As most dieters know, the most promising weight-loss regime can be totally de-railed by a crisps and chocolate binge. Binge eating is a complex topic that is closely related to your psychological wellbeing, so it's hard to give a 'one-size-fits-all' solution to this problem. Consider some of the following issues that may help you kick your cravings once and for all:
The problem with cravings is that the more we obsess about them the more likely they are to grow. Try these tips to break the cycle:
You may need to be less of a perfectionist – we all slip up occasionally! A lot of binge eating is related to 'all or nothing' behaviour: you believe that once you've started being 'bad' you might as well just continue. It also tends to be related to the idea – perhaps enforced in childhood – that there are 'good' and 'bad' foods (nutritionists prefer to believe there are only 'good' or 'bad' diets). The odd small treat is perfectly acceptable.
Only you know how much of a problem bingeing is and what level of help you might therefore need. There are a number of self help books to tackle psychological eating problems or if you feel you need further help seek out a dietician who deals with psychological eating problems. The eating disorders website at http://www.b-eat.co.uk may also help.
Nutritionist Emma White (ANutr), MSc Human Nutrition is passionate about how food science applies to the human body, and how the nutrients in what we eat affect us and ultimately have an impact on our health.
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