Stop Binging by Stopping Restricting?

RobynLB83

I've been in a constant cycle of lose 5 lbs gain 5 lbs for the past 8 months. This coupled with rapidly worsening treatment resistant depression and anxiety and the onset of binge eating (never a problem before). So I went to OA for help with the binge eating, and it help, well sort of, because "abstinence" created whole new problems with my blood sugar because I couldn't get enough carbs once I cut out all refined sugar (I have a lot of other food restrictions due to IBS - also anxiety triggered). And now my disordered eating and mental health is worse than ever...

I've been wondering how many people deal with binging / restricting rather than straight binging or binging / purging, because most of the literature doesn't talk about binging / restricting, but I suspect that it's pretty common even if it's not its own disorder.

I just found this article, and thought it might be helpful for anyone else who might be struggling with this issue. http://www.paleoforwomen.com/the-most-common-pattern-of-overeating-and-how-to-stop/

It suggests that you really need to stop restricting before you can stop binging. I've been taking the opposite approach, and not been very happy with the results.

mammiehorn

I think stopping binging by stopping restriction will work but I'm afraid of how much weight I will gain in the mean time. I know I used to be able to just have dessert every once in a while and only have a piece or two of whatever it was. Now that I am restricting if I have dessert I go all out. I am still debating on how to handle my binges so if you find something that works for you please let me know. I am open to any suggestions. The weird part for me is that I did the atkins plan for 6 1/2 years and never cheated. When I quit the plan and readded carbs I was still able to eat only small amounts for the first year. Then something snapped! Good luck to you and keep all of us bingers updated.

gogojodee

interested in what others have to say...

allshebe

I only restrict those things that I know trigger "abnormal" hunger - like sugary beverages. Everything else is fine in "moderation". I've only really ever binged when pregnant, though, so my experience may not apply to your situation. I did sort of use the principal of not restricting when I stopped smoking, though - kept a sealed pack of cigarettes in a drawer for "years" (may still be there). I found I went "crazy" if I had no cigarettes at all in the house, but was fine if it was always a "decision" to open the pack or not - quit "cold turkey" - this was before nicotine gum and the like was readily available.

jen_zz

Try this book - "How to Have Your Cake and Your Skinny Jeans Too: Stop Binge Eating, Overeating and Dieting For Good Get the Naturally Thin Body You Crave From the Inside Out (Binge Eating Solution)" by Josie Spinardi.

It has helped me tremendously with binge eating.

jinna86

I found that I was able to stop binge-eating by eating at a really small deficit for weight loss. In the past, I think I binged because my deficit was a bit too big, and as a result, I'd fantasize or dream a lot about food (and coupled with hunger or stress, it just wasn't fun).

A small deficit has it's own frustrations because weight loss is sooo slow, but on the other hand, being binge free for months is a major victory. I also have more of an attitude of moderation rather than abstinence.

jess6742

When I restrict I ALWAYS end up binging. I think that's why a lot of fad diets or restrictive diets in general fail. When I completely cut out certain foods or label certain foods as "bad" I tend to think about and want them more. I go for as long as I can without having them and then I binge and end up losing and gaining the same few pounds over and over again.

When I don't restrict and just eat everything in moderation I end up maintaining or losing weight. At first I gain a little because I go a bit overboard eating, but then it's like my brain finally realizes that I only need to eat two cookies instead of 15 because I will be able to have them later if I want.

I also tend to eat much better foods when I am not restricting. When I restrict my focus is on not eating eating the bad foods. But when I am not restricting I think about fueling up on healthy foods that will keep me going through my day and workouts. I might eat double the amount of calories (900 vs 1800) but it's stuff that I feel really good off of.

That being said. I don't buy junk food. If there is something I really crave I will go out and get a single serving. Instead of having a bag of oreos that I will eat in 2 days, I'll go to the local bakery one night and get a slice of cake.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it helped.