Understanding Bingeing and How to get it Under Control

Most people will say they turn to food when they are stressed. Break up with a boyfriend and a pint of ice-cream helps soothe the pain. Stressful day at work and a bag of chips while watching the game tastes good. Other people say they just can't resist chocolate cake or brownies and will eat them until they are gone. Everybody at some point will overeat or overindulge; however, if you find this is a weekly or even daily occurrence than you may have a more serious bingeing problem.

Bingeing has nothing to do with eating because you are hungry. When you binge you are trying to avoid depression or stress, or you are eating because you just can't stop yourself. When trying to control your weight or even lose weight, this behavior is obviously very detrimental. Not only will you gain weight and feel physically ill, feelings of guilt can be overwhelming, adding to the stress or depression. The solution is to recognize the behavior and find alternatives to eating. The first step is to ask yourself every time you reach for food if you are stomach hungry or mouth hungry. Are you eating because you truly need some nourishment, or does it just sound good to your taste buds? If you can recognize that you are about to eat due to an emotional state you need to engage yourself in a more healthful activity. bingeing

A few include:

call a friend
go for a walk
listen to your favorite music
go for a drive
write a letter or an email
brush your teeth
clean part of your house
any activity you enjoy besides eating

If after you try one or two different activities you find you still want the food, you may actually be hungry. The trick is knowing when to stop. It takes your stomach 20 minutes to recognize it is full. Try slowing down and eating with someone else so conversation can help break up eating. Leave the pans in the kitchen instead of on the table so you have to physically get up to get seconds and thirds. If you wait to eat when no one is around so you can indulge, you may have a serious problem that requires professional help. Bingeing is a huge barrier for weight loss and a very unhealthy way to live. Weight control needs to become a way of life that is healthy and obtainable.

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