Say Goodbye to Binge Eating

Copyright (c) 2014 LifeWorks Integrative health

Are you one of the millions of Americans who just can't seem to say no to a late-night snack? Whether you are crave a small snack late night or find yourself binge eating just before the clock strikes midnight, you are not alone. While you are not alone, this devastating problem have can have a serious effect on your health -- think diabetes, obesity or depression. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to put an end to late night binge eating. With a little effort, you can say put an end to late night binge eating and likely not even miss those late-night snacks.

Are your hormones in-check?

If you think those late night cravings and desires to eat foods you know you should probably avoid are the result of lack of willpower or a character flaw, guess again. Stress can sometimes trigger binge eating, but is not always responsible. In fact, biology just may be to blame. When you have a better understanding of why you can't seem to put an end to late night binge eating, it is much easier to control and overcome those cravings.

Chances are the underlying cause of your binge eating is the result of a hormonal imbalance with the hormones that regulate your appetite. There are four specific triggers that lead to binge eating. Fortunately, you can put an end to late night binge eating once you learn how to balance these hormones. These four hormones include:

1. Insulin. Insulin is a very important hormones that your body produces in order to process the sugars you consume. When your insulin spikes and then crashes after consuming processed foods or junk foods, you become hungry again. Unfortunately, a healthy meal can also cause you to become hungry again.

2.Leptin. Leptin is the hormone that lets your brain know that you are full and that you do not need to eat any more. When you consume plenty of processed foods, sugar and flours, leptin can stop working. As a result, you brain can become resistant to leptin.

3.Ghrelin. This hormones can help to regulate your appetite. This hormone will tell your brain when you are hungry.

4.Peptide YY. This hormone is produced in your intestines and lets your body know that you are full and are unable to eat anymore.

There is also one more hormone that needs to be considered when we try to put an end to late night binge eating. This hormone is the stress hormone known as cortisol. When you are stressed, the cortisol level in your body goes up. As a result, you become more hungry, your blood sugar levels rise and your insulin levels rise. This can lead to pre-diabetes or insulin resistance.

How can you easily put an end to late night binge eating?

With a little work and dedication you can balance your hormones and fight those late night cravings, here's how.

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day when you want to put an end to late night binge eating. Consuming breakfast is key in putting an end to your late night cravings. Consume a breakfast that is high in protein. One option for a high-protein breakfast is eggs in any form. You can also try consuming a protein shake is you need your breakfast on-the-go. Breakfast can help keep your blood sugar levels even all day long and can also help reduce the amount of cravings you have for snacks throughout your day.

Avoid drinking your calories. By drinking your calories, you are consuming empty calories that are providing you with no real nutritional value. Sodas, lattes, teas and sports drinks may taste break, but they will cause a spike in your insulin and blood sugar levels. This will lead to cravings.

Get yourself on a meal schedule. Be sure to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks in between are fine as well. Think of your body as a clock. To keep your hormones balanced, you need to develop and eating rhythm. Remember how important protein is to your diet.

Have protein and high-quality fats with every meal. Healthy, good fats include seeds, coconut and olive oil. High-quality proteins include chicken, grass-fed meat and fish. These foods can help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Keep your stress levels under control. Stress can cause you to eat, while relaxing can make it easier for you to obtain your goal weight. When you are stressed, take time out of your day to destress. De-stressing activities can include yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation or even going for a walk. Reducing stress can help to put an end to late night binge eating by balancing your brain chemistry and hormones as well as helping to fight unwanted cravings.

Never skip out on a good night's sleep. When you don't sleep, you become hungry. You become especially hungry for sugars and carbs. This is because sleep deprivation causes an increase in the hormones that let your brain known that you are hungry. This is why a good night's sleep is so important for anyone looking to lose weight.

Are you allergic or sensitive to any foods? Many people have a tendency to crave the foods they are allergic to. Common triggers of food sensitivity include dairy and gluten. If you suspect you might have a gluten or dairy sensitivity, try going without these products for a few weeks and see how you feel.