Compulsive snacking: what is it?
In the case of compulsive snacking, the person starts eating outside of meals. Often, this food intake does not respond to a feeling of hunger. The person then eats in large quantities, sometimes in secret, until their stomach hurts. “Compulsive snacking can also happen little by little throughout the day and even at night” explains Justine De Potter, dietitian in Lille.
Compulsive snacking is one of the eating disorders. These irrepressible urges can be explained in different ways.
Stress and restriction, the causes of compulsive snacking
These strong cravings for snacking may be the result of several factors. It is possible that they are the result of great stress, generalized anxiety, severe fatigue or even depression. Another factor is frequently involved: a restrictive diet. By depriving yourself of certain foods, shortages are created. This leads to cravings and other cravings. Cravings tend to be guilt-inducing, so the person deprives themselves even more at the next meal. Which plunges her irremediably into a vicious circle.
“Uncontrolled food intake as part of restrictive diets is often linked to an excessively large calorie deficit. The brain “takes back control” and leads the person to move de facto towards food high caloric density to compensate” indicates the specialist.
4 solutions to stop snacking during the day
Fortunately, it is possible to gradually stop these compulsive snacking urges. To do this, it is advisable to:
- Avoid skipping a meal: the body needs energy throughout the day. In addition, deprivation generally leads to significant cracking;
- Don’t deprive yourself of fat : oil, butter, creams, meat, fish… The different fats provide your body with the vitamins and fatty acids it needs to function properly;
- Stop restrictive diets;
- Treat yourself: don’t force yourself to eat “healthy” if it’s a piece of pie that you want for dessert. Instead, learn to balance the rest of the meals throughout the day. Treat yourself from time to time and the best way to avoid snacking.
It is possible that stopping this compulsive snacking will be quite difficult. You should therefore not hesitate to call a nutrition professionaln who will be able to accompany you and guide you on your journey, in a caring manner.