How To Stop A Binge

It’s Ask–absolutely–anything Friday.

Here’s a question that came in via the IntuitiveBodySanctuary.com during the week.

” Hi Lisa- what’s something we can do in the moment when we feel a binge coming on?”

NOTE**(I wrote a WHOLE CHAPTER on this that you can download right this second on my other website, www.FreedomFromBinges.com)

The tension leading up to a binge is based in uncomfortable thoughts and emotions that you may not be aware of. And this isn’t a good time to try to “figure it out”, it will only amplify the intensity of the discomfort and make you feel even more disconnected and maybe agitated.

What I always recommend is to find a way to reconnect with your physical body- to find a way to get grounded. The urge to binge is essentially an urge to disconnect from the discomfort of whatever got stirred up- you might not even know what it was that was the trigger.

First, you need to BREAK THE TRANCE.If possible, leave the scene! Get out of the kitchen if you can- even shifting locations can shift your energy and your perspective. The idea is to interrupt the energy of the oncoming binge anyway you can. Switch rooms, wash your hands, call a friend, step outside, any of these can break the autopilot trance that people tend to feel.

Getting grounded, to me, means coming back into your body, into conscious awareness, and into present-time.

Something simple you can try is just placing your palms against your abdomen or ribcage and counting in for 4 on the inhale, and out for 4 on the exhale. Again, this distracts the compulsion and intensity of the urge to binge. Breathing is soooo simple (so simple that everyone forgets what a powerful relaxation and grounding tool it can be) and when you use it as a way to anchor your attention you may find yourself releasing the urge to binge.

Planning in advance some sort of simple “escape plan” is really helpful, you want something you can do automatically. Read more about this in the F’R’E’E chapter giveaway on my website FreedomFromBinges.com- there are lots of details and hopefully something there that can help you.

I hope this helps and feel free to post comments or other questions that I can answer here another time.

Wishing you love and blissful freedom always,

xox

Lisa

PS- Of course you can always just plunk down some money and buy the whole Freedom From Binges ebook online. It’s got over 200 pages of really solid information, with a new perspective on overeating that you will really appreciate and be able to use. There’s exercises for energy healing, journal topics, and over 35 chapters. No fluff, no kidding- this book contains everything I have learned about overeating and binge-eating in my 23 years as a therapist, and through my own journey as a binge-eater. Check it out here.