Binge eating is a prevalent eating disorder today. It's less common than simple overeating because it's usually a faulty coping mechanism rather than an issue about food. Statistics show that more women than men are binge eaters but it does affect men, also. It commonly begins in the teens and twenties.
Instructions
1. Define what binge eating really is. According to the Mayo Clinic, binge eating is diagnosed when the following symptoms are seen: eating large amounts of food, eating when you aren't hungry, eating alone and hoarding food, eating rapidly during binge episodes, hiding empty food containers and frequently eating alone. Often binge eaters are depressed, anxious and very upset about their eating. They also are always on a diet but never lose weight.
2. Understand your binge eating patterns. Knowing what your binging triggers are will help you to gain control of your eating. If you binge after an argument, when a test is coming up, or when you have particular kinds of stressors, you will see a pattern. When there's a clear cut answer, know that you need to learn other ways to cope.
3. Develop healthy outlets. Some exercise is empowering because it's good for the body and soul. Tai Chi and Yoga are all about balance, exercise and a peaceful mind. Journaling is a wonderful tool to deal with turbulent inner emotions and to discover what you're hiding from yourself. Hobbies that are creative such as painting, dance, photography and playing an instrument also teach control while providing a healthy creative outlet.
4. Eat a balanced diet. If that sounds strange, understand that binge eaters are often people who make very poor food choices. You develop cravings when your body is lacking something it needs. If you pair a craving with a tendency to binge, you have a greater problem.
5. Exercise. Along with being good for your body generally, exercise greatly helps us to cope with stress. When we work up a little bit of a sweat, we release tension.
6. Join a support group. Call the newspaper or the main branch of the library and ask about support groups for people who have issues with binge eating. You don't have to give your name so you can be comfortable calling. There is also a website that provides information about finding a local support group that is listed in the resources section of this article.
7. Be kind to yourself and get help if you need it. If this is a long standing problem or it is affecting your day to day life or leaving you with no self esteem, go to a counselor. There are counselors who specialize in eating disorders. Call the local mental health clinic for some names and make an appointment. You could be taking the first step into a healthier and happier way of life.
Tags: binge eating, binge eaters, eating alone, food eating, support group