Rob
09-30-2009, 09:14 PM
One of the biggest obstacles to get past when it comes to a health weight, a clear mind and lifestyle free of guilt is binge eating. Every so often some people can’t stop themselves from eating unhealthy food or drink in excess. After their binge eating period, they fall into the other extreme and go on a purge phase that is just as bad as the initial binge episode. The feelings of guilt and shame that characterize the purging period fuel the next binge and so everything becomes a cycle of self-destruction as the individual vacillates between extremes instead of living a normal life.
Why we binge eat
Binge eating or drinking isn’t down to a person feeling hungry or thirsty, but because some unpleasant that cannot be repressed tell the mind to seek out comfort. Overeating and drinking unhealthy foods is usually a way of trying to cover up the emotional problems, but this quick fix doesn’t last for long. The problems don’t go away for long and the bingeing carries on until the person manages to break the cycle. Punishing yourself with a purge does not stop future binges. It just reinforces a cycle of indulgence and punishment that grows stronger and stronger.
Find the reason
The best way to tackle the problem is to find out what makes you binge. It’s not hunger that pushes people to eat enough food and snacks for 10 people, which means it’s something else. A simple problem, argument or a stressful situation can push us into doing something that we may end up later regretting. It takes courage to look into the matter and deal with it. Willpower will put an end to the behaviour and break the cycle. So ask yourself “Why?”, think about what the root of the problem could be.
Tackle the problem
Turning to professional help isn’t anything to be ashamed on. If the food bingeing cycle has continued for some time then it’s clear that the person requires support. Therefore a professional would be the solution to getting to the bottom of the problem and altering their behaviour. There are also books and lots of information online about understanding and dealing with binge eating. If seeing a professional isn’t an option for you then reading a book is the next best thing.
Why we binge eat
Binge eating or drinking isn’t down to a person feeling hungry or thirsty, but because some unpleasant that cannot be repressed tell the mind to seek out comfort. Overeating and drinking unhealthy foods is usually a way of trying to cover up the emotional problems, but this quick fix doesn’t last for long. The problems don’t go away for long and the bingeing carries on until the person manages to break the cycle. Punishing yourself with a purge does not stop future binges. It just reinforces a cycle of indulgence and punishment that grows stronger and stronger.
Find the reason
The best way to tackle the problem is to find out what makes you binge. It’s not hunger that pushes people to eat enough food and snacks for 10 people, which means it’s something else. A simple problem, argument or a stressful situation can push us into doing something that we may end up later regretting. It takes courage to look into the matter and deal with it. Willpower will put an end to the behaviour and break the cycle. So ask yourself “Why?”, think about what the root of the problem could be.
Tackle the problem
Turning to professional help isn’t anything to be ashamed on. If the food bingeing cycle has continued for some time then it’s clear that the person requires support. Therefore a professional would be the solution to getting to the bottom of the problem and altering their behaviour. There are also books and lots of information online about understanding and dealing with binge eating. If seeing a professional isn’t an option for you then reading a book is the next best thing.