Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop

by Cynthia M. Bulik

February 2007, a landmark clinical study by researchers at Harvard University was published in Biological Psychiatry and was soon picked up widely by the media. A survey of 3,000 participants found that 2.8 percent of them suffered from binge eating disorder (BED); that women were twice as likely to report binge eating; and that BED occurs across the age span, from children to the elderly. By extrapolating the statistics to the general population, health professionals estimate 5,250,000 American women and 3,000,000 men suffer from binge eating. The same month the study was published Jane Brody revealed in the New York Times that when she was a 23 years old, her food binges were so extreme that "Many mornings I awakened to find partly chewed food still in my mouth...."

Cynthia Bulik, director of the UNC Eating Disorders Progam, is a foremost authority on binge eating. BED can affect anyone, and can be caused by brain chemistry, genetic predisposition, psychology, and cultural pressures--but none of those triggers make giving in to food cravings inevitable. Crave helps readers understand why they crave specific foods, recognize their individual triggers, and modify their responses to those triggers. Binge eating disorder is highly treatable; 70% to 80% of patients at the UNC Eating Disorders Program triumph over their binge eating by using techniques to "curb the crave". Through the stories of some of these patients--men and women, young and old--and with the guidance of Bulik, readers will develop a variety of strategies to use in conquering their cravings and establishing healthy eating habits.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Food, Health, Mental Health

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2009

About the author

Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D., FAED, is the Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she is also Professor of Nutrition in the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the Director of the UNC Eating Disorders Program. A clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Bulik has been conducting research and treating individuals with eating disorders for over two decades. She received her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. She completed internships and post-doctoral fellowships at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She developed outpatient, day patient, and inpatient services for eating disorders both in New Zealand and in the United States. Her research has included treatment, laboratory, epidemiological, twin and molecular genetic studies of eating disorders and body weight regulation. She also develops innovative means of integrating technology into treatment for eating disorders and obesity. She has active research collaborations throughout the United States and in twenty countries around the world. Dr. Bulik has written over 400 scientific papers and chapters on eating disorders and is author of Eating Disorders: Detection and Treatment (Dunmore), Runaway Eating (Rodale), Crave: Why You Binge Eat and How to Stop (Walker), and Abnormal Psychology(Prentice Hall). She is a recipient of the Eating Disorders Coalition Research Award, the Academy for Eating Disorders Leadership Award for Research, the Price Family National Eating Disorders Association Research Award, Carolina Women’s Center Women’s Advocacy Award, the Women’s Leadership Council Faculty-to-Faculty Mentorship Award, the František Faltus Award, and the Academy for Eating Disorders Meehan-Hartley Advocacy Award. She is a past president of the Academy for Eating Disorders, past Vice-President of the Eating Disorders Coalition, and past Associate Editor of the International Journal of Eating Disorders. Dr. Bulik holds the first endowed professorship in eating disorders in the United States. Her academic life is balanced by being happily married with three children and a gold medalist ice dancer.

Reviews

[Emma Giordano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it is most valuable for it's educational content; I learned SO MUCH about binge eating disorder and binge eating in general, much more than I've learned from abnormal psychology and health classes. It was thoroughly well researched and covered a lot of important angles related to binge eating. I also felt I took a lot away from this book in regards to my own eating habits; I learned a lot about myself and my relationship with food as well as different ways to improve it. It was a very introspective read to me and definitely eye-opening. If you are looking for an informative read about binge eating, I would highly highly recommend "Crave."

The only negative point I found in this book was it's heavy focus on obesity and losing weight. It is important to be physically fit and I understand this is an issue that affects MANY with binge eating disorder, but not all those who are binge eaters are overweight. I felt it did not cater as well to those who may have eating issues but not weight issues compared to those who do. I feel it has the potential to be triggering to those who, like me, are looking for ways to curb their compulsions with existing body image issues; The heavy influence on losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight may have more negative effects than positive. Personally, I ended up skipping the chapters on losing weight because 1. I felt they did not cater to me personally and 2. I did not want to further disrupt an unhealthy relationship with exercise.

That being said, I would still recommend this read & think it was well worth a chance! I'm definitely interested in reading more ED non-fiction as well as increasing my knowledge of binge eating disorder.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the writer's stated intention not to do so, she conflates the behavior (binge eating) with the symptom (obesity) more times than I can count. Because the book continually returns to the idea that managing one's eating disorder will result in weight loss, I found it more like a standard self-help book for fat people than I was comfortable with.

It's not that I'm specifically opposed to books about weight loss, but I was hoping that this book would be different. The author seems to be using "being less fat" as a carrot on a stick to motivate readers to help themselves, but I'd have preferred she used "being in control of your life" and "feeling less horrible" as the motivators instead.

[Mossie Sweet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating - Good general information, but that's not why I bought the book - I was looking for ways to help combat the "crave" - the compulsion to eat, and there was very little of that. Eat well, exercise, take time for yourself, and don't use food to solve non-food problems. Duh. And then when the crave still hits, suck it up? That's not a solution I needed to buy a book for.

[debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'm about halfway through this book and i would recommend it to anyone who either is a binge eater or knows someone who is...i just completed the first half of the book which deals with genetics, triggers and environmental reasons for binge eating...unlike anorexia and bulimia, binge eating is not yet recognized as a bona fide health problem, and so there is little if any funding for research...instead, those of us who are binge eaters are told to get it together and just stop eating...easier said than done, i guarantee!

[Robynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping this would be more of a "tool box" book - instead it was filled with general information that is pretty much common sense. I can see where these are good reminders, but they should not have been the bulk if the book. I did find some things at the very end helpful - different therapies, etc. but this section was way too small. I wish it had been the bulk of the book instead, with more information and details about these topics. This section inspired me to learn more, but to actually use these tools I'll have to go elsewhere to get additional information because they were just glossed over here.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information was really good and it made me aware of how disordered my eating habits really are. But to deal with the problem I'll have to find another book because this is not a 'tool box' kind of book.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting study on binge eating and coping methods. I don't have binge eating disorder, but some of the strategies have worked to help overcome food cravings. I like her approach of implementing things slowly. It isn't overwhelming like a lot of diet and food science books tend to be.

[Chloe Vandonkelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Crave by Cynthia M. Bulik is all about the eating disorders people have, but more specifically Binge Eating (nonstop eating and being addicted to eating) . It informs you about all the things you were so unaware of with this disorder. I think one of the main points of this book is that there needs to be more awareness of binge eating, because there are more issues associated with it than we think. Secondly, there needs to be change, especially because this simple eating disorder has such an impact on your life. I think the last very stressed idea is that you can prevent; furthermore, telling you how.
Throughout the book, you are taken through the journey of a girl named Tish that deals with the binge eating disorder. You may also find the author giving you other examples in the text often about other people dealing with similar issues regarding eating. Bulik teaches you that you can overcome whatever it is you put your mind to, and you are greater than the issue. There is always a solution.
I would recommend this book to adults or young adults. Little kids would not understand this book, and it would not keep their interest long enough for them to finish it. I don't think these types of books intrigue younger kids. Older adults can take time to realize we don't need to fall into bad habits with eating that can lead to other bigger issues. If you enjoy reading nonfiction, factual books, that offer such things as surveys and statistics, then you will like this book as well. Overall, the book doesn't tend to drag, which is what kept my interest.

[Becks Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that doesn’t dumb down BED as not a “real” ED, one that if you “simply had more self-control” then you would be able to beat it.

This book really sets itself apart from others by providing concrete ideas for change and going even further by acknowledging the maintenance stage of recovery. It also goes into ways to get yourself back on track.

I’ve read a lot of literature around this topic but this book made me realise that I can stop now. I know enough. Thank you to Crave.

[The Twins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I thought just reading the book would make you drop 10kgs and all urges gone...:)
While I expected a bit more help and steps to get you on the road of self-healing, it definitely re-enforced some points I already knew (always eat breakfast, drink plenty of water) which is good as you need to hear it over and over. Probably need to read parts of it again in 3-6 months.
Unfortunately very US focused.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there were some concepts in there on how to deal with the binge and cravings, but I don't remember them. What I remember is her explaining things and saying something along the lines of "I'll talk more about that later." But then never actually coming back around to talking about it.

[FreckledOpossum · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is still considered a leading book on BED?? So outdated on the science and techniques. Yeah, those Dr.Pepper Zeros are really what’s getting me on this one, Karen. (And not a lifetime’s worth of trauma!)

[Janel G. B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Pretty dated. Some good information but at times it felt the author was being condescending.

[Sofia The Great · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy book to read with a lot of helpful advice.

[Emily Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I surprisingly liked it. I had low expectations. Easy and interesting nonfiction book.

[XO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why this book has so few reviews. It’s a great resource for helping anyone in need or looking to learn more about eating disorders.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love.love love

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe if I read it closer to the time it was published, it’d be four stars. Still, I found a lot of value in this and am surprised that there still aren’t very many books written on the topic.

[Lauren Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Crave: Why you binge eat and How to Stop by Cynthia Bulik


The book Crave is all about the eating disorders people have, but more specifically Binge Eating. It informs you about all the things you were so unaware of with this disorder. I think one of the main points of this book is that there needs to be more awareness of binge eating, because there are more issues associated with it than we think. Secondly, there needs to be change, especially because this simple eating disorder has such an impact on your life. I think the last very stressed idea is that you can prevent; furthermore, telling you how.
Throughout the book you are taken through the journey of a girl named Tish that deals with the binge eating disorder. You may also find the author giving you other examples in the text often about other people dealing with similar issues regarding eating. Bulik teaches you that you can overcome whatever it is you put your mind to, and you are greater than the issue. There is always a solution.
I would recommend this book to adults or young adults. Little kids would not understand this book, and it would not keep their interest long enough for them to finish it. I don't think these types of books intrigue younger kids. Older adults can take time to realize we don't need to fall into bad habits with eating that can lead to other bigger issues. If you enjoy reading non fiction, factual books, that offer such things as surveys and statistics, then you will like this book as well. Overall, the book doesn't tend to drag, which is what kept my interest.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is something to crave!

Feel like your food cravings often get the best of you?

Then you might want to dig into Cynthia Bulik’s delicious and satisfying book _Crave_.

She describes her hope and approach of for the book:
“Whether the binge eating belongs to you, your daughter, your husband, or your neighbor, and whether you are experiencing binge eating or simply overeating, the tools in this book can help you repair your relationship with food and with your own body…There is nothing fancy about my approach. In fact it is down to earth, user friendly, and very practical.” (pp. 31, 5)

(Without a doubt, those words speak true to the book!)

With exquisite writing, accessible information, and do-able suggestions (which are always mindful and respectful that one size clearly does not fit all), she offers relief to those struggling with curbing their food cravings. Here’s a sampling of the simple strategies she offers that can easily be incorporated into one’s daily routine (p. 5):
• Eat breakfast, hungry or not
• Don’t drink your meals
• Beware of stealth sugars
• Retrain your taste buds
• Computer-track your cravings
• Use instant message and texting for reinforcement
• Do lunch laps, mall marches, and other exercise

Hungry for more? Then, I highly recommend feasting on this book.

[Caitlin Trepp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is probably best suited for beginners - that is, people who aren't already familiar with eating disorders, treatment for eating disorders, and the obesity epidemic. There was some great information (although perhaps a bit too dumbed down), and a wide variety of resources. This book seemed to cover all bases. I don't think it's a book that I'll need to refer to very much later, but it was very informative. I would have preferred a bit more detail and example, and a bit more how-to, but I liked it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever had emotional issues with food, this book offers insightful tips. Some of the advice will sound familiar, but the anecdotes and explanations behind it may be enough to motivate you (or someone you know?) to make a change.

[Chelsea Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far super informative (I had previous to this book been unaware of this disorder) and aside from a couple chapters about eating breakfast and resetting my sugar awareness (which I've read about before) pretty eye-opening.

Finished: SUPER informative in the last pages. Loved it.

[Spook Sulek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, 4.5 stars. This was a really good book, and one I'm certain I'll come back to in the future. It was a great overview of the subject; if I were leading a course on binge eating, this would be part of the required reading!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up buying the book so I can reference it again later. It had some good points, and even a part about gastric bypass and binge eating, which I found extra helpful.

[Cmdokken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a book that I thought might give me some insights. So far just telling me what I already know.

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

May be helpful to some but food cravings (which I tend to have) are separate from binge eating (which I don't tend to have a problem with) for me.

[Melinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This preaching to the choir. I know that I overeat and that it is bad. How do I stop? I didn't think it gave any answers.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very interesting and helpful book for those who suffer from binge eating, a fairly common eating disorder among both men and women.

[Sarah Kortright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical, sensible advice even if you don't have an eating disorder. I especially liked the overview in Chapter ten regarding the images that now compel society towards unrealistic ideals.