Binge eating disorder (BED) is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under the Disorder Class: Feeding and Eating Disorders. It is a severe, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder. According to National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), BED is characterized by “recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating.” Binge eating disorder is currently known to be the most common eating disorder in the United States. According to a national survey, BED affects an estimated 2.8 million people in America. If you are living with binge eating disorder, there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of engaging in binge eating and redirect your urges to binge. Consider the following tips, provided by Healthline:
- Establish regular eating patterns: Skipping meals can contribute to cravings and increase the risk of overeating. Research shows that eating balanced meals that include a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of experiencing intense hunger that can trigger binge episodes.
- Practice mindful eating: Harvard University explains that mindful eating “focuses on your eating experiences, body-related sensations, and thoughts and feelings about food, with heightened awareness and without judgment. Attention is paid to the foods being chosen, internal and external physical cues, and your responses to those cues.” This technique can prevent overeating by helping a person learn to recognize when they no longer feel hungry.
- Exercise regularly: Studies indicate that adding exercise to your routine can prevent binge eating and decrease stress levels.
- Build a support network: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide you with understanding and encouragement. Research suggests that a good social support system is linked to decreased binge eating and stress.
- Avoid restrictive diets: Studies show that overly restrictive eating methods may trigger episodes of binge eating. Instead, focus on adopting a balanced and flexible approach to eating that includes a variety of nutritious foods while still allowing for occasional treats.
- Challenge negative thoughts: Binge eating disorder is often accompanied by negative thoughts and self-criticism. Practice challenging and reframing these negative thoughts with positive and compassionate self-talk.
Recovery from binge eating disorder can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible for you to effectively manage the condition and develop a healthy relationship with food.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
