I honestly can't stop bingeing on junk after school, help

Superlicious96

I thought I could control myself but everyday as I come home from school, I binge on junk for an hour-ish. I then end up eating dinner very late, or eating a tiny amount. Everyday I tell myself it's okay, I can start fresh tomorrow but I do exactly the same thing repeatedly (2 weeks now). I hate it because I eat healthily all day, only to ruin it after school. Sometimes I'll even binge before bed. I managed to kick the habit once a few months ago by eating fruits after school but I don't like fruits much. Also, I can't trust myself to eat junk in moderation, I go overboard every time BUT if I don't eat junk, I have crazy binges on the weekend. I also exercise daily and basically undo all my work.

I'm not sure what to do. It's like I'm at some loose end. I'd like it if somebody could please be harsh with me and just help me really. Today, I went and threw out all the junk I'd binge on tomorrow, but I'll just end up bingeing on my family's junk which is really pathetic of me. I seem to lack willpower.

Superlicious96

It's also my birthday on Saturday and I've been told I've got a giant double chocolate cake on the way along with multiple fast food restaurants reserved for the family so I DESPERATELY need to get my act together fast and a week after I have a dental check up so I'll probably end up with a filling if I don't quit the junk.

aarondnguyen

Completely removing processed junk from your diet may lead to weight loss benefits, sure, but for some (including myself) it's probably not realistic. You have to really dig deep and ask yourself what you want out of life, in my opinion. I used to be in your shoes where I would start the day off with my diet completely spot-on, only to have it ruined by night time where I cave in and eat all the cookies I have in my pantry. Then the vicious cycle of binging and restricting began. Ultimately what'll happen is you'll form a bad relationship with food -- and if you're looking at longevity and long-term adherence to dieting, this is the last thing you want. Practice moderation. I know you feel that you can't do it at the moment, but you can. Trust me. If I can, so can you. However, the majority of your diet should come from nutrient-dense food. Aim for carbohydrate sources that have good amounts of fiber so they'll help keep you full. A few tricks of the trade that can help fight off sugar cravings is rinsing your mouth with some type of oral glucose (i.e. soda). Studies have shown that the trace amounts of sugar left behind after rinsing will be enough to replenish serotonin levels, thus making saying "no" a lot easier. Willpower is like a muscle, and when used for prolonged periods of time (for dieting for example), it'll get worn out.

Hope this helps!

VaingloriousVictoria

Hey!!! I have been there before. I could probably write a hilariously long novel about my crazy snacking hi-jinks in the middle of the night. This is what I have done to help me...

1. I don't buy bad food. (It's really hard for me. For example, I thought I had self control and bought a box of Thin Mints. WRONG! I ate a whole box in two days!) If it's not around, I can't eat it.

2. Surround myself with high protein, low carb options. (Nuts, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, cheese sticks, etc.) The protein will take longer to process and keep you fuller, longer.

3. MEASURE everything! Even though I feel like I've become a pro at measuring, my eyes often think things are smaller than they really are.

4. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohols. Drinking water, lower calorie juice, and Crystal Light are good options. Instead of sugary mixed drinks, try wine (if you are old enough to drink).

Superlicious96

Completely removing processed junk from your diet may lead to weight loss benefits, sure, but for some (including myself) it's probably not realistic. You have to really dig deep and ask yourself what you want out of life, in my opinion. I used to be in your shoes where I would start the day off with my diet completely spot-on, only to have it ruined by night time where I cave in and eat all the cookies I have in my pantry. Then the vicious cycle of binging and restricting began. Ultimately what'll happen is you'll form a bad relationship with food -- and if you're looking at longevity and long-term adherence to dieting, this is the last thing you want. Practice moderation. I know you feel that you can't do it at the moment, but you can. Trust me. If I can, so can you. However, the majority of your diet should come from nutrient-dense food. Aim for carbohydrate sources that have good amounts of fiber so they'll help keep you full. A few tricks of the trade that can help fight off sugar cravings is rinsing your mouth with some type of oral glucose (i.e. soda). Studies have shown that the trace amounts of sugar left behind after rinsing will be enough to replenish serotonin levels, thus making saying "no" a lot easier. Willpower is like a muscle, and when used for prolonged periods of time (for dieting for example), it'll get worn out.

Hope this helps!

Yes this is exactly it, I tried removing processed foods for a while, then the cravings got pretty intense and I binged like crazy on junk, I'd then binge and restrict all the time and now I have a bad relationship with food. I like the soda idea though, would cordial work? As it's made with mostly water so is only like 30kcal, I can't really go overboard and do serious damage with it like I tend to do with most things. Thank you.

Superlicious96

Sorry, forgot to quote

Superlicious96

Hey!!! I have been there before. I could probably write a hilariously long novel about my crazy snacking hi-jinks in the middle of the night. This is what I have done to help me...

1. I don't buy bad food. (It's really hard for me. For example, I thought I had self control and bought a box of Thin Mints. WRONG! I ate a whole box in two days!) If it's not around, I can't eat it.

2. Surround myself with high protein, low carb options. (Nuts, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, cheese sticks, etc.) The protein will take longer to process and keep you fuller, longer.

3. MEASURE everything! Even though I feel like I've become a pro at measuring, my eyes often think things are smaller than they really are.

4. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohols. Drinking water, lower calorie juice, and Crystal Light are good options. Instead of sugary mixed drinks, try wine (if you are old enough to drink).

The problem I'm having currently is with number 1 because I don't get much of a say in the food, my parents do and they insist on buying me ridiculous amounts of junk food when I beg them not to every week. I've told them repeatedly to stop buying me giant chocolate cakes and cookies everyday as I can't resist them, they promise they won't, only to buy me it the next day as a 'surprise'! I literally go to the grocery store with them each week and they'll say the cookies are for my brother only to put them in my bedroom drawer lol. THAT'S the food I end up bingeing on. I suppose I have no excuse though, I think I just need to have more motivation to not touch it even if it's there tempting me.

Maybe tomorrow will be different hopefully, as I did throw out the box of junk I've been eating from for the past 2 weeks!

McCluskey1128

Are you eating enough throughout the day? Could you pack almonds or an apple in your bag and eat that right before school is about to end so when you get home you're not starving and binge?

SoreTodayStrongTomorrow222

Are you eating enough throughout the day? Could you pack almonds or an apple in your bag and eat that right before school is about to end so when you get home you're not starving and binge?

She's got it ^ You probably aren't eating enough during the day - come home starving - and stuff the closest, easiest thing in your mouth. Been there, done that. Eat throughout the day and don't let yourself get that hungry.

McCluskey1128

Hey!!! I have been there before. I could probably write a hilariously long novel about my crazy snacking hi-jinks in the middle of the night. This is what I have done to help me...

1. I don't buy bad food. (It's really hard for me. For example, I thought I had self control and bought a box of Thin Mints. WRONG! I ate a whole box in two days!) If it's not around, I can't eat it.

2. Surround myself with high protein, low carb options. (Nuts, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, cheese sticks, etc.) The protein will take longer to process and keep you fuller, longer.

3. MEASURE everything! Even though I feel like I've become a pro at measuring, my eyes often think things are smaller than they really are.

4. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohols. Drinking water, lower calorie juice, and Crystal Light are good options. Instead of sugary mixed drinks, try wine (if you are old enough to drink).

The problem I'm having currently is with number 1 because I don't get much of a say in the food, my parents do and they insist on buying me ridiculous amounts of junk food when I beg them not to every week. I've told them repeatedly to stop buying me giant chocolate cakes and cookies everyday as I can't resist them, they promise they won't, only to buy me it the next day as a 'surprise'! I literally go to the grocery store with them each week and they'll say the cookies are for my brother only to put them in my bedroom drawer lol. THAT'S the food I end up bingeing on. I suppose I have no excuse though, I think I just need to have more motivation to not touch it even if it's there tempting me.

Are you serious? Why are your parents encouraging your failure? I've noticed when friends do that to me it's because they are jealous haters. Stay strong. And as my friend Scott says "Girl, do what I do. Just spray some Windex on it. Then you won't eat it"

marian4marian

hi superlicious. your post really 'spoke' to me. i've just joined and am fully aware that the 'timing' was right for me (i am willing).
i used to come home from school and get into the food. when i look back, i believe it was a de-stresser. a way of numbing out.
what i would recommend is taking some *special time* for *special you* after school. take a relaxing bath or try some meditation (there are lots on you tube)....YOU ARE WORTH IT..treat yourself with t.l.c.

deksgrl

You just have to dig deep and decide how much you really want to succeed.

Log the food in advance before you eat it. Decide if you can really fit those calories into your day, if you really want to skimp on dinner, or if you would rather have a normal dinner and a small snack.

Make sure you have other things to snack on, like celery, carrots, popcorn. I know, celery and carrots isn't as yummy as other junk, but if it soothes that need to crunch on something.....

Keep busy after school. Take up a hobby where your hands aren't free. Go to the library to do homework. Exercise. There are so many other things you could be doing instead of eating.

You are totally in control.

Don't worry about your birthday, it's just one day. Enjoy your birthday cake but then get back on the wagon.

ModernNerd

Step 1: Rewrite your thread topic. "I honestly CAN stop binging on junk after school"

Step 2: Be proactive. It's great you recognize what your areas of improvement are, now you just need to challenge yourself to be more than those temptations. Carry a water bottle around and drink that when you feel cravings. Buy healthy substitutes for snack foods. Keep your mind off your stomach by engaging in after-school activities. Put yourself in an environment where you can't eat after school like a library or computer lab.

Step 3: To quote Nike, just do it. I wish there was a fix-all solution, but at the end of the day it simply comes down to how badly you want it. Best of luck OP:flowerforyou:

Superlicious96

Hey!!! I have been there before. I could probably write a hilariously long novel about my crazy snacking hi-jinks in the middle of the night. This is what I have done to help me...

1. I don't buy bad food. (It's really hard for me. For example, I thought I had self control and bought a box of Thin Mints. WRONG! I ate a whole box in two days!) If it's not around, I can't eat it.

2. Surround myself with high protein, low carb options. (Nuts, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, cheese sticks, etc.) The protein will take longer to process and keep you fuller, longer.

3. MEASURE everything! Even though I feel like I've become a pro at measuring, my eyes often think things are smaller than they really are.

4. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohols. Drinking water, lower calorie juice, and Crystal Light are good options. Instead of sugary mixed drinks, try wine (if you are old enough to drink).

The problem I'm having currently is with number 1 because I don't get much of a say in the food, my parents do and they insist on buying me ridiculous amounts of junk food when I beg them not to every week. I've told them repeatedly to stop buying me giant chocolate cakes and cookies everyday as I can't resist them, they promise they won't, only to buy me it the next day as a 'surprise'! I literally go to the grocery store with them each week and they'll say the cookies are for my brother only to put them in my bedroom drawer lol. THAT'S the food I end up bingeing on. I suppose I have no excuse though, I think I just need to have more motivation to not touch it even if it's there tempting me.

Are you serious? Why are your parents encouraging your failure? I've noticed when friends do that to me it's because they are jealous haters. Stay strong. And as my friend Scott says "Girl, do what I do. Just spray some Windex on it. Then you won't eat it"

Haha yes it really sucks! I don't think they understand how important it is to me, and since I loved junk as a kid, they think I still do when I don't really! I love the idea of spraying something onto the food, I'll do that next time once I get some junk in my possession.

RebelliousRibbons

You're probably just really tired. Drink a big glass of water and take a nap instead. Distract yourself!

Superlicious96

Are you eating enough throughout the day? Could you pack almonds or an apple in your bag and eat that right before school is about to end so when you get home you're not starving and binge?

The thing is when I get home, I'm not physically hungry at all, I think I eat junk when I get back as it's what I've always done so it's a habit I'm struggling to break, I also tend to use it as a way to de-stress which is pretty bad. Oh and if I don't eat it, I just think about eating constantly UNTIL I eat the junk so I end up eating just to forget about it. So I'm a little messed up at the moment you see.

kammyrios

Some parents think they need to show they care for you by buying you things you like. Maybe you can ask your parents to buy you healthy snacks instead of "junk" food. Give your mom a list of things she could substitute the cake and cookies for. You know what you like, so I won't post suggestions. Also maybe you can take up an activity right after school that would make it impossible to eat. Like music or singing lessons, swimming, running, ... just something you enjoy. If that fails, take out a serving size of your treats, and then pour water over the remaining food. You will not be able to eat it then, and your willpower won't be tested knowing that it is in the cupboard! Good luck!

ComradeTovarich

You see this big douche right here? He's going to find you, follow you around, and tell everyone embarrassing stories about you if you don't stop. He will also sit next to your bed at night and clank his armor together so you have a difficult time falling to sleep.

sarahenagy

I am a teacher and tend to binge after school too. As others have said, almonds and apples are my saviors. I have 15 almonds about an hour and a half after lunch and then an apple immediately after school. If I'm going to workout on my way home I will add a string cheese stick or peanut butter with my apple.

kfroese

You could just throw out the junk food. How many times would you have to do that before your parents got the hint and quit wasting money on stuff you throw out?

Kenazwa

I had a problem like that years ago, but it was when I got off work at 11 pm. I'd go home and start snacking.

After months of trying to control myself and mostly failing, one day I got a new idea. I decided to start a new habit by going in a different door. Instead of going in the front door, I went to the back of the house and entered through the back door. Then I went upstairs, got into my pajamas and/or robe, and turned on the television to watch an episode of MASH. After MASH, if I really felt hungry, I'd go back downstairs to have a small snack, like a piece of cheese and an apple or yogurt. I think it was going in the back door that made the big difference. It broke me out of my rut.

Superlicious96

You could just throw out the junk food. How many times would you have to do that before your parents got the hint and quit wasting money on stuff you throw out?

I tried to throw it out once but I felt really guilty even though I probably shouldn't. Instead, I've been giving it to my friends, siblings and parents once their junk food stashes have run out since I tend to have tons of unopened junk lying around everywhere these days.

detroit_tighthead

A lot of good advice here. The only thing I can add is to go out and buy healthy things you like to eat. You ditched the bad stuff - Good for you! Now replace it with good stuff.
Now add in stuff that you can binge on more safely. Low fat cottage cheese, and sugar free applesauce is one of my favorites. Also things that you have to cook are good, especially frozen stuff (and I am not talking about a large pizza!). Get things you really like to eat, but will take a little time. The ideas is to go with quality rather than quantify.
Last question is - What are you doing while you are gorging? I used to sit down and watch TV. Good shows, but it was a bad habit for me, because I always ate while I watched. So I quit watching TV in the evening unless I am doing something that will keep me active (and away from the food) and it has really helped

sunnykay2014

I do the same thing when I get home from work. I'm not really hungry but its just been a bad habit. Lately since I joined MFP I've been logging everything I eat. It helps me keep track of my eating and minimize my intake.

Superlicious96

A lot of good advice here. The only thing I can add is to go out and buy healthy things you like to eat. You ditched the bad stuff - Good for you! Now replace it with good stuff.
Now add in stuff that you can binge on more safely. Low fat cottage cheese, and sugar free applesauce is one of my favorites. Also things that you have to cook are good, especially frozen stuff (and I am not talking about a large pizza!). Get things you really like to eat, but will take a little time. The ideas is to go with quality rather than quantify.
Last question is - What are you doing while you are gorging? I used to sit down and watch TV. Good shows, but it was a bad habit for me, because I always ate while I watched. So I quit watching TV in the evening unless I am doing something that will keep me active (and away from the food) and it has really helped

I suppose I do have a lot of good foods in the house at the moment like apples, bananas, grapes, nuts etc so I could always have a health food binge after school, that way I'd be able to eat a lot, I'd end up eating my 5 a day and getting all my nutrients, and the whole 'binge' if you'd even call it that would consequently only total to approximately 300kcal-ish, which isn't much at all. To answer your last question, when I'm eating junk, I don't really watch tv as I find I can't concentrate on the show and eat at the same time, I'm usually reading the news or some novel because I don't have to pay as much attention and can eat simultaneously.

sillyvalentine

It's all willpower honey. You either want it or you don't. Right now, it sounds like you just don't want it bad enough.

sillyvalentine

Hey!!! I have been there before. I could probably write a hilariously long novel about my crazy snacking hi-jinks in the middle of the night. This is what I have done to help me...

1. I don't buy bad food. (It's really hard for me. For example, I thought I had self control and bought a box of Thin Mints. WRONG! I ate a whole box in two days!) If it's not around, I can't eat it.

2. Surround myself with high protein, low carb options. (Nuts, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein shakes, cheese sticks, etc.) The protein will take longer to process and keep you fuller, longer.

3. MEASURE everything! Even though I feel like I've become a pro at measuring, my eyes often think things are smaller than they really are.

4. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohols. Drinking water, lower calorie juice, and Crystal Light are good options. Instead of sugary mixed drinks, try wine (if you are old enough to drink).

The problem I'm having currently is with number 1 because I don't get much of a say in the food, my parents do and they insist on buying me ridiculous amounts of junk food when I beg them not to every week. I've told them repeatedly to stop buying me giant chocolate cakes and cookies everyday as I can't resist them, they promise they won't, only to buy me it the next day as a 'surprise'! I literally go to the grocery store with them each week and they'll say the cookies are for my brother only to put them in my bedroom drawer lol. THAT'S the food I end up bingeing on. I suppose I have no excuse though, I think I just need to have more motivation to not touch it even if it's there tempting me.

Maybe tomorrow will be different hopefully, as I did throw out the box of junk I've been eating from for the past 2 weeks!

Your parents need therapy and parenting classes.

deksgrl

I suppose I do have a lot of good foods in the house at the moment like apples, bananas, grapes, nuts etc so I could always have a health food binge after school, that way I'd be able to eat a lot, I'd end up eating my 5 a day and getting all my nutrients, and the whole 'binge' if you'd even call it that would consequently only total to approximately 300kcal-ish, which isn't much at all. To answer your last question, when I'm eating junk, I don't really watch tv as I find I can't concentrate on the show and eat at the same time, I'm usually reading the news or some novel because I don't have to pay as much attention and can eat simultaneously.

Don't read until after dinner then?

Arranna1212

Instead of throwing out the junk, just have some willpower. Set a calorie goal and STICK TO IT. I try to make mine like a game, see what foods I can eat and hit my macros. I just tell myself "if i have that pizza.. i can only have one slice.. ORRR I can have that chicken breast, and a baked potato..." I opt for the more food. You just have to hold yourself accountable for every thing you put in your mouth... Try reading this too and good luck! http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/9-ways-to-deal-with-hunger-on-a-diet.html

rosasharon

hello!

the field of behavioural training has made clear that changing behaviour is HARD - and the best/easiest way to make a long-lasting change is to replace one habit with another. that's why some smokers are successful after replacing cigarettes with chewing gum, for example. willpower is actually a very weak force, compared to our habits that are engraved on our brain neurons.

that's also why the poster upthread said that changing her entry method into her house helped her break the afterschool bingse - she replaced the habit of "front door -> kitchen -> food" to "back door -> bedroom -> M.A.S.H.

so let's brainstorm what we can replace this bad habit with...and also figure out how to handle your parents.

S

MelsAuntie

Well, if you "honestly can't stop" you will continue to gain weight and undermine your health, simple as that. Ther is no point in sugarcoating... nobody is going to put a muzzle on you when you get home and protect you from yopurself. If you don't have the willpower to buckle down and do the right thing, nobody can do it for you. People will say this is harsh, but " oh poor baby I know how hard it is we've all been there" will accomplish nothing. You may need therapy to deal with underlining issues, but bottom line, it's up to you, cupcake, good luck.