Being a former victim of an eating disorder I understand the fear of eating, the sudden binges and the feeling of being completely out of control and lonely. Anyone actively suffering from binges must realize that it is not your fault, but rather due to a biochemical disturbance caused by a low caloric diet. While willpower is what will kill a binge, you must realize that the willpower begins in eating.

Most people interesting in losing weight will drastically drop their calories. For some, 1500 calories a day is a decent number, for others this is extremely low. However, many fad diets and dieting clinics will dip far below the maintenance caloric level, in turn, putting the body in starvation defense mode.

Individuals who drastically cut calories below 1500 or their maintenance level frequently develop bingeing habits. At least half the individuals that regularly diet take active binges. This is the reason to take a designated cheat day once a week to convenience the body that it is not starving and to set the metabolism in motion again.

A binge is not necessarily a form of weakness or willpower, but is associated with an imbalance correlated with a low-caloric diet. Not only does a low calorie diet put the body in a starvation defense, but also affects the thyroid, slowing down the metabolism, in turn, storing more fat.

The body's defense in correcting the imbalanced thyroid takes place through binges, which makes the thyroid active once again. After a binge an excess amount of calories has ingested, and out of guilt and punishment the individual starves himself again. This type of behavior is a form of yo-yo dieting that leads to weight gain.

To combat binges take control over your eating habits. This is where willpower and focus take place. You must supply you body with fuel to function. A binge is not a sign of weakness, but a result of a disruption in the thyroid. Allow yourself the maintenance number of calories a day for your body and grant yourself a cheat day to keep the thyroid and metabolism active and functioning properly. Starving yourself will not result in weight loss but eating will. Please eat and take control of your life.

2002 Karen Sessions All Rights Reserved