How Bodybuilding Can Help You Beat Binge Eating
By: Marie Spano
There is one eating disorder that people are so hush-hush about that many of the sufferers don’t realize they are far from alone. It’s called binge eating disorder. And, it is actually the most common eating disorder.
This article will give you the real truth on binge eating and help you incorporate techniques to beat it, whether you suffer from an occasional binge episode or a full-blown eating disorder.
Binge Eating Disorder Is Actually
The Most Common Eating Disorder.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
We all overeat on occasion. But, in some people this once in a while occasion can turn into a regular occurrence tangled with shame, secrecy, and a compulsion to binge. People with binge eating disorder are embarrassed about their episodes and inability to stop gorging in the midst of a binge.
There are varying levels along the bingeing spectrum. Some may binge several times a day and others once a week. However, common symptoms of this disorder include:
- Consumption of unusually large amounts of food during a binge (thousands of calories).
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
- Eating even when full or uncomfortably full.
- Eating rapidly during binges.
- Feeling like you lack control over eating.
- Feeling depressed, anxious, guilty or embarrassed after eating.
- Hoarding food.
- Eating alone.
- Hiding empty food containers.
- Running out to replace another person’s food that you ate.
- Binge eating disorder is characterized as at least twice a week for at least six months.
Hoarding Food Is A Characteristic Of Binge Eating.
Binge eating disorder has also been called compulsive overeating. And, while many people with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese, some are normal weight and compensate by dieting in between binges.
There are many potential complications or issues from binge eating disorder including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Substance abuse
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood cholesterol
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Headaches
- Sleeping issues
What causes bingeing and binge eating disorder? The specific cause may be unknown but experts believe that a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors all contribute to binge eating disorder.
How Bodybuilding Can Help You Beat Binge Eating
Though some bodybuilders employ strict dieting strategies, bodybuilding can actually help you conquer the battle of the binge. Here’s how:
- Bodybuilders eat frequent meals. Binging is often brought on by eating too few calories or waiting to long between meals. When you go for hours without eating or if you drastically underfeed your body, you are setting yourself up for a binge episode.
To get a fab physique and improve their health, bodybuilders know how important it is to eat frequent small meals to keep their bodies well fueled and their energy levels stable. Doing this can help prevent bingeing.
- Bodybuilding boosts your self-esteem. A preoccupation with body shape, weight and appearance are common factors associated with binge-eating disorder. However, bodybuilding makes you feel better about your body regardless of your shape, weight or size.
If you go into the gym frequently and workout hard, you will get stronger, walk taller and feel better about yourself. When the challenges in the gym spill over into everyday life and people are asking for your help moving furniture or lifting something, you can’t help but feel good about yourself and the body you’ve created. .
Bodybuilding Makes You Feel Better About Your Body Regardless Of Your Shape, Weight Or Size.
- Bodybuilding helps your mental state. People who are predisposed to depression or other psychological issues may have a greater propensity toward binge eating. Bodybuilding can help you feel better.
First, it gives you something to do so you are never bored (looking for self-improvement,
Secondly, exercise can decrease your stress and anxiety. It can also help you cope with anger management issues. All of these things can steer you away from bingeing on food to cope with your feelings.
