Binge-watch, binge eating – we all are addicted to becoming couch potatoes. Now is the ideal time, as we all are stuck indoors due to lockdown, which is worsening things for many. We all are unknowingly falling into the trap of so many kinds of eating disorders, though there are few good things to be highlighted – which is home-cooked food has become a part of us now and we all began to cook more often than our usual schedule. People are finding time to make things they ever wanted – It reflects the saying – “Necessity is the mother of invention. ”
If you see, during lockdown most people are worried about gaining weight. Most of them are indulging in exercises and yoga etc. to keep their worry off-road. But what about others, who are not even having a spark of thinking about it. During this lockdown, those especially who are working from home, take a late-night break and start binge-watching along with binge eating, which is dragging them to other serious health disorders.
Why is it happening?
Earlier, people used to wake up correctly, and have regular meals or at least they try to be on time for work, because of the unpredictable traffic and the need to be available at work. But now, since, the travelling part is kind of nowhere in the scene, and people are expected to be at work all the time from home, they all tend to wake up at an odd time, have irregular timing for meals and much more. Everything in their usual routine is undone. Many of them, just wake up and then directly connect to their meetings and some are so busy at work, that they hardly think of what needs to be cooked, and by the time they decide and work out they already are off their routine. Some are even skipping their meals, assuming that skipping it, might help them reduce their weight gain, which is unhealthy if not done right.
Harmful effects of Binge Eating
Let us take a look at the harmful effects of binge eating.
Weight Gain
For most people the metabolism during the night is too slow, hence digestion is not very effective. It is said that eating meals at odd times will cause hormonal imbalance which is not good for the body. Most of the time, during the night, many tend to carry a bag of chips.. or something they could grab and watch TV or Netflix to relax. Hence again we tend to stay awake or even sleep off in the middle. It is advisable to eat at least 2 hours before sleeping.
Disturbed sleep cycle
With this lockdown, we all tend to sleep late, wake up late, or sometimes lack of sleep, as most of them are free to talk. Eating late night again disrupts the sleep cycle. Our body has a proper system, which when worked perfectly, can help you gain better health. If not, you find it difficult to sleep at night.
Acid Reflux- Acidity
Eating disorders are connected to stomach problems. Many are experiencing acidic problems, indigestion issues heartburn etc. which are also leading to headaches and stomach issues. Our body produces excessive acids due to indigestion. It is better to avoid going to bed, immediately after food. Take time and relax, hence plan your dinner priorly.
Disturbed Mental Health
It is found that your improper food habits can also impair your concentration as well as your memory. In a way it affects your brains capability to learn, grasp, understand and memorise. The more you struggle to do things rightly, and when unable to do it can lead to anxiety and depression.
Tips to avoid binge eating and stay healthy
- Stop skipping meals, have your breakfast right on time. If you skip meals, you tend to overeat the next meal, which is not right.
- If you are still binge eating, then avoid sugary foods, junk foods etc.
- Try workouts and yoga to stay fit and healthy. Also, workouts will keep anxiety at par. Yoga is ideal to promote healthy eating habits.
- Make sure you eat 2 hours before sleep.
- Ensure you have light and healthy dinner at night.
- Try to include fibre rich food, which helps you cut cravings and keep you full.
- Avoid sugary foods.
To Wrap up ;
Being indoors all the time might be frustrating, it might cause anxiety and depression which also leads to binge eating. Focus on what you exactly want to do and stick to your schedule for staying healthy even in lockdown.
