Why Do We Binge on Certain Foods?

You may notice that you binge on certain foods. Have you ever wondered why? Have you ever wanted to quit bingeing? Perhaps the best way to quit bingeing on certain foods is to find out why you binge in the first place.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) affects about 3.5% of the adult population in the U.S. BED is the most common eating disorder. Other types of bingeing behaviors like shopping and drinking, are also common. All of these binge-type behaviors are unhealthy coping methods used to manage negative emotions. In short, people binge because it helps them deal with bad feelings.

What Triggers Binge Eating?

Have you ever thought back to what triggers your binge eating? It’s helpful to try and pinpoint what makes you want to eat—and keep eating. Researchers have found three possible triggers for binge eating.

Social and Cultural Factors

Being part of a culture that prizes appearance and confidence can trigger binge eating. Binge eating can become a way to satisfy hunger. When a person doesn’t have self-confidence, they can easily fall into our culture’s desire for perfection.

Wanting to be perfect is an impossible goal. No one will ever be perfect because we’re all unique and flawed. Unfortunately, someone with binge-eating behaviors may not accept their uniqueness. Instead, they may be triggered by these social influences and binge eat instead.

Numbing Psychological Pain

In most cases, binge eating gets triggered by psychological influences. Research shows that most binge eating starts as a way to avoid difficult emotions like anxiety or stress. Ironically, binge eating is a way to numb with those feelings. But binge eating only leads to guilt and shame.

Chemical Rewards

When a person binges on food, a chemical response occurs in the brain. The brain releases “feel-good” chemicals that trigger the brain to want more food. This turns into something like addiction, where the brain keeps asking for more food to recreate that initial “high.”

How to Stop Overeating Certain Foods

It’s hard to resist the siren call of a donut or bag of potato chips. Despite the temptation to overeat, you can stop bingeing on certain foods. The following are tips to help you curb your habits.

Eat Regularly on Schedule

Putting off meals can lead to binge eating. If you’re hungry, you’re more likely to overeat. Keeping yourself from getting too hungry can reduce the chances that you’ll binge.

Go for a Short Walk

Studies have shown that walking can help control binge eating. Regular exercise can help take your mind off eating. Even a short walk can refocus your thoughts and keep you from bingeing.

Give Hypnosisa Try

Hypnosis therapy, also known as hypnotherapy, can help manage binge eating. Eli Bliliuos, the founder of the NYC Hypnosis Center says, “the subconscious can trigger emotions without your control, making you more likely to binge eat. By accessing your subconscious, a certified hypnotist can help program your mind to make healthyfood choices. Hypnosis can also help lower stress and prevent binge eating. I am often asked; how do I find a reputable center for hypnosis near me for weight loss? Research is important but not time consuming. Look for video recorded testimonials that look and sound authentic.

Start Doing Yoga

Studies show that yoga can lower stress hormones in the body. By reducing these hormones, you’re more likely to keep yourself from overeating. Doing yoga doesn’t require any pricey gear or classes. You can learn to do yoga in the privacy of your own home.

Quit Binge Eating for Good

While it’s hard to stop yourself from eating the whole tub of ice cream, it is possible. All it takes is a little bit of thinking outside the box. You may have tried sheer willpower, but that won’t work all by itself. Start new habits to curb binge eating. Try different options and find the one that works for you.