Things You'll Need:
- Health care professional, such as a doctor
- Medically approved exercise regimen
- Warm water or tea
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Step 1
Have your doctor perform a complete physical examination before you begin any exercise regimen. Overeating and other types of binge behaviors can put undue stress on the heart and circulatory system, especially if you are morbidly obese. Your doctor may have to design a specific exercise plan that allows you to start off slowly, and concentrate on certain parts of your body that need the most attention.
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Step 2
Treat your body gently. Ease into your program when you use exercise to treat overeating. Many people give up on exercise when they plunge into it enthusiastically only to be sidelined with an injury because they are in such poor shape. Exercise just enough to increase your heart rate for a few minutes at a time and then work slowly toward longer exercise sessions as you develop more stamina.
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Step 3
Try physical activities such as yoga, tai chi, stretching exercises and deep breathing exercises, which are known to raise serotonin levels in the brain. Low serotonin levels can cause depression, which is usually an important component in eating disorders. Try exercising outdoors, since exposure to sunlight has been proven to raise serotonin levels as well.
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Step 4
Use exercise as a way to distract yourself from cravings and urges that may precipitate a food binge. Drink a large glass of water, and go outside for a long walk. By the time you return, your craving may actually be replaced with real hunger, since you will have burned enough calories to work up an honest appetite.
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Step 5
Drink warm liquids such as tea or warm water immediately after exercising. Drinking cold liquids such as ice water or sports drinks can actually slow down your metabolism temporarily, restricting your body's ability to properly burn calories.
