### The Five Stages of Change in Recovering from Binge Eating Recovering from binge eating disorder involves going through five stages of change. Understanding these stages can help you stay motivated and know what to expect as you work towards recovery. 1. **Precontemplation**: At this stage, you might not see your binge eating as a problem. Friends and family might have noticed something is wrong and tried to talk to you about it, but you don't think you need help. - **What you can do now**: Understand that binge eating can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. 2. **Contemplation**: You recognize that you have an eating disorder and start thinking about getting help, but you're unsure of what steps to take. You feel torn between wanting to get better and the urge to binge eat. - **What you can do now**: Consult a doctor, therapist, nutritionist, or eating disorder specialist to understand why you binge eat and how it affects your life. 3. **Preparation**: You are ready to make a change and just need a plan to get started. Your treatment team will help you learn how to move forward. - **What you can do now**: Talk to trusted friends and family members to build a support team you can rely on when you need help. 4. **Action**: You have a plan, treatment team, and support group in place. Now it's time to actively work on overcoming your eating disorder. During therapy, you'll learn new, healthy behaviors and ways of thinking to avoid bingeing. - **What you can do now**: Understand that this stage can be challenging and you might relapse. Trust your treatment team and don't give up. 5. **Maintenance**: After at least six months of treatment, you've learned healthier eating habits. Now you can use the tips and techniques from your treatment to navigate tough times without turning to food. - **What you can do now**: Focus on new interests that don't involve eating. Take up a hobby or join a club. Be mindful of stress and other triggers that could lead to another binge. Remember, recovery is not always a straight path. You might move back and forth between stages before fully overcoming your binge eating disorder. Go at your own pace and don't let anyone rush you through the process.