Binge eating is destructive in so many ways. There are many people who cannot stop eating when they know they are full. They find they eat for reasons other than hunger. This overeating can lead to weight problems that can develop into low self-esteem, guilt and self-recrimination.
I have found using Intuitive Eating concepts work as a way to get back to the basics of putting food in its proper place as nourishment.
"Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works" is a book written by two Registered Dieticians: Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D. and Elyse Resch, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A. They realized that many people cannot follow a "healthy" eating plan, because there are underlying issues at work which sabotage their success.
They identified ten principles that helped create a freedom with food and weight that no diet was able to achieve.
One important concept in Intuitive Eating is to cope with emotions without using food. This is easier said than done for people who binge eat. Some practical means to cope with emotions can be to:
1) Notice and acknowledge the feelings that are lead to overeating.
2) Express the feelings to someone or write them in a journal.
3) Do something to distracting, so the feeling can subside.
Intuitive eating gets you in touch with the part of you that actually does know how to eat in a healthy manner.
In future posts, I will provide you with practical strategies to implement Intuitive Eating immediately. If you have questions about Intuitive Eating email me here and I can address them in my upcoming articles.
Kim McLaughlin LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (mfc 27667) providing counseling in Roseville, CA. Kim McLaughlin LMFT specializes in counseling people with binge eating, compulsive eating and eating disorders. This blog is not meant to be a substitute for counseling and if you are in need of counseling services contact Kim McLaughlin LMFT here.
Sign up for Kim McLaughlin’s free Special Report: Top Strategies to End Binge Eating here or visit her website at www.feedyoursoultherapy.com.
