Overcoming Binge Eating

"Binge eating" is defined as eating much more food that your body needs, usually eaten quickly and with a feeling of desperation. (Sometimes described as "pigging out," "scarfing down food," or "inhaling food".) If you eat like this already, you probably know it.

However, sometimes you may not do it exactly like others do, so you're unsure if you really have a problem or just need to change your habits.

Here are 5 signs that you may have a binge eating problem:

1 You eat in secret.

2 You eat a LOT in one sitting.

3 You focus on other things while devouring food.

4 You feel out of control.

5 You feel terrified if you try to stop.

Do you ever "sneak" food and try to hide it from others? Do you wait until no one is looking before diving into that cheesecake? If so, you may be a secret binge eater, and not addressing the issue could cause your weight loss goals to fail - not to mention the health risks that come along with overeating in such a manner.

Binge eating is often a signal that something deeper is going on inside of you. Usually it's related to fear, unresolved trauma, or uncomfortable emotions, and you eat excessive amounts of food to try to deal with the feelings. Sometimes the compulsion can be so strong that you need professional help to overcome it.

But sometimes binge eating has simply become a habit and it's easy enough to manage on your own - only you can say for sure if that's the case.

If you think you will be able to overcome the binge eating habit yourself, one good way to start is to make a commitment to eat only while other people are around.

Since almost all binge eating is done in secret, eating when other people are around will help you keep it under control. This won't be possible if you live alone, of course, but in that case, you could pretend that you are eating with others so you are less tempted to overdo it.

Another good way to overcome binge eating is to remove distractions while eating. Shut off the television, set aside books and newspapers, and focus only on your food. Pay close attention to your body and be sure to stop eating before you reach the point of being uncomfortably full.

Finally, get in touch with your feelings as much as possible because almost always when you feel like going on a binge, you feel the uncomfortable emotions first. Ask yourself questions like, "Why do I feel like eating right now? What do I really need? What feeling am I trying to run away from?"

When you understand why you're running or trying to deaden uncomfortable emotions, you'll be better equipped to deal with them instead of quieting them with food.

If you still struggle to overcome binge eating, it's best to consult with a qualified professional who can help you work through heavy feelings and change your habits in a safe environment.