What To Do After a Binge
It happened...
The easter baskets and the chocolate-filled eggs.Those damn chocolate bunnies! You binged. And, you vowed this holiday would be different. not like Christmas 2016.
But, it's like the chocolate holds some sort of power over you. Maybe you went to bed feeling uncomfortably full, wondering why you just can't control yourself around food.
Maybe you're feeling...Guilty. Ashamed. Embarrassed. Afraid. And thoughts have started to creep their way in about what you can do to undo the caloric damage
An extra-long run tomorrow. Skip breakfast, skip lunch. Maybe it's the perfect time to start a Whole 30! WAIT!
Before you jump headfirst into beating yourself into a pulp over a day of eating, let's talk about healing from your binge eating disorder in a different way.
Step 1:
Take a deep breath. We don't make rational decisions when we are reeling from uncomfortable emotions that come along with binge eating disorder.
Step 2:
Instead of punishing your mind and body, why not take care of them?
-Your mind- feel those emotions! If you're angry punch a pillow. And, if you're sad, hug someone who can comfort you. If you're ashamed to speak those words to a trusted person, don't let them fester and build inside of you.
-Your body- Give your body some extra love. Allow it to do its job. What it needs right now is time to work its magic, what it doesn't need is added stress from over-exercising. Do what makes you feel good- walk, dance, stretch, do yoga... now's not the time to jump into a new program and punish yourself for overdoing it.
Step 3:
Call to mind something awesome that happened yesterday. When we are so focused on food and our bodies, it's easy to miss out on the life that's happening at the moment. Call to mind a moment of joy and connection. Relive that moment and consider how you can recreate more moments just live it.
Step 4:
Forgive yourself! For polishing off the bunny or the bag of jelly beans in a state of exhaustion, chaos, *holy shit this tastes good* or overwhelm.
-Now, really forgive yourself. Not the half-assed "meh I forgive myself" but the "I really really forgive myself for having a tough moment."
Practice identifying and being with your emotions.
Don't punish yourself with a new diet or exercise plan
Offer yourself the forgiveness you would offer someone you love.
Bouncing back after a binge eating episode can be tough. But the more you practice a new way of taking care of yourself, the easier it will become. Dealing with binge eating disorder is not something you have to endure forever, you can overcome step by step.
Get Support with Your Binge Eating Disorder in Pennsylvania From a Therapist Who Understands!
I'm a body image and eating disorder therapist in Horsham, PA. I help women and teen girls end the war against their minds, body, and food.
I specialize in binge eating disorders and helping women heal from the years of yo-yo dieting that have them feeling a bit crazy and find a new moderate and fulfilling way of living. Have questions? Want to schedule a free consultation?
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Looking for More Than Binge Eating Treatment in Pennsylvania?
Reclaim Therapy is a specialized therapy practice that provides in-person and online therapy in Pennsylvania for people struggling with Eating Disorders, Body Image, Trauma Loss, and Grief. We are a group of trauma therapists who are passionate about helping people reconnect minds and bodies so that they can find peace and joy in their everyday lives.