January 17, 2022
I’m a recovered binge eater who changed the story from something that happened to me to something that happened for me. Now, I’m a licensed therapist teaching you to do the same.
My mission? To help you ditch food stress and live your life with mental peace and freedom every single day!
If you struggle with binge eating, you may have wondered if it’s your thoughts that trigger these episodes. According to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), our behaviors often stem from our thoughts. So, if you want to break free from binge eating, it’s essential to take a closer look at your thought patterns.
Below we’ll explore six common thoughts that can trigger binge eating and provide helpful reframes to promote a healthier relationship with food and yourself.
Why this can trigger a binge: When you believe you’ve been ‘bad’ with your food choices today, the idea of being ‘better’ tomorrow can trigger a harmful cycle. This is known as the ‘what-the-hell’ effect, where you give in to excess today because you plan to be restrictive tomorrow.
Helpful reframe: I didn’t do anything wrong today. Remind yourself that you didn’t do anything wrong today. Every day is a new opportunity to make positive choices.
Why this can trigger binge eating: Similar to the first thought, when you feel like you’ve made a mistake with your eating, it can lead to feelings of shame and a sense that you’ve already “blown it.” This mindset can lead to overeating or bingeing.
Helpful reframe: I am learning. Shift your perspective from making mistakes to learning from your experiences. Every moment is a chance to improve and grow.
Why this can trigger a binge: This thought implies that you did something wrong today, creating a scarcity mindset. When you connect certain foods with the idea that you “won’t do this again tomorrow,” it can make those foods even more tempting, potentially leading to binge eating.
Helpful reframe: What can I learn from this? Replace the idea of restriction with curiosity. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” This approach encourages self-compassion and growth.
Why this can trigger binge eating: Planning to eat less tomorrow as a punishment for today’s choices can lead to a vicious cycle. The fear of breaking this self-imposed rule can trigger binge eating.
Helpful reframe: My food choices today do not determine my future choices. Acknowledge that your food choices today don’t determine your worth or your future choices. Allow yourself to make balanced choices every day.
Why this can trigger a binge: Bargaining with yourself and imposing food restrictions can lead to feelings of deprivation. This deprivation often results in cravings and, eventually, giving in to those cravings.
Helpful reframe: There is no ‘can’t.’ I can decide whether or not I want that later. Eliminate the “can’t” mindset. Understand that you have the power to make choices about what you eat and when. There are no strict rules you must follow.
Why this can trigger binge eating: Thinking you can control binge eating can be misleading. Binge eating is often a biological response to restriction, and the belief that you can stop it anytime can lead to shame and continued restriction, fueling more binges.
Helpful reframe: I am going to learn from this binge. Shift your focus from control to learning. Embrace each binge as an opportunity to understand your triggers and develop strategies for managing them.
Your thoughts strongly affect how you act. They’re like the starting point for everything you do, guiding your choices and how you see the world. If you have happy thoughts, you’re more likely to do good things. But if you have negative or self-doubting thoughts, you might hold back or mess things up. Understanding this can help you control your actions and make your life better. So, it’s important to have good and mindful thoughts to grow and feel better about yourself.
Binge eating is a complex issue that often goes beyond mere food choices. Understanding the role of your thoughts and mental patterns is a crucial step in addressing this challenge. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. By getting curious about the underlying causes of your binge eating, you can begin to break free from the cycle and work towards a healthier relationship with food and yourself. Remember, real change starts in the mind.
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Ryann Nicole
Licensed Therapist, Certified Nutritionist, and Virtual Wellness Coach
Ryann is a licensed therapist and virtual wellness coach who has assisted individuals worldwide in establishing a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
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