Can't Stop Binge Eating? Here's How to Curb Emotional Eating

It has been noted that people desire cookies and never broccoli when tension builds up. However, there are strategies to curb binge eating as well as emotional eating.

Science Times - Afraid of Routine? Here’s What You Should Know
Some psychologists say, if one has a stressful job, routines can make him feel less controlled by people. If they grow up in a routine-free, comparatively chaotic surrounding, he can propagate what he knows, instead of what he needs. Lukas Bieri on Pixabay

Why We Eat While We Stressed?

Stress activates our body's "fight or flight" reaction that releases into our blood stream a hormone named cortisol. Cortisol raises appetite while the body covets energy to defend off any stressor we can encounter.

According to a CNN report, we switch to junk food since our body loves energy-dense foods that are high in calories, sugar, and fat. These ingredients, sadly, actually further raise discomfort and lead to weight gain.

Stress interrupt ordinary eating patterns. It distracts our minds from the emotions we choose to escape. This provides immediate distraction and relaxation, but the ongoing stress-causing issues are not solved. Studies have shown that after overeating, stress levels may not decline, and binging on processed food can trigger further anxiety.


The Same Problem As Binge Eating?

Binge feeding is described as eating an excessive quantity of food for a short period. Thus, overeating may be considered a type of binge eating due to stress.

However, binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized as experiencing at least one binge eating episode a week over three straight months.

BED patients show a total loss of control and deterioration of the management of desires and urges, which can appear close to the feeling one gets when consuming discomfort, but much more severe.

The big distinction between the two is that following a binge, those with BED have reported an increased attitude, whereas others binging sporadically due to depression do not. The assumption that the binge-eating mood changes are liable for the persistent quality of the binges.


Five Stages to Mindful Eating

One thing is consuming a bowl of chips; plowing through an entire bag is another, and bingeing is a popular method of easing tension.

Actual binge-eating disorder involves professional treatment. But by adhering to the five S's of mindful eating, you can prevent periodic binges.

Sit down and turn off the TV. Experts say such a move decreases binge eating when you sit at a table because you're more concentrated.

See and smell the food. Having all the senses to take a thoughtful bite lets you appreciate the moment.

Slowly chew. When you chew each bite deeply, you consume fewer.

Savor. Think of fine wine as food. But don't gulp it.

Smile between each bite. Smiling activates feel-good hormones in your brain and relaxes you and allows you time to reflect about how complete you are and what you still need more.


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