Those who struggle with disordered eating may have had or currently have thoughts that sound like, “If I eat less/ restrict my food, then I will lose weight quicker” or even “I feel so out of control and overwhelmed around food, it is constantly preoccupying my mind.”
As a registered eating disorder dietitians, I am here to tell you that even though it may sound counterintuitive, under-eating is more likely to cause binging or overeating. Restriction of our food intake or certain foods begins a cycle known as the “Restrict-Binge Cycle.”
Once we restrict ourselves through a new diet or cutting down the amount of food that we ingest, we often end up feeling deprived. Physically, mentally, and emotionally deprived.
The Overwhelming Urge to Eat
As those deprivation feelings continue to rise, so does the overwhelming urge to eat and satisfy those cravings. At this point, it can sometimes feel like the only thing on our mind is food, the constant battle of “I shouldn’t eat this, but it’s all I can think about”, so naturally, our bodies seem to require that it is a necessity to overeat that certain food and binge. Typically, post-binge, there comes feelings of being out of control, shame, guilt, or fear that leads us right back to trying to restrict our food intake again.
This cycle doesn’t just happen because of a lack of willpower or discipline, it happens because of the complex physical, biochemical, and emotional effects that undereating and restriction have on our bodies.
How Undereating Causes Overeating
To break it down even further, let’s look at three different examples of dieting and restrictive eating that sets the stage for binging, overeating, cravings, guilt, and shame:
Can you relate to the Restrict-Binge Cycle? Or any of these patterns of undereating that lead to over-eating? If so, I want you to know that it can get better. There is a way to get out of these cycles and find freedom with food. You deserve to get your life back.
We want to help you at Branz Nutrition. Contact us to take your first step.
As a reminder, the Branz Nutrition blog is nutritional information, not medical nutrition therapy or professional consultation. Branz Nutrition cannot provide medical nutrition therapy to individuals who are not our patients. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please schedule an appointment with our team.
