DestinationSpaVacations Eating Out of Order?

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Health
Eating Out of Order?
By
Jun 8, 2010 - 3:07:26 PM

Disordered eating is simply eating that is out of order. This can include compulsive over eating (bingeing), stress eating- eating when we're not hungry, anorexia- not eating, even if we are hungry, or bulimia- eating followed by purging. Simply put, in any of the many forms, it's a bad relationship with food.

Experts site the need to be in control as the #1 motivator for disordered eating. Other factors may include isolation, chronic dieting, poor body image, unmanaged stress, loneliness, depression, or fear.

Symptoms of binge-eating include eating to the point of discomfort or pain, eating beyond what is normal, or very quickly during an "episode", feeling that your eating habits are out of control, eating alone, feeling guilty, depressed or disgusted or upset over the amount of food eaten in an "episode". An "episode" usually includes consuming a compulsive and large amount of calories in a short period of time, and feeling unable to stop eating. Bingers often eat normally around others, and binge in secret, when they don't risk discovery.

Stress-eating may include bingeing. Stress may create a craving for salty and sweet food due to excess cortisol (the stress hormone that is over secreted when we are overly stressed). Stress and anxiety sometimes create oral fixations, which can include nail biting, teeth grinding, and over eating. When real emotions are not clearly communicated or acknowledged, those "stuffed emotions" can be quieted with food. It's a good question to ask, "WHAT AM I FEEDING"? If it isn't hunger, it might be stress, sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, boredom, etc.Understanding what triggers your stress eating is pivotal in being able to overcome it. Journaling on your own may be helpful, but there are also great professionals who can help. Psychologists, Eating Disorder Specialists, Nutritional Counselors, Support Groups (such as Weight Watchers and Over Eaters Anonymous), and Residential Treatment Centers are all legitimate considerations.

Other forms of disordered eating include excessive Social Eating. It is common and acceptable, but may lead to regret after the rich meal, excessive sweets, and flowing alcohol. Childhood Habits can be broken as well- how was food presented in your original home? Was it a reward? A comfort? Too much? Too little? Center of every celebration, or just a healthy part?

Dissolving Myths about Eating Disorders
*You don't have to be overweight or underweight to have an eating disorder. People with disordered eating come in all shapes and sizes and simply put, do not have a healthy relationship with food.
*You don't have to be a teen! Although women aged 13-27 are the most vulnerable, women and men of all ages can have disordered eating habits.
*Vanity is the root. Nope. Actually, those who follow extreme diets, overthink every food choice, eat too much or too little or purge what they eat are obsessive, and are not vain, but rather usually struggling more with insecurity, shame, fear, powerlessness (leading to the need to control SOMETHING) and anxiety.

Eating Disorder Warning Signs
*Preoccupation with body and/or weight
*Obsession with calories, food, and nutrition
*Constant dieting without maintained weight loss
*Rapid weight loss or gain
*Taking laxatives or sleeping pills
*Compulsive exercising
*Eating before or after normal meals and hiding it
*Hoarding unhealthy food

Let me hasten to say that if you are overweight, this is a bit of a tight rope! Being conscious of food intake is essential. Exercising is essential. If you're not sure where healthy lines are drawn, please seek professional help!

There's so much more to say, but I think that's enough fun for one day-Don't be discouraged. I have never yet met a perfect person. We are all in process- pursuing our best and most healthy self. Don't beat yourself up over your imperfections, but if something here struck a chord with you, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Be honest about your relationship with food, asking the question: Are my eating habits OUT OF ORDER?