Bulimia nervosa is characterized by consumption of large amounts of food (more than most could eat) in a short period of time (e.g. 2 hours), while feeling in loss of control over eating. After the eating episode there are intense feelings of guilt and compensatory actions (such as purging, over-exercising etc). Such episodes have been appearing at least once a week for a period of 3 months. Self evaluation and confidence is based largely on body image. It is common to have had anorexia nervosa in the past.
Binge eating is characterized by loss of control over eating, like bulimia, and consumption of large amounts of food but with no compensatory actions. The consumption of the large amount of food is not necessarily in a short period of time, as in bulimia but it may be throughout the day. The episodes are usually associated with situations that result in negative feelings and are followed but feelings of guilt and shame. Such episodes have been appearing at least once a week for a period of 3 months.
Dietary treatment, working together with psychological treatment, aims to help you gain control back over your eating. Learning how to eat smart and balanced will help to minimize the urge to overeat. Regular meals and snacks will be adapted to your food preferences and way of life in order to make this practical. Food “triggers” will be introduced gradually, when you are ready. Everything is allowed, in moderation, when eating healthy.
The “dietrophy” tools that will be used, based on the latest scientific evidence for best outcome, include:
- Food diaries
- Nutrition education
- Goal setting
- Help with organizing and planning of balanced meals and snacks
- Tasty recipes
- Support and guidance