Is binging the problem or the solution?

Are your thoughts clearest after binging? Is that when your mind feels most calm and you have peak motivation to work on your dream life? Surprisingly, sometimes the answer is yes. 

Binging can help to regulate the nervous system. Much like any substance use, it can provide a temporary high. While the goal is to rely on more adaptive coping strategies or, better still, reduce stress in the first place, binging is a placeholder for when these other solutions are unavailable or inaccessible.

The problem arises when binging isn't merely a temporary placeholder, but our primary mechanism for coping with discomfort. Relying on binging for self-soothing means that other coping strategies aren’t explored, furthering our dependency on food for nervous system regulation. This creates a sense of normalcy or complacency: "I guess this is simply how my life is going to go from now: Living my days waiting to isolate myself to binge every night and then suffering the discomfort that ensues, just to feel ashamed and do it all over again the next day" is a thought I've had many times. 

Moreover, binging supplies energy. In combination with regulating our nervous systems, this might explain the surge in mental clarity after a binge. To add to this complexity, those with a history of restrictive dieting are more likely to use food to cope. It's a matter of meeting both psychological and physiological needs, which can make it difficult to know whether you're "actually" hungry or just dysregulated. After all, the two can often overlap.

This complexity makes healing less straightforward. For while we an "get clean" from drugs like nicotine and alcohol by withdrawing from them completely, we cannot stop eating. In fact, compensating for a binge by restricting only perpetuates the binge-restrict cycle. The only way out is the middle path. 

While binging isn't evil, it's clearly only helpful insofar as alternative forms of nervous system regulation are lacking and/or nutritional needs aren't met. Therefore, if you want to stop binging, you need to tend to these root causes. While adaptive nervous system regulation is a matter of practice - often involving both personal development and external life changes - energy and nutritional needs can be met by eating an abundance of healthy-ish food. 

Of course, this is easier said than done and I know that it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a workbook series and affordable coaching for support. No matter how alone you feel, your experience is relatable to millions worldwide, including my past self. So don’t be discouraged - you’re not alone. Things will get better.

Take the next step, get the workbook series and schedule your first coaching call today!