Calling all Binge Eaters!

irishdancer23

Hi all! So recently I finally recognized the fact that I have a binge eating disorder. I have been overeating for a while, but in the past few months, it has crossed the line into binge eating. Being honest with myself and acknowledging the fact that I have BED has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. In the past few months, my life has been an emotional roller coaster: I've been stressed out all the time with school and family issues, and I've gained pretty much all of the weight I have lost on here back. I am depressed, exhausted, and sick of feeling disgusting every night when I go to bed after eating too much throughout the day. I really need support right now, and I'm sure there are others out there like me who need it too. Therefore, I would like to start a group where we can all support each other. Many people have told me that I may need to see a therapist about this; however, to be honest, I am incredibly shy and embarrassed about this, and I haven't even told any of my friends, other than those here on mfp. I'm hoping a core group of people on here dealing with the same issue as I am will be the answer! Once I know who wants to join, we can decide together whether this can be a challenge group, a weight-related goal group, or just somewhere to vent, share success, and receive and give support. Thanks for reading everyone! If you would like to join, you can either post on this thread or message me privately if you are more comfortable with that.

If you would like to learn more about binge eating and the risks involved, here is a very raw and real article about binge eating and its effects: http://undressedskeleton.tumblr.com/battlingbinge

03258

OMG...after my day you shouldn't feel bad. I was doing fine and then I ate one of those little snack size chocolate bars and then I had 10 of them followed by a Big Mac, Small Fry and Large Caramel Frappe. Does that count?????

clairibou1

yes and trust me, i totally have days like this too. its the WORST feeling!!!

pinky0308

I feel that I have BED and struggle with it at times, especially when I am nervous about something. I would be interested in being in a support group on Mfp for BED.

Sullybean

Hi! I know exactly where you are at. and I do mean exactly. It was only recently that I realized I had crossed the line to binge eating at well... I would go to bed miserable and cry myself to sleep. I had gained so much weight that there were mornings that I wanted so bad to call in sick just because my clothes were so uncomfortable. I lost self confidence, I felt out of control, I felt ugly and sluggish and just like a big ball of fat.
It had gotten so bad, I couldn't decide what to have for dinner so I would want to go to more than one fast food place to just have everything and anything I thought I craved. Most days I could resist, but the desire never would go away. I have been dieting and I feel so much better about myself, I feel in control now and I have actually started walking. I have lost 20 pounds and it has made a world of differnce. I just want to let you know there is hope. It will begin the first day you say no to yourself. Then the second and third day it gets easier and you will gain confidence in yourself . And it will keep getting better from there. feel free to talk to me any time b/c I know I, with the holidays coming up, it will become more and more difficult for me so it will be good to have a chat buddy.
take care

wdmom

I don't think I'd call myself a binge eater but I do lose control at times. I will often overeat because of my mood or I'm lonely or I'm bored. I will also eat until I feel sick then keep eating. I find this usually happens if I overdo it on carbohydrates over a few days. Then I lose control. I find that if I eat carbs (chips, cookies, starches, candy) I can fell full and hungry at the same time. I think it has to do with insulin. My stomach is full but the sugar rush, the insulin surge and the sugar crash make me feel like I'm hungry. When I say hungry, I mean those gnawing feelings in your stomach that make you feel like eating.

I tried to maintain my weight loss this summer but got lazy about logging and ate a lot of chips and other carbs. I lost control and I gained a bunch of weight back. It took me a month and a half to get back on track this fall.

You might try reading the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet. It has some interesting things to say about insulin and cravings and hunger. You may find it useful. Its a little restrictive but the meals are balanced and you will lose your cravings. The principals can be applied in moderation to less restrictive eating. There are some interesting thoughts on low fat foods, artificial sweeteners and other diet foods.
http://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/

I find that it's better to snack on something with a balance of appropriate fats, appropriate proteins and complex carbs. I do better when I make sure I get my protein. I really think that a lot of overeating is caused by chemical processes in our bodies being out of balance. I also think that some of us are more prone to it than others.

I wonder if minor nutrient deficiencies lead to problems with overeating. Perhaps your body is looking for something it needs.

I think that some medications cause changes in appetite and/or metabolism. I know I always gain weight on SSRI antidepressants if I'm not very careful to not over eat. I know that on Wellbutrin, I lost weight because I forgot to eat (crazy, I know). Unfortunately, I take a combination of SSRI and Wellbutrin now and if I'm not careful, it's easy to gain weight. BUT, when I track food and try to eat healthy foods, I can control my weight and cravings.

I've also heard that binging can be a result of your body craving something it is allergic or intolerant to. I know it seems contradictory but look into it.

Do some research and keep an eye on what you are binging on and what causes binges. You might make some useful observations about what triggers your eating and ways to lessen the urge.

No two people are exactly alike. Investigate and do what works for you. I don't think it's purely a case of will power or lack of will power. However, with careful observation and trial and error, you are likely to find some triggers and be able to start controlling them.

Best of luck.

Seokie

Hi,

I just wanted to say I really liked that link you posted. I've been struggling with BED and Bulimia for what seems like my whole life. I'm recently really trying to take steps forward to changing. I just hope it gets easier...

Kanzaki3

This sounds like a good idea having a support group for binge eaters. I do this too from time to time. I really hate myself when I have one of those days. It's as if all my hard work for the entire day becomes totally nullified in a matter of minutes.

irishdancer23

Thanks for all of the replies! First of all, thanks to the supporters and people who have successfully overcome BED: if you would like to join the group to get more support or offer some, feel free! for those who expressed interest, I will message you by tomorrow and hopefully we can get something going.

alisonhindes

I DO A SIMILAR THING. RIGHT AFTER I WORK OUT - I MEAN LIKE SWEAT IT OUT FOR AN HOUR LONG STEP CLASS. I GET SOOOO HUNGRY - THE OTHER DAY I WENT TO SONIC AND GOT A DOUBLE BACON CHEESEBURGER, CHILI CHEESE TOTS AND THEN PULLED INTO MCDONALDS FOR A VANILLA SHAKE!! I WAS SO PO'D AFTER - MAYBE I HAVE BED. EITHER WAY I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL

coldcoffee

ha ha ha...and u think thts bad?! try this...
2 coffees
apple cider
apple bread with butter
pecans
apple cinnamon coffee cake x3
apple bread x2
pop corn
dried popeyea
apple granola x2
pop tarts x2
tea
mini aero x2
mini kit kat
mini smarties
apple bread w/penut butter
spoon full of peanut butter
grapes
frozen fruit
black berries and half a tomato

KirstenRLD

i have BED also, it was a struggle to come to terms with it and i felt ashamed. having suffered from bulimia in the past, the first thing i thought was that it was doctor-speak for greedy. in the last few weeks, i have been doing a lot better and haven't binged at all up until tonight. im starting to panic, and hoping that all my hard work hasn't been undone; not just with my weight, but with my control over food.