Food is essential to our survival but in many cases, it becomes an unhealthy addiction.

It can threaten an individual’s health, causing obesity, malnutrition and many other problems. It is estimated that 1.6 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, with a large chunk of this being due to overeating.

Binge Eating Disorder is where a person feels compelled to overeat on a regular basis, sometimes including pre-planned binges. This is followed by guilt and disgust, which often highlights underlying psychological issues such as low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.According to the NHS, binge eating usually takes place in private, with the person feeling that they have no control over their eating.

Below are some ways in which you can avoid the dangers of overeating:

Learn to differentiate between hunger and cravings Although hunger and cravings may feel the same, they are in fact very different, and by learning to differentiate the two, you will find that you become more satisfied with your meals and avoid the urge to overeat. Cravings are often brought on by emotions such as boredom or stress and often it’s for something naughty. If you are truly hungry, it is likely you will eat anything so make sure you’re fully prepared with some snacks like fruit, nuts and raw vegetables with hummus.

Drink more water Hunger and thirst signals are controlled in the same part of the brain so it can sometimes be easy to confuse hunger with thirst. Before heading to the kitchen for a snack, make sure you aren’t just thirsty by helping yourself to some water. Your body needs water so it can function properly so make sure you’re getting your daily amount. You might just find that you feel fuller too.

Never skip a meal – Eating regularly will keep you from getting so hungry that you lose control of what, and how much, you eat. Skipping meals such as breakfast can cause you to overeat later on in the day, or at the next meal.Researchers from Umee University in Sweden found that eating a poor breakfast in your teenage years can inflict long-lasting damage on your health almost three decades later.According to the Daily Mail, the study found that those who neglected to eat breakfast, or ate a poor breakfast, were
68% more likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome as adults. Metabolic syndrome is the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. For blood pressure monitors and other medical supplies, visit Brosch Direct.

Manage your portion sizes Measuring and weighing your food, and using portion control plates can help to avoid excess calorie intake. Another way is to mentally compare your portions with common everyday objects. For example, three ounces of meat is the size of a deck of cards and one cup of rice or pasta is about the size of a tennis ball.

Get out and exercise If you find yourself staring inside the fridge but can’t decide on what to eat, the chances are you’re not hungry at all, you’re suffering from boredom. Get out and do some exercise. Choose a routine that you will enjoy and ensure you stick to it by picking a convenient time. It’s better to exercise first thing in the morning as this boosts your metabolism and helps you to burn calories throughout the day.