Answers via Dr. Keith Kantor

When you overeat, what’s the best way to get back on track?

Overeating once in a while is normal, especially if it is a favorite family recipe, holiday or after a long day of exercise and/or activity. The best way to get back on track is to go right back to your healthy meals, that are centered around vegetables, protein, healthy fats and unprocessed carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes or brown rice. “The last supper syndrome” is when people fall off track by indulging and they keep indulging, justifying it by saying they will start on Monday. This is dangerous and should be avoided because it promotes unhealthy binge eating, guilt and a addiction with food.
What’s the difference between overeating on occasion and
binging?

Overeating is something that happens once in a while and is typically done in a social setting with loved ones due to a special occasion. Binge eating is often done alone, and while someone is binging they may feel out of control, almost like they are abusing drugs and cannot stop.

What are some signs or symptoms of binging?

Binging is sometimes coupled with restrictive dieting, the binging occurs when willpower decreases from dieting. Someone who has binge eating disorder is emotionally attached to food and will turn to it during times of stress, sadness and even happy times. They often eat alone, in their car, room, etc. They start and stop diets often and their weight may fluctuate.