Is there a cure for compulsive overeating?

Question

Or how to you tell yourself there is no need to eat the whole pack of cookies etc, I barely notice I have eaten half the pack, so I just carry on. It's not always unhealthy stuff that I eat, but it is usually in big quantities.

Answer 1

Eat regularly so your blood sugar remains more stable (also helps with weight loss) but never eat more than a cup (250ml) of food at a time. Instead of eating 2 or 3 large meals a day, try eating 8 times a day, but maybe only a small handful of food at time.

Most of the time when I overeat it is because I have gone too long without eating anything and I feel like I need more food than I actually do because my blood sugar crashes. People also tend to crave more processed food high in sugars and fats when their blood sugar drops too low.

So just try eating more often, but healthy foods, in fairly small quantities. If eating is something you do quite regularly, your brain might not have so much seperation anxiety (grins) over it and you won't be inclined (one hopes) to overeat when you do eat.

Good luck!

Also, try turning off the TV! People often eat more to comfort themselves when they are sad or scared since it is one of the earliest encounters we have in our brain with the mother (breastfeeding, or percieved breastfeeding). Food is linked in our heads with comfort. The news these days is pretty hyper and there is not much anyone can directly do, so turn off the news and see if that makes a difference.

Answer 2

no cure. it's all psychological. have control.

first of all, when you tell yourself not to eat something, DON'T let yourself say "oh... just one", because you will then indulge yourself with the entire package.

eat only 3 meals a day with light snacks in between, being only carrot sticks or celery (no peanut butter). maybe hummus. also clear your fridge of anything that can tempt you a long time.

a meal should consist of one good serving of lean meat (being chicken or fish), some sort of carb (rice or noodles) and some green vegatables. before eating, look at your food for 5 minutes (time it) and then eat VERY SLOWLY. you will be more full that way. drink 8oz of milk after you eat.

also, make sure to sleep on time. you get hungry and lose control with sleep deprivation, and also there is more time for you to be tempted. occupy yourself with things during the day (things far away from food stores)

it's very important to stick with this sort of regimen. it is very difficult to follow for about a week, but once you're used to it, you'll be healthy.

Answer 3

compulsive overeating, also known as binge eating, is actually extremely common among women today. It's actually related to emotional and psychological issues. I sufferered it for about 8 months. You have to actually try and figure out what's going on deep down that is causing you to overeat to avoid the emotions. Seriously...it's complicated actually, annoying, and hard. But those with a lot of will power can manage to get by better than others.

Answer 4

First why do you think you are overeating? Are you having a stressful day, or are you hungry and bored and is it a habit?
I will do that, but I share everything with my dogs...so sometimes I may only get one thing and they get the rest.
I used to smoke, I think that started the having the snaks. I have a girlfriend who put a small refrigerator in her den, when she studies all that is in the refrigerator is carrot sticks and celery and dips of course. When she gets a craving, wala there is the healthy thing. She said she only can eat 5 at the most and her jaws get tired. So, she doesn't eat as much...
Try it, with anything that requires a lot of chewing...sometimes we just want something to do with our mouths while we are busy with something else....
Good luck....you can do it.

Answer 5

Put a very horrible picture of you on everything thats fattening it'd stop you!! Pinpoint when it is that you eat alot and keep yourself busyt during these times. And also think of why you need to stop doing what you do the drive that gives you should make you stop...but what I do is leave fruit in the fridge and everywhere because i like munching while I'm watching tv or it stops me from feeling bored and id prefer fruit anyway so theres no harm in munching on healthy stuff. Only buy crap food once in a while or in small quantities.

Theres "miracle" tablets but i think they're very harmful to your mental and physical health because you'd never be satified because you hadn't stopped yourself.

Stock your cupboards with healthy but nice stuff you like instead of rubbish!

Answer 6

Step away from the jelly doughnut.
In all seriousness just keep yourself busy, and when you have a snack don't sit down with the whole package just grab a few sit down enjoy and if you still want something afterwards get a glass of water.

Answer 7

repackage things when you bring them home from the store, into good sized portions, then if possible freeze them.. Make a rule that you can only eat at the table with a full place setting. don't eat while watching tv or doing things that take most of your concentration. (I have a hard time with that one, since I live alone, so, i only take drinks into the livingroom.) Good luck!

Answer 8

Don't have more than one day's food in the house at a time, or have any money there to order pizza delivery etc.

Some people find OA (Overeaters Anonymous) helpful.

Answer 9

Sugar, I do the same thing...Actually I have a half empty box of Cheeze Its in my lap...Im not sure if there's a cure, but it's pure boredom for me...I don't understand it, but I do it all the time...I am not overweight, and I am not depressed...It sucks, but I can't seem to overcome it...Just letting you know, your not alone...Good luck...Im here if you'd like to talk...<3

Answer 10

dont buy snacks.
then sit down before opening the fridge or goin to the kitchen.
drink water, every single time u even think of food-u need the full feeling so u shd replace it with water or even better unsweetened grapefruit juice and unsweetened lime juice.
it works!