Celiac Binger

I have celiac disease which means I have to eat a gluten free diet. I believe this restriction has contributed to my binge eating.

I try to allow myself substitutes but when I bake a pan of gluten-free brownies I end up eating the whole thing! I am the only celiac in my house, but I have several young kids. You tell us to clear our cabinets of all the foods that trigger binges, but I can't get rid of things like peanut butter that are their favorites.

How essential is this cleaning out of cupboards to start and what do you think about allowing yourself to eat what you think you want? The advice I hear is so opposing - banish your trouble foods vs. allow yourself a little of everything.

I want to allow myself to eat what I want since I already am restricted by a gluten-free diet, but sometimes once I allow myself a little I just can't stop.

Please help me!


ANSWER


I understand how you may feel the advice of clearing out your cabinets of trigger foods but still allowing yourself treats can feel contradictory. I too, have young children at home and I have peanut butter in my cupboard: but having those types of foods around don't affect me like they used to.

At some point it becomes about changing what you want to eat. It is about changing your perspective so that external triggers no longer hold power of you.

I do recommend clearing your home of foods that you have a large struggle with.

This strategy doesn't have to be permanent; it is help you get started. Doing this helps you to create a pause button before binging and allow you time to address the stress and emotions that trigger the 'need to binge'.

Don't get too caught up in doing things perfectly... get clear on what is going to work for you. Follow your intuition... you are the only master of your life.

Some questions to think about:

• Are your trigger foods what you and your body even enjoy?


• Why are you really eating them?


• Is it really because you love them?


• Or is it a form of self punishment or disapproval?


• If you were really in tune with your body... what would you reach for to eat?

With having celiac disease it may be an emotional challenge because it is necessary for you to eliminate gluten. But you can do it! It is all about your perspective. Anytime you feel left out because you cannot eat foods that others are eating.... ask yourself why? Does it matter that you eat other kinds of foods instead? Does food dictate your happiness? How can you address the challenge of having celiac disease while still feeling empowered?

Take time to think about all these questions. Don't beat yourself up about any actions or inaction. Just be open and nonjudgmental with yourself.

Come up with your own plan that you can do. When you feel the need to eat when you're not hungry... tune into what your body/higher self is trying to tell you.... what do you really need?

You are more powerful than you realize. You can do this!

All my Best,

Stefanie