Healthy Living

Monday, November 30, 2009

10 ways for binge eaters to improve self-love

Even though you have binge eating disorder, it does not give you the right to hate yourself and constantly be down in the dumps.  If nothing else, it should at least give you even more of a reason to learn ways to improve the relationship with yourself so that you can stop binge eating.  It's simple really:  When you love yourself, you will respect yourself.  When you respect yourself, you will not want to binge eat.  

I know you are probably thinking that is a lot easier said than done... and you are right.  If it were that easy, there would be a lot more happy people in the world!  There would be a lot less people that have binge eating disorder!  
So, why not challenge yourself to try the ideas below and work on improving the love you have for yourself...  I mean, you don't really have anything to lose by trying it, but you have a ton to gain if the love for yourself changes and grows in a more positive way!  



Here are 10 ways to improve your relationship and love for yourself:

1.  Set boundaries for yourself and learn to say no when it's appropriate.  

2.  Discover and get to know yourself by spending time alone.   

3.  Practice positive self-talk, especially after a binge.  

4.  Learn to forgive, let go, and move on.

5.  Allow yourself to experience your emotions.  No more holding emotions inside!

6.  Praise and support yourself and your decisions without self-doubt.

7.  Notice all that you can do because of your body.  You can laugh, smile, experience love, be playful, see beautiful things, and so much more!  Without that think of how boring your life would be.

8.  Respect yourself.  It's important to take a stand when others say hurtful things to you.  Learn to speak up for yourself in these types of situations and notice how great it feels!

9.  Realize that perfection cannot be achieved.  Be happy with the person you are and know that it is crucial for positive self-growth to always continue to learn.  

10.  Be the person you are.  Don't put on an act so that certain people will like you.  Be yourself, even if that means showing your quirky traits to others.  You have to be different and it's definitely not a bad thing!

Kristin Gerstley is a former binge eater that now has a very healthy relationship with food.  She is the owner of http://www.endbingeeating.com. 


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From the Community…

Comments 1-8 of 8
  • Selena's Avatar
    Posted by Selena Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:00am PDT

    These are great ideas!

    I am a binge eater in recovery. I used to binge all day long - I could not stop eating. I tried every single diet, every self-help tip out there - dozens of times. Nothing worked.

    The only thing that has ever helped me is knowing that the binge eating was caused by having a sugar sensitive body (wonky body chemistry) and that it can be healed. I no longer binge, my depression has gone away, I am confident, love my life, and I eat just three meals a day. And I can't thank Dr Kathleen DesMaisons enough for figuring it all out.

    With best wishes from someone who's so been there and come out the other side.

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  • Alex's Avatar
    Posted by Alex Fri Sep 5, 2008 10:20am PDT

    hey sprakey, how did you stop the binge eating then? cut out your trigger food? i gained so much weight, were you able to lose weight by simply eating normally again?

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  • kristin's Avatar
    Posted by kristin Thu Nov 6, 2008 7:15pm PST

    gee, i wish alcoholics could be supported in the same way.

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  • Dawlat S's Avatar
    Posted by Dawlat S Thu Nov 6, 2008 8:55pm PST

    wow sound great i stoped eating sueger and red maet and milk prouduct after cancer survyving and now iam sooo much happy i love my life tooo much

    Report Abuse
  • faith's Avatar
    Posted by faith Fri Nov 7, 2008 2:50am PST

    self respect huh! does that mean steping on peoples heads and feeling above the world.

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  • Serpil's Avatar
    Posted by Serpil Fri Nov 7, 2008 3:13am PST

    I'm a binge eater. I love eating every hour. I live in Turkey , on the south coast,so very fresh vegetable in the local vegetable bazaarsare available .How I watch my weight is put too much raw vegetables on the table even for breakfast. I prefer eating fresh green peppers instead of bread.

    A large bowl of soup at noon comforts your stomach and a bowl of yogurt with a handfull fresh black grapes makes you happy .

    Mixed season salad in the evenings and tea or coffee no sugar.and 2 litres of water every day I recommend.

    Only have enough protein every day makes you feel energic.

    If your sleep is cut at nights, try only some yogurt two biscuits and a glass of water solves sleeping problem.

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  • Sugar Booger's Avatar
    Posted by Sugar Booger Fri Nov 7, 2008 3:41pm PST

    I am a sophomore in college and spiraling downward into a world of food. I've never thought that I've had a problem, not until recently. I know I have a problem, and no self control.

    These are good tips, but they are so easier said than done. I think something that is majorly important is to talk to others about it. They can be there for you, listen, and give you that support that can in turn help you learn to love and respect your body.

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  • Selena's Avatar
    Posted by Selena Thu Nov 13, 2008 6:12am PST

    Faircherie and losinglisa -

    Sugar sensitivity is at the bottom of all addictions including alcoholism.

    I no longer eat sugar - it acts like a drug in my system. There is now scientific evidence that sugar is as addictive as heroin. Kathleen's program is very gentle and holistic and it uses normal everyday foods. If you're interested, a quick look at radiantrecovery.com might help.

    Best wishes

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Comments 1-8 of 8

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