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BINGE EATING IS A SYMPTOM OF RESTRICTION

It took me a while to learn this, but the solution to feeling really out of control around food is not trying to get in control of food.

It's a bit of paradox and counter-intuitive but the more in control we try to be, the more out of control we end up feeling.

In fact, it's very well-researched and scientifically documented that restriction (or controlling our food intake) leads to binge eating (or being out of control of our food intake).

That means binge eating is actually a symptom (or side effect) of restriction.

It's phase 2 of a cycle known as the Diet-Binge Cycle, and Diet Culture prescribes "willpower and self-control" to manage the symptoms, but it doesn't work long term.

Rather, the long-term solution is to address the root cause, not try to manage the symptom.

So while we identify as binge eaters, it's actually more accurate and a hell of a lot more helpful to identify as restrictive eaters because outside the context of restriction and deprivation around food (aka dieting), binge eating almost never happens.

I am willing to bet if most of you reflect back on your relationship with food, binge eating occurred after you started restricting and controlling your food (removing/reducing bread, sugar or whatever).

Have a lot of compassion for yourself if you're stuck in the cycle, it's not your fault. Diet Culture has misinformed us all. What it tells us will help us actually perpetuate and intensify the "out-of-control-ness" we feel around food.

All this is to say is that if you're struggling with binge eating, let go of your judgment around it. Instead, get curious about where in your life you are still restricting, on your plate and in your mind - because there lies the key to putting binge eating behind you.

xo C

Binge Eating Recovery Resources



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