If
you stuffed your face and overate the pumpkin pie during easter you know what
it feels like to overeat. Most of us do overeat. Binge eating is different than
normal appetite increases. The person feels out of control and powerless to stop
eating while he or she is doing it. If you feel a need to overeat when you feel
stressed, upset, hurt, or angry then you binge. Many times it is from depression
or dysfunctional families, many of which may be from the sufferer's past or an
emotional setback. Many find it comforting and soothing to eat food, but after
a binge they are likely to feel incredibly guilty and sad about the out-of-control
eating. Teens who binge eat may do so to deal with (or avoid dealing with) difficult
emotions. For this reason, some say binge eating is about having an unhealthy
relationship with food. This disorder is different from binge-purge syndrome (bulimia
nervosa) because people with binge eating disorder usually do not purge afterward
by vomiting or using laxatives. Several
of these binge eating behaviors or feelings are: Eating
much more rapidly than usual.
Eating until uncomfortably full.
Eating
large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry.
Eating alone out
of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten.
Feelings of disgust,
depression, or guilt after overeating. The
reason that binge-eating is often referred to as "comfort eating" is
because the sufferer is using food as a way of coping. It can be likened to filling
a deep void and, like any behavior, is addictive and quickly becomes something
to rely on. You
might keep a food diary as a way of becoming more aware of the types of situations
that trigger your bingeing. Try replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
Try replacing junk food with better choices such as fruit. If
you are a binge eater if possible, consult a counselor who specializes in the
treatment of eating disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the scientific
fact that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things,
like people, situations, and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change
the way we think to feel / act better even if the situation does not change. Exercise
is important. Remember that a person cannot binge eat while exercising. Exercise
also is a wonderful way to relieve stress and anxiety! Learning how to eat again
is part of the process. One must come to understand the sensations of hunger and
satiety again. Coming
to accept one's larger body. Many binge eaters do not necessarily return to a
BMI of 25 or less. Part of their psychotherapy entails helping them come to terms
with their shape and regaining self-confidence. Because of their size, many people
with binge eating disorder have avoided social situations. Therapy can help them
assert themselves in those situations again.
Also try a support group for a source of support such as Overeaters Anonymous.
Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program, is a group run by consumers that many
people find valuable. Realize you are not alone. Binge-eating can seriously affect
your health.
Self-help
Programs and Books --There are a variety of materials available. Some people are
able to make significant gains in this way.
BINGE/COMPULSIVE EATING WORKBOOK
- click
here
There are many ways to reduce ones weight. However, the causes
of out-of-control eating need to be dealt with by focusing on Skills and Concepts
for dealing with the inside rather than the outside of the body. Binge/Compulsive
eating, obesity, overweight, and compulsive overeating are all terms which describe
a syndrome that serves as an antidote to self-hate, guilt, stress, anxiety, boredom,
depression, anger and so on. The Real Solution Binge/Compulsive Eating Workbook
offers Skills and Concepts for coping with problem eating, and assistance in increasing
ones self-concept. Graduated homework assignments allow you to apply the newly
acquired skills.
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Binge eating 
