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Your personal nutritionist
By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

How can I stop binging when I am alone at night?
Asked by anonymous on Feb 07, 2008 in Emotional & Behavioral Issues



I binge or mini-binge about 4 times a week, and I've gained 20 pounds over the past six months. It only happens at night when I'm alone and my parents go upstairs. I desperately need help or motivation or something to stop this ridiculousness.

Answer

Binging is usually a misguided attempt to self-sooth. When you first think about binging, ask yourself, "What am I feeling?" Are you lonely, fearful, frustrated, or bored? Try to describe the physical sensation. Journaling might help you to recognize and understand your feelings. Use your feelings to give direction to your life, and learn to nurture yourself in constructive ways.

Read more about emotional eating from the Stress Management Guide at About.com:

Stress and Emotional Eating: How To Stop


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