Compulsive Eating Signs

Compulsive eating is characterized mainly by periods of impulsive bingeing or continuous eating. Purging (vomiting or laxatives) are not present, but there may be intervals of repetitive diets or fasts. Body weight can range from normal to severe obesity. Compulsive eating is a behavior driven by desire to reduce anxiety rather than by feelings of hunger. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors reduce anxiety and distress, but they create a self-perpetuating cycle. The eating activity provides temporary relief, but it is followed by further distress in the form of guilt, shame, and disgust. This often leads to a vicious cycle of binge eating and depression. Compulsive eating can be a behavior used to fill a void, suppress uncomfortable emotions, cope with problems or to create a state of numbness to everything that is going on. Triggers can be anxiety, depression, stress, boredom or loneliness, dieting, and low self-esteem.

Self-criticism will not stop the eating behavior. Diets make the problem worse. At first there may be some weight loss success, but with the hunger and restriction eventually comes a binge response. This overeating episode brings in feelings of failure and even more depression. Will power will not cure compulsive overeating. Creating rules around eating will not solve the problem. Compulsive overeating is a coping behavior that must be recognized as such and dealt with by learning and incorporating other behaviors which are at least as effective as eating.

SYMPTOMS OF COMPULSIVE EATING:

(This is not a complete list of signs and symptoms. Nor must a person have every symptom on the list to have compulsive eating behaviors.)

* Eating normally in front of others and compulsively overeating alone.

* Eating late at night or while others are asleep.

* Hiding a private stash of junk food.

* Unhappy with body weight.

* Always thinking about food.

* Eating to feel better.

* Not enjoying the food being eaten.

* Feeling out of control and unable to stop eating during binges.

* Continuing to eat even after feeling full.

* Becoming anxious while eating.

* A history of diet failures.

* Depression.

* Feels guilty and ashamed of binge eating.

* Worrying while eating.

* Eating frantically, barely chewing food.

* Hiding food.

* Eating secretly.

* Bingeing after a diet.

* Hunger creates a feeling of vulnerability and uneasiness.

If you recognize yourself as a compulsive eater - take heart! There is hope and there is healing. I believe that people with addictive eating behaviors are unique, creative, caring and sensitive individuals who need to find a connection back with their true inner spirit. Recovery occurs as an individual develops a sense of their own spirit and self and body, and a belief that their emotions are valid, important, and worth noticing.

Copyright 2005, Dr. Annette Colby, all rights reserved.

Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Nutrition Therapist & Master Energy Healer
972.985.8750
Annette@AnnetteColby.com

"Opening Creative Portals to Success"

For free inspirational newsletter, articles & info visit: http://www.LovingMiracles.com

---

Eat More Often to Lose Weight

I'm sure you have heard it before, but one of... Read More

7 Strategies To Stop Eating Junk Food!

FACT: Obesity accounts for 300,000 deaths a year in the... Read More

A Startling Fact About Losing Dangerous Belly Fat -- Without Exercise

The story broke in the international press on October 4th,... Read More

Dieters Need More Calcium

Women on diets need more calcium than normal to avoid... Read More

Low Carb Diets - Are They For You?

The revolution is here. Weight Loss as we know it... Read More

How To Maintain Your Weight Loss Motivation

One of the hardest aspects of getting yourself into shape,... Read More

The Calorie Formula -understand Them and Lose Them

We have all heard of those new diets, Atkins, low... Read More

Obesity Prevention Must Begin at Home

Not losing weight but gaining it is why we are... Read More

Diet Pills, Products, and Dieting Supplements - Can They Help You Lose Weight Quickly?

Fighting obesity has become one of the most important issues... Read More

Compulsive Eating and Binge Eating Disaster Plan

Congratulations on waking up each morning and greeting the day... Read More

Pizza, French Fries, Beer and Other Diet Foods

Now this is the real American Dream! I'm here to... Read More

How The Motto Be Prepared Can Help You Lose Weight

Be Prepared. For the Boy Scouts it means you are... Read More

Hoodia Gordonii - The Hoodia Cactus - Whered My Appetite Go? My Experience with Pure Hoodia

If you are into herbs and natural cures, you've undoubtedly... Read More

Ephedra - 101

What is ephedra? Ephedra, which is also known as Ma... Read More

Secrets of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Lose Weight Without Surgery

There's more to gastric bypass than surgery and rapid massive... Read More

Dieting Obstacle When Life Gets in the Way

Dieting Dilemma No 1: When Life Gets in the WayThat... Read More

Are Weight Loss Supplements Worth It?

What do you think of the hundreds of weight loss... Read More

Taking Control of Your Cellulite

Cellulite happens to us for many reasons. Some reasons-- like... Read More

How to End the Food Cravings with EFT

Breaking Down Cravings One at a TimeI know you've heard... Read More

Weight Loss the Easy Way!

With weight loss comes a lot of dedication and change... Read More

Dieting? What You Need to Know About Physical Activity

What is the best form of physical activity?The best form... Read More

How To Lose Weight Quickly and Safely

"I eat like a bird, why do I gain weight?"... Read More

Conquer Those Carbohydrate Cravings

Are you a hopeless carbohydrate addict? Let's conquer these cravings... Read More

Can Weight Loss Improve Your Health And Make You Feel Better?

Many people today are interested in weight loss and weight... Read More

Take Control of Your Metabolism:Quick Tips for Increased Muscle Tone, Faster Fat Burning, and Energy

So many people are talking about how slow their metabolism... Read More

Dieting: A Few Smart Dieting Secrets To Rejuvenate You

In our society of fast food and long hours spent... Read More

Healthy Supplements Make Diet Pills Obsolete!

Diet PillsTaking diet pills is definitely not an effective weight... Read More

Push a Button to Lose Weight

Trash Your TV! is pleased to announce the easiest weight... Read More

Lose 104 Pounds In A Year

Did you ever think about the fact that losing 2... Read More

Speed up Metabolism

Metabolism is essentially the speed at which our body's motor... Read More

The Three Simple Steps to Fat Loss

More than 70% of US adults are overweight and that... Read More

Phentermine Generics & Brand Names: How To Avoid Prescriptions Riddled With Impurities

Which diet pill are you currently taking for your weight... Read More

Eating Out

I know how difficult it can be do stick to... Read More