DO YOU SECRETLY LOVE TO BINGE?

Huh?! Some of you might be thinking ‘Wait what? Why I DON’T want to stop binge eating? That does not even make sense. I feel horribly sick and guilty after a binge, all I want to do is stop.’   

Tapping into our subconscious

Let me ask you this question:

Can you think of moments where you sometimes look forward to a binge session?  Is there a minuscule part of you that is scared to give it up and to let it go? There is always this unasked questions: What would happen if you stopped forever? Of course, your conscious mind would say ‘I would love that’ but if you really tapped into the feeling and inner-sensation of never binging again….what arises within?   

Now, I have no assumptions around what this might feel like for you.  It is an individual experience. Our subconscious world is so complex and deep and drives 95% of all of our decisions. That’s why it is important we ask ourselves those deeper questions and give honest answers so we can tap into the subconscious mind.

BINGING MEETS A NEED

For some people, they discover there is a subconscious part of them, that does not want to let go of binge eating.  Because this eating meets a need.  For instance, if someone deprives and restricts themselves throughout the day and is not consuming an adequate amount of calories they require, their need might be catching up on calories.   In this case – binging provides fast energy through high calory dense food.  Further, if you deprive yourself of eating hot chips, but then end up binging on them – the need might be to rebel against strict rules or to give yourself the pleasure you feel you missed out on.

Identify your ‘need’ –  to stop binge eating

So, what is the need you are meeting by binge eating? Maybe that is the only time you allow yourself to relax? I have had clients who say ‘If I binge, that means that I feel tired, exhausted, sick in my stomach, and now I have a reason to relax’.  Or it gives them a break from work, or an opportunity to procrastinate from studies or housework.  Maybe binge eating is your only way to have that break and rejuvenate?

WHO ARE YOU, WITHOUT BINGING?

So really think about it.  What would you be left with, if you did not have binge eating in your life anymore? Who are you without those binges?   Sometimes we are so used to constantly worrying and focussing on food and our body – that if we stop, what don’t  know what else we will do! It is uncomfortable! What are we left with? 

Many clients have said to me that binging allows them to maintain a worried state about their body – and thus keeps them ‘on track’ and in control.  Because the fear is, if they stop worrying about food and their body, they will become even more uncontrolled around food.  And end up not fitting through the door! Clearly, I am exaggerating in this example, but this is the rationale made in the brain.   Ultimately, our mind is creating these worst-case scenarios that are much more exaggerated than it would ever be in reality! 

LOVE

But because your mind is making up these stories, it feels absolutely scary.  So it is understandable many of us hold onto the binging.  And we need to hold ourselves in love and forgiveness for doing this.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU

So, what does binge eating do for you? What need does it meet? Take a breath and close your eyes.  Tap into your body and feel this out.   Once we can honestly identify this sensation or reason, we can accept it, wrap it in love, and let it go. 

SUGGESTIONS IF YOU WANT TO STOP BINGE EATING

If you want to stop binge eating, I recommend you develop the habit of eating regular, adequate, and nutritious meals.  Because the number one reason for binge eating urges and triggers is not enough calories.   This is why I created the Balanced Diet Framework.  Within this framework, I teach exactly what, when, why, and how much to eat so you can reduce food cravings and binge eating.   This framework personally helped me overcome binge eating.  You can sign up here for this easy to follow nutrition program. 

Second, I recommend bringing food you avoid back into your diet (and yes this means chocolate)  (Sound counter-intuitive? Read more about this topic in my blog ‘Chocolate Cravings When On A Diet And How To Feel Satisified‘).

STOP BINGE EATING FOR GOOD

After we have worked on the physiological reasons for binging, we can then address the psychological or emotional reasons.  But unless we are eating adequate calories, we will continue to binge eat. So it is really important we cover that base first.    I would love to hear your thoughts around this. If you need any support along your journey, please reach out. 

Eugenia x

PS If you want to delve deeper, this podcast episode from Positive Nutrition discusses how the binge-restrict pattern manifests in other areas of our lives. Check it out here: Episode 164@ Nutrition Matters.