Treating Binge Eating Disorder During the Jolliest Time of the Year

Those who struggle with binge eating know the feeling of losing control, eating until uncomfortably and painfully full, wallowing in shame and guilt, and then not emerging satisfied even after consuming thousands of calories. Most eating disorders begin before the age of 25. Have you been bingeing for months, years, or decades? Do you see a pattern in your behavior?

Unlike other substances, food is not something you can avoid. God gave us food to nourish our bodies, fuel our minds, and satisfy our stomachs. Yet, people who struggle with stopping during a binge eventually develop a negative view of themselves. The very body, referred to as a temple of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, is suddenly vilified by our own behaviors.

But there is help. You can gain control of an eating disorder and find binge eating treatments – even during the holidays.

Diagnosing Binge Eating Disorder

If you are wondering if you have developed binge eating disorder, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you suddenly find yourself consuming large amounts of food in a short time, say two hours?
• Do you feel shame and guilt after a binge?
• Do those feelings make you binge in secret, maybe in your car, or after everyone has gone to bed?
• Does food give you a euphoric “high” like what substance abusers feel?
• Do you feel out of control after a binge?
• Do you binge two or more times in a week?
• Do you struggle with weight gain?
• Do you find yourself continually dieting with hardly any noticeable weight loss?
• Do you eat during a binge until you feel painfully full but not satisfied?

If these questions hit too close to home, it might be time to seek help from a professional therapist specializing in eating disorders. Statistics show that 20% of people with eating disorders who never take the first step with treatment die. Binge eating increases gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, extreme insulin levels, fat storage, high blood pressure, low self-esteem, depression, and other physical and mental conditions.

Once you realize you have a problem with bingeing, you can take steps to minimize and overcome the eating disorder.

When You Feel Out of Control During the Holidays

The holidays are typically known for celebrations, family, friends, events, gifts, and food. To someone who struggles with bingeing, the thought of being surrounded by a massive quantity of various foods may cause a rush of anxiety.

Anxiety not only from the next binge (or multiple binges, if we are honest) but also knowing that temporarily they will feel the “food high” that substance abusers chase; the surge in brain chemicals that leave behind a euphoric sensation.

The following is a list of things you can do to prepare for the holidays, but before you study the list, remember that overcoming binge eating will require you to stay present and mindful of your choices. By staying in the present, you will force your mind away from the anxiety of the past and the worry of the future. It is too easy to seek comfort when we do not focus on the moment. We must practice mindfulness, especially while eating.

1. Slow down and simplify your life.

Binges have a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect them. If your guard is down because your mind is racing with the busyness of the holidays, then perhaps it is time to simplify your schedule. Prioritize the essential items on your list and either delegate or drop the other things. Your health (and peace of mind) is of vital importance.

2. Plan ahead for events.

Not including emotions, what also brings on a binge? Restricted foods and deficits in nutrition. Are you eating enough nutritious foods or junk food? If your body is searching for vital nutrients, you will be more likely to feel the urge to binge. Prepare your own healthy meals and snacks before events and portion them out. If you plan to eat a food that usually triggers a binge, plan to eat a small portion in front of people and refuse to keep any of it in your house.

3. Stay well hydrated.

Just as your body searches for the proper nutrients in food, God designed it to crave water. Unfortunately, after many years of abusing our bodies with generous quantities of food, we sometimes can no longer differentiate hunger and thirst. Make sure you are staying hydrated throughout the day.

Check with your physician to see what the right amount of water should be for you. Some doctors recommend 64 ounces a day while others suggest you halve your body weight and drink that amount in ounces. For example, a 200-pound woman would drink 100 ounces of water each day.

4. Practice self-care.

It is easy to place others and their needs above our own. After all, we strive to be Christ-like in every area. But you must also stay healthy and strong in order to serve others. Practicing self-care does not have to mean trips to the spa and salon.

It could be something as simple as reading a book, listening to an album with your eyes closed, or practicing a hobby that has been on the back burner. Any activity that brings you happiness and peace is an activity of self-care. Make a list and a commitment to do something at least once a day.

5. Create boundaries in every area of life.

As Christians, we forgive those that have wronged us, even if they never apologize. But it is also pertinent that you create boundaries in your life to protect your peace and avoid binge-eating triggers. Toxic relationships and circumstances are no longer for you.

This holiday, if you know you will be around friends and family that cause you to binge, consider bowing out at some point, cutting the event short, or excusing yourself altogether while you are going through binge eating treatment. If you have well-meaning “Food Pushers” in your family, prepare ahead with things you can politely say to let them know you are not interested right now.

5. Enlist a support person or team.

Having a support team at your side, either physically or virtually, can help you through some of the most challenging moments during the holidays. This can be a friend, family member, or community who you trust. In some cases, if you belong to a group who have overcome eating disorders, you can find a mentor. Check for group counseling sessions or eating disorder support groups if you do not have anyone to lean on.

Professional Binge Eating Treatments

Binge eating treatments from professional mental health care providers are available in your area. Many counseling centers include personalized treatments with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), talk therapy, anxiety, and depression treatment, and nutrition counseling.

Family or couples therapy is typically also offered since the eating disorder can affect the entire household. Family members or spouses can learn how to be supportive while keeping you accountable without making things worse by offending you. Of course, this must take place on a case-by-case basis if you feel safe sharing your bingeing history with people close to you.

Since eating disorders can coexist with other mental health conditions, your therapist will need to get to the root of the behavior. They may need to treat binge eating disorder while also managing deep-seated anxiety, depression, compulsive disorders, or anger issues.

Isaiah 40:29 states, “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” If you feel weak, ashamed, or guilty because of an eating disorder, contact us today. Together, we will lean on God and prayerfully overcome. By acknowledging that you need help, you are already on your way out of the dark tunnel and into His healing light.