Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
Contact me about in-person and virtual treatment options for binge eating or other eating disorders.
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Amelia Lindberg, MSPT, CLT
230 West 79th Street, New York, New York 10024, United States
Email: amelia@bodyfluentwellness.com Phone: 646-849-2729
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food within a short period, accompanied by feelings of loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, these binge episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise. People with BED often eat rapidly, even when not physically hungry, and experience intense guilt, shame, or distress afterward. It is the most common eating disorder in the United States and affects both physical and mental health.
My holistic approach to treating Binge Eating Disorder (BED) addresses both the underlying causes and the physical manifestations of the disorder. It’s designed to restore balance and foster a healthy relationship with food and body through a personalized and integrative framework. Here’s how it works:
Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
Physical Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
- Fluctuations in weight (though often leading to overweight or obesity)
- Stomach pain, bloating, or digestive discomfort after eating large amounts of food
- Frequent fatigue or lethargy
- High blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels (often related to weight gain)
- Chronic gastrointestinal issues, such as acid reflux or constipation
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after eating or with physical activity
- Joint pain (due to excess weight)
- Development of Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetic symptoms
- Heart palpitations or chest pain (in severe cases)
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia, sometimes related to nighttime binge eating
- Frequent dehydration from overconsumption of salty foods
- Dry skin, brittle nails, or thinning hair (linked to nutritional imbalances)
Behavioral Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
- Frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a discrete period, typically within two hours
- Eating rapidly during binge episodes
- Eating in secret to hide the behavior from others
- Consuming food past the point of physical discomfort or pain
- Eating alone due to feelings of shame or embarrassment
- Hoarding food or having hidden stashes for future binges
- Stealing or sneaking food
- Skipping meals or engaging in frequent dieting attempts in between binges
- Failure to adhere to structured eating patterns, leading to erratic eating behavior
- Frequent yo-yo dieting (cycling between extreme dieting and bingeing)
- Using food as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, sadness, boredom, or anxiety
- Increased spending on food, often to support binge eating
Emotional and Psychological Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
- Feeling out of control during binge-eating episodes
- Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or disgust after binge eating
- Low self-esteem and poor body image
- Intense fear of gaining weight despite frequent binge eating
- Mood swings that correlate with binge-eating behavior
- Preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape
- Feeling a sense of numbness or emotional detachment during binge eating
- Anxiety or depression, often co-occurring with BED
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness about changing eating patterns
- Distress over binge eating (a diagnostic criterion)
Social and Interpersonal Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
- Avoiding social situations involving food due to fear of judgment
- Withdrawal from social relationships or activities
- Avoiding eating in front of others
- Social isolation resulting from feelings of shame or embarrassment
- Difficulty maintaining relationships due to mood swings or secretive behavior
- Conflict with family members or loved ones about eating habits
- Reduced participation in physical activities or sports due to weight gain or discomfort
Cognitive Signs of Binge Eating Disorder
- Frequent thoughts about food, eating, or upcoming binge episodes
- Obsession with “last supper” mentality—eating large amounts before starting a diet
- Black-and-white thinking regarding dietary habits (e.g., labeling days as “good” or “bad” based on food intake)
- Using food as a reward or punishment
- The belief that control over food intake is impossible
- Mental bargaining around binge eating (“I’ll eat less tomorrow to make up for this”)
Amelia's Holistic Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder:
My approach to treating Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is designed to help individuals achieve a balanced relationship with food and body through personalized, integrative care. Whether working as a primary clinician or complementing an existing recovery team, I offer comprehensive, client-centered support. Here’s how it works:
1. Reconnecting with Natural Hunger Cues:
- I help clients identify and respond to natural hunger and satiety signals using physiology education and mindfulness-based practices.
- Techniques like sensory modulation and visceral mobility encourage an intuitive and respectful relationship with the body, reducing the compulsion to binge.
2. Empowering Clients through ‘Active Self-Respect’:
- The “Active Self-Respect” philosophy focuses on physical and mental well-being, emphasizing personal growth, strength, and fulfilling activities over appearance or food fixation.
- Clients are encouraged to engage in meaningful, skill-building activities and to form deeper social connections, fostering a more fulfilling life.
3. Tailored Recovery Plans:
- I provide flexible, individualized plans based on personal needs, values, and goals. These plans incorporate balanced meal timing, sustainable physical activities, and stress management techniques.
- The focus is on achievable, realistic changes, rather than rigid diets or strict routines.
4, Addressing Emotional Triggers and Stress:
- Clients learn to identify and manage the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to binge eating.
- Techniques like brief, manageable activities promote a sense of achievement, reducing the likelihood of binges.
5. Integrating Somatic Healing Techniques:
- I incorporate sensory modulation, posture awareness, and vestibular nerve stimulation to reduce anxiety, increase body awareness, and support overall physical and emotional well-being.
- I teach visceral mobility techniques help improve digestion, relieve physical tension, and enhance the body's sense of safety, facilitating a more grounded state.
6. Collaborative Care and Referrals:
- I serve as the first clinician for many clients in their eating disorder recovery journey, offering primary guidance and treatment.
- If needed, I can provide referrals to trusted professionals within my network or collaborate with an established team to integrate specialized techniques and holistic strategies into the client's ongoing recovery efforts.
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Free Eating Disorder Recovery Day Planner
Transform your eating and reconnect with yourself.
- A practical tool for creating a healthy meal schedule, setting personal goals, and tracking progress on your recovery journey.
- Features clear meal timing guidelines to support consistent eating patterns, reduce food anxiety, and foster a deeper connection with your body.
- Designed to support recovery from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
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- Ideal for anyone seeking structure, routine, and lasting change.