Bingeing!

How can you reclaim your relationship with food and find healthier alternatives to bingeing?

In our last blog, I explored the urgency behind binge eating and the emotions that often drive this behaviour. Today, let’s focus on finding balance and developing healthier ways to meet our emotional needs.

Challenging Beliefs About Self-Care

If binge eating feels like a form of self-care, it’s important to examine that belief and explore other ways to fulfil that need.

We may need to challenge the ideas we’ve built around what is acceptable and what feels over-indulgent.

Would you feel ‘bad’ spending 15 minutes simply sitting and looking out of the window?

Perhaps you don’t take this kind of complete downtime each day and instead seek solace in food, because, after all, everyone enjoys good food, don’t they? But not everyone sits staring out of a window (though maybe we should!).

Taking intentional rest, where you fully switch off and let go of responsibilities, may feel indulgent or selfish. But prioritising rest and recharge is crucial.

If you don’t, you might miss the sign from God that your body, mind, and spirit need nourishment.

What can you do today?

- Read a book?

- Lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling?

- Watch a programme that no one else in your family likes?

- Sit outside and watch the trees?

- Put on worship music at full volume and dance as if no one is watching?

Take time to reflect on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Even if they seem unproductive, they might be exactly what you need.

Embracing Your Choices

At the beginning of your journey, it can be helpful to acknowledge a binge for what it is and allow yourself to fully experience it, without distractions or guilt.

Notice how the food tastes and feels in your mouth, your throat, your stomach. How do you feel before, during, and after?

This isn’t about encouraging binge eating, it’s about giving yourself permission to be present in the moment. If someone walks in, don’t feel the need to hide. You’ve chosen to allow yourself this experience.

After a binge, be kind to yourself. Recognise that you’re making progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Over time, your desires will change, and certain foods may no longer hold the same appeal.

Nourishing Your Body and Mind

Next time you feel physical hunger, ask yourself: 'What do I truly want to eat?' Then, enjoy it, without guilt.

As you learn to listen to your body’s needs, your cravings will likely shift towards more nourishing foods.

And remember, there’s no point forcing down a cold salad if you’re craving something warm, or crunching through celery when you just can’t be bothered to chew! Meeting your actual needs can help prevent cravings later on.

Moving Forward

I encourage you to make time for yourself, indulge in activities you love, and remember: seeking self-care is not selfish.

Too often (and I say this to myself too!) we only learn this the hard way.

If you’re at the start of your journey and would like support alongside others facing similar challenges, why not join us on the Healthy, Whole & Free Course where we dig deeper into these behaviours and step out in freedom.