How to Control Compulsive Eating

Binge eaters feel powerless to stop eating.

Many people occasionally eat more than they should. It is normal to eat one too many cookies or to take a second helping of pasta at dinner as long as it doesn't happen all the time. People who compulsively overeat may suffer from a binge-eating disorder, a condition in which people eat large amounts of food and are powerless to stop. Binge eaters eat when they are not hungry and don't stop eating when they are full. However, it is possible to stop binge eating with the proper help.

Instructions

1. Make healthier food choices. This includes choosing healthful foods at restaurants, making balanced meal plans and getting the right vitamins and minerals in your diet. Plan to eat three nutritious meals a day filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Eat breakfast daily; skipping this meal often leads to overeating later in the day. When you go to a restaurant, ask the server for a box to put half of your meal in, so you do not overeat, advises the nonprofit organization, Helpguide.

2. Exercise regularly. Working out not only controls your weight, it puts you in a better mood, improves your health and relieves stress. The natural mood-boosting effects of exercise can help with binge eating, according to Help Guide. Go for a 30-minute walk with your dog or ride your bike down to the beach. Taking a dance class is also an enjoyable way to burn calories.

3. Deal with stress in healthier ways. Some ways to do this is to write in a journal, focus on the positive aspects of your life, call a friend or listen to some music.

4. Talk to a therapist. Therapy can teach you how to trade unhealthy habits for healthy ones, monitor your eating and moods and learn effective ways to deal with stress. Joining a support group for binge eaters could be beneficial. Knowing that other people share your problems may help you not feel so alone.

5. Take medication, with your doctor's approval. Medication can decrease the number of binge-eating episodes, improve body mass index and increase weight loss. Some common medications use to treat binge-eating disorder are antidepressants, appetite suppressants and a seizure drug called topiramate, according to Helpguide.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid temptation: Do not stock your kitchen with food that you normally like to binge on.

References

• Helpguide: Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Help
• Helpguide: Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress