The REAL reason why you binge eat (4 subtypes of binge eating)
Binge eating—a phrase that resonates with chaos or feels all-too-familiar, right? If you're someone who finds your relationship with food to be a whirlwind, with nights that spiral into food frenzies, or if you've simply accepted the label of being an emotional eater, this is for you!
What’s really driving your binge?
In today's chat, we're diving deep into what lies beneath binge eating—spoiler alert, it's all about deprivation. And not just the kind that has to do with the food on your plate (oh it goes so much deeper than that!)
And one thing I want to make sure EVERYONE understands is this:
Binge eating isn't something you conquer with sheer willpower or by splashing your face with cold water when cravings hit. No, that’s looking at the SYMPTOM, not the CAUSE.
We need to cut to the core—understand the deprivation fueling the binge and work on meeting your TRUE needs, so that you no longer feel the NEED to turn to food!
The 4 sub-types of deprivation that fuels binge eating
👉 By the way, before we dive in, if you want to get an accurate assessment of which of these 4 subtypes are driving YOUR binge eating, grab the FREE quiz + workshop that will help you identify that!
1. Fuel Deprivation (➡️ leads to “hunger-driven binge eating”)
Even if you’ve STOPPED dieting and THINK you are eating enough, so many times I find that majority of my clients underestimate how much fuel their body actually needs! If evenings have you playing catch-up on calories, it might be time to reassess—consistently meet your fuel needs to curb those nighttime nosh sessions.
2. Satisfaction Deprivation (➡️ leads to “cravings-driven binge eating”)
If you are truly eating ENOUGH food, but still find yourself thinking about food or grazing on snacks the rest of the night, it could be because you’re not actually satisfied. Satisfaction is about getting that feeling of it “hit the spot” in your brain, not just your stomach. Are you eating what truly satisfies you, or are you stopping at pre-set limits? Allowing yourself to break free from 'sneaky restrictions' and eating until you're genuinely content can make all the difference.
3. Physical Needs Deprivation (➡️ leads to “disconnected binge eating”)
You are a complex human being with complex physical needs!
Are you constantly running on fumes, always on the go-go-go and taking care of EVERYONE around you, but your needs come last? Things like overworking and lack of rest can morph into food binges as your body tries to compensate for those unmet needs through food. If the constant hustle leaves you turning to mindless pints of ice cream and snacks late at night, it’s time to take a gentle look at what your body might be truly seeking— is it rest, sleep, movement, connection time, “me time,” that can restore your sense of balance and connection with your body? Remember- your needs are VALID and taking care of yourself is NOT selfish.
4. Emotional Needs Deprivation (➡️ leads to “emotional binge eating”)
How is your EMOTIONAL well-being? Sometimes it could be that it's not about the food, but more about running from emotions or soothing your emotions. with food. Emotional eating gets demonized so much, but please know that this is not automatically a “bad"/wrong” thing! (You don’t need more shame and guilt!)
But if turning to food is not always leading to feeling better, what if you took a compassionate look at your emotions? By healing your relationship with your emotions, you can lessen food's role as a comforting fallback.
And finally, please remember, the food peace journey is about compassion, not self-criticism. Healing comes with time and understanding of yourself and your intrinsic needs.
To identify which of these 4 subtypes is driving YOUR binge eating, get the FREE assessment and workshop below!
➡️ FREE “Roots of YOUR Binge Eating Workshop”
➡️ Or if you’re desiring comprehensive 1-1 support in your food+body peace journey, apply for my “YOU, EMBODIED” 1-1 coaching program where I become your guide, teacher, and partner to walk alongside you to reach your most healthful and happy relationship with food, body and yourself. 💖
Always rooting for you,
Mya