The Urge to Binge, and What to do When it Arises

This morning I made a list of the above 3 categories.

I found it very helpful to become aware of just what I get out of binging. The momentary emotional numbing that it provides is just not worth it for the destruction it causes!

To have a go-to list of ways to distract yourself when emotions flare up is doubly handy.

Next time you're in a bind, give yourself a time-out.

Refer to this list.

Read off your reasoning out loud in its entirety. I find it helps to read it to another person! IF you can sustain a 10-15 break from eating from the time the urge began, I can promise that seemingly unalterable urge will begin to dissipate.

Similarly to the brain when it undergoes a panic attack, the adrenaline only courses through your body for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, the sufferer is usually able to collect themselves (I have also suffered from panic attacks, and so I can attest to this).

If you utilize this tool, you're going to see a substantial decrease in the number of cravings, but the intensity level of each emotional wave. In the end, any tool that you can use to implement a greater awareness of what's going on in your brain and body at the time of an urge, the better chance you will have of overriding your psychological cravings. Give yourself permission for a little break!