Many people struggle with binge eating and compulsive eating, often blaming their lack of willpower for their inability to control their eating habits. However, in reality, it is not a lack of willpower that leads to bingeing, but rather the restrictive and often unhealthy diets that people follow in an attempt to lose weight. In this article, we will explore the connection between diets and binge eating, and how to break the cycle of restriction and bingeing.
The Dieting Cycle
The dieting cycle is a common pattern that many people fall into when trying to lose weight. It starts with a restrictive diet, where certain foods or food groups are eliminated or severely limited. This often leads to feelings of deprivation and cravings for the restricted foods. As the saying goes “What you resist persists.” Eventually, the person gives in to these cravings and in a scarcity driven mindset they often binge on the forbidden foods, stating that they seem to feel out of control in the presence of that food. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame for seemingly being unable to control their eating, which may trigger another restrictive diet to compensate for the binge. This cycle can continue indefinitely, leading to a pattern of compulsive eating and bingeing, self loathing and can sometimes lead to disordered eating behaviors or clinically diagnosable eating disorders.
The Role of Willpower
Many people believe that they lack willpower when it comes to controlling their eating habits. However, research has shown that willpower is a limited resource and can be depleted by constantly resisting cravings and restricting food intake. So it’s actually restrictive mindsets and diets that can lead to a loss of control and bingeing on the restricted foods. In fact, studies have shown that people who follow restrictive diets are more likely to experience binge eating episodes than those who do not restrict their food intake.
The Impact of Diet Culture
One of the main reasons why people turn to restrictive diets is the pervasive influence of diet culture. We are bombarded with messages that tell us we need to be thin to be happy and successful, and that certain foods are “good” or “bad”. This creates a fear of food and a desire to control our eating in order to conform to societal standards of beauty. However, this constant focus on weight and dieting is an oppressive distraction from what really matters. If you weren’t so preoccupied with what you’re eating or not eating, how your body compares to others’ and to unrealistic idealized expectations of beauty, what could you redirect that energy towards accomplishing? Why do you have to deprive yourself, preoccupy yourself, shrink yourself and be smaller in order to view yourself as valued, precious, desirable and worthy of love?
Breaking the Cycle
The first step in breaking the cycle of restriction and bingeing is to reject diet culture and the idea that thinness equals happiness and success. Instead, focus on nourishing your body with a balanced and varied diet, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. It is also important to address any underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to your binge eating, such as stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Seeking support from a therapist or a support group can be helpful in this process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not a lack of willpower that leads to binge eating, but rather the restrictive and unhealthy diets that are promoted by diet culture. By rejecting these harmful messages and focusing on nourishing our bodies and addressing emotional issues, we can break the cycle of restriction and bingeing and develop a healthier relationship with food. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle and there is no shame in seeking help. The body you live in is the only one you get, and you are enough, you are lovable, valuable and you matter exactly the way you are. You are not broken and you do not need to be fixed. The system is broken, and the culture needs to change. When you accept that it’s diet culture that is responsible for your decreased self-esteem and self-worth, and you consciously decide to say NO to its oppressive internalized messages, you can begin to live the life you are truly capable of and deserve to live.
Sustainable Health Coaching 