Jac shares her very personal binge eating story PLUS read tips from our Psychotherapist, Shara

Jac shares her very personal binge eating story PLUS read tips from our Psychotherapist, Shara

Jac Burnes is a valued member of the Zing Wellbeing community and has been an amazing support to hundreds of women wanting to change their lifestyle. 

Recently she bravely shared with our members that she was diagnosed with binge eating two years ago and she has suffered with it for most of her adult life.  

Jac's binge eating story

I was told by a psychologist it was linked to trauma and without therapy I wouldn’t be able to control it or eliminate it.

It was nothing for me to come home after a long day and surround myself with a block of chocolate and a family sized bag of chips and eat the lot while watching tv it’s where I felt safe and content. The other was getting up in the night to eat food after going to bed. 

There was no real reason for it that I was aware of, I just did it. 

Zing Wellbeing has been amazing for me!

Since starting I made it one of my goals to work on my binge eating as part of my holistic lifestyle. I have followed the coaches videos, engaged with the Zing Wellbeing community and followed the meal plans. 

As my overall health got better, I noticed my binge eating “sessions” were not as frequent nor was I craving the things I used to.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with binge eating, it was nothing for me to grab a pack of Tim tams, a block of chocolate and a large bag of chips on a Friday night and settle in to watch movies. I would eat the lot. 

I’d feel content and happy at the time but I’d always have regrets the next day, on top of feeling sick the salt content is too much for me as I have a condition which just causes more pain. 

Since joining Zing Wellbeing I’ve learnt so much about myself and how to control those urges. Tonight my daughter and I are watching our favourite band do a paid live stream concert. 

We’ve been excited for weeks and I had planned to order Chinese and lots of snacks but after some reflection about how I’d feel tomorrow after eating all the comfort foods I realised it wasn’t what I wanted OR NEEDED! 

So I decided to make platters, we have a fruit and veg one, we have a chips and dip one (with olive oil sourdough and hommus for me) chopped up deli meats and for my chocolate fix choc raspberry chickpeas. 

I have a 1.5 litre  bottle of water cooling in the freezer and I’m going to enjoy every minute of this and still feel great tomorrow.

Jac shares her helpful tips for someone battling binge eating disorder 

* Make sure you have a great support team (friends, family, Zing Wellbeing community, and professionals) 
* Follow the Zing Wellbeing recipes and meal plans and get your protein in. 
* Make sure that you are full and satisfied with your meals especially the evening ones. 
*I try to have healthy Zing Wellbeing snacks available and ready to snack on if I have the urge to snack, I also don’t ban myself from anything. Banning foods has led me to prolonged binge eating sessions. 
*I changed my evening routine I started doing meditation, drawing, writing, singing, dancing, face care,  anything that was going to distract my mind and keep me busy.

"I found as time went on I wasn’t thinking about food at night anymore. I can now sit and watch a movie without any food at all and I don’t get up for food in the night anymore. Stress doesn’t have me reacting for food but rather running to one of my self care options. "

What the expert says

Zing Wellbeing Counsellor and Psychotherapist, Shara Smith, shared an amazing session with us a few months ago focused on binge eating and tips to help.

Shara's tips

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in Australia, it affects around 3.5% of the population, mostly women.

A binge eating cycle can leave you feeling shame and guilt, anxiety and distress.

Finding out why is key! Discovering what is the cause of your binge eating is very important.

Is it a trauma trigger, an emotional trigger, or even hormones during that time of the month.
  • Seeking professional support is one of your best options.
  • Keep a journal to help release your thoughts and worries.
  • Practice eating mindfully - taste it, look at it, smell it, texture
  • Exercise - go for a walk or do some squats
  • Find a support group like Zing Wellbeing
  • Be kind and gentle with yourself
  • Distract yourself - do some cleaning, tidy up the kitchen, send an email or give someone a quick phone call.

Watch Shara's Binge Eating session below 


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