Binge-eating disorder

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Binge-eating disorder generally isn't an illness that you can treat on your own. But you can do some things for yourself that will build on your treatment plan. In addition to professional treatment, follow these self-care steps for binge eating:

  • Stick to your treatment. Don't skip therapy sessions. If you have meal plans, do your best to stick to them and don't let setbacks derail your overall efforts.
  • Avoid dieting. Trying to diet can trigger more binge episodes, leading to a vicious cycle that's hard to break.
  • Eat breakfast. Many people with binge-eating disorder skip breakfast. But studies show that if you eat breakfast, you're less prone to eating higher calorie meals later in the day.
  • Don't stock up. Keep less food in your home than you normally do. That may mean more-frequent trips to the grocery store, but it may also take away the temptation and ability to binge eat.
  • Get the right nutrients. Just because you may be eating a lot during binges doesn't mean you're eating the kinds of food that supply all of your essential nutrients. Talk to your doctor about vitamin and mineral supplements.
  • Stay connected. Don't isolate yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get healthy. Understand that they have your best interests at heart.
  • Get active. Talk to your health care providers about what kind of exercise is appropriate for you, especially if you have health problems related to being overweight.

DS00608

Feb. 28, 2008

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