"first fast, then binge" or "first binge, then fast"
BlackWhiteBlue
Posts: 2 Member
Hi!
I was just having this hypothetical question all day and I can't seem to find the answer, so curious as I am, I'm asking it over here.
Since both binging and fasting seem to have quite the impact on our digestive system, what would be better for your health (or weight loss progress), first a fast, then a binge, or first a binge, then a fast?
I was just having this hypothetical question all day and I can't seem to find the answer, so curious as I am, I'm asking it over here.
Since both binging and fasting seem to have quite the impact on our digestive system, what would be better for your health (or weight loss progress), first a fast, then a binge, or first a binge, then a fast?
0
Replies
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Neither.11
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"Don't binge"6
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Don't binge. If you do end up binging, don't fast afterwards to punish yourself.7
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That's very disturbing if you can't immediately see that thought process is unhealthy.18
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Both are unhealthy. I kindly suggest you seek professional help if your hypothetical question is about your own disordered eating.7
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I don't have much knowledge about eating disorders so take my reply keeping that in mind.
But I don't see a problem with fasting to save your calories for a big meal.
Let's say a person is on 2k calories a day. One meal a day is perfectly fine and not unhealthy, so that one meal will feel like a "binge", but it's still controlled and planned( as long as it doesn't turn into a 4k calories meal).7 -
I think what you are referring to is intermittent fasting. This would not be classified as a binge but as a meal. I feel in the situation of IF it's up to your preference of when you have your one big meal.2
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Ironandwine69 wrote: »I don't have much knowledge about eating disorders so take my reply keeping that in mind.
But I don't see a problem with fasting to save your calories for a big meal.
Let's say a person is on 2k calories a day. One meal a day is perfectly fine and not unhealthy, so that one meal will feel like a "binge", but it's still controlled and planned( as long as it doesn't turn into a 4k calories meal).
We tend to have this conversation (argument/death match) on this forum once in a while. There's a big difference between intermittent fasting like you're describing, which is planned and controlled, vs unhealthy eating habits and disordered eating we are all assuming OP is talking about.
If you're not eating all day long so the next day you can go crazy and eat 10,000 calories of pizza and cake and cookies with zero control, that's not really healthy. If you eat 10,000 calories of pizza and cake and cookies with no control then fast to make up for it the next day, it's still not really a good eating pattern. The real concern here is what a "binge" entails. Some people misuse the word, but many of us who have (or still) deal with eating disorders know how damaging physically and mentally a binge can be. Some of us (raises hand) will eat until the point of literal discomfort and vomiting. And yes, fasting days are part of a binge/purge cycle of an eating disorder.
Again, intermittent fasting is great for people it works for, who are conscious of what they are eating, but the word "binge" implies something entirely different.16 -
Geocitiesuser wrote: »Again, intermittent fasting is great for people it works for, who are conscious of what they are eating, but the word "binge" implies something entirely different.
I agree, particularly the uncontrolled, rather compulsive nature of the eating. Maybe OP is using binge differently (incorrectly), but if so I'd want it clarified.
Planned regular "fasting" as in refraining from eating for a period of hours (or even a day) is not harmful, but I think bingeing is, and fasting as a way to make up for/punish bingeing can make bingeing more likely/play into the issues that lead to it.
I see this as not at all the same thing as IF. If OP means IF, I'd hope OP would clarify.4 -
This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.2 -
Sensibly eat a diet that meats your macros , comtains delicious variety of foods,and allows for an occasional treat.1
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In the past, I'd binge then fast....and It's called bulimia. Neither is good for you... and it really isn't good for weight loss in any specific way... just diet and exercise.3
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Ironandwine69 wrote: »I don't have much knowledge about eating disorders so take my reply keeping that in mind.
But I don't see a problem with fasting to save your calories for a big meal.
Let's say a person is on 2k calories a day. One meal a day is perfectly fine and not unhealthy, so that one meal will feel like a "binge", but it's still controlled and planned( as long as it doesn't turn into a 4k calories meal).
Well Ive had a planned 4000cal meal too and it was fine. But this shouldnt be every day. Thats how I took it? Maybe Im wrong. I took it as eat like 5000 calories then dont eat for 3 days... which is definitely not healthy.1 -
Verity1111 wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »I don't have much knowledge about eating disorders so take my reply keeping that in mind.
But I don't see a problem with fasting to save your calories for a big meal.
Let's say a person is on 2k calories a day. One meal a day is perfectly fine and not unhealthy, so that one meal will feel like a "binge", but it's still controlled and planned( as long as it doesn't turn into a 4k calories meal).
Well Ive had a planned 4000cal meal too and it was fine. But this shouldnt be every day. Thats how I took it? Maybe Im wrong. I took it as eat like 5000 calories then dont eat for 3 days... which is definitely not healthy.
If your calorie goal is 4000 then you can do it every day.1 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
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Ironandwine69 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
What makes you think that is considered bingeing?
Bingeing by definition is uncontrollable eating - not a specific amount of calories.3 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
What makes you think that is considered bingeing?
Bingeing by definition is uncontrollable eating - not a specific amount of calories.
Binge is a short period devoted to indulging in an activity to excess, especially drinking alcohol or eating.
Edit: Going out to bars is bingeing on alcohol, it doesn't make you an alcoholic.
Fasting to save your calories for a bigger meal doesn't mean you have an ED either.
That's the first reaction people have without even asking questions.
I'm not saying what OP is doing is healthy or not, but none of us have enough knowledge to make that determination
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Ironandwine69 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
What makes you think that is considered bingeing?
Bingeing by definition is uncontrollable eating - not a specific amount of calories.
Binge is a short period devoted to indulging in an activity to excess, especially drinking alcohol or eating.
But calories that are your maintenance or a deficit aren't 'excessive' though?2 -
Ironandwine69 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
What makes you think that is considered bingeing?
Bingeing by definition is uncontrollable eating - not a specific amount of calories.
Binge is a short period devoted to indulging in an activity to excess, especially drinking alcohol or eating.
Edit: Going out to bars is bingeing on alcohol, it doesn't make you an alcoholic.
Fasting to save your calories for a bigger meal doesn't mean you have an ED either.
That's the first reaction people have without even asking questions.
I'm not saying what OP is doing is healthy or not, but none of us have enough knowledge to make that determination
I'm not the only person to mention disordered eating, but Ok, just pull me up on it if it makes you feel better.1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
What makes you think that is considered bingeing?
Bingeing by definition is uncontrollable eating - not a specific amount of calories.
Binge is a short period devoted to indulging in an activity to excess, especially drinking alcohol or eating.
Edit: Going out to bars is bingeing on alcohol, it doesn't make you an alcoholic.
Fasting to save your calories for a bigger meal doesn't mean you have an ED either.
That's the first reaction people have without even asking questions.
I'm not saying what OP is doing is healthy or not, but none of us have enough knowledge to make that determination
I'm not the only person to mention disordered eating, but Ok, just pull me up on it if it makes you feel better.
Sorry, didn't mean to only pull you on that, I just made the edit, since I was already on that post replying to your question. My apologies4 -
Oh how I hate seeing that cycle. It is the biggest hindrance to fat loss goals ever. FASTING: Don't make this complicated. It is merely the time between meals. We all fast when we sleep. We all spend some time fed and not fed. There is no wrong or right way, but certainly if your body is weak, you have no energy, you feel sick, and you BINGE, and you don't sleep well that is the wrong way regardless of what you think your timing should be. The ANSWER IS IN YOU. Listen to your body!
Intermittent fasting is INTERMITTENT. That means INTERMITTENT. That means NOT ALL THE TIME. Not every day. Not daily.
People get stuck in a rut thinking it has to be done this way, but in reality the trick for fat loss is to stay at maintenance, but also have 4-6 days during the week UNDER maintenance to lose fat. If done consistently this is like paying off a debt. It happens slowly over time, just like paying off a mortgage debt. It is the consistent payments that pay it off.
What matters is the calories at the end of the day in the 24 hour period, extend that out 7 days, 30, 60, and 90 days for results.
It is always good to eat up to maintenance at least one day a week (or more) to help keep hormones stable and ward off binges.4 -
BlackWhiteBlue wrote: »Hi!
Since both binging and fasting seem to have quite the impact on our digestive system, what would be better for your health (or weight loss progress), first a fast, then a binge, or first a binge, then a fast?
Well, if I have a big dinner, I'll skip breakfast. If I know I'm going to have a big dinner, I'll skip the afternoon snack. I don't think either counts as an eating disorder. (And I am not underweight. Please take care of yourself!)2 -
californiagirl2012 wrote: »Oh how I hate seeing that cycle. It is the biggest hindrance to fat loss goals ever. FASTING: Don't make this complicated. It is merely the time between meals. We all fast when we sleep. We all spend some time fed and not fed. There is no wrong or right way, but certainly if your body is weak, you have no energy, you feel sick, and you BINGE, and you don't sleep well that is the wrong way regardless of what you think your timing should be. The ANSWER IS IN YOU. Listen to your body!
Intermittent fasting is INTERMITTENT. That means INTERMITTENT. That means NOT ALL THE TIME. Not every day. Not daily.
People get stuck in a rut thinking it has to be done this way, but in reality the trick for fat loss is to stay at maintenance, but also have 4-6 days during the week UNDER maintenance to lose fat. If done consistently this is like paying off a debt. It happens slowly over time, just like paying off a mortgage debt. It is the consistent payments that pay it off.
What matters is the calories at the end of the day in the 24 hour period, extend that out 7 days, 30, 60, and 90 days for results.
It is always good to eat up to maintenance at least one day a week (or more) to help keep hormones stable and ward off binges.
Actually no, the calories at the end of day don't matter. If you goal is to lose one pound a week, what matters is calorie deficit at the end of the week.3 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Verity1111 wrote: »Ironandwine69 wrote: »I don't have much knowledge about eating disorders so take my reply keeping that in mind.
But I don't see a problem with fasting to save your calories for a big meal.
Let's say a person is on 2k calories a day. One meal a day is perfectly fine and not unhealthy, so that one meal will feel like a "binge", but it's still controlled and planned( as long as it doesn't turn into a 4k calories meal).
Well Ive had a planned 4000cal meal too and it was fine. But this shouldnt be every day. Thats how I took it? Maybe Im wrong. I took it as eat like 5000 calories then dont eat for 3 days... which is definitely not healthy.
If your calorie goal is 4000 then you can do it every day.
haha YES but most people are not that active (or overweight). But good point.0 -
Ironandwine69 wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »This would be the strangest way I've heard IF described, if that's what the topic here is. IF wouldn't typically be considered binge/fast cycles.
OP, can you describe the context in which you are using the terms binge and fast? That would help get clearer answers.
We might have different views of what "binge" means. There's many days I have 1500-2000 calories meals( one meal a day). And I meet most of my macros. I don't have an ED.
I would imagine that can be considered binging by most people, no?
Well it depends on the person. I guess because I had an ED and I go on an ED forum binge to me has a different meaning in day to day use of the word. Like Ive seen people say they devoured 10000-15000 calories, not 1500 so to me 2000 is nothing, just a treat day. I do that too. Totally normal... So if that's what OP means I see nothing wrong with it.0 -
Binge has a pretty clear definition. It's gorging on food (or other consumable substance) with a lack of self control. If you plan to do a 500 calorie fast tuesday and thursday so you can eat a 4,000 calorie pizza on wednesday, it is by definition not a binge.5
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Geocitiesuser wrote: »Binge has a pretty clear definition. It's gorging on food (or other consumable substance) with a lack of self control. If you plan to do a 500 calorie fast tuesday and thursday so you can eat a 4,000 calorie pizza on wednesday, it is by definition not a binge.
Yet, fasting and binge eating is not always an indication of binge eating disorder. Like overindulging during holidays, fasting for a big binge dinner, preparing for an athletic event. Etc1 -
If you're fasting for a binge dinner, or preparing for an athletic event, it's not a binge. It is controlled and planned and not the same thing. I'm not sure why you disagree. To me this is pretty cut and dry. The word binge its self implies (and partly defines) disordered eating. You don't fast in preparation for a big binge dinner, you fast in preparation for a big dinner. A binge has no concept of a singular meal.
3 -
My point is OP asked one question, we don't know if she is planning in doing for one special occasion, what she means by binge et etc etc. We should ask more questions before jumping into conclusions.2
This discussion has been closed.
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