If you’ve been dieting for any length of time in your life, you probably know that binge eating goes hand in hand with restrictive dieting. After many, many years of trying to diet away my excess pounds, I’ve begun to realize that any diet that restricts what you eat will only lead to one thing: a vicious binge cycle.

Binge eating is a common eating disorder that affects many people. There are many things that can trigger a binge, and in my experience, the following are the most common.

Trigger 1: Restricting the foods that you eat. Sure, any diet plan will help you to lose weight if you follow it perfectly, but how many people can follow anything perfectly for the long-term? Restricting your favorite foods only causes you to crave them more, and in a moment of weakness, you may find yourself sitting in the middle of 10 empty candy bar wrappers.

Find a way of eating that allows you to be healthy but still enjoy your favorite foods. If you can work your favorite foods into your diet, you won’t have uncontrollable cravings for them. Is macaroni and cheese one of your favorites? Eat a small serving for lunch with a healthy veggie. Enjoy candy bars? Work one into your mid-day snack. If you plan these items into your day, you can still keep your calories down by supplementing with healthy fruits and vegetables.

Trigger 2: Going on a diet that makes you starved for food. This will happen if your diet plan is not a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats. Most people who are trying to lose weight will choose processed foods that are lacking in nutritional value. Try eating “real” food like plenty of lean meats, legumes, vegetables, and fruits to not only make you healthier, but to help you feel fuller.

Trigger 3: Not enough support in your personal life for you new way of eating. If you have someone in your life who is constantly trying to sabotage your healthy efforts, then you will cave eventually. Whether they lay on the guilt or eat ice cream in front of you, you need to make them realize what they are doing. If eating healthier is a priority for you, it is your right to make that happen, and anyone who wants to be in your life should support your ultimate goals.

Living healthy does not have to be an all or nothing approach. Live life in moderation, and you’ll be steps ahead of trying to force yourself into a lifestyle that doesn’t suit you.