binge eating/food addiction

LavenderLeaves

Davisjenn, I wouldn't even bother responding to a person like that. Anyone who feels the need to make those sort of comments clearly has no interest in actually trying to help.

LavenderLeaves

...I say that, but I also can't help mouthing off to peons.

LAWoman72

As to the OP.......

Sweetie, I feel you. I have had binge issues literally for decades. Until I was in my late 30s, I was able to maintain a very thin weight as I would alternate binges with severe restriction.

I can only tell you what is now working for me; I can't say this is anyone else's issue. But what I figured out after much soul searching and brutal honesty was that actually, I WAS addicted to something...and it wasn't any one food or food group specifically. Rather, what I was after was the bloated, zoned out feeling I got following a binge. After a binge I would get hazy and very sleepy and I would just drop right there, bed, couch, whatever, with no thoughts at all. Everything just...went away.

I wanted that and I thought I needed it. Just to be absolutely focused on gorging, then so overstuffed and so physically exhausted from the frenzied binge itself that the world just disappeared.

When I realized that, everything changed for me. Again, that's just me.

kyta32

I don't know about binges (except for mine), but I find that intense exercise really helps with my hunger levels. That and getting enough protein and fiber, and making sure I'm meeting my micros. When I'm craving, I sometimes have a small amount of a food that I find really filling. For me that is yogurt or brown rice. If that doesn't work, I have a glass of water and get active.

Good luck

davisjenn

LavenderLeaves wrote: »

Davisjenn, I wouldn't even bother responding to a person like that. Anyone who feels the need to make those sort of comments clearly has no interest in actually trying to help.

I agree it is just so hard sometimes ! Lol

RainDrops930

I share a problem very similar to yours. In fact, I was shocked to see this post, since sometimes it feels like I'm the only one. I've battled with this problem for years, and it's a cycle. I've gotten my weight to a healthy range, but the problem isn't fixed. I generally restrict my calories for 5-6 days a week, and binge for the remaining 1-2. And I mean BINGE. I literally think about food all week, during classes, whenever. I plan my cheats, waste my money hoarding my snacks, and go to town once the weekend comes. Although my weight is under control, I hate being like this. I feel like a slave to food.

shelleygold

I have often wondered if I am a binge eater. I certainly find it difficult to eat only one or a few biscuits from the package and most often will polish off whatever I start eating. This type of food usually falls squarely in the junk food category and I am imagining that is a function of the salt/sweetness/crunchiness of the food material i am pushing into my body at a dizzying speed. I sometimes wonder if I ought to purge following these eating frenzies and have not moved in that direction (no pun intended). Consequently, my weight rockets in a matter of days and then I force myself to stop eating almost completely and exercise my face off. Not exactly the perfect plan you might say.
I may have discovered a way to thwart this deeply entrenched pattern of eating and would be willing to share it if I am not hogging the conversation. Just let me know.
I wanted to comment on the reference to addiction. In my mind, the most helpful way to understand an addictive process is if the behaviour meets a few criteria:
1. Not doing the behaviour (which in this case is over-eating) creates withdrawal symptoms what can be extremely unpleasant and even painful. The brain begins to ruminate on the discomfort and finds amazingly clever and effective ways and means to get the person "back on track" to continue the behaviour. It can almost seem like it happens automatically.
2. The ongoing habitation of the behaviour interferes with the quality of life of the person and can in fact create destructive consequences over time (health-wise, financial, social, psychological etc)
3. (related to point number 1. )stopping the behaviour, over time, becomes almost impossible to maintain without enormous support and resources.

Hope that was helpful

Shel