5 Creative Ways to Defeat Binge Eating Disorder

Now the most common eating disorder in America, binge eating disorder affects more than 7 million Americans.

Even though binge eating disorder the most common eating disorder in America, very few Americans actually know and understand much about this disorder. The official definition of binge eating disorder is binging that occurs at least 2 time a week for 6 months or more and is characterized by frequent binges, or the ingestion of a large amount of food, regardless of need. Unlike bulimia, where binging is usually followed by purging, those suffering from binge eating disorder do not make an effort to purge their binge.

Many people suffer from the disorder due to an excess of stress and anxiety. To them, food becomes a crutch that replaces emotions. When a binge eater feels sad, they may find solace by diving into a gallon of ice cream. When he or she feels happy, they may celebrate with a large bag of chips.
If you find that you are suffering from the disorder, consider these ways to help you fight it:

1. Eat with your friends or significant other

Many binges are done in private, out of view of friends, family, and loved ones. Eating with others will give you a chance to socialize and feel better about yourself, while forcing yourself to be accountable to your eating habits.

2. Do not miss breakfast

Missing breakfast sets up your appetite in a way that is conducive to binge eating. If you continually miss breakfast, it only becomes increasingly easier to binge in later meals. Developing a routine for your meals will help you develop a healthy eating schedule and help you avoid unnecessary binging.

3. Track your binges

Understanding the reasons behind your binges can help you control future binges. Try to figure out what sets off your binging (stress is a common cause) so that you can be better prepared to fight it. Doing so will give you greater control over this eating disorder.

4. Neutralize emotional triggers

Emotional triggers can cause uncontrollable binging for binge eaters, whether the triggers are from stress, emotion, or situations. Sit down and figure out a way to control these emotional triggers. Consider using music, meditation, or friendship as therapy for these triggers.

5. Recognize what foods you binge on, and remove them from your house

If you constantly binge on potato chips, avoid buying them the next time you walk into the supermarket. After all, you can not binge on chips that are not in your pantry! Alternatively, consider buying lesser amounts of the foods you binge on so that you don’t give up the foods you love.

Binge eating disorder can be a crafty disorder, and may cause you to have an unhealthy relationship with food. Consider these creative ways to fight the disorder and get back on good terms with the food that once caused unhealthy eating habits. You just might surprise yourself!