Am I a Binge Eater?

The truth is that everyone eats too much every once in a while! But binge eating is more than just eating too much at Thanksgiving dinner or eating too many of your favorite chips. It's about using food as way to 'feel better'.

It's is about avoiding and running away from being present in your life. That may sound extreme. But in some way every person experiences this is 'getting away' from something. It may be due to stress or trying to escape unwanted feelings.

If you identify with anything on the list below you may be suffering from binge eating or another type of disordered eating...
You continue eating even after you are fullYou can't stop eatingYou eat in response to stress or worryFood occupies your thoughtsYou eat all day longYou eat large amounts of food in one sittingYou feel out of control with foodYou feel guilty after eatingYou eat in secretYou have food hidden in your house, just in case of an "emergency"You are embarrassed about the amount of food you consumeYou suffer from depressionYou believe that food is a source of comfortYou never feel satisfied after eating, you always want more

There was a time in my life that identified with nearly ALL of these things! The truth is that this behavior is simply a coping mechanism that is used to 'get by'.

Every person that turns to food for comfort has a reason to do it. There is ALWAYS a benefit for everything that a person does; even if it doesn't feel like it. Binge eating is not really about the food at all. It's about what the food 'does'. Eating releases endorphins into the brain (the 'feel good' hormones) that provide you a sense of relief and well being.

The down side is that those feelings wear off as soon as you're done eating; and then the feelings of guilt set in. Although binge eating has it's 'benefits' by relieving unwanted feelings... it's negative aspects are easier to see.

Binge eating causes guilt, shame, and remorse. Along with feelings of isolation and depression. And the obvious elephant in the room, gaining weight.

I've been there, feeling alone and wondering if I would always suffer from binge eating. I've learned that in order to overcome this... I had to look within myself and find my own power and beauty. And I've made it! I am free of binge eating and I'd love nothing more than to support you in your own healing journey.

My site: http://www.overcome-binge-eating.com/

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