Usually it’s just having too much of a favourite food or maybe a second or even third helping of something really tasty, but regular overeating can be a sign of binge eating disorder.

Binge eating can become a habit. For binge eaters devouring food can be a response to stress or to a feeling of depression. The unavoidable consequence is a gain in weight, and it can even lead to developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Binge eaters consume large amounts of food because they feel they’re unable to stop eating. They eat when they’re not hungry and continue eating after they’re full. Too often they don’t seek help until they’re already experiencing health problems.

If you’ve been on a diet and you’re still binge eating, take a break from it for a couple of weeks and concentrate simply on eating moderate amounts of healthy food. Put lots of variety in your meals so your taste buds get plenty of stimulation.

Start by planning balanced meals at home, and order healthy food when dining out. Pay attention to nutrition and be sure your diet gives you the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Start every day with a healthy breakfast. This revs up your metabolism and gives you more energy to get through the morning. Eat every 3-4 hours throughout the rest of the day.

Plan to have three small meals (including breakfast) interspersed with healthy snacks at other times.  Enjoy low GI snacks such as reduced fat yoghurt, fruit or a grainy fruit bread that will help keep you satisfied for longer. This will reduce cravings that can lead to overeating, and give you a sustained level of energy all day and into the evening.

Take your time when you eat. Chew your food thoroughly and put down your cutlery between bites. Wait until you really want that next mouthful before you eat it.

Drink a glass of water or have a cup of herbal tea whenever you feel hungry. This can fill you up for a period of time and stops that craving for something ‘right now’.

When you feel a binge coming on, brush your teeth. Science can’t tell us why it works, but brushing your teeth is a real inhibitor to overeating.

Get rid of temptation. Toss out any packets of junk foods and fatty snacks in the house. If your cupboard has only healthy foods in it they’ll be all that you’ll eat.

Finally, start a program of light exercise like walking, swimming or cycling. This will lower your stress levels and lift those feelings of depression that often cause binge eating. Exercise is also good for your overall health and will get those excess kilos off even faster.