterns and develop safeguards to avoid going on a binge.
Get rid of the Guilt and Shame
Feelings of guilt and shame result from poor choices or decisions and these feelings often lead to a vicious cycle, spiraling deeper and deeper.
Break the chains of damaging feelings using accountability or support system.
Control Circumstances that lead to Binge Eating
If you realize that having certain foods readily available at home all the time lead to binge eating, remove or control the availability. If you discover that you have higher probability to binge in the nights, break the schedule and swap it for a different activity like going for a walk or gym – anything to get you ‘out’ of that zone.
Utilize your Support System
Your Support System could be your partner or close friend or family member. In order to break binge eating habit, it is crucial to be transparent with your Support System and reach out whenever you feel weak or vulnerable. Keep them informed of your negative feelings or trigger points so they can help you avoid or face obstacles head-on without retreating into self-defeat and loneliness.
Embrace Mistakes and Learn from them
Don’t let one small slip push you into a deep spiral of binge eating. We are all humans and are prone to make mistakes. Don’t let the mistakes overtake your want to tackle the habit.
Find and Tackle your Releases and Escapes
You have to take drastic measures to break the cycles and circumstances that spiral into a binge. Reach out to your Support System for help or take action to start an alternative to your habit.
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