Binge Eating Disorder

Woodsmoke
Woodsmoke Posts: 360 Member
edited November 30 in Health and Weight Loss
I've not been diagnosed, but it's obvious that I have a serious issue with overeating, beyond the normal issues that a diet can solve.

I can't stop snacking or eating huge portions. I can eat healthy for like a day or so but end up just sinking into old habits. It's related to depression and I've been to the doctor but they've not helped, wont send me to get any particular help for this issue.

Any serious binge eaters who have tips for this? It's embarrassing to write this but I need advice from those who've actually EXPERIENCED this.
«1

Replies

  • Monsterdog1114
    Monsterdog1114 Posts: 32 Member
    You might want to join this group for Binge Eating.

    And I feel your pain every day!. Best of Luck.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/112095-binge-eating-disorder

  • glow_worm_eyes
    glow_worm_eyes Posts: 34 Member
    Read the book "brain over binge." It's all about changing your mindset when it comes to binges. I can't say that I will never binge again, but I feel like I have more control now. Also, you really need to eliminate trigger foods. This will be different for everyone. I have eliminated sugar (except for some fruit) and gluten. This was a very slow progress that I've been working on since January. This past week I've fully given up gluten and sugar (but remember this took 3 months of working).

    Also, ask yourself if counting calories triggers binges. If it does, try eating three square meals at the table with no snacking I between. This alone will probably provide a deficit (as long as you don't go crazy). There is also a book for this "the no S diet".

    Hope I helped. My journey will not be yours, but along the way I hope you find what works for you. <3
  • nfpswife
    nfpswife Posts: 63 Member
    You really need to focus on one day at a time. You will never be able to break the cycle if you're constantly fearing failure around the next bend. Celebrate the little successes. One day binge free, 2 days binge free, and so on. Try to replace your binge habit with a new positive habit, so that you're mind looks forward to it and you're more apt to do the alternative than binge. When I'm on the edge, I stop everything that I'm doing, make sure the kids are in a safe zone and I take a few minutes to myself. I have a tendency to be weakest at high anxiety times and when I'm sleep deprived (common). I have a friend who would binge when she felt lonely, so instead of bingeing, she would go get a manicure (a spendy habit, but healthier). It allowed her the social interaction she craved and she loved her nails, so it was an easy replacement for her.

    Try to find what your triggers are and work to find alternative to your habit.

    Also, a regular MD may not be able to help you. Try to find a psychotherapist that specializes in eating disorders. They will be far more helpful than a general practitioner.
  • gbread2u0169
    gbread2u0169 Posts: 19 Member
    This could have been me writing this post. I am actually crying as I read and write. I am 47 years old and I've battled my weight my entire life. I've talked to my doctor about binge eating disorder but his response is always, just watch what you eat, get more exercise and try to stick to 1200-1500 calories a day and it'll come off. I had done so well my first 6 weeks of my journey and now I've gained 5 pounds back! I'm sick of hating what I see in the mirror but there are days, or hours, or sometimes even just minutes, that I can't seem to control myself or how much I eat. Please feel free to add me as a friend, and we can face this journey together.
  • Skyblueyellow
    Skyblueyellow Posts: 225 Member
    I've had a problem with binge-eating since I was about 8-9 years old. I remember being a latchkey kid and coming home to raid the snack bin and would hide the evidence. Then I remember babysitting as a tween/teen and going to homes that had lots of little cakes and snacks and eating as many as I could without it being "too" obvious. As an adult in college I would buy large quantities of food and sit and eat it quickly, before my roommate could get home. As an adult I would resort to eating food in my car and throwing away evidence at work or hiding it in the trunk.

    I still struggle. I think I'll always struggle with that urge. I just had a slip-up and I'm trying to recover from that. It's been a long road and I'm trying to replace the eating with healthier things: trying to get into photography, texting with friends, crafting, or going to the gym. Little by little I'm feeling like I have more control. Honestly I just have to avoid eating ALONE because that's when I binge and hide evidence. I have to eat with others because I know I won't binge in front of them.

    You aren't alone. Binge-eating disorder is a very real thing. It's not just over-eating, it's so different and many can't understand that. It feels awful.
  • Crisseyda
    Crisseyda Posts: 532 Member
    Binge eating is not about willpower. It is not about personal strength. It is a powerful hormonal, biochemical, neurological drive. Our brains are hard-wired to get natural rewards from foods, especially certain kinds of food (like sweet). These natural rewards drive us to repeat behaviors that release dopamine. The problem is that for many people, modern, processed, and "hyperpalatable" foods send that reward system into overdrive (much greater dopamine release). Additionally, overtime, these overly sweet, processed foods actually blunt our reward response, so now the same food doesn't even taste as good... and we have to consume more and more to get the same neurological reward. It's a vicious cycle of addiction.

    You have to cut yourself off from these hyperpalatable foods and allow your brain to heal, while at the same time nourishing your body with real food so that it is not deprived and driven to binge.

    This book made a huge impression on me, and I think you may find it useful.

    https://authoritynutrition.com/vicious-eating/
  • alittlelife14
    alittlelife14 Posts: 339 Member
    I suffer from binge eating :( add me
  • xmichaelyx
    xmichaelyx Posts: 883 Member
    Work out. That's the only thing that has fixed my serious depression, and when I'm working out I'm MUCH more likely to eat healthier stuff (because for me there's little point in doing one without the other).

    It's easier to stick to an eating plan when it's part of a whole healthy lifestyle, rather than just a thing unto itself.

    Also, it's impossible to binge on crappy food when there's none available, so I don't keep any in the house (usually) and I don't eat anything at work that I have prepared and brought myself.

    Good luck!
  • endlessfall16
    endlessfall16 Posts: 932 Member
    I'm just curious. How does one start binge eating? Is she aware that she's getting foods?

    When I first started this caloric restriction diet, I also faced with many instances that I considered as "moment of truth". Basically I was extremely tempted to eat. Alot. But I was never absent minded. I was fully aware of the two choices -- eat and continue down the bad, destructive path or ...NOT. Again, my awareness was with me and I chose not to continue to eat.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    In rare cases a vitamin deficiency can make depression worse. Consider a daily multivitamin?
    Vitamin D (well documented), b complex, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, folate, etc.
  • RunawayCurves
    RunawayCurves Posts: 688 Member
    I have suffered binge eating disorder since childhood. In my case it started because my mum also has eating disorder history and over fed me and always gave puddings every day and sugary drinks etc. There was just always lots of food around. Then I got bullied badly in school and I used food as a comforter which lead to vicious cycle of then being bullied more and comfort eating more. Then I used food to give me temporary highs and to numb out the depression. It is a faulty coping mechanism like any addiction. For me I only get peace when just do not eat any trigger foods but everyone has to find what works best for them.
  • ClosetBayesian
    ClosetBayesian Posts: 836 Member
    I'm just curious. How does one start binge eating? Is she aware that she's getting foods?

    When I first started this caloric restriction diet, I also faced with many instances that I considered as "moment of truth". Basically I was extremely tempted to eat. Alot. But I was never absent minded. I was fully aware of the two choices -- eat and continue down the bad, destructive path or ...NOT. Again, my awareness was with me and I chose not to continue to eat.
    Binge eating is not about willpower. It is not about personal strength. It is a powerful hormonal, biochemical, neurological drive. Our brains are hard-wired to get natural rewards from foods, especially certain kinds of food (like sweet). These natural rewards drive us to repeat behaviors that release dopamine. The problem is that for many people, modern, processed, and "hyperpalatable" foods send that reward system into overdrive (much greater dopamine release). Additionally, overtime, these overly sweet, processed foods actually blunt our reward response, so now the same food doesn't even taste as good... and we have to consume more and more to get the same neurological reward. It's a vicious cycle of addiction.

    You have to cut yourself off from these hyperpalatable foods and allow your brain to heal, while at the same time nourishing your body with real food so that it is not deprived and driven to binge.

    This book made a huge impression on me, and I think you may find it useful.

    https://authoritynutrition.com/vicious-eating/

    Your first sentence was correct. The rest of it had no relevance to Binge Eating Disorder (and much of is scientifically inaccurate).
  • Mentali
    Mentali Posts: 352 Member
    I'm just curious. How does one start binge eating? Is she aware that she's getting foods?

    When I first started this caloric restriction diet, I also faced with many instances that I considered as "moment of truth". Basically I was extremely tempted to eat. Alot. But I was never absent minded. I was fully aware of the two choices -- eat and continue down the bad, destructive path or ...NOT. Again, my awareness was with me and I chose not to continue to eat.

    This is like asking "how does one start self-harming? I've been sad but haven't done it" or "how does one start turning locks 7 times in every room? I've felt unsafe in rooms before but I was aware enough not to do it". Or, on the alternate side, "How does one start starving themselves?"

    BED is a psychological disorder like many other things that are hard to understand if you haven't experienced it. It's not about absentmindedly eating more than you intended to.
  • hamburgerthighs
    hamburgerthighs Posts: 16 Member
    I have a terrible sweet tooth. I can't just eat one cookie. I have to eat THE cookies. Sounds silly, but sometimes I mentally talk smack to the food, like it's challenging me. I say things like, "Nice try donuts. Not today. You will not win. I hear you calling me, but I will not listen. I will not eat you!" in my head. I'm really competitive, so it helps me to treat it like a contest. Like the food is self aware and trying to beat me. Just don't do it out loud. People tend to stare... Some research/people say that completely abstaining from something, like sweets, leads to binge eating, but everyone is unique. I have found it works best for me to treat myself like an alcoholic, I can't even have one because I don't know when to stop. Also, I have noticed that the more nutritionally sound my eating habits, the fewer cravings I get. I try to eat whole foods, organic, kale instead of lettuce, stuff like that.
  • cate320
    cate320 Posts: 130 Member
    I've not been diagnosed either, but I can eat HUGE meals if I let myself. I also don't seem to ever get the "fullness" trigger like a normal person, or at least not as quickly.

    The only thing that has ever helped me is going very strict low carb. It's much, much more difficult to eat 1000 calories of protein and fat than a carby meal.

    I can (and have) eaten entire frozen pizzas in a single sitting (~1500 calories). There is no way I could eat that much if it was just bacon and eggs and cheese.

    It also helps with subsequent cravings because you no longer get blood sugar crashes. It's worth trying out, but beware that the first few days are rough.

    It also really helps if you just stay away from any of the foods that you normally binge on. I make sure there is nothing even in the house that I might be tempted to eat.
  • ClosetBayesian
    ClosetBayesian Posts: 836 Member
    I have a terrible sweet tooth. I can't just eat one cookie. I have to eat THE cookies. Sounds silly, but sometimes I mentally talk smack to the food, like it's challenging me. I say things like, "Nice try donuts. Not today. You will not win. I hear you calling me, but I will not listen. I will not eat you!" in my head. I'm really competitive, so it helps me to treat it like a contest. Like the food is self aware and trying to beat me. Just don't do it out loud. People tend to stare... Some research/people say that completely abstaining from something, like sweets, leads to binge eating, but everyone is unique. I have found it works best for me to treat myself like an alcoholic, I can't even have one because I don't know when to stop. Also, I have noticed that the more nutritionally sound my eating habits, the fewer cravings I get. I try to eat whole foods, organic, kale instead of lettuce, stuff like that.
    cate320 wrote: »
    I've not been diagnosed either, but I can eat HUGE meals if I let myself. I also don't seem to ever get the "fullness" trigger like a normal person, or at least not as quickly.

    The only thing that has ever helped me is going very strict low carb. It's much, much more difficult to eat 1000 calories of protein and fat than a carby meal.

    I can (and have) eaten entire frozen pizzas in a single sitting (~1500 calories). There is no way I could eat that much if it was just bacon and eggs and cheese.

    It also helps with subsequent cravings because you no longer get blood sugar crashes. It's worth trying out, but beware that the first few days are rough.

    It also really helps if you just stay away from any of the foods that you normally binge on. I make sure there is nothing even in the house that I might be tempted to eat.

    What you two have described are binges. That is not the same as Binge Eating Disorder.
  • cate320
    cate320 Posts: 130 Member

    What you two have described are binges. That is not the same as Binge Eating Disorder.

    I was giving an example, and how a diet change helped me. The other symptoms, and the fact that it happens all the time was implied.

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    I have a terrible sweet tooth. I can't just eat one cookie. I have to eat THE cookies. Sounds silly, but sometimes I mentally talk smack to the food, like it's challenging me. I say things like, "Nice try donuts. Not today. You will not win. I hear you calling me, but I will not listen. I will not eat you!" in my head. I'm really competitive, so it helps me to treat it like a contest. Like the food is self aware and trying to beat me. Just don't do it out loud. People tend to stare... Some research/people say that completely abstaining from something, like sweets, leads to binge eating, but everyone is unique. I have found it works best for me to treat myself like an alcoholic, I can't even have one because I don't know when to stop. Also, I have noticed that the more nutritionally sound my eating habits, the fewer cravings I get. I try to eat whole foods, organic, kale instead of lettuce, stuff like that.
    cate320 wrote: »
    I've not been diagnosed either, but I can eat HUGE meals if I let myself. I also don't seem to ever get the "fullness" trigger like a normal person, or at least not as quickly.

    The only thing that has ever helped me is going very strict low carb. It's much, much more difficult to eat 1000 calories of protein and fat than a carby meal.

    I can (and have) eaten entire frozen pizzas in a single sitting (~1500 calories). There is no way I could eat that much if it was just bacon and eggs and cheese.

    It also helps with subsequent cravings because you no longer get blood sugar crashes. It's worth trying out, but beware that the first few days are rough.

    It also really helps if you just stay away from any of the foods that you normally binge on. I make sure there is nothing even in the house that I might be tempted to eat.

    What you two have described are binges. That is not the same as Binge Eating Disorder.

    I'm very interested, but I feel this is a sensitive issue, and I'm not sure if I should join this discussion as I don't know where the line between the two is drawn and if experiences with one can be helpful for the other, if disorders should only be diagnosed and treated by and left to professionals, and if this forum is the right place for such a subject.
  • RunawayCurves
    RunawayCurves Posts: 688 Member
    There are mfp support groups for binge eating disorder sufferers.
    go to groups tap at to of page and type "binge eating disorder" in to the groups search box. You will find them.
  • endlessfall16
    endlessfall16 Posts: 932 Member
    Mentali wrote: »
    I'm just curious. How does one start binge eating? Is she aware that she's getting foods?

    When I first started this caloric restriction diet, I also faced with many instances that I considered as "moment of truth". Basically I was extremely tempted to eat. Alot. But I was never absent minded. I was fully aware of the two choices -- eat and continue down the bad, destructive path or ...NOT. Again, my awareness was with me and I chose not to continue to eat.

    This is like asking "how does one start self-harming? I've been sad but haven't done it" or "how does one start turning locks 7 times in every room? I've felt unsafe in rooms before but I was aware enough not to do it". Or, on the alternate side, "How does one start starving themselves?"

    BED is a psychological disorder like many other things that are hard to understand if you haven't experienced it. It's not about absentmindedly eating more than you intended to.

    OK, thanks for your (sort of) explanation. It is indeed hard to understand for those of us who do not have BED.
  • thewildair
    thewildair Posts: 31 Member
    I'm just curious. How does one start binge eating? Is she aware that she's getting foods?

    When I first started this caloric restriction diet, I also faced with many instances that I considered as "moment of truth". Basically I was extremely tempted to eat. Alot. But I was never absent minded. I was fully aware of the two choices -- eat and continue down the bad, destructive path or ...NOT. Again, my awareness was with me and I chose not to continue to eat.

    Binge eating disorder has an psychological aspect that is extremely, extremely difficult to overcome. Think back to the times you were really tempted to eat bad food or too much food. You were able to resist the temptation because you weighed the consequences of overeating against the amount of joy you would receive from it, and decided that the consequences were too high and chose not to overeat. For someone with binge eating disorder, the amount of joy -- no matter how brief -- is so great that it overwhelms the negative consequences. I struggled with BED for a long time. I consider myself mostly recovered. But I still remember the way my thought patterns used to work when I was caught up in the disorder -- I couldn't rationalize my way out of bingeing. It's like an addiction; you need that hit so bad, even though you know it's terrible for your body and you're going to feel awful about yourself afterwards. But in that moment, none of that matters. Getting your fix is all that matters.

    And, like others have said, it's hard to understand if you haven't experienced. It makes no logical sense -- but that's why it's a disorder.
  • thewildair
    thewildair Posts: 31 Member
    Woodsmoke wrote: »
    I've not been diagnosed, but it's obvious that I have a serious issue with overeating, beyond the normal issues that a diet can solve.

    I can't stop snacking or eating huge portions. I can eat healthy for like a day or so but end up just sinking into old habits. It's related to depression and I've been to the doctor but they've not helped, wont send me to get any particular help for this issue.

    Any serious binge eaters who have tips for this? It's embarrassing to write this but I need advice from those who've actually EXPERIENCED this.

    Can you see a different doctor who will take your concerns more seriously? Or explicitly ask your current doctor for a referral to a therapist who deals with eating disorders?

    In the meantime, look for books that deal with binge eating disorder that have a lot of positive reviews. I've heard good things about Brain Over Binge but I have not read it personally. There are also workbooks that help you walk yourself through exercises that increase awareness of the thought patterns and triggers that contribute to binge eating.

    I've struggled for a long time with binge eating disorder. I completely and totally understand how hard it is to overcome. Here are a few things that really helped me:

    1. NEVER keep the bad stuff in the house. No chips, cookies, cakes, etc. None of it. If you want a bad-for-you-snack, you have to leave the house and go get it. Also, never grocery shop on an empty stomach. When you're full, it's much easier to shop for healthy foods. Your hungry stomach will lie to you and convince you that you can be responsible with chips and cookies in the house, when you know that that's too difficult for you right now.

    2. Instead of restricting your diet -- add to it. Add tons of healthy fruits and veggies. So no foods are off limits -- but you are required to eat a cup of broccoli and a cup of cauliflower and a cup of berries every day. If you find these intakes easy, add more healthy options -- spinach, oranges, tomatoes, etc. Making sure that your diet is nutritiously varied and rich will go a long way to cutting down on urges to binge -- and making sure you have a little something in your stomach all the time will also be a big help.

    3. When you want to give in to a binge, do this: first, fill a big glass (16 oz) with cold water and drink it all. Then, set a timer for ten minutes. Do anything else during those ten minutes -- read a book, take a short walk, watch some TV, call a friend, whatever. When the ten minutes is up, see if you can resist the binge. If you're feeling strong, good for you! Reward yourself in some non-food way.

    4. Find non-food rewards/comforts. For me, my family has always treated food as a celebration and a comfort, starting when I was a little kid. So when I developed depression, my go-to for comfort was lots of really unhealthy foods. You have to rewire your brain to associate non-food things with comfort and fun. I really love reading and crafting, so now my go-to reward/comfort is to get myself a new book or some art supply I've been wanting.

    5. When you do binge, see it as a mistake, accept the mistake, and move forward. You fell down, but you can get back up and keep moving forward. Falling down slows your progress, but as long as you keep getting back up and keep moving forward, you will continue to make progress. And the more you work at it, the less you will fall down.

    I hope that helps. I understand how incredibly difficult this is. Good luck on your journey!
  • pinggolfer96
    pinggolfer96 Posts: 2,248 Member
    Brain over binge is a great read!
  • gbread2u0169
    gbread2u0169 Posts: 19 Member
    @thewildair - thanks for the tips you gave to @Woodsmoke above; I printed them out and will keep them with me as a reminder for the times when I feel out of control. THIS is exactly why I joined this group.....the ideas and suggestions of others along with the support of people who understand the struggle.
  • shannao29
    shannao29 Posts: 3 Member
    You ladies are amazing...thank you for the great tips.. im a binge eater but i do it at night. I will wake out of my sleep to eat. I hate it! Its come to the point i have to trick myself an tape up my fridge. Any more suggestions on how to control or stop would be great!!!
  • mweckler
    mweckler Posts: 623 Member
    The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) 5, is the 5th version of this book, it is how mental illnesses get classified so that psychologists can properly diagnose and treat mental illness. The DSM 5 states :

    The key diagnostic features of BED are:
    Recurrent and persistent episodes of binge eating
    Binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
    Eating much more rapidly than normal
    Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
    Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
    Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
    Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating
    Marked distress regarding binge eating
    Absence of regular compensatory behaviors (such as purging).
    BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States. In adults it affects 3.5% of women and 2% of men and up to 1.6% of adolescents [1]. In women it is most common in early adulthood but more common in men at midlife. BED seems to affect blacks and whites equally. Comorbid problems are both physical and psychiatric. Although most people with obesity don’t have BED, up to 2/3 of people with BED are obese and can have the medical difficulties associated with this condition. Compared with normal weight or obese control groups, people with BED have higher levels of anxiety and both current and lifetime major depression.
    Effective evidence-based treatments are available for BED. These include specific forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Some types of medication can be helpful in reducing binge eating. These include certain antidepressants (such as SSRIs) and certain anticonvulsants (such as topiramate, which can also reduce body weight).

    So how does one "start" Binge Eating, it can be brought on by a number of different factors, mine began from a combination of heavy stress, depression, undiagnosed ADHD and OCD mixed with anxiety. I would develop these urges, and the only thing I could relate it to was when I was a heavy smoker I would get an "urge" to have a cigarette and the "urge" would go away after having one. It was this feeling in the back of my throat it would become stronger and stronger until I became powerless and it took over. There would be times where the urge would not be there and I would eat healthy and workout, but once things really got bad the urge to binge was an everyday thing, I would buy bags of candy and in the 2 minute drive from the store to my house I would eat the whole thing, I would eat in secret shame and lie about it to everyone. I would take my kids candy or chips, or whatever else I happened to binge on the night before and lie to them about what happened to it, I would lie to my wife about what I ate, I would start a diet and cheat on the diet but lie to everyone about it. This cycle went on for about 3 years, I gained a lot of weight, I was sad and depressed and honestly could not figure out what was wrong, I was out of control, and powerless to stop these binges. I had never heard of Binge Eating, and as a man typically we do not discuss eating or mental illness for it is a sign of weakness. But I finally got help because I knew something was not right and I was in such a bad place I knew I needed to talk to a professional. Which was the best thing I have ever done, because it gave me hope, because I finally knew what was wrong with me.
    @Woodsmoke you are not alone, there are many other people going through the same thing you are, some are diagnosed, others are not, but either way there is support and answers out there. That is why I started the Binge Eating Group so people have a place to go for information and support and to ask questions, and talk to people going through similar things.
  • Crisseyda
    Crisseyda Posts: 532 Member
    @thewildair yes, I second all of that. Really great advice.

    One more thing I would add to #3. If you have a really strong desire to binge, just know that it is a sign that your brain is still healing. That doesn't have to last forever. It's more like withdrawal symptoms, as you are craving something from which you are used to getting a neurological reward. Overtime, if you continue to avoid the substance, this urge will grow less and less and you will fill it with other neurological rewards (exercise, hugs, singing, dancing, positive social interactions, doing something engaging and fun, etc.)

    From my personal experience, that desire to overeat high reward foods did not entirely disappear until I removed those things from my diet for a long long time. And I've also found, that if I reintroduce them, the urge to overeat quickly returns.

    I started on a ketogenic diet several years ago, and while being in ketosis is incredible for appetite suppression, I still realized that even keeping no calorie or low calorie sweeteners was causing me to crave food when I wasn't hungry. I especially found diet coke to be addictive. When I would start drinking it, I would keeping buying it, and suddenly I wanted to drink it all the time. Next, I would start feeling that empty hunger and craving to overeat even the ketogenic foods I was eating.

    Now that I avoid all sweeteners, I feel stable and satisfied. It's not a matter of willpower anymore because the urge is gone. Nobody can last long on willpower. Nowadays, I might make an exception for a social event, but that excited feeling of "yay I get a treat" is totally gone. My mind is more like "do I really want to eat this? Is it really worth the havoc it's going to wreak on my body? It doesn't even taste that great compared to the rich and fatty foods I usually eat." One great thing about the ketogenic diet is that I crave fat much more than sweet :yum:
  • thewildair
    thewildair Posts: 31 Member
    @gbread2u0169 I'm so glad I could help -- good luck to you!

    @aqsylvester yes, I agree! Figuring out 'trigger foods' and avoiding them is a huge help.
  • endlessfall16
    endlessfall16 Posts: 932 Member
    thewildair wrote: »
    I'm just curious. How does one start binge eating? Is she aware that she's getting foods?

    When I first started this caloric restriction diet, I also faced with many instances that I considered as "moment of truth". Basically I was extremely tempted to eat. Alot. But I was never absent minded. I was fully aware of the two choices -- eat and continue down the bad, destructive path or ...NOT. Again, my awareness was with me and I chose not to continue to eat.

    Binge eating disorder has an psychological aspect that is extremely, extremely difficult to overcome. Think back to the times you were really tempted to eat bad food or too much food. You were able to resist the temptation because you weighed the consequences of overeating against the amount of joy you would receive from it, and decided that the consequences were too high and chose not to overeat. For someone with binge eating disorder, the amount of joy -- no matter how brief -- is so great that it overwhelms the negative consequences. I struggled with BED for a long time. I consider myself mostly recovered. But I still remember the way my thought patterns used to work when I was caught up in the disorder -- I couldn't rationalize my way out of bingeing. It's like an addiction; you need that hit so bad, even though you know it's terrible for your body and you're going to feel awful about yourself afterwards. But in that moment, none of that matters. Getting your fix is all that matters.

    And, like others have said, it's hard to understand if you haven't experienced. It makes no logical sense -- but that's why it's a disorder.

    Actually the way you describe it makes sense to me.

    I can relate to that uncontrollable compulsive urge with my other compulsive urge, namely my impatience and hot temper.

    I always know the negative consequences of getting into pointless, nonsensical, high blood pressure inducing arguments with spouse, friends, etc, but I just can't turn away at the minute it happens, no matter how much I have rationalized everything beforehand.

    Gotta keep working at it. Maybe project and prevent it 1 hour ahead instead on letting it happen too close at 1 minute. I suppose same logic applies to BED?
  • alittlelife14
    alittlelife14 Posts: 339 Member
    I ate 5,300 calories yesterday and never before have I eaten that much. I don't even know what to do.
This discussion has been closed.