Binge Eating: How to Overcome Common Triggers

Binge eating is when a person will consume a large amount of food at one time and does not implement control for the eating urges. Typically, the overeating will comes during uncontrollable periods, and the person who partakes in binge eating will keep a normal diet otherwise. Binge eating is often caused by emotional and circumstantial triggers, which lead to weight gain and an unhealthy lifestyle. This article will focus on five factors that contribute to binge eating and how to overcome them from personal experience.

1. Depression

According to womenshealth.org, depression is a leading cause of binge eating. When depressed you are more likely to consume food alone and in large quantities. The food that binge eaters consume masks feelings and acts as a comfort for other troubles. However, the food only acts as a comfort for a short amount of time, which eventually leads to large amounts of weight gain if the depression continues. Think of the food like a cigarette to a smoker; small amounts satisfy the user at first and the body can cope with the small amount of toxins, but the level in which the smoker increases their habit to satisfy their craving turns deadly with long-term use. The same holds true for binge eaters, the first binge satisfies your feelings of depression, but long-term habitual binge eating can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. To avoid binge eating for depression you should see a doctor about the problem to see if there is a way to fix the depressed feelings.

2. Boredom

Although not overweight, I will occasionally binge eat if there is nothing else to do or I am very bored. This type of binge eating trigger is the easiest to fix because it just requires a hobby or activity to avoid. I took up running and weight lifting, which not only reduces stress, but also greatly reduces boredom.

3. Stress

How many readers have eaten comfort foods or foods in large quantities because you felt stressed out? Binge eaters will partake in a binge when they are stressed in order to feel better. To overcome this trigger the best thing to do is find something that reduces stress, such as, working out, pursuing a passion, taking classes to advance in your workplace, or going on a date. I typically eat much more when I am stressed, and to avoid this I like to balance work with fun by going out at least twice a week with friends.

4. Dieting

Why have all your diets seemed to fail even though you only eat two meals per day? Do you snack during the day, all day, and binge at night because you believe you did not have enough to eat? When dieting make sure not to under eat because it can lead to food binges at the end of the day. According to womenshealth.org, some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food. For instance, if you want chips with your sandwich at lunch then do it, but remember to stick to one serving size and not the whole bag.

5. Being lonely

Feeling lonely is another trigger for binge eating as you feel sorry for yourself and need something to do. To avoid this trigger make plans with a love interest or with your friends at least once a week in order to mitigate the lonely feelings.

*The information presented in this article does not replace that of a medical professional or doctor. Always consult with your doctor before trying a new diet or lifestyle changes. The author assumes no liability for suggestions.

Sources:

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/binge-eating-disorder.cfm