"Stop trying to find something in food that will make you feel better. I used to have eating disorders; I'd binge and purge all the time: fried oysters, po' boys, muffulettas, beignets, coffee and doughnuts. I tried to medicate myself with food when people made fun of me or hit me with a bat in school. I'd always turn to food."
- Richard Simmons
What is Binge Eating?
Binge eating is an eating disorder characterized by repetitive, uncontrollable episodes of eating. A person suffering from this disorder may eat large servings of food even if he or she is not hungry. Binge eating is often followed by feelings of guilt, depression, shame and/or remorse. Thankfully, hypnotherapy may offer relief to those suffering from a binge eating disorder.
Binge eating disorder was first brought to light by esteemed psychiatrist Albert Stunkard back in 1959, who named it night eating syndrome (NES) at the time. As doctors and mental health experts began to develop a greater understanding of this disorder, however, they concluded that it was not limited strictly to nighttime eating; therefore, it was renamed to binge eating disorder (BED).
Who is at Risk for Binge Eating?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately one in five young women have experienced symptoms of binge eating. While this condition may occur in anyone, regardless of age and gender, studies have shown that it's far more prevalent in women. Roughly 60% of all binge eating cases involve women, whereas just 40% involve men.
Characteristics of Binge Eating
A person who binge eats may consume anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 calories in a single sitting. While each and every case is different, binge eating usually occurs at least twice per week for a period of 6 months or longer.
Because binge eating typically involves processed snack foods as opposed to fresh, nutritious foods, people with this condition are naturally placed at a higher risk for developing type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, and obesity.
Are You a Binge Eater?
If you suffer from a binge eating disorder, take a step back to assess your current diet, taking into account each and every food/beverage your consume on a daily basis. When observing your diet in this manner, you might be surprised at just how many calories your body consumes. Next, make some changes to reduce your daily intake of calories, saturated fat, sodium and processed sugar. The bulk of your diet should consist of lean meats, fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
There is More to Recovery Than Diet Modification
But altering your diet is only one step in the process of overcoming this disorder. The next step is to work on the psychological aspect, which is is where hypnotherapy comes into play. By training your brain to overcome binge eating, you'll enjoy regular, healthy dieting habits.
If you or anyone you love needs help with a binge eating disorder, please feel free to arrange a FREE consultation to ask any questions.
