In the previous post, we consider binge eating, its attendant causes and how helpless one can feel when caught in its unyielding grip. There are a couple of ways you can set your feet on the path of freedom. If these ways are followed, you can be sure of freedom from this silent killer that causes excessive weight which is the harbinger of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, rheumatism etc.
Keep away from Night-time kitchen raids: Most people binge-eat because they have spent time starving themselves during the day. Eat the right amounts of food: A full, healthy breakfast, lighter lunch and you are less likely to want to go gung-ho on your fridge at night.
Get Busy: When you feel the urge to raid the home, become preoccupied with a task that will require your concentration like puzzles, washing by hand among other things. This will help you forget about the hunger pangs.
Process: Don’t just rush off in the direction of the kitchen; ask yourself the root cause of the sudden urge to clear out the freezer. Is it anger? Anxiety? Starvation or what exactly? Be sure on why you need to eat.
Seek help: Most people; men and women alike binge eat. It isn’t fashionable to have a binge-eating association or club – no written rules here, it just isn’t. If you are susceptible, inviting a friend over may help you apply the brakes on your hunger pangs.
Stop now: So, you took a trip to the mall and got this huge box of cookies or chocolates. In sheer ecstasy you speed all the way home, knowing it is going to be heavenly making friends with the big box. Wait! Now that you can still process the information, throw out the chocolates or cookies. The box is already half-empty? Throw out the rest. Do not be tempted to tell yourself you will give it out at work the following morning. it will no longer be there to be given out by then because you will have downed it all. To distract yourself; take a walk, jog or go on the treadmill.
Forgive yourself: You did not begin binge eating in a day so you should not expect to stop suddenly. Therefore if there are times that you “fall”, don’t beat yourself up, pick yourself up and try again. You will succeed at the end of it all.
Go spicy: you still feel like bingeing? Eat lots of spicy foods. Impossible right? No matter how compulsive the eating is, you cannot have too much of spicy foods. Make them your friends and help yourself more since you even get to burn more calories that way.
Seek professional help: If after applying all the suggestions above you still feel there is no redemption down the road, it is time to seek professional help from a professional trained in dealing with eating disorders and allied matter.
