Do you ever wonder if there is a way to stop a binge in its tracks, or perhaps even before it begins? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people who binge eat every day are looking for solutions.
We understand that the burden of bingeing can feel overwhelming and that some people follow a binge with a purge. This can lead to an extremely unhealthy cycle or even to bulimia nervosa. So how can this destructive bingeing cycle be stopped?
If you deal with binge eating, discuss it with your doctor first and foremost.
Your physician can help you get long-term treatment for your binge eating. Still, there are a few things you can do that may help you. While they are no substitute for a health professional’s advice and treatment, this post offers a few tips that might help stop a binge in its tracks.
Quick Tips for Stopping a Binge
– Before You Binge, HALT! - If you sense a binge fast-approaching, do yourself a favor and HALT. When you HALT, you stop to ask yourself the following question: “Am I hungry, angry, lonely, or tired?” These four things could be considered “binge triggers,” and it is important that you watch out for them.
If you determine that you are experiencing hunger, anger, loneliness, or tiredness, you can take a step back and re-assess the situation. How would you do this? By meeting your current need with what will really fulfill it (sleep, cry, call a friend, eat a balanced meal, etc), instead of with a binge.
– Connect with Community - “Not feeling like they are a part of their community” is common in binge eaters. This might indicate that feeling like an important member of community could be a preventative measure in binge eating.
Be sure and get (and stay) connected to a group of people that you enjoy and trust. When you feel a binge coming on, pick up your phone and call someone from that group. This may help you more than you know.
– Stock up on Healthy Foods - Keep plenty of healthy food that you enjoy in your house. If you do end up bingeing, you will not have the unhealthy options to choose from.
– The Name of the Game is “Forgive” - Do you know how important it is to forgive yourself when you mess up? It is crucial. In fact, if you hold bitterness toward yourself, it might make bingeing even harder to stop. If you mess up (and who doesn’t?), forgive yourself and go forward. Even in the act of a binge, choose to forgive yourself in that moment.
How do you stop a binge?
Do you ever binge eat? If so, have you ever successfully stopped a binge? We’d love to hear what works for you. Share with us by commenting on this post.
Sources:
http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=tips_how_to_stop_a_binge
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/binge-eating-disorder.cfm
http://blogs.webmd.com/pamela-peeke-md/2010/05/10-tips-and-tools-to-stop-your-binges.html
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Have you ever experienced a binge? If so, were you able to stop it?
What are your personal tips for stopping a binge, both before it starts and while it is happening?
