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Binge Eating is a disorder. Bingeing is probably also something that every single person, man / woman / teen or child, has done in his or her life. Being aware of your weight, and health, is a good thing. Being obsessed is not.
It is important to look after oneself and have a healthy diet. It is not good to be inconsistent. Inconsistency and obsession are what lead to eating disorders and to binge eating disorders.
Most binge eaters are overweight or obese.
What is Binge Eating?
- Binge eating is consuming a huge amount of food in a very short space of time.
- Binge eating is starting to eat something and finding yourself unable to stop.
Why do people Binge Eat?
- It can be for emotional reasons.
- People can be genetically predisposed to binge eating.
- It could be a social factor.
- It could be environmental.
- Bad habits.
- Bad planning.
- Sadness about family, friends or relationships.
Studies have shown that Binge Eating is not predominant in either females or males, and it can happen at all ages. Everyone can be prone to a Binge Eating Disorder.
How to recognize Binge Eaters
- Look at the evidence. Food may be disappearing at a rapid rate.
- Is the person eating secretly? You may be finding empty bowls, boxes or chocolate wrappers under their bed.
- Is the person being secretive about eating?
- The person may seem to never eat but still have a weight issue.
- Diets are constantly being started and stopped.
- A lot of money is being spent on junk food.
- Skipped meals.
What are Binge Eating habits?
A Binge Eater may eat when they are not hungry. A Binge Eater will continue to eat even when they are full and feel ill. A Binge Eater will eat very quickly. A Binge Eater will eat anything, even when they are not enjoying it or do not like it. A Binge Eater will binge at any time of the day. They will often starve themselves all day and then binge at night.
What does a binge eater feel?
Eating disorders are closely connected with mental healthy. Feelings of guilt, shame and self loathing will usually come with someone with a Binge Eating Disorder. A binge will often come at a time when somebody is feeling unstable, emotional, angry, distressed or even just plain bored.
Binge eating can provide a temporary comfort when somebody is going through these feelings. It is clear the comfort is temporary.
You may have a family member who you suspect is Binge Eating and you want to help. How can you help?
- Provide consistent and healthy meals.
- Make an appointment with a dietician or nutritionist.
- Follow a healthy eating plan together.
- If the problem is emotional, seek help from a counsellor or therapist.
- Talk about the problem without judgement.
- Be communicative and available.
- Eat well and healthy yourself.
- Set a good example.
There are many healthy eating plans on the internet. Find the one that works for you and follow it. Balance is important. With a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins, fruit and vegetables, it is unlikely that Binge Eating will occur.
A few more tips:
- Stay hydrated.
- Try and drink eight glasses of water a day.
- Eat regular meals at regular intervals.
- Be aware of what goes in your mouth and let it be as fresh as healthy as possible.
- Chew well.
- Do not use food as a reward.
And most importantly:
- Do not starve yourself and do not deprive yourself.
- If you want a chocolate, try and find a substitute.
- Have one square of chocolate rather than the whole bar.
- Avoid fast food.
- Eat slowly.
Reference
http://www.nedc.com.au/binge-eating-disorder
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/binge-eating-disorder
http://www.self.com/wellness/2016/02/signs-and-symptoms-of-binge-eating-disorder/