During the holidays, with the increased emphasis on food and family meals, all eating disorder sufferers face heightened distress. However, binge eaters may find themselves particularly challenged, in the same way that alcoholics are challenged by the holiday atmosphere. In the words of one recovering binge eater, on Thanksgiving and Christmas, "You have this license to really go out of control, and it's acceptable behavior. Nobody notices that you're eating 12 pieces of pie, because you're just trying each one there."
Self-help groups such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA) can provide opportunities for binge eaters to find support and begin the process of recovering. According to some recovering binge eaters, drastic life changes are necessary.
One binge eater described how he used to order eight or 10 platters at a Chinese restaurant and think nothing of it. But, now that he is in recovery, he doesn't let family bring desserts to his home; he doesn't buy Halloween candy to distribute to trick-or-treaters; and he didn't even have a cake at his wedding. During the holidays, he attends additional OA meeting to help steady his resolve and commitment to lead a healthier lifestyle.
(Source: www.suntimes.com)
Labels: binge-eating, support, compulsive overeating
Posted By: Aspen Education Group