Binge eating

Several things help me to not eat emotionally:

1. Exercise
2. Adequate sleep
3. Eating fullness-enhancing foods, which for me are protein, fat, and veggies. More info here: http://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/fuller/understanding-satiety-feeling-full-after-a-meal.html
4. Yoga

How Yoga Can Help End Binge Eating

One breath at a time, end the suffering of binge-eating

...According to Juliano, yoga gives people the skills to stay with what they are feeling, rather than turning to food to escape. People who are obese or suffering from eating disorders have a tendency to dissociate from their bodies -- to choose not to feel what they are feeling when they are angry, anxious, or sad. Often, they turn to food to numb themselves. "There's this sense that I have to feel better right now, " Juliano says. "There is a complete intolerance of what is happening right now." This need to escape unpleasant feelings triggers a binge.

When you eat to escape what you are feeling, you lose touch with the experience of eating, as well. This is one reason binges can spiral out of control. "You have no understanding that you are full, way past full, into uncomfortable, because you're so out of it," Juliano explains. "You have no connection to what you're eating. You're eating a pint of ice cream and can't even taste it. Or you go to make yourself some toast and before you know it, half the loaf is gone."

Mindful yoga directly challenges the habit of dissociating from your body and your present-moment experience. "The whole point of yoga is to stay connected to your body. You learn it through practice, through breathing, and through breathing through the sensations."

Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-science-willpower/201007/how-yoga-can-help-end-binge-eating

I've found it helpful to write down what I'm feeling before, during and after the binge and analyze it.

Why am I bingeing? What am I trying to feel? Am I trying to feel calmer, more restful? Am I just tired? Am I really stressed? Am I procrastinating instead of getting on with what I need to focus on? Am I thirsty? Each time I identify a reason, I think of another way of satisfying the need. So, if I'm tired, I try and go to sleep (even if it's a nap). If I'm stressed, I go for a walk or do a really intensive cardio workout to force me to feel calmer/more relaxed afterwards. If I'm procrastinating, I tell myself that I can have what I'm urged to have, but only after 4-5 hours, and only if I actually want it then.

I also keep a piece of gum handy. Sometimes just chewing it helps me get through the next 10 minutes. And I try to drink plenty of water.

I've learned that binges are just my body or brain's way of trying to meet a specific need. So it's biochemistry driving it, not lack of willpower or any other perceived "weakness", so there's no reason to feel guilty (which doesn't help anyway).

Good luck.

Ask your GP to see a specialist.