What Do I Do After a Binge?

After you've been through a binge episode, handling the aftermath might feel draining.  You might feel pretty low and unsure about what steps to take next. You might wake up feeling horribly both physically and emotionally. It's understandable to feel this way, and some things can help. Some things can make it worse.  It's all about being kind to yourself, getting back into a better mindset, and finding ways to feel better after a binge. Binge eating disorder treatment focuses on working through this process more seamlessly and with more compassion. The following are tips to help you recover from a binge episode. 

Tips for Recovering from a Binge

The following are tips to help you recover from a binge. Keep in mind I recommend using as many as you can to be the most helpful. 

Be Kind to Yourself:

Negative self-talk and self-blame after a binge will make you more emotionally distressed. It's crucial to focus more on being gentle and compassionate with yourself. Acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of eating disorder recovery, and they don't diminish your progress. Treat yourself as you would a friend in a similar situation. Use affirmations or positive self-talk to remind yourself of your worth and efforts toward healing.

Avoid Restriction:

After a binge, there might be a tendency to make up for it by restricting food intake or imposing harsh dietary rules. However, this can create a restrictive binge cycle. Deprivation often leads to increased cravings, intensifying the likelihood of future binges. Instead, aim for balanced, nourishing meals that support your body's needs without extremes.

Stay Hydrated:

Binge eating can disrupt normal hydration levels in the body. Drinking water helps digestion, helps and supports overall bodily functioning. Maintaining hydration after a binge is essential to help the body recover. Aim for adequate water intake throughout the day to support your physical well-being.

Resume Regular Eating:

Returning to your regular eating routine as soon as possible is vital. Skipping meals to compensate for a binge can lead to extreme hunger, potentially triggering another binge. Consistent, balanced meals help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent the cycle of overeating followed by restriction.

Engage in Gentle Movement:

Light physical activity can be beneficial after a binge if that's what feels right for your body. Activities like a leisurely walk, gentle yoga, or stretching can alleviate physical discomfort and release tension without putting excessive strain on the body. Avoid intense workouts, as they may reinforce feelings of punishment associated with the binge.

Reflect and Learn:

Reflection without judgment is key. Take time to understand the circumstances, emotions, or triggers that led to the binge. Identifying these triggers empowers you to develop strategies to manage or avoid them in the future. It's an opportunity for self-discovery and learning, not for self-criticism.

Reach Out for Support:

Opening up to trusted people in your life or your eating disorder therapist about your binging can provide the support you need. Whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist specializing in eating disorders, sharing your feelings and experiences can offer emotional support, validation, and guidance.

Eating disorder recovery takes time. It takes effort and work, and it can be difficult and painful. What you don't need after a binge is shaming yourself and spiraling into self-hatred. I understand it's hard to stop that when it's what you've felt and dealt with for so long. I challenge you to try something different and remember you are trying your best. 

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Utah can help you stop binge cycles. 

If you're wrestling with binge eating, know that seeking support through binge eating disorder treatment and connecting with an eating disorder therapist can change everything. As an eating disorder therapist, my focus is on providing eating disorder therapy to help you with your specific challenges.  You should feel safe in eating disorder therapy, I'm here for empathy and compassion while we try to figure out how to help you through your binge cycles. Through our sessions, we'll work on understanding the root causes behind your binge episodes and help you learn to manage painful emotions without criticism or judgment. Binge eating disorder treatment isn't about fault or blame—it's about helping you become more self-compassionate and helping you trust yourself with food again. With therapy, we can explore your triggers, establish coping skills, and help you feel ok again. 

Meet with an eating disorder therapist in Utah

You don’t have to keep struggling on your own. You might be wondering if it’s even bad enough to reach out for help. Trust me, the sooner you reach out for help the better. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic, has an eating disorder therapist specializing in binge eating disorder treatment. To start therapy follow the steps below:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation

2. Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist

3. Start recovering from your binge cycle

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah

Online therapy in Utah might seem iffy, but I promise it's super effective, especially for dealing with eating disorders. It's all about making eating disorder therapy easy to get. You can join sessions from anywhere in Utah, no need to travel. And even though it's online, we still build a strong connection through video calls. It's like having a chat face-to-face, just from your comfy spot at home. I pinky swear it's just as good as in-person. I wouldn’t provide it if I didn’t know that for sure. 

The best thing is, you feel more relaxed opening up from your own space. Plus, online therapy gives you extra tools we can share easily. It's all about making sure you get the help you need, when you need it, right from your own space. So, online therapy is just as great as in-person sessions, maybe even better for a lot of people. 

The thing I love the most about online counseling is I am able to meet with people all over the state of Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Heber City, Provo, Salt Lake City, Logan, and more. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy in Utah. With a wealth of experience in treating eating disorders, Ashlee brings a comprehensive understanding and a passion for helping individuals navigate their journey toward healing and recovery.

Ashlee holds dual bachelor's degrees, one in Psychology and another in Family Life and Human Development, both earned from Southern Utah University. She continued her academic pursuits and earned a master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University, solidifying her expertise in mental health treatment.

Throughout her career, Ashlee has immersed herself in all levels of eating disorder treatment, working across various settings to support individuals facing these challenges. Her commitment to providing accessible care led her to incorporate online therapy into her practice, extending her reach to individuals across Utah, and ensuring that quality therapy is available and convenient for everyone seeking support.

Ashlee's dedication, coupled with her diverse experience and academic background, allows her to offer personalized, effective, and compassionate therapy to individuals seeking support for eating disorders and various mental health concerns throughout Utah.

Will a Binge Cycle Ruin all my Progress?

Dealing with binge eating and trying to make progress means looking at the bigger picture, not just one binge episode.  Recognize eating disorder recovery as more of a journey not just reaching an end goal.  When you have a binge, it doesn't undo all the good things you've done. How you think about food matters a lot in these situations. Some people think if they mess up once, everything's ruined. However, you learn something about yourself, your triggers, and your feelings from the binge cycle. This information can be helpful in binge eating disorder treatment to help you understand yourself better. 

Getting over binge eating means changing how you see things. Being kind to yourself when things don't go well is important. Most people who struggle with binge eating disorder, experience so much shame about binging and about themselves in general. One of the most valuable practices you can take away from therapy is using more self-compassion. 

Self Compassion for binge eating

When you're faced with a relapse into binge eating, self-compassion becomes your anchor. It's crucial to be kind to yourself during these challenging moments. Instead of berating yourself for slipping, understand that relapses are a natural part of recovery. Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same care and understanding you'd offer to a friend going through a tough time. Embrace the setback as an opportunity for learning and growth. It's a chance to understand your triggers better and reinforce your commitment to healing. Being gentle with yourself allows for the acknowledgment of the struggle without letting it define your progress. Through self-compassion, you can navigate these setbacks with resilience, patience, and a renewed determination to continue your journey toward a healthier relationship with food and yourself.

Diet Culture’s influence

In diet culture, how you see your progress can be influenced by this mindset especially when you're dealing with a binge. The pressure and strict rules that come from dieting often make you feel like if you mess up just once, everything's ruined. It's like thinking that any small change from the plan deletes all the work you've put in. This can make you feel embarrassed and guilty about eating, and it can push you into a binge cycle. Always aiming for being perfect and meeting impossible standards makes it really tough to keep moving forward. Getting away from this way of thinking means knowing that setbacks are part of recovery. It's about not letting one slip-up decide if you're successful or not.

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Utah can help stop the binge cycle

Trying to stop binge eating is discouraging when you try to do it yourself. If you’re like my clients then you want to be done binging as soon as possible. Binge eating disorder treatment is a much easier path to overcoming binge eating than trying to keep white-knuckling it yourself. Working with an eating disorder therapist isn’t about helping you have more willpower or helping you get it together, it’s about helping you be kind to yourself. Eating Disorder Therapy involves helping you find freedom from all the shame and guilt you have. Your painful experiences deserve attention and respect, and that’s what therapy is for. 

Start working with an eating disorder therapist in Utah 

You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to keep thinking something is wrong with you. You deserve help, and binge eating disorder treatment is the key. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has an eating disorder therapist specializing in binge eating disorder. To start therapy follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist

3. Break free of the binge cycle

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah

Online therapy in Utah allows you to get better from wherever you feel comfortable. It's a way to talk to someone who can help with your feelings and struggles through video calls. You can work with an eating disorder therapist who has specialized training even if they live far away. The best part? You don't have to travel anywhere for these sessions, making it easier to fit into your schedule. And it's all private and secure, so you can share your thoughts without worrying. Online therapy is a great way to take care of your mental health in a way that works for you, giving you the freedom and support you need to feel better.

Online counseling also means I work with clients all over Utah. I work with clients in Logan, Salt Lake City, Provo, Heber City, Cedar City, St. George, and more. 

About the Author

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy originally located in Spanish Fork, Utah off of Main Street but has since become an online therapy practice serving all of Utah. With a strong background in treating eating disorders, Ashlee brings valuable expertise to her practice. She holds Bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and Family Life and Human Development from Southern Utah University. Her dedication to learning led her to achieve a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University. Throughout her career, Ashlee has worked extensively across all levels of eating disorder treatment, showcasing her deep understanding and proficiency in guiding women towards recovery. Her caring approach and specialized training make her a trusted professional, supporting individuals on their path to healing and well-being.

Why Do I Binge at Night?

Those who struggle with binge eating often find themselves caught in the cycle of nighttime binge eating. If you struggle with binge eating at night you might know why this behavior continues to plague your life. This is a common concern that comes up in binge eating disorder treatment.  You are not alone. Nighttime binge eating is a common concern for many of the women I work with who are struggling with disordered eating, and it can be a complex issue to untangle.  Let’s explore some of the underlying factors that contribute to nighttime binging from a Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating perspective. 

Nighttime binge eating is more than just a habit; it often stems from a combination of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. As a binge eating disorder therapist, my goal is to help you work through this with compassion and understanding, rather than judgment or restriction.

Reasons for Binge Eating at Night

1. Emotional Triggers:

Many people find themselves binge eating at night as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or other painful emotions. Food can provide temporary comfort and distraction from these feelings. It’s common for people to be dealing with heavy emotions to use food to self-soothe or numb out after a long day. 

2. Restrictive Dieting:

When you follow restrictive diets or have strict rules around your food intake, it's common for your body to respond by craving the restricted foods, especially during times of the day when you are less distracted, such as nighttime. Embracing Intuitive Eating means giving yourself unconditional permission to eat, which can help reduce the allure of forbidden foods and decrease the likelihood of nighttime binges.

3. Hunger and Satiety Signals:

One of the principles of Intuitive Eating is learning to trust your body's hunger and fullness cues. If you have been ignoring your body's signals during the day due to restrictive eating or dieting, you may experience intense hunger in the evening, which can lead to overeating or binging. Reconnecting with your body's cues and nourishing yourself regularly throughout the day can help prevent this.

4. Boredom and Habit:

Binge eating at night can also become a habitual behavior, especially if it has been going on for a while. If you find yourself eating out of boredom, try to engage in activities that genuinely fulfill you, both mentally and emotionally. Pursuing your passions, hobbies, or self-care practices can help reduce the urge to eat mindlessly.

5. Punishment or self-care

Binge eating can be both or either a form of self-punishment or a form of self-care, depending on your underlying emotions and motivations. Sometimes people use binging as a way to punish themselves for guilt or feelings of failure. Others might use binging as their form of taking care of themselves because they are stressed in other parts of their life. 

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Utah can help you stop binging at night

Binge eating disorder treatment can help you stop nighttime binging by helping you understand yourself better. Eating disorder therapy can help you gain insight into your emotions and triggers and find different ways of coping. By addressing the underlying causes of nighttime binging, such as emotional distress or stress, you can learn to improve your relationship through therapy. With the help of a binge eating disorder therapist, those struggling with binge eating disorder can have a better relationship with their bodies. You can learn to stop binging by offering yourself compassion. 

Start working with a binge eating disorder therapist in Utah 

It's time to take charge of your relationship with food and your emotional well-being. If you're struggling with nighttime binge eating or any form of disordered eating, don't suffer in silence. Binge Eating Disorder Treatment can help. This Utah Counseling Center has a binge eating disorder therapist specializing in treating binge eating disorder. To start counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist

3. Begin recovering from binging at night 

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah 

Online therapy in Utah is just as effective as in-person therapy, and here's why. When you connect with an eating disorder therapist through video, you're still getting that personal connection and support. You can see and talk to your therapist face-to-face, just like in an office. Plus, it's super convenient because you can have your sessions from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Research shows that online therapy can be just as helpful for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and binge eating disorder. So, don't worry about missing out on the benefits of in-person therapy – online video therapy can be just as effective in helping you on your journey to recovery.

Online counseling also means I work with clients all throughout the state of Utah. I work with women in Heber City, Provo, Logan, Salt Lake City, St. George, Cedar City, and more. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah originally located off of Spanish Fork Main Street by Glade’s Drive Inn but now offering online therapy all throughout Utah. With her extensive experience in the field of mental health, Ashlee has established herself as a trusted expert in treating eating disorders and a wide range of psychological concerns. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and another in Family Life and Human Development, both earned from Southern Utah University. Her commitment to empowering individuals on their healing journey led her to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University. Ashlee's dedication to helping others, combined with her academic background and clinical expertise, makes her a valuable resource for those seeking guidance and support in their path towards improved mental and emotional well-being.

Who is Most Likely to Binge Eat?

Binge eating is a complicated disordered eating behavior that impacts both men and women regardless of age. Binge eating disorder is actually the most common eating disorder in the United States but it is one that those who struggle with it are ashamed to talk about. In binge eating disorder treatment, I approach this struggle with sensitivity and without judgment. It's not that simple to answer when it comes to wondering who is most vulnerable to binge. However, those who binge aren’t the ones who lack willpower, it’s those who have shown too much willpower until their bodies have rebelled. 

Emotional Triggers: Binge eating is often triggered by strong emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness, or loneliness. Many people use food as a way to cope with these feelings. It's important to understand that emotional eating isn't a sign of weakness; it's just one way some people have learned to deal with their emotions.

As a binge eating disorder therapist, I help the women I work with to find different ways to handle their emotions and to dig into what triggers these feelings. By addressing the root emotional issues, we can work together to lessen the frequency of binge eating episodes.

Dieting and Restriction: 

Interestingly, people who have a history of strict dieting often find themselves more susceptible to binge eating. When individuals restrict certain foods or follow very rigid diets, it can create a cycle of feeling deprived and then overeating. This cycle can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which can trigger binge eating episodes.

The Health at Every Size (HAES) approach highlights the significance of saying no to diet culture and embracing a more balanced and intuitive way of eating. By encouraging self-acceptance and promoting a positive body image, we can assist individuals in breaking free from the harmful restrict-and-binge cycle.

Sociocultural Factors:

 Our society and culture strongly influence how we relate to food. The pressure to fit into unrealistic beauty standards, the negative judgments about body weight, and the constant messages about dieting in the media can make people unhappy with their bodies and lead to binge eating patterns.

Eating disorder therapy focuses on using intuitive eating and using more self-compassion. 

Biological and Genetic Factors:

It's important to acknowledge that genetics and biological factors can also influence a person's susceptibility to binge eating. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing eating disorders, while others may have imbalances in brain chemicals that affect their eating behaviors.

As an eating disorder therapist, I help the women I work with to understand these factors and provide support and strategies to manage their eating patterns effectively. 

ADHD and binge eating

When talking about who is most likely to binge eat, it's important to consider the role of neurodivergence, including ADHD. Women with ADHD are often more likely to binge eat due to how their brains process rewards and regulate emotions. Impulsivity can be a struggle for those with ADHD can make it harder to pause and recognize their hunger and fullness cues. Those with ADHD also have low dopamine which may also drive binge eating.

ADHD and Overeating

I want to say more about the link between ADHD and overeating or binge eating. This can be complex and is tied to how the ADHD brain works. People with ADHD often have lower levels of dopamine, the brain chemical that plays a key role in reward and motivation. Certain types of food can provide a quick dopamine hit which leads to becoming a well-known coping skill when your brain is seeking stimulation. Eating may become a way to cope with stress, boredom, or overwhelming emotions. Additionally, the impulsivity that often comes with ADHD can make it harder to pause and check in with your hunger and fullness cues, leading to overeating or binge eating.

Another factor is that people with ADHD can struggle with routines and structure. Skipping meals or forgetting to eat during the day can lead to extreme hunger later, setting the stage for overeating or bingeing. Distractibility during meals can also prevent the brain from registering fullness or satiety.

It’s important for you to know that just because you have ADHD doesn’t mean that you can’t overcome binge eating. You can break the cycle of binge eating and it often requires the help of an eating disorder therapist. Being kind and compassionate with yourself is important in recovering from binge eating disorder. There’s nothing wrong with you but it’s important to get help from a trained professional.

Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help you overcome binge eating 

If you're dealing with binge eating, please know that there's hope and help available. Binge eating disorder treatment can genuinely make be life-changing for you by helping you conquer the pain and challenges of binge eating. I understand that binge eating can be overwhelming and leave you feeling stuck and frustrated. However, eating disorder therapy offers the tools and support you need to break free from this cycle. You can learn to be more kind and gentle with yourself while learning to find different ways of dealing with painful emotions. 

Start working with a binge eating disorder therapist in Utah

You don’t have to keep getting stuck in the cycle of binging. You don’t have to keep feeling out of control with food. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has a binge eating disorder therapist specializing in treating binge eating. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist

3. Begin recovering from binge eating

Online Eating Disorder Therapy

In today's fast-paced world, online therapy is a great option for getting help with disordered eating.. It's super convenient – you can connect with a qualified eating disorder therapist from the comfort of your own home or wherever you like. You're not limited to therapists in your area, so you have more choices to find the right one for you. Online therapy in Utah also lets you schedule sessions at times that work best for your daily life, making it easier to focus on your mental well-being. Plus, it's private and reduces the worry about being judged for seeking help. With secure and confidential platforms, your personal information is safe, creating a safe space to talk about your thoughts and feelings. Basically, online therapy is a convenient, discreet, and effective way to take care of your mental health in today's digital age.

Online counseling also means wherever you are located in Utah, I can work with you. I work with clients in Salt Lake City, Provo, Logan, St. George, Cedar City, Heber City, and more. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy in Utah, where she is dedicated to helping women overcome anxiety, disordered eating, and traumatic experiences. With a strong academic background, Ashlee holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Family Life and Human Development, both obtained from Southern Utah University. Her passion for empowering women led her to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University, where she honed her clinical skills and gained a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health. Ashlee's compassionate and holistic approach to therapy reflects her commitment to providing the best possible care to her clients, helping them achieve lasting and positive change in their lives.

Why Do I Keep Binging?

If you've ever felt the overwhelming struggle of binge eating, you have probably spent some time trying to figure out why you find yourself doing it. You’re frustrated with yourself and don’t understand why you keep going back to it. You try to focus on eating healthy but in the end, you go right back to your binge foods. Part of binge eating disorder treatment is understanding the reasons why you binge. If you can understand more about why you do it, you are in a better position to make changes. 

Common reasons people binge eat

Every person has their own individual reasons for why they find themselves stuck in the binge cycle over and over. These are some of the common reasons people resort to binge eating but it doesn’t mean it encompasses all of your triggers to binge.

Emotional Stress:

One of the leading causes of binge eating is emotional stress. When you feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or even happy, you may turn to food as a way to comfort yourself or to manage strong feelings.  It works temporarily by numbing your emotions. Usually when it’s over you feel worse and the painful emotions are still present. 

Dieting and Restriction

Ironically, dieting and restricting foods can often lead to binge eating. When you tell yourself you can't have something, you will naturally want it more. When you deprive yourself of certain foods, your body will start to crave them more. You create a binge-restrict cycle by restricting foods that you enjoy. 

Unmet Physical Hunger

Ignoring or suppressing physical hunger cues can result in binge eating. When you wait too long to eat, you become overly hungry and might binge. Additionally, it can create feelings of anxiety or desperation, which may drive you to consume larger quantities of food than you would under more moderate hunger conditions. Consequently, it's crucial to honor your body's hunger signals to maintain a healthier and more harmonious relationship with food.

Negative body-image

Negative body image can be such a painful experience and can play a role in your experience with binge eating. When you're not feeling great about your body, it's natural to look for ways to find comfort, and sometimes that comfort comes in the form of food. It can feel like a brief escape from those unsettling thoughts about your appearance. Negative body image can also contribute to engaging in dieting and restriction, leading to a cycle of binge eating. 

Coping with Trauma: 

Binge eating can sometimes become a way of coping with past traumas. When you've experienced difficult or traumatic events, you might use food as a way to cope with the feelings that come up with thinking about the trauma. You might use food to soothe and comfort yourself. You might use binging as a way to numb painful emotions. Binging can provide relief from emotional pain and distress. It can briefly numb difficult feelings that feel like too much to handle. 

Unconscious eating 

In the intuitive eating approach, unconscious eating refers to eating without being fully aware of the experience. It involves consuming food mindlessly, often while distracted by other activities like watching TV, working on the computer, or scrolling through your phone. Unconscious eating can lead to overeating or binging because you're not tuned in to your body's hunger and fullness cues. 

Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help you understand your binge eating

Binge eating disorder treatment, especially with the intuitive eating approach, can offer practical ways to break the binge-eating cycle. Working with a binge eating disorder therapist involves delving into your personal history with food, and your body. Therapy for binge eating takes into account how past experiences and trauma, may have affected your relationship with food. My aim is to help you develop healthier ways to deal with your emotions, practice self-compassion, and help you have a better relationship with food. 

Start working with a binge eating disorder therapist in Utah 

If you're ready to take a step towards a healthier relationship with food and overcome binge eating, reach out today. You don't have to face this journey alone. Let's work together to break free from the cycle of binge eating, This Utah Eating Disorder Clinic has a binge eating disorder therapist that specializes in binge eating disorder treatment. To begin counseling follow the steps below: 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist

3. Start healing from binge eating

Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah 

Online therapy in Utah gives you access to a therapist without leaving your home. No more long drives or traffic jams to worry about. You can have sessions from your comfy space. Plus, online therapy offers flexible scheduling, so you can fit it into your busy life. It's private and secure, ensuring your personal information stays confidential. Most importantly, it's an effective way to work on your mental well-being. So, if you're considering therapy but worried about the logistics, give online therapy in Utah a shot – it's convenient, accessible, and can truly make a positive difference in your life.

Online counseling also means wherever you are located in Utah, that means we can work together. I work with clients in Salt Lake City, Logan, Heber City, St. George, Cedar City, and more. 

About the Author

About the Author: Ashlee Hunt, LCSW, is a dedicated eating disorder therapist and the founder of Maple Canyon Therapy, an eating disorder clinic in Utah. Ashlee holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Family Life and Human Development from Southern Utah University, where she first developed her passion for understanding the complexities of human behavior and relationships. Building on her strong foundation, she pursued a Master's degree in Social Work from Utah State University, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of women struggling with eating disorders. With her compassionate approach and extensive education, Ashlee is committed to helping her clients on their journey to recovery and emotional well-being.

How To Stop Binging: Tips From a Binge Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, and it impacts many people across the globe. BED involves regular episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time. These binge eating episodes lead to feeling out of control with food and are often followed up with feelings of guilt and shame. While BED is a complex mental health condition, stress, trauma, and past experiences can have a negative effect on one's physical and mental health. 

The women I work with that struggle with binge eating, not only feel guilt and shame for their behaviors but also take a hit to their self-esteem. They can’t understand why they can be successful in areas of their lives but this is an area they can’t stop struggling in. They hate their bodies and are terrified of the weight gain that might come from binges. If you are like them, you desperately want to stop binging. The good news is, there’s help and it’s possible to stop the cycle of binging with the help of eating disorder therapy. 

How do I stop the urge to binge?

Binge eating can be hard to let go of. It might seem like no matter how hard you try, you just keep binging. One thing that people don’t realize about binging is that is often a result of restriction. Having a history of dieting and cutting out food groups, can lead to vicious cycles of binge eating. Stopping the urge to binge can be hard, but there are things you can do that can help. Here are some ideas on how to stop the urge to binge:

Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness techniques, like meditation and deep breathing, can help you be more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. This can help you recognize the triggers that lead to binge eating and learn to respond to them in a more helpful way. 

Eat regular meals:

Skipping meals or restricting food will lead to intense hunger and increase the likelihood of binge eating. Eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day can help reduce the urge to binge.

Find coping skills that work:

Binge eating can be a way of coping with difficult emotions or stress. Finding alternative coping strategies, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or creative activities, can help you manage these emotions without turning to food.

Meet with a binge eating disorder therapist:

Binge eating disorder is a complex mental health issue that often requires professional help from someone with the right training and experience. Reaching out to a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders can help you work through why you are prone to binge. We can provide you with support, compassion, and guidance on how to overcome the urge to binge.

Why can’t I stop a binge?

There are several reasons why someone may find it challenging to stop a binge. Every person has a unique experience with binge eating but here are some possible reasons:

1. Chemical imbalances: Binge eating disorder has been associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, specifically involving the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in reward and pleasure. These imbalances may make it difficult for some people to stop a binge once they start. 

2. Emotional triggers: Binge eating can be triggered by emotional distress, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. These emotions can be overwhelming and hard to manage, leading to an intense urge to binge eat as a way of coping.

3. Habitual behavior: Binge eating can become a habitual behavior that is difficult to break, especially if it has been a struggle for a long time. The brain may become accustomed to the pattern of binge eating and perceive it as the norm.

4. Restrictive eating: Restrictive eating patterns, such as skipping meals or following a strict diet, can increase the likelihood of binge eating. This is because the body may go into a state of deprivation and intense hunger, leading to an overwhelming urge to eat large amounts of food.

5. Lack of coping skills: Some people may lack healthy coping skills to deal with emotional distress or stressors in their lives. This can lead to binge eating as a way of self-soothing or coping with these difficult feelings.

Why do I binge at night?

Binge eating at night can have several possible causes. Here are some common reasons why someone may binge eat at night:

1. Emotional triggers: Nighttime can be a hard time for people who struggle with binge eating disorder. Nighttime might bring on emotions such as loneliness, stress, or anxiety. These emotions can trigger a desire to eat as a way of coping with these feelings.

2. Fatigue and lack of energy: After a long day, you may feel fatigued and lack the energy to engage in other activities, leading to a higher desire to eat as a form of entertainment or distraction.

3. Lack of structure and routine: Nighttime can be less structured and routine than daytime,  leading to boredom or a lack of focus. This can trigger a desire to eat as a way of filling time or relieving boredom.

4. Caloric restriction during the day: If someone is following a restrictive diet or skipping meals during the day, they may feel intensely hungry at night, leading to a higher likelihood of binge eating.

5 Reasons to work with a binge eating disorder therapist 

Working with a binge eating disorder therapist can be incredibly beneficial for several reasons:

1. Specialized eating disorder expertise: Binge eating disorder therapists have specialized training and expertise in treating binge eating disorder. They can help you understand the root causes of your binge eating behavior and develop skills for overcoming it.

2. Individualized treatment: Binge eating disorder therapists will work with you to develop an individual treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. They can help you identify triggers and develop coping skills that work for you.

3. Support and encouragement: Binge eating disorder therapists provide support and encouragement throughout the treatment process. They can help you manage relapses and celebrate successes, providing motivation to continue working toward recovery from binge eating.

4. Addressing other issues: Many individuals with binge eating disorder also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Binge eating disorder therapists can help address these issues.

5. Help with eating disorder recovery: Working with a binge eating disorder therapist can provide you with the tools and resources you need to achieve long-term recovery. They can help you develop a plan to not only cope but to help you overcome your past trauma that may be contributing to needing to cope with emotions using food. 

Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can help 

With the guidance and support of an eating disorder therapist, you can learn to break free from binge eating and develop a healthy relationship with food and body image. Binge eating disorder treatment in Utah can provide you with the tools you need to have a happier, healthier life. You have unique experiences and needs and binge eating disorder treatment can be tailored to get exactly what you need. 

Start binge eating disorder treatment in Utah

You don’t have to keep struggling with binge eating. You can find peace with food and your body image. Binge eating disorder treatment can help. This Utah Counseling Practice has a binge eating disorder therapist specializing in treating binge eating disorder. 

1. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation 

2. Meet with an eating disorder therapist 

3. Begin eating disorder recovery 

Online Eating Disorder Therapy 

It’s important to be able to have access to a therapist specializing in what you are struggling with. When you are struggling with an eating disorder, you need to trust you are going to get help from someone who knows how. Not every town in Utah has an eating disorder therapist, this is why I offer online therapy in Utah. Online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy but much more convenient. 

Online counseling means I work with clients all over Utah. I work with clients in St. George, Cedar City, Provo, Heber City, Logan, Salt Lake City, and more. 

Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy 

Binge eating disorder treatment isn’t the only counseling service offered at this Utah Counseling Practice. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include eating disorder therapy, anxiety therapy, body image therapy, counseling for college students, birth trauma therapy, and EMDR therapy. Reach out for a 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help. 

About the Author 

Ashlee Hunt is an eating disorder therapist and founder of Maple Canyon Therapy near Provo, Utah. Ashlee has a master's degree in social work from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She has two bachelor's degrees from Southern Utah University in Cedar City in psychology and family life and human development. Ashlee loves helping women overcome binge eating and to be able to feel better about themselves. She knows how women who struggle with binge eating disorder feel shame and wants to help them develop self-compassion instead. 

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