BN Fitness

binge eating.

we all overeat on occasion, having 2nds or 3rds on thanksgiving… or the case of the disappearing bag of chips while watching a movie. however, when overeating becomes the norm — and shamefully kept a little secret, it’s called binge eating. i started binge eating in high school when i was bored… or not stopping even when i was full. and then i hid the containers! beyond a “love” for food, binge eating goes deeper to an emotional/spiritual void. do we really think we can find solace in food during stressful times? will those cookies really address the hurt you feel? what does empty and hidden ice cream cartons, half-eaten donuts, chips and popcorn everywhere accomplish? extra pounds. wasteful spending. high blood pressure. depression.

a few years ago, the old byron realized that he had lost perspective on food… life actually, but that’s a novel. he wanted every meal to be a carnival on his tongue to experience as much pleasure as possible. every day a birthday party in my mouth. sweet. salty. cupcakes. chips. pizza. fried chicken. cheesy crackers. and NEVER a vegetable. and it got even more crazy when he realized he was binging but couldn’t stop on his own — by using some system that didn’t get to the root. emotional needs that he needed to attend to. spiritual needs.

if you’re anti-pseudo-deepness, click away now. sure, we celebrate occasions, each other, and life with food. my grandma was a serious cook. yours too, huh? but keep it in perspective. food doesn’t satisfy. what fuels binge eating is a desire to get away from an unpleasant feeling, hurt, pain. it started early in my life. if you are challenged by binge eating, you should seek to understand why. a great place is to spend some time on your knees in prayer. that journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step.

there’s a verse that comes to mind that I often refer to regarding eating and food.

“You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” Psalm 63:5

jesus satisfies. give him a chance. and put that cookie down.