Binge eating/food obsession
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@sadinplaid yes, it's getting to be where I will need counseling of some sort, though my husband (who pays our med insurance) is not too hot on the idea of therapists. I am not entirely comfortable with in-person OA meetings in my small town & surrounding area, because the few active OA chapters are very Christian-based.
You & I have something in common---my dad also had lung cancer. I was 13 & my bingeing got worse after that. I'm happy also that I fell into this thread. We are certainly not alone. Love to you my new friend
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Can I join in? I struggle with binge eating as well - recently, I've been better with it but I still have days that get out of control.
I have a 10 year history of eating disorders and think I developed the binge eating disorder from trying too hard to recover too quickly and not on my own terms. I had both anorexia and bulimia (the usual kind... and exercise-bulimia) and at time was desperate to be "normal," so I got used to ignoring the ED voices... but never dealt with them and also never developed a normal sense of hunger/eating habits.
At risk of triggering anyone with an active ED, I found some inspiration and help in reading "Safety in Numbers" by Brittany Burgunder. She went from anorexia to binge eating disorder and I found parts of her journey relatable especially in regards to the thoughts that occur before, during, and after a binge episode.4 -
i have binge problem and think about food 24/7 too....I will prepare lots of food.eg. more than 3big bowls of noodle,rice,chips..whatever i can find at home.sometimes i finish them all..sometimes..i just sit there to struggle..but no one understand me..I m so frustrated...
And wwhen I binge,recording the calories make it 10times worse....2 -
Me. I was diagnosed with anorexia 9 years ago and following came the binge eating.... its never fully stopped since. It's usually caused by emotional reasons (boredom, loneliness, stress mainly). I know when a binge is coming on, and I've TRIED occupying myself with other things, but it's like something takes over me and I'm completely helpless. And I can't stop until I'm so full I physically can't eat anymore. I'm also always thinking about food. I'm not sure if this problem will ever fully go away, but I've learned that eating a balanced diet (what I feel like, at all times, which is naturally usually healthy), filling my plates with fruits and veggies so that I am full when I'm done with a meal (rather than just satisfied... I love that full feeling and if I only eat till satisfaction for a few meals then I know a binge will come), exercising daily (more likely to binge on days I don't exercise), and sleeping enough (tiredness = overeating). Most importantly, though, I've learned how to love my body no matter what. I eat well (most of the time), I'm in shape, and at a healthy weight. Not my goal weight, but I've learned there are more important things in life. This attitude helps me take the pressure off and makes me more relax, which naturally makes me less likely to binge. And when I do binge, I've learned to immediately forgive myself and move on which helps me get back on track right away.
Feel free to add me, I'd love to have friends who can relate to me!10 -
Binge eater needing help too
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I used to but I don't any longer. I don't think about food anymore than anything else. I am happy for you or anyone else to add me.
I remember when people used to say this to me about no longer having a ed, I thought 'yeah right'. It took almost 10 years to beat it but I could have done it in a few days if I had been ready. Trust me when I say it's doable but you have to be ready to trust in process.2 -
I definitely fall into this category. I have binge episodes mostly related to emotional eating- sometimes stress but more so for comfort. It's a sick cycle though when you binge eat to comfort yourself and part of the reason your sad/upset is due to being overweight. The logical part of my brain just hasn't been able to override the emotional, habitual part of turning to food for comfort. I keep on trying. It's all we can do. Feel free to add me! I could use some more friends here on MFP.2
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I definitely fall into this category. The only good news is as I have been working on it I actually find it harder and harder to eat the amounts I used to eat, but there are still some foods that I can do an easy 5000+ calories on.
I have actually had days where I went and walked miles and only ate once just to eat in large quantities and still meet a calorie goal. I am getting better, but there are times when my willpower goes on holiday and my brain just goes haywire.
That binge never actually makes me feel better. I truly do feel like crap after it, but somehow in my head it is equated with pleasure.0 -
Dont be so hard on yourself, we all overeat sometimes its only human in a world that is so cruel
message me if you need someone to talk too 1 -
@makingmark I know exactly how you feel. Where you say your brain goes haywire- I used to equate it to feeling like blacking out- like coming to and realizing I ate the family size box of velveeta Mac and cheese by myself.0
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Well, I needed to find this post today. I've tried everything. It started for me about 20 years ago when I would first purge with laxatives and then just not eat. Then I was better, or at least in remission. Now for the past 5 years or so, I have struggled with bed and I can't take it. I'm not suicidal but I'm so miserable, depressed and all I can do is think about food. I can't go to the OA group in my area because it's on soccer mornings. I've tried therapists. I just don't think they get it. I've tried Vyvanse but that started leading me back to not eating at all. I eat it all. Everything. If it's not nailed down, I'll probably find a way to eat it. The vending machine at work takes credit cards. My binges cost me on average, $11 a day. I'm at a loss myself. I can't do this anymore. I don't know how to stop. Nothing works. So I get it. Totally. Hate that I do, but I do. We are all not alone.0
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felinasbeads wrote: »Well, I needed to find this post today. I've tried everything. It started for me about 20 years ago when I would first purge with laxatives and then just not eat. Then I was better, or at least in remission. Now for the past 5 years or so, I have struggled with bed and I can't take it. I'm not suicidal but I'm so miserable, depressed and all I can do is think about food. I can't go to the OA group in my area because it's on soccer mornings. I've tried therapists. I just don't think they get it. I've tried Vyvanse but that started leading me back to not eating at all. I eat it all. Everything. If it's not nailed down, I'll probably find a way to eat it. The vending machine at work takes credit cards. My binges cost me on average, $11 a day. I'm at a loss myself. I can't do this anymore. I don't know how to stop. Nothing works. So I get it. Totally. Hate that I do, but I do. We are all not alone.
im glad i v come across this also im struggling atm. been dieting since the age of 11 im now 51 such a waste of time and like worrying but cannt help my self been abusing laxatives for many many years to the point that i cant go to loo with out them, on top of that been purging. not in a good place. thanks for sharing1 -
I have the same sort of problem! 5 years ago after having my 2nd baby, I had a very traumatic labour, then went on to have baby number 3 and had another traumatic labour, I found myself comfort eating, not going out, and piling on more and more weight. If I get stressed or anxious I immediately want to eat and I never seem to feel full! It's awful! I'm now 4.5 stone heavier than my old "normal" weight. After turning 30 last weekend I have decided I need to stop and get fit,
Lose weight and feel good about myself again, I'd love support and friendship from others with similar problems, I have been able to stop myself binging, if I stop and physically say No to myself, but I know I could slip back into it easily. X1 -
Before you eat something ask yourself a couple of questions.
1. Are you hungry?
2. Is this food healthy for you or are you eating junk food/snacks just because it tastes good.
As humans we are meant to 'eat to live' and not 'live to eat'.
Make sure when you go to make food or anything like that. You are hungry. Not bored,sad or eating for any emotion.
It may help if you post notes for yourself on the fridge. Something empowering. Reminding you of your goals.0 -
People really have no concept of what Binge Eating Disorder is. It's not just an occasional extra helping. It's not just occasionally eating an entire bag of oreos. It's a life of thoughts consumed with food. What can I eat next. Where can I get it. Do I have the money for junk. I'll stop tomorrow. Today I eat everything. It's a 20 pound weight gain in one month from eating everything all of the time. It's eating an entire box of cupcakes or dozen donuts on the ride in to work where no one can see you. It's not a matter of just eating when you're hungry. Or if it's healthy, or not healthy. Binge eating is so much more. It's agonizing. It's not something you just "quit." I have been struggling my entire life. I used to eat sugar. Just sugar. Now I eat everything. 8
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Please feel free to add me, I was once diagnosed with something that I'd never heard of a "Binge Eating Disorder". In some way it was a relief to actually have a name for my compulsive behaviour I felt I always had. I've since come to terms with this but the battle goes on, I'm back on the straight an d narrow now and try to deal with this the best I can.1
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I binge eat. I think sugar or carbs is my trigger. Peanut butter and chocolate is my weakness. Sweets in general. I can't just have one. I binged on chocolate covered pretzel thins the other day. Tried to stay in proportion and went out of control. I binged on peanut butter cups. The calories in one is just ridiculous! I've learned I just can't buy these things for myself! Add me if you want.2
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waynefarrow wrote: »Please feel free to add me, I was once diagnosed with something that I'd never heard of a "Binge Eating Disorder". In some way it was a relief to actually have a name for my compulsive behaviour I felt I always had. I've since come to terms with this but the battle goes on, I'm back on the straight an d narrow now and try to deal with this the best I can.
I felt the exact same way when I found out that this is an actual diagnosable thing in the DSM that many many people are suffering with. For a long time I just believed I was a loser with no will power. It's been nearly 11 months since I last binged, but I don't look at it as something that is cured but more like something that will most likely always be there that I just have to stay aware of.0 -
Hi, I've been successfully beating the urges for about a month now (which might seem like very little but it's actually a lot for me). There are a few things that help me every day - first, I know that I'm most likely to binge in the evening so I eat most of my calories during the late afternoon. Second, I have a sweet tooth so managing it is my main focus. I need to have something sweet every day otherwise the chance of me binging is higher. What works for me is freshly squeezed lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey, pour over hot water and drink instead of tea. The warmth of the drink will make you feel like you "ate" a meal and somehow the combination of honey and lemon keeps my sweet tooth at bay, even tho the drink is actually sour-ish.
Also, when I feel the binge coming on I drink a glass or two of water and go distract myself (actively, passive distraction like watching TV makes things worse). A distraction strategy that works for me is - focusing on something I need to do for my work, video games, online shopping (clothes, not food and sometimes I dont even buy anything, just make a list of interesting items), cleaning around the house (cleaning bath, shower and sinks seems particularly effective as you focus a lot on scrubbing).
Another thing that helped tremendously is I stopped rewarding myself with food. I used to do it subconsciously but now I consciously have a reward system which involves other pleasures of life like massages and cosmetics and spas and such instead of dinners and treats.
And my last tip, I bought a pendant which says "One step at a time". When I feel I might binge, I look at it. Realizing how far I've come until this very point in time gives me the strength not to give in now. Somewhere along the way, not breaking the chain became more important than anything.4 -
as mentioned above its in our genetic make up as "animals" to constantly think about food. My dogs know they get fed everyday they know when.. no matter what they act like its the last meal they might have.
I too constantly think about food, was a chef for 10 years degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management, and a masters in nutrition. I love eating for any and all occasions (oh theres a game on lets make 400 snacks and drink wooo!)
Pre logging helps.. but what really helps
me is being active. I will NEVER stop loving to eat... oh i binged on some chips il go walk for 30 mins. I balance the eating with activity. I dont binge that much anymore and i work out (walk, hike, swim, pilates weights ect) so much now that even if i do go off the rails it doesnt really matter.0 -
i find it super hard as well....so glad to find some other people like me. I will do so well for a week or so and take off like 3-5 lbs and my personal trainer is so encouraged. he was trying to get me down 2lbs a week and i seem to be like a yo-yo going up and down because i keep suddenly binge eating. the worst is that my friend is slightly curvier than me so she is always telling me "oh you look fine ....cmon have a donut with me" or "who cares you already look perfect" ..etc, etc...and my family tends to be the same way... except most of my sisters are naturally skinny no matter what they eat, so they can't understand the calorie counting/exercise that i have to do. It just makes it super hard because ill do great all week , then come home friday afternoon and see junk food being consumed everywhere, and suddenly i find myself on my fifth handful of m&m's. i wish i had someone that woudl just understand the way i think and where i am coming from and hold me accountable. because i KNOW its SO unhealthy and feel sooo *kitten*/discouraged/angry after i wish i could puke it back up. anyways... im just glad i found a thread with similar people. i HATE it when people (my personal trainer, etc) say "just drink water instead", "or go eat an apple" , "are you actually even hungry?"....because i KNOW all that stuff is true but at the time there is NOTHING i can do its like i become possessed and im just eating as much sweet/fatty foods as possible. its SO frustrating.
but cheers to everyone who has managed to overcome binge eating though! I think that's SO encouraging to see.
to the rest, remember start fresh the next day, not the next week. together we can kick this!
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I struggle with the same problems. Typically triggered by stress. I find myself eating mindlessly and before I know it, I've consumed way more calories than I should have. I tell myself that I'll start fresh tomorrow, but it usually takes 3-4 days to get back on track. It's a constant, vicious cycle that I go through. Glad I've found people that can relate. Feel free to add me.1
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This book changed my life...and I don't state that lightly!0
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Oops...the book is called Made to Crave. Please check it out.2
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sadinplaid wrote: »@makingmark I know exactly how you feel. Where you say your brain goes haywire- I used to equate it to feeling like blacking out- like coming to and realizing I ate the family size box of velveeta Mac and cheese by myself.
Exactly this. I have struggled with binge eating for as long as I can remember. When I am in a binge it's almost like I am having an out of body experience. It's weird. I don't feel like myself and I get in this zone just scrambling to find more and more food to fix what is going on with me in the moment. Most of my binges these days are anxiety related. I hate anxiety.
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Feel free to add me, I'm in recovery, and I'm sure I could be of some help to you. 0
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Feel free to add me as well. I suffer from Body Dysmorphia and BED with OCD. I constantly think about food, and had such a bad night snacking problem I had to have 15 fillings done. I have lost 96 lbs since January and have gotten it 75% under control but I do have binge days still.1
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I was a binge eater, started about 5 1/2 years ago. I don't binge anymore but I do still eat emotionally, I eat large embarassing amounts of food and eat past the point of being full and often until I feel sick. I had lost 75lbs 5 1/2 years ago and it started after that. I had gone from 238lbs to 162, and then when I got pregnant I went up to like 250lbs and now I am at 210 but I want to get back down to at least 160 again.0
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I am 18 days into my new lifestyle and it has been far from easy. I am a binge eater who has struggled off and on since 3rd grade. Now at 36 and on the cusp of some major health issues it is time once and for all for a true change. Not some fad diet but something that never ends. I will always have to be aware of my triggers or they will get the best of me. I am now going to overeaters anonymous meetings and logging my food. I am going to start exercising next week and start slow as i have been having issues with my right knee. We can and will beat this disordered eating. It takes time and patience within ourselves. Hang in there3
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Does exercising after a binge negate the calories you ate equally? I had a bad binge the other day (over 1500 calories) and walked a bunch the next morning then went to the gym and did about an hour half hiit on treadmill, weights, plus cut my calories that day by about half. It makes me feel relieved that I am burning off those calories and I calculate it so that it seems the binge never happened. Does all that work really help? I don't do this often, it just would be nice to know you can do something to "fight back" I guess. Plus it seems to put all those extra calories to use.0
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