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7 Ways To Cure Compulsive Disorder

By Debdatta Mazumbder

How many times do you fight with your mother not to have something special in freezer? Do you feel like jumping into the ice cream tub whenever you feel sad or a small chunk of chocolate always drags you into having a full packet? If the answers of these questions are positive then you are suffering from compulsive eating.

You may think why to use the word ‘suffering’. Is it some kind of disease? May be compulsive eating is not a disease like malaria or jaundice, but it leads you into further difficulties which may cause several health problems. So, you need to know some tips to cure compulsive eating.

Facts About Eating Disorders In Children

Now, how can you realise that you are indeed suffering from this? Actually, there are no prominent symptoms of it. Generally, in occasions like birthdays or weddings, everyone forgets their usual diet plan and goes for an extra scoop of ice cream or more than one piece of cake believing that it won't harm them.

But do you feel guilty after having thesse foods? Or do you indulge yourself by digging into the refrigerator at midnight in search of sweets or snacks?

Then it may be the time to check out.

Knowing ways to cure compulsive eating may help you to overcome the problem.

Health Dangers Of Overeating

If you go through magazines and proper websites you’ll find various tips to cure compulsive eating disorder. Remember, this habit does not growin a day nor will it disappear overnight. You have to keep patience and try hard.

Here are some ways to cure compulsive eating to help you-

1. Use Small Bowls And Spoons

1. Use Small Bowls And Spoons

Yes, size really does matter. If you use large ones, the quantity of food will look little and you may want to eat some more. But your body doesn't need it. Try to use small bowls and spoons to measure the quantity of your food.

2. Set The Kitchen Timer

2. Set The Kitchen Timer

This is one of the essential tips for compulsive eating that experts suggest. The maximum amount of time you may take to have a meal is up to 15-20 minutes. Instead of gobbling up your food you must eat your food slowly and stop when the time is up.

3. Differentiate Hunger And Cravings

3. Differentiate Hunger And Cravings

As you need ways to cure compulsive eating, it is a good method to check out. Cravings depend on preferences while true hunger means you are ready to eat a bowl of salad or some fruits. Eat only when you are hungry. I fyou are only craving a certain food, wait it out and the craving will go away.

4. Never Skip Meals

4. Never Skip Meals

May be you are on a diet but skipping meals is not a solution to anything. Rather it keeps you hungry and leads you to over eat. Three meals a day can keep you full enough and you should not crave for more.

5. Be With Company

5. Be With Company

You are trying tips for compulsive eating. Try this one. Generally, women indulge into foods when they are all alone. Call your friends, have a tea party. You'll be so busy in entertaining and talking to them that food will not remain a priority anymore.

6. Divert Your Mind

6. Divert Your Mind

Once you crave for more, divert your mind towards something else. Listen to music, read a thriller (you won't leave it without completing), gossip with friends and such. The thought of food will disappear slowly.

7. Store Spicy Foods

7. Store Spicy Foods

Maybe it's funny but this is one of the most useful tips for compulsive eating according to the experts. Generally, compulsive eating includes cravings for sweet food items like ice cream and chocolate. If you keep spicy foods like Tabasco sauce or preparations with chilly, you won't binge into those.

Following these tips may help you to overcome your bad habit of compulsive eating. But one thing to remember, depriving yourself from having the foods you like the most may also lead you into compulsive eating habit.

So, instead of eliminating those foods from your diet enjoy those sometimes in moderation when with friends and family. Thus, your intake will be limited and you can have the pleasure of eating them too.

Story first published: Saturday, June 20, 2015, 12:46 [IST]
Read more about: disorder and cure eating