The Night Muncher

mortuseon_

CW: eating disorders

After an eating disorder recovery, I didn't count calories for about three years and slowly gained weight to a level that was not acceptable to me. I was bulimic, so I struggled with appetite triggers being out of whack and wanting to binge/purge/starve, but after a few years of not counting calories and some periods of high activity I thought I was ready to address the idea of weight loss again. Finally, five months ago, I tentatively started counting calories again with planned 'cheat days' and high protein, and initially things were going well on 1500/day. I had some wobbles, but managed to stick to my plan and saw some progress (fit into an old pair of jeans - I don't weigh myself for fear of ED triggers). I'm 5'4 for reference and around a UK size 10.

Now, though, I'm starting to get some binge urges again, and some starvation urges as a response to that, and I find myself eating late at night (I will eat 'breakfast' at 1am, for example). I don't want to slip back into this cycle or lose the progress I have. I took a 1 week diet break in the hopes it would help me to get over the binge urges, but it didn't seem to help. I'm wondering how other people deal with this and how to get past it. I know 'discipline' is the real answer but given my background of being very strict with myself, I don't find that kind of answer very helpful. I was hoping for more practical solutions e.g. switching macros around, changing calorie plans, meal times etc. I don't exercise a lot because I'm very often exhausted and dizzy and spaced out - presumably a mental illness thing - but I know this would probably help my appetite or calorie management too. If anyone has tips for training with exhaustion and dizziness, that would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

KeepRunningFatboy

Wondering if frozen fruits would help add to blood sugar levels to help with dizziness? I will snack on frozen peaches and berries, or small halo oranges.

I’ve battled bulimia, obesity, the restrict/binge/purge cycle since 83. Switching to a Whole Foods plant based diet helped me stop binging.

mortuseon_

Thank you for the feedback! I've never tried that, I'll have to give it a go. I have issues with carbs making me feel sleepy (post-prandial slump) but that sounds really great for sugar cravings and keeping energy levels stable. Much appreciated