Do you exercise to undo overeating from the day before? Overcome binge eating

You could be caught in a form of an eating disorder. I've seen this in many fitness professionals over the years and in many clients. Clients who are constantly looking for an extremely intense workout sometimes have something else going on. I'm not saying always. But the clients who are always looking to burn loads of calories are red flags for me. And cardio junkies who try to clock in loads of time on a treadmill and want to know how many calories were burned are also red flags. Check out this website for an explanation of someone's internal life who struggles with this disorder.

I've known some fitness pros who gorge on an entire large package of licorice at night and then clock in two hours on the treadmill to fight off the weight gain and then teach a couple classes a day. I've also been OCD about getting workouts in despite a flu or cold and many years back I've gotten caught up in the calorie burn to be able to eat whatever I want.

THIS IS NOT CREATING LIFE BALANCE. This can be considered, when taken to the extreme, an eating disorder that requires help. This cycle is really hard to stop. Not only that but exercise can't actually control weight the way that balanced eating can. Weight loss and weight control is 80% food related.

I was speaking with one of a clients today, a big wig psychologist who is currently doing research into how compulsive behaviours are a way for people to regulate emotions when they can't find emotional language to deal. If you think you might be caught in any type of addictive cycle, it's going to take more than push ups and squats to get to the bottom of what's happening with you.

Ask yourself these questions:
1) Do you workout so that you can eat whatever you want?
2) Do you only start exercising after you gain weight?
3) Do you try to tally up the calories you've burned in a workout?
4) Do you over-indulge at night with the plan you'll work it off the next day?

This is not a fun way to live. It's like being in a big hamster wheel that never stops and you never get anywhere. Not only does it take the joy out of exercising but it also perpetuates emotional eating. Life is too short to be living in the past. All the work you're putting into exercise isn't necessarily reflected on the outside. Finding a balanced way to eat means your workouts provide you with a healthier body weight as well or even with less obsessive thinking so you have more time to focus on other good stuff. A personal trainer might not be enough to help you with emotional eating.

A good therapist can help get to the bottom of what's up. I've got a few for referrals in my back pocket. Don't hesitate to ask.