Compulsive eating is characterized mainly by periods of impulsive bingeing or continuous eating. Purging (vomiting or laxatives) are not present, but there may be intervals of repetitive diets or fasts. Body weight can range from normal to severe obesity. Compulsive eating is a behavior driven by desire to reduce anxiety rather than by feelings of hunger. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors reduce anxiety and distress, but they create a self-perpetuating cycle. The eating activity provides temporary relief, but it is followed by further distress in the form of guilt, shame, and disgust. This often leads to a vicious cycle of binge eating and depression. Compulsive eating can be a behavior used to fill a void, suppress uncomfortable emotions, cope with problems or to create a state of numbness to everything that is going on. Triggers can be anxiety, depression, stress, boredom or loneliness, dieting, and low self-esteem.
Self-criticism will not stop the eating behavior. Diets make the problem worse. At first there may be some weight loss success, but with the hunger and restriction eventually comes a binge response. This overeating episode brings in feelings of failure and even more depression. Will power will not cure compulsive overeating. Creating rules around eating will not solve the problem. Compulsive overeating is a coping behavior that must be recognized as such and dealt with by learning and incorporating other behaviors which are at least as effective as eating.
SYMPTOMS OF COMPULSIVE EATING:
(This is not a complete list of signs and symptoms. Nor must a person have every symptom on the list to have compulsive eating behaviors.)
* Eating normally in front of others and compulsively overeating alone.
* Eating late at night or while others are asleep.
* Hiding a private stash of junk food.
* Unhappy with body weight.
* Always thinking about food.
* Eating to feel better.
* Not enjoying the food being eaten.
* Feeling out of control and unable to stop eating during binges.
* Continuing to eat even after feeling full.
* Becoming anxious while eating.
* A history of diet failures.
* Depression.
* Feels guilty and ashamed of binge eating.
* Worrying while eating.
* Eating frantically, barely chewing food.
* Hiding food.
* Eating secretly.
* Bingeing after a diet.
* Hunger creates a feeling of vulnerability and uneasiness.
If you recognize yourself as a compulsive eater - take heart! There is hope and there is healing. I believe that people with addictive eating behaviors are unique, creative, caring and sensitive individuals who need to find a connection back with their true inner spirit. Recovery occurs as an individual develops a sense of their own spirit and self and body, and a belief that their emotions are valid, important, and worth noticing.
Copyright 2005, Dr. Annette Colby, all rights reserved.
Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Nutrition Therapist & Master Energy Healer
972.985.8750
annette@annettecolby.com
"Opening Creative Portals to Success"
For free inspirational newsletter, articles & info visit: annette@annettecolby.com
Airbnb cleaning service Arlington Heights ..Resistance training, also known as strength training, does not require... Read More
Maybe you've heard about body dysmorphia ? it's a mental... Read More
First off, let me start by saying this list is... Read More
No doubt about it, when we feel stressed we want... Read More
All weight loss diets make you FatThat's right, because on... Read More
The very first thing you want to do before you... Read More
There's nothing more fun then being creative with food and... Read More
In 1994, I had a RNY surgery. At 350 lbs... Read More
Low carb (carbohydrate), high protein diets are the latest ... Read More
WAHOO!!! for YOU!! You are the most AWESOME person alive!!... Read More
It's always great to find a protein supplement with very... Read More
One of the most popular diets is the low carb... Read More
Here are seven tips for getting the calories out of... Read More
Getting Started on The Clean DietIf you want to lose... Read More
What's a Low Carb Diet Really Mean?When I hear low... Read More
If anyone knows anything about fitness, it's that a low... Read More
Have You Given Up on Weight Loss? by Greg Landry,... Read More
Motivation is a factor often overlooked when it comes to... Read More
Are you feeling down and out? Do you feel even... Read More
Weight loss, diets and "carbs" are common household topics. There... Read More
There are lots of dieters, trying every sort of plan... Read More
Eating when under stress isn't just about filling an emotional... Read More
You are the GREATEST, aren't you? You are focusing on... Read More
Today you have a good chance of getting diabetes or... Read More
It's been called the world's oldest medicine, the miracle fat... Read More
reliable maid service Winnetka ..Is a weight loss workout routine right for you? Answer... Read More
With this key, I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE... Read More
Fat Loss Tip #3) Proper Meal FrequencyMeal Frequency (i.e., the... Read More
Dr. Hagglund's Healthy Eating Tips(All wheat products, bananas*, breads, rice,... Read More
Although it is obviously not possible to turn the clock... Read More
Today's society is about speed. We no longer have to... Read More
Liposuction works best with people who are a normal weight... Read More
I really like Dr. Phil, so I wanted to like... Read More
A frequent question brand-new gastric bypass patients ask is "How... Read More
Dieting will continue to fail most dieters, unless personalized weight... Read More
I personal lost 60 pounds in 2003. Here are some... Read More
If you are trying to lose weight, the holidays literally... Read More
Are you a hopeless carbohydrate addict? Let's conquer these cravings... Read More
Q: I've heard you mention that you don't need tons... Read More
If you are committed to the low carb way of... Read More
Lipoxinol Weight Loss Review: Does Lipoxinol Live Up To All... Read More
Are you a 'look-and-lose' dieter? Have you studied every diet... Read More
There is no doubt about it; Americans are eating in... Read More
I am so grateful that you're taking steps to take... Read More
I believe that water not only helps with weight loss,... Read More
I've talked to quite a few fellow gastric bypass patients... Read More
One of the most popular diets is the low carb... Read More
There are those that walk amongst us who have followed... Read More
What do I mean by that?Well, carrots are good for... Read More
Acupuncture for weight loss is a modern application of this... Read More
Weight Loss |