According to a study done by Oxford clinical psychology, binge eating is the most common eating disorder and affects 1-2 million Americans. In addition to that, about half of women in America are unhappy with their body. As college women ourselves, we know and have seen that many eating disorders (especially in women) start during their college years. Eating disorders often develop from the need to feel in control over a stressful environment and can be channeled through food restriction and an unhealthy focus on weight loss. I have struggled with binge eating my whole life, but my freshman year of college was where it really took off. Before COVID-19, college life for me, at least, was nonstop go go go. I never wanted to miss a single event or meal or hangout. I found myself feeling so out of control of my schedule and social life (as well as the immense pressure that I needed to look like my friends, I think they’re so beautiful!) that I began to not eat around any one and only eat when I was alone. And while I was eating, I would eat A LOT. To me, it kind of felt like if I didn’t eat all of my food now, I wouldn’t get to eat it again. And to be honest, at first it felt good – for a few moments out of each day, I felt like I was in control. As I continued to feed myself that way, it was obvious that something was not right. All around I felt like crap. Emotionally, physically and mentally. And I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t seeing the results I was wanting. What’s troubling is that the story I just shared isn’t uncommon among my peers. I know too many women who practice these same unhealthy habits (or others) and are convinced that it’s normal. I mean, when I first started to binge eat, I had no idea it was an eating disorder, I just thought that that was what I needed to do to look how I want. I wish that I could share some clear cut way to overcome binge eating that worked for me but I am still a work in progress and try to take it day by day. And if I am being completely honest, I still struggle with binge eating to this day. But this is why we created Food Is Fuel, not only to we want to make young women aware of the nuanced unhealthy habits that we may feel pressured to partake in, but we also want to provide the resources and support to help end the harmful cycle that is eating disorders. We want you all to know that this is a safe space for you. Our goal is to have an environment here where you feel comfortable to share, learn and grow. No one should have to go through this alone. We are here for you. Sources https://blog.oup.com/2015/02/national-eating-disorder-awareness-week-infographic/ https://childmind.org/article/eating-disorders-and-college/
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