Trying not to binge right now.

Maybe it really is a smart idea to start making a journal about all the times I feel like binging and the emotions I am feeling when the urges come. Today I am sad and unstable. The only thing thing that I feel loves me is food, and in reality I know that's not true. In fact ...food hates me ... I dont know my point in this post I just need someone or something to vent to. I dont know what to do.

Replies

  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    edited April 2019
    I've always been of the opinion that writing thoughts out can help a ton. Something about getting those thoughts out of your head and expressed somewhere can be cathartic. I don't know if it would help any, but when I get a depression episode one of my go-tos is to do something not food-related that makes me happy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does just enough to make me feel a bit better, and sometimes it doesn't work. But it's enough to make me try.
  • kzshelbi
    kzshelbi Posts: 73 Member
    Yes im giving that a try right now. I put on some music to help distract my mind and im just kind of talking to friends and might play a game or something . Anything to distract myself from my unhealthy relationship with food. I guess I never really thought about "why" I binge.
  • talkinghead86
    talkinghead86 Posts: 66 Member
    edited April 2019
    Hey OP, have you ever read the book Brain Over Binge by Katherine Hepsen? I know there are a lot of books that aim to help emotional/disordered eating (which I've struggled with on some level, still do -- only guys are less likely to admit or talk about it/get help for it)….but any ways, it's definitely worth a read. It's on amazon (and pretty popular) just in case you want to read the reviews/more about it.

    But basically, she talks about how these *urges* that we get to overeat (or consume calories when we're not actually hungry on a physiological level) are coming from our animalistic, primitive brain -- parts inferior from our highest self (which resides in our pre-frontal cortex), and the more we give in to them, the more we strengthen the habit.... but any ways, it's definitely worth a read/checking out (as she gives plenty of tips).

    edit author = Kathryn hansen
  • Terytha
    Terytha Posts: 2,097 Member
    Food doesn't hate you or love you. It's not sentient. But it can make you feel good when you otherwise don't, and it's an easy bandaid solution. So what else can make you feel good that's easy? For me, trashy romance novels and comedy music generally make me feel good.

    There are lots of things in the world that are good that aren't food. Right now I'm watching a confusing game show in a language I don't understand and trying to guess the rules. It's a lovely distraction from various woes.
  • cory17
    cory17 Posts: 1,503 Member
    Have noticed that I binge as almost a form of procrastination, a way to avoid dealing with issues or problems. Also to unwind when I come home after work. Get going on something else that refocuses your mind, like a project sitting there waiting or comedy shows or go somewhere outside. Step away! Visualize your goal!
  • kzshelbi
    kzshelbi Posts: 73 Member
    Hey OP, have you ever read the book Brain Over Binge by Katherine Hepsen? I know there are a lot of books that aim to help emotional/disordered eating (which I've struggled with on some level, still do -- only guys are less likely to admit or talk about it/get help for it)….but any ways, it's definitely worth a read. It's on amazon (and pretty popular) just in case you want to read the reviews/more about it.

    But basically, she talks about how these *urges* that we get to overeat (or consume calories when we're not actually hungry on a physiological level) are coming from our animalistic, primitive brain -- parts inferior from our highest self (which resides in our pre-frontal cortex), and the more we give in to them, the more we strengthen the habit.... but any ways, it's definitely worth a read/checking out (as she gives plenty of tips).

    edit author = Kathryn hansen

    I will check this out, thank you !!
  • swim777
    swim777 Posts: 599 Member
    I read “Brain over Binge,” the other day. It made me feel so much better. I had been feeling powerless about my ability to keep from binging, too.