If you are a binge eater, you already know that your relationship with food has spiraled out of control.
You have a love/hate relationship with food that is slowly destroying your health while zapping your ability to enjoy the foods you love.
Medical researchers are just now seriously studying the secret world of binge eating, its causes and effects.
Believe it or not, binge eating is more common than other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
But, how do you know that you're really a binge eater and not just someone who eats a bit too much for their own good? Well, here are some common symptoms of binge eating: • Eating lots of food whether you are actually hungry or not • Eating and snacking on food all day • Eating large amounts of junk and fast foods in one sitting • Eating until you are stuffed or become sick • Eating because you feel bored, anxious, depressed or stressed • Food is constantly on your mind • Feeling out of control when you eat • Feeling a sense of powerlessness about your eating habits • Feelings of shame and disgust over your secret food binges • Keeping a secret stash of food around • Quickly gorging on food in one sitting • Sharing a meal with others, then sneaking off to eat again in secret • You go on automatic pilot when you gorge on food • You never seem to get enough food to feel satisfied Can you relate to Janice? Janice considers herself normal in every other aspect of her life.
She's got a good job, a great family and social life.
Yet, she's always felt that she wasn't quite good enough.
Ever since she was young, she has turned to food for comfort when she feels bored or stressed about something.
This happens a lot.
Janice always comes home and eats a normal dinner with her family.
Late at night, she sneaks downstairs and gorges on her secret stash of cookies, donuts and chips.
She hates that this contributes to her weight problem, but can't seem to stop.
Can you relate to Gary? Gary loves to eat.
In fact, he's never far from a place where he can pick up a quick snack.
Even though he's of normal weight, he constantly feels pressure to meet the expectations of those around him.
He's insecure about his place in the world and finds solace in downing large amounts of fast food burgers, fries and other goodies.
He knows his cholesterol is sky high and that he's putting himself at risk for a future heart attack, but he can't keep himself from constantly turning to food for a sense of relief.
If Janice and Gary's stories are similar to your own, you should seek out immediate binge eating disorder treatment.
If left untreated, this type of eating can lead to some serous health problems.
The good news is that those who get help for their binge eating have a high success rate of beating it for good.
Typical binge eating disorder treatment involves behavioral therapy strategies and techniques that show you how to change the way you relate to food.
Realize that food is not the cause of your problem; it's merely a symptom of something much deeper inside of yourself.
Once you have a good understanding of how to cope with personal issues without the need to turn to food, you'll be able to enjoy the food you eat in a normal, healthy way.