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
house refresh service Lincolnshire ..Body Mass Index (BMI)Body Mass Index is an accurate indicator... Read More
There's one thing that most people forget about when it... Read More
With millions of people aiming for successful weight loss, many... Read More
I received a telephone call from a lady last week.... Read More
Before you try starving yourself or turning to diet drugs... Read More
In our never ending search for the illusive "Fountain of... Read More
As I become acquainted with many of our LivingAfterWLS.com community... Read More
The perfect diet should be combined with a healthy weight... Read More
If you are losing, trying to lose, or think you... Read More
Getting enough of the good fats will help you lose... Read More
For people that are obese, losing weight quickly can seem... Read More
"I've put on 40 pounds in one year!" "It doesn't... Read More
It comes as a surprise to many consumers that the... Read More
The term 'thermogenic' refers to a group of drugs or... Read More
Remember that movie with Jim Carey, "Dumb and Dumber?" And... Read More
Plan to eat two to three hours and pack health... Read More
We all know that weight loss is important. We know... Read More
The importance of drinking water is mentioned in almost every... Read More
My responsibility as a high profile fitness expert lies not... Read More
In this age being ignorant is like committing a crime.... Read More
As parents who've had gastric bypass we face many challenges... Read More
Oh, no . . . You suddenly realize that you... Read More
As the holidays approach, a frequent question from my clients... Read More
When on a diet, snack attacks can hit hard and... Read More
After patients have had gastric bypass surgery comes a very... Read More
licensed cleaning services Lake Forest ..No doubt about it, when we feel stressed we want... Read More
Weight loss specialists will tell you that attitude has a... Read More
Diet information is everywhere. In advertisements, on TV, in magazines;... Read More
Going away for your holidays will also bring with it... Read More
If you are looking for a way to lose fifty... Read More
One of the most important things you can do for... Read More
You may be considering weight loss surgery if you are... Read More
Here are some everyday, helpful hints to get you started,... Read More
Repeat a lie often enough and people take it as... Read More
Getting into a weight loss program or any type of... Read More
Doctors prescribe Walking as the best medicine for weight loss.We... Read More
Are you someone who has, in the past, been on... Read More
Q: I've heard you mention that you don't need tons... Read More
How do we know what we know? Often, our knowledge... Read More
False campaignsMore than 50 percent of Americans and Canadians are... Read More
It's agreed that if you raise the amount of calories... Read More
In health clubs, they run classes that call themselves "aerobics".... Read More
Whole grains and weight loss have a definite, scientific, and... Read More
Wanna know the truth? If you're going to... Read More
1. Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for... Read More
I had 14 weight/health-oriented newsletters in my inbox this morning.... Read More
Getting started on an exercise program is one thing. Staying... Read More
Healthy living begins with healthy eating and healthy eating begins... Read More
Have I become invisible or are people just aiming right... Read More
Negative thoughts, symbolic protection, being who we really are ........ Read More
Weight Loss |