What Is Binge Eating

by Donna S. on September 28, 2009

I struggle with binging. It is more than just overeating or stuffing yourself on your favorite foods. What is binge eating? It's eating out of control when I'm not hungry, and when I'm full I eat more! I can start out the day with the very best intentions and keep things reasonable and moderate and then, zap, mid afternoon and I head for the cookie jar, followed by some chips and then some ice cream and then might as well have another cookie or six since I've already eaten as much as I have…. It really is out of control. The logical part of my brain can say, "What on earth are you doing?" While the part of my brain that should be listening hangs an "out of order" sign with a note scribbled on it: 'Out to lunch.'

I do joke about it, but it's not funny. Once I start eating, I can lose control. I've tried not eating, and that works except you can't live without eating. The Lemonade Diet worked for me, but you can only do that for a short time and it's not the answer.

As you read this, are you wondering if you suffer from binge eating disorder? Here are the signs to watch for:

• Repeated bouts of uncontrollable eating
  
• Feelings of depression, guilt, distress or being upset with yourself after the binge is over
  
• You don't try to compensate for the binging by fasting, over-exercising or purging

Here's the thing. Those of us who go through this want to stop, but feel helpless. And we're not alone. Statistics say two percent of the adults in the United States suffer from binge eating. I tend to think it is higher.

Is there an answer? Yes, there is hope. Tomorrow we'll take a look at how to stop binge eating.


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