Halloween can be an especially trying time for those with eating disorders or disordered eating patterns. There is the constant temptation of candy everywhere – at school, work, and for purchase right in front of you in the grocery or drug store.
Parents who struggle with disordered eating can be particularly tempted when they have large amounts of candy from that their children bring home after trick-or-treating. This will be in addition to the candy that is left over from what was purchased for trick-or-treaters that wasn’t used up!
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is especially significant today as it is now the most common eating disorder in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health, with 2.8 percent of our population experiencing a lifetime prevalence of the disorder – and only 38 percent seek treatment.
Eating Recovery Center’s expert clinicians can discuss how to aware of one’s desire to binge eat around Halloween and the upcoming holiday season. Understanding the reasons for binge eating, along with learning how to deal with stress in a more productive ways are keys in managing this issue and living a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Tips to help avoid binge eating on Halloween candy this year – as well as leading into the holiday season overall:
- Establish rules. You don’t have to completely deprive yourself of sweet treats. Instead, set some guidelines.
- Have regular, balanced meals. When you get too hungry, you may be more likely to binge eat.
- Snack wisely. If you get hungry, eat a snack that is both filling and satisfying.
- Eat mindfully and thoughtfully. Slow down when you eat and try not to rush.
- Give away Halloween treats. There is no better feeling than giving. So, why not drive over to your nearest charitable organization, community center or daycare center and drop off uneaten (and un-opened) candy and other Halloween treats?
Intense feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment from overeating can often result from binging, so like any addict, people are compelled to engage in negative behavior in the moment, but feel shame and regret afterwards. Instead, it’s important to avoid binge eating around Halloween and focus on celebrating with your significant other, kids, family and friends.
About Eating Recovery Center
Eating Recovery Center (ERC) is the only national, vertically integrated, health care system dedicated to the treatment of serious eating and related disorders at any stage of the illness. ERC offers best-in-class treatment programs for all patients, no matter their age or gender, struggling from: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, eating and weight disorder, unspecified eating disorders, as well as comorbid, co-occurring and dual diagnoses. Led by the world’s leading experts in eating disorder treatment, ERC provides a full spectrum of eating disorder recovery services through an unmatched network of multiple locations across seven states.
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