Why do you binge/overeat?
chaokitty
Posts: 42 Member
Hi everyone. I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to post this in but...
I am 24 years old, 4'10.5", and female.
I am overweight by about 50-60 pounds, and have been pretty much my whole teenage/adult life. I overeat and eat when I'm not hungry. Out of boredom, out of depression I suppose.
I know overeating is a sometimes coping mechanism. It's a way to feel comforted (for many people, not all I'm sure.)
There is something in my past that needs healing, probably more than one thing...
Basically the reason I am posting is because I want to hear your stories. Why/when did it start? Have you overcome it? How? If not, how are you coping with it?
I just don't fully understand why I do it, only that I do and I clear my mind when I eat and don't even think about it. I've gotten better over the years, but it still happens too often.
I've explained to my SO that it's mental, it's emotional and I don't know why. He told me he could help by not bringing unhealthy foods into the house, etc etc. While that would help the symptom, it doesn't bring the root cause to light.
So, my friends... what is your story?
I am 24 years old, 4'10.5", and female.
I am overweight by about 50-60 pounds, and have been pretty much my whole teenage/adult life. I overeat and eat when I'm not hungry. Out of boredom, out of depression I suppose.
I know overeating is a sometimes coping mechanism. It's a way to feel comforted (for many people, not all I'm sure.)
There is something in my past that needs healing, probably more than one thing...
Basically the reason I am posting is because I want to hear your stories. Why/when did it start? Have you overcome it? How? If not, how are you coping with it?
I just don't fully understand why I do it, only that I do and I clear my mind when I eat and don't even think about it. I've gotten better over the years, but it still happens too often.
I've explained to my SO that it's mental, it's emotional and I don't know why. He told me he could help by not bringing unhealthy foods into the house, etc etc. While that would help the symptom, it doesn't bring the root cause to light.
So, my friends... what is your story?
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Replies
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Mostly I overeat because I just really like food. I like it, it tastes good, and I don't want to stop eating it even when I'm full because I just like it so much. It's like... I don't know... a back massage? Your muscles are loose after a few minutes but it feels so good so you don't want the massage to end, except you have the means to make sure it continues until you've had enough. I've really picked up on this in the last few years as my life kind of started spiraling out of control with a lot of really difficult things that have popped up in the course of the beginning of adulthood. Because of this, my self-esteem, which has always been low, has really plummeted, adding yet another dimension to my overeating: Fat because eat -> Sad because fat -> Eat because sad.
It sucks, and it's hard to get over but I realize that it's mostly a mental thing and now that I realize that, it's getting easier to deal with. I'm on a 30 day streak right now and I've had a few bad days, but unlike other attempts, I haven't given up on my goals. The next day, I jump right back in. Mistakes are gonna happen, and, let's face it, everyone overeats now and then. I'm doing better because I've learned to forgive myself, but not to excuse myself.0 -
For years, I considered my binge eating to be a symptom of a weak will. I just thought I was a person with no self control over food. Then, beginning about 2 years ago, I started experimenting with lowering my carbohydrate intake. Now, I eat under 25 grams of net carbs a day (carb grams - fiber grams) and I have not binged in 3 full months. Not once. For me, this is a monumental achievement. I don't feel like my natural willpower or resolve has improved, I simply discovered that eating carbs made me continue to want to eat.. and eat.. and eat. This is only my personal experience but I share this tidbit with anyone who asks about overeating or binging. Perhaps binging is more of a hormonal issue (really high insulin from high carb intake) than a moral or willpower issue for me.
I hope this helps! Feel free to add me and send me messages if you would like to know more. My diet diary is public on here and I chart every morsel.0 -
I have not binged in over a year. I used to out of boredom, stress and a hopeless feeling of not being able to change.
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LaurenCheek wrote: »For years, I considered my binge eating to be a symptom of a weak will. I just thought I was a person with no self control over food. Then, beginning about 2 years ago, I started experimenting with lowering my carbohydrate intake. Now, I eat under 25 grams of net carbs a day (carb grams - fiber grams) and I have not binged in 3 full months. Not once. For me, this is a monumental achievement. I don't feel like my natural willpower or resolve has improved, I simply discovered that eating carbs made me continue to want to eat.. and eat.. and eat. This is only my personal experience but I share this tidbit with anyone who asks about overeating or binging. Perhaps binging is more of a hormonal issue (really high insulin from high carb intake) than a moral or willpower issue for me.
I hope this helps! Feel free to add me and send me messages if you would like to know more. My diet diary is public on here and I chart every morsel.
I can't say I've ever really had a binge problem, but I used to have cravings for things that probably weren't the best things to eat. BUT, once I went low-carb ALL of my cravings disappeared. I am satisfied by much smaller amounts of food and it is much better quality, IMHO.
OP, good for you for recognizing that there IS a root issue that must be dealt with. If you can, see if you can find the Dec. 2014 issue of SHAPE magazine. There was an article in there titled "Cravings" written by Isabel Burton. I found it really interesting.0 -
cause it's so good I need another serving or two cause I want to keep tasting it.0
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Mostly I overeat because I just really like food. I like it, it tastes good, and I don't want to stop eating it even when I'm full because I just like it so much. It's like... I don't know... a back massage? Your muscles are loose after a few minutes but it feels so good so you don't want the massage to end, except you have the means to make sure it continues until you've had enough. I've really picked up on this in the last few years as my life kind of started spiraling out of control with a lot of really difficult things that have popped up in the course of the beginning of adulthood. Because of this, my self-esteem, which has always been low, has really plummeted, adding yet another dimension to my overeating: Fat because eat -> Sad because fat -> Eat because sad.
It sucks, and it's hard to get over but I realize that it's mostly a mental thing and now that I realize that, it's getting easier to deal with. I'm on a 30 day streak right now and I've had a few bad days, but unlike other attempts, I haven't given up on my goals. The next day, I jump right back in. Mistakes are gonna happen, and, let's face it, everyone overeats now and then. I'm doing better because I've learned to forgive myself, but not to excuse myself.
I can completely relate with just loving how the food tastes. That's a huge thing for me too... and definitely the vicious cycle of "Fat because eat>..." which made me laugh because how you worded it, but it's so true! Forgiving myself vs Excusing myself.... that's interesting..Not sure how I'll be able to do that one. Thank you so much for sharing!0 -
LaurenCheek wrote: »For years, I considered my binge eating to be a symptom of a weak will. I just thought I was a person with no self control over food. Then, beginning about 2 years ago, I started experimenting with lowering my carbohydrate intake. Now, I eat under 25 grams of net carbs a day (carb grams - fiber grams) and I have not binged in 3 full months. Not once. For me, this is a monumental achievement. I don't feel like my natural willpower or resolve has improved, I simply discovered that eating carbs made me continue to want to eat.. and eat.. and eat. This is only my personal experience but I share this tidbit with anyone who asks about overeating or binging. Perhaps binging is more of a hormonal issue (really high insulin from high carb intake) than a moral or willpower issue for me.
I hope this helps! Feel free to add me and send me messages if you would like to know more. My diet diary is public on here and I chart every morsel.
What an interesting point! I never thought that carbs would trigger me to want to continue eating, and the stuff I normally binge on is carb-filled anyway come to think of it... It must be difficult to keep your carbs so low, isn't it? I'll have to take a look at your diary!! Thank you so much for sharing ♥0 -
I'm naturally a hedonist for one thing. I enjoy the flavors and sensations. The other component that gets rid of my self control I believe is primarily hormonal. I'm working really hard on overcoming all that or at least minimizing the damage by smarter choices of *what* I eat so much of. It happens more or less monthly.0
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I can't say I've ever really had a binge problem, but I used to have cravings for things that probably weren't the best things to eat. BUT, once I went low-carb ALL of my cravings disappeared. I am satisfied by much smaller amounts of food and it is much better quality, IMHO.
OP, good for you for recognizing that there IS a root issue that must be dealt with. If you can, see if you can find the Dec. 2014 issue of SHAPE magazine. There was an article in there titled "Cravings" written by Isabel Burton. I found it really interesting.
Thank you, BZAH10! I am definitely going to do some research on Carbs / Binge triggers...
And I will look up that issue! Thanks for pointing me to a new direction ♥.
What do you mean by "It is much better quality"? Like, the food you crave is better quality? Or it is a better quality lifestyle?
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cause it's so good I need another serving or two cause I want to keep tasting it.
Yes I can really relate to this. sometimes I can't stop thinking about the flavor of what I just ate; it's almost insatiable. But slowly we open ourselves up to these urges and acknowledge them, and then we start to heal.
Thank you for sharing ♥
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cause it's so good I need another serving or two cause I want to keep tasting it.
Yes I can really relate to this. sometimes I can't stop thinking about the flavor of what I just ate; it's almost insatiable. But slowly we open ourselves up to these urges and acknowledge them, and then we start to heal.
Thank you for sharing ♥
this happens.
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I got fat because i liked cookies. I just ate everything. Now i overeat to make up for lost calories and malnutrition, oops.0
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I still like cookies.0
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cause it's so good I need another serving or two cause I want to keep tasting it.
Yes I can really relate to this. sometimes I can't stop thinking about the flavor of what I just ate; it's almost insatiable. But slowly we open ourselves up to these urges and acknowledge them, and then we start to heal.
Thank you for sharing ♥
this happens.
Whaaaaat is that?! I want it.0 -
I'm an emotional eater. It started when I was about 6. My mom dated and married a lot, things were constantly changing. Food was always a constant, a friend.
I also come from a big Italian family. We eat for everything. Happy, sad, depressed, stressed, weddings, funerals, birthdays...it's all centered on food, making the food, eating the food, traditions.
I've been almost 300 pounds and down to my lowest at 164. I'm now trying to work my way to a healthy 180-185 from 250. I started eating again due to big changes in my life. Divorce, dating, new relationship, trouble with the Exes (both sides)... Now I'm remarried to a wonderful man and ready to get ME back... take control of my eating. I'm not saying I don't over eat now, but I pay more attention to what and when and keep my eye on the goal.0 -
cause it's so good I need another serving or two cause I want to keep tasting it.
Yes I can really relate to this. sometimes I can't stop thinking about the flavor of what I just ate; it's almost insatiable. But slowly we open ourselves up to these urges and acknowledge them, and then we start to heal.
Thank you for sharing ♥
this happens.
Whaaaaat is that?! I want it.
It's popcorn chips, a bunch of popcorn baked into a chip. Its good and not good for you.
I eat because I'm bored, depressed, stressed, emotionally upset, cravings, because I convinced myself I was in a spot where I could not lose the weight and just about gave up.
My friend is keeping tight tabs on me now. I'm happier and more energetic then I have been in the last couple of years and now I'm looking forward to dropping enough weight to go horse back riding again.
What really changed for me was I recognized I was in trouble health wise and I wanted to be able to walk without being in pain 95% of the time. It's gotten a lot better now.0 -
I think my issue is being able to afford stuff since i started working 25 years ago - if i want to eat there is lots of places that want to sell me something - that combined with beer and alcohol that started around the same time. I love food - carbs help me sleep
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....and I'm terrible with variety - i need to taste it all - bad at buffets and bad at Christmas parties with cookie platters in front of me.... and chicken wings (dont forget chicken wings), and poutine....that's it though - well except chicken nuggets and pogos don't help..... god i love food.....0
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I can't say I've ever really had a binge problem, but I used to have cravings for things that probably weren't the best things to eat. BUT, once I went low-carb ALL of my cravings disappeared. I am satisfied by much smaller amounts of food and it is much better quality, IMHO.
OP, good for you for recognizing that there IS a root issue that must be dealt with. If you can, see if you can find the Dec. 2014 issue of SHAPE magazine. There was an article in there titled "Cravings" written by Isabel Burton. I found it really interesting.
Thank you, BZAH10! I am definitely going to do some research on Carbs / Binge triggers...
And I will look up that issue! Thanks for pointing me to a new direction ♥.
What do you mean by "It is much better quality"? Like, the food you crave is better quality? Or it is a better quality lifestyle?
I meant that the food I eat now (is in my opinion) better quality than what I used to eat. A lot of people don't believe in the low-carb thing and that's ok. I'm not pushing it on anyone or saying it is the magic solution; it's not. But it worked for me.0 -
I come from a large family where food = love and so much more. I use to eat my feelings etc. There is a new Weight Watchers commercial that explains the emotional eating that makes me giggle every time it comes on. I have tried desperately to eat to live not because I'm bored, happy, or it's what I should do at certain times. I'm by far not perfect and will never claim to be a good example but I agree with LaurenCheek my binge eating is mostly carb related. It's like a roller coaster for me the day starts out really good and then I think it's safe to have a sliver of cake, a cookie, muffin, pastry, roll, and misc bad carb choice and before I know it I'm all over the place I feel great until the day is over and I then realize I ate WAY TOO much for example 6 snickerdoodle cookies!!! Here it is nearly 24 hrs since my last snickerdoodle and my stomach aches still of course it could be from the brown n serve rolls I much on out of boredom after dinner. If I steer clear of the bad stuff I don't feel like a blob the next day.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/GNPLuSx_06U?list=UU7AWNWptGGpybSgZbV34yBw0 -
SUGAR.
I am so addicted to sugar, and sugar triggers all-day cravings for me. And not just for sweets. For everything. And my willpower is like nonexistent. I think this is the same thing as the carb conversation - which I never thought about (good call @LaurenCheek).
If I stay away from sugar for a couple days, or just cut way back, these cravings magically disappear and I'm able to stick to my diet much more easily.
I also cut out artificial sweeteners which apparently also cause cravings. I hate water so I was using a ton of Mio and drinking Diet Coke and sugarfree Red Bull, etc. I was peeing CONSTANTLY. I think my kidneys were mad at me.
Instead, I invested in a fruit infuser water bottle - I'm obsessed with it. If you also hate water and use Mio/something like it, I would highly recommend switching to homemade fruit water. I do lemon and mint a lot, but you can literally put anything in there. I got one like this:
GOOD LUCK!!
-Sarah
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My battle with over-eating started at a young age. My father (who I haven't seen in about 5 years now), was consistently picking at my weight. I was about 10, he started making comments about my body. I couldn't wear this because I didn't have the body for it. I couldn't wear that because it didn't look okay. It got worse and worse until I couldn't handle it. I told him that I loved who I was, and my appearance didn't change that. He began plating out my meals, not allowing seconds or snacks, yet continuing to eat them in front of me (mind you, my father was not even a remotely "fit" person...he used to joke about his ice cream baby belly). Then, he remarried to a woman with two kids of her own, both heavier than me. One of the girls was about a month older, and he allowed her to have whatever she wanted whenever she wanted. I grew depressed rather quickly, and began eating whenever I felt sad.
A few years went by, and I managed to stop doing this. I moved in with a boyfriend, and he destroyed the world I had come to love. He was abusive, both verbally and physically, and I began hating myself. Food was the only thing in my life I had control over. So I began to eat...and eat...and eat.
Now, I'm here. Mentally, I'm much more stable (and healthy). I'm now on the journey to be physically healthy. I still battle the urge to eat though, especially when I'm stressed. That was always my go-to.0 -
I don't binge!
I overeat when and If i want to.
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I don't know what started the binge eating but I learn in therapy that after a binge the guilt would make me starve myself and that would set me up to crave food and I would repete the cycle all over again
Scott0 -
well... Because of just about every reason you can think of. Including I just don't like where I am in life. Ive been a failure for far too long, but I can only blame myself because I've had many shots at success in the past. Maybe I just don't want happiness because it involves too much hard work.
I never feel guilty after bingeing but instead empty or somewhat calm. Sometimes I feel like something, some feeling is growing inside of me that needs to be released. I can't quite put my finger on it, but this feeling along with my stuffed stomach, gives me something else to focus on.0
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