Eating Disorders

For 99% of us, eating 3 mid-sized meals and 1 or 2 occasional snacks a day is the way to go. Some people go through semi-starvation, fast, famine cycles and binge eating in an attempt to lose weight. Again, for 99% of us, that's unnecessary and even counterproductive to fat loss.
In a moment we'll describe symptoms of 3 serious eating disorders. If you're experiencing these symptoms, don't fool yourself: your eating habits are hindering your long-term fat loss and jeopardizing your health.

1. Anorexia is characterized by:

a. Poor body image and self-esteem;
b. Extreme fear of weight gain and obesity;
c. Excessive, rapid weight loss.

2. Bulimia is characterized by:

a. Repeated episodes of rapid, uncontrolled eating of large amounts of food in a short period of time;
b. These episodes are often followed by the use of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics to prevent weight gain.

3. Binge eating is a lesser form of bulimia. It happens when you periodically eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, which may or may not be followed by vomiting or the use of laxatives or diuretics. It becomes a medical problem when done twice or more weekly over a period of six months.

ACTION STEP 25
Re-read the definitions of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating and honestly ask yourself if any of them apply to you. Because in the long run you won't achieve and maintain your fat-loss goals - no matter how hard you work - if your relationship with food needs medical attention. Consult your physician if needed.