BINGE EATING DISORDER 101

8:58 AM

Binge Eating Disorder: The most common eating disorder...the most common characteristics are...

frequently eating an abnormal, excessive amount of food
hiding your binges + evidence from those around you
feeling out of control once the binge starts
feeling shameful about the amount of food eaten
feelings of depression + helplessness
rapid weight gain (although not typically overweight)

Unlike anorexia/bulimia those with BED don't normally try and restrict their calories (although they may purge e.g. vomit up food, to decrease stomach pain/make room for more food).

How do you get help for BED?

Acknowledge that you need help. This isn't healthy. Your body + YOU deserve better. Help is available if you seek it.
Talk to someone about it. It may seem hard, but it can be anyone you trust. A family member, your best friend, the school counselor, or your best friends parents...anyone! There's also Overeaters Anonymous who help with a range of eating disorders!

What can I do everyday to help me?

PLAN. You gotta have a plan, man! If you're left to your own devices chances are you'll binge. If you plan, however, your meals, when you'll eat, what you'll eat, it's a lot easier. So, make a meal plan + turn that into a shopping list. ONLY BUY WHAT IS ON THE LIST :) You can do it. I believe in you. If you tend to be lazy with your meals, like I am, have a 'cook up' day + prepare all your meals in one go, then freeze them. Once you need them, microwave them. For things like breakfast just sort out the portions ahead of time, then put all the ingredients together + enjoy!
Leave money at home if you don't plan on buying anything. This one is tough, but it's a life saver. Of course have some money for emergencies, but leave the majority of your money at home!
Have notes everywhere to remind you why you're recovering. It's a helpful tool to remind yourself why you're doing this. After all, your why is most important.
Keep food in one place. Not in your bedroom, just your kitchen.
Use mindfulness whilst eating. Mindfulness is staying in the present moment. Don't watch TV, or be on the computer. Enjoy your food. Notice when you're full + it's time to stop.
Eat with others. + Be mindful!

What can I do instead of bingeing?
Click here for distractions!

How do I recover from a binge?

Drink lots of water. If you drink plenty of water you'll clean out your system + reduce the richness of the food you just ate. Plus it reduces bloating.
Eat clean. You will probably feel sick after you binge, so eat as clean as possible afterwards, it will help your body recover.
Don't give up! Eat clean, do a short, nice, workout, be kind to yourself + move forward.
Remember the experience. If you're having a treat + feel yourself going overboard, remember the feelings you had last time, the self-hatred, the sickness, the bloating + try not to repeat the same mistake twice!

I hope this was informative, I'm in no way a professional, just doing what I can :)) xo

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