Binge Eating Is Not Your Fault, so STOP Dieting!!

Binge eating disorder has its basis in neurobiology and has absolutely nothing to do with willpower, laziness, or self-control. There are proven evidence-based strategies that can help move you to recovery if, in fact, you have a BED [binge eating disorder]. I'm not referring to the occasional binge that we all have [think Thanksgiving, Easter,etc], but rather the inability to stop eating on a constant and consistent basis. If you believe you have a disorder, the first thing you need to do is stop thinking about dieting, if that is your game plan. Become more attuned to what you are feeling. Is it really hunger, or is it something else going on in your brain telling you to keep eating? Be mindful of hunger, thirst, and fullness, rather than eating without thought. Build self-control by managing your thoughts and emotions. Look for a pattern in both your emotional state and the thoughts that are going through your mind. Don't eat mindlessly. Don't eat in front of the TV. Be aware of every bite that goes in your mouth. You'll be amazed at how much we eat simply because we can, and how little we actually savor as we are eating. Be aware of every morsel you put into your mouth. Don't think of paying penance tomorrow by skipping a meal or restricting your food intake. Do not allow yourself to feel guilty as you are eating. Concentrate on the food. Be present, slow down and think about what is in your mouth, not about the next bite you plan on taking. Do not eat with the distraction of the TV or a book. Try to gain control of your emotions such as stress, fear, anxiety, and depression [which are the biggest reasons we binge], Strategize a way to stop the desire to binge. You might try to hold off for ten minutes till the feeling passes or try some meditation, deep breathing, self-talk, or exercise to stave off the temptation. Give it a try. You are stronger than you think.