I can't control my eating.

ChelseaM18

I'm a binge eater. But I am alot better than I used to be, because I trained and in someways, punished my body into being disciplined. Everything you said sounds so like me! What worked for me two years ago, was beginning the South Beach Diet, I had never tried restricting my unhealthy eating habits before so this was a MAJOR shock to my body. It made me follow food rules that have truely suck with me to this day, and believe me, when Phase 2 began I had never appreciated a piece of fruit or healthy carb so much in my life.

The first two weeks are really tough, but it's just something that will help you so much if you have the determination to stick to it, it will really change your perspective to food I think . Good Luck!

TheBigBoots

I think the first step in getting these feelings under control is being open to the possibility that you really can do it. I heard someone say the other day, 'Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way you're probably right." Thoughts have power. If you don't think you can control your eating then you probably won't. But the thing is, deep down, you KNOW you can because you did it when you were pregnant. That clearly illustrates that you have it in you to do this because you've done it before. Hang on to that!

Also, I agree with what others have said. For me, logging your daily intake is key. it sucks at first. I'd never done it before I downloaded the MFP app a few weeks ago as I love food and always found the idea of logging all my calories a boring and joyless experience. But once I started doing it, I realized that it's empowering. I didn't realize how ignorant I was about food before and that ignorance was like a free pass for me to make a lot of poor choices. I find it a lot easier not to make those choices anymore because I am now accountable to myself for what I eat. Trust me, it works.

Lastly, working out regularly changes you life. It starts to make you think about food not solely as enjoyment or comfort but as fuel. When I eat a bunch of crap, I have a crappy workout. When I eat well, I can run farther and lift more and generally feel better. So in the end, it's not so much about giving up foods a love. It's about gaining confidence and feeling great. I say this not as someone who has always been an athlete but as one who has now been inspired to become one.

You can totally do this! You just have to believe that you can. Feel free to add me for support if you need some.

And good luck!

Wonderwoman2677

Skinny Cow Can help with the cravings. It's REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, good. Most of the products are 110 calories. They have ice cream, candy, and wafers.

This might help someone who can stop at just one. When you end up eating the entire package, 6-12 servings, you are in the same boat and telling yourself it's better because it's "diet" food.

LIZETHZ7304

I KNOW EXCACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN, I TOO AM A BINGE EATER AND ANYONE WHO HASNT GONE THROUGH IT WONT UNDERSTAND YOU.

You see I eat and eat and eat and even though I Know Im doing wrong and even though I know im going to regret and feel horrible after eating it I still do, I have thankfully managed to slow down and praying I can eventually stop for good.

See I loveeee junk food and feel the need to always be munching!! Now heres what I do and I hope these tips can help you also as they have been with me.

First I stop and think of how I'm going to feel after I eat it, and If i know I'm going to feel horrible for what eating all that food, I stop and only grab half the size of what ever I was going to eat and only eat that. Eventually I was able to not eat it at all.

Secondly (this might sound stupid) I carry in my phone a picture of how I used to look and look at it every time I feel the need to munch.

When I see the chips and Im going for them I keep reminding myself "FOOD DOES NOT CONTROL ME" and that might sound stupid but anytime I can walk away from any junk food I feel powerful and proud of myself I feel sooooo happy that I was able to put that down!

Eventually now Im able to have a bag of chips (the big party size bags) in the pantry and only grab afew (5 chips or so). This did take some time and lots of tears trust me.

I was 216 lbs and have managed to get down to 169 I still have lbs to go, but from time to time I feel powerless towards food but I know eventually I will overcome this eating disorder that I have. Because deep down I will always love food and especially junk food, But Im tired of being unhealthy and there will come a day when you also wake up and say "NO MORE, IM DONE LIVING THIS WAY AND IM READY TO CHANGE! FOOD DOES NOT CONTROL ME" and on that day you will be sooo proud of yourself trust me.

I remember looking online and wishing someone could take me away to a camp away from food or something to help me but I realized no one can help me I have to help myself first.

If you would like msg me and maybe we can exchange numbers and you can text me when you feel weak and we can motivate eachother. Best of luck.

Liz

determined136

I suggest that you join the Binge Eating Support Group. We all help each other.

sparklygrneyes

Hi and thanks for sharing your story. I have read all of your responses and it sounds like you may be suffering from a food addiction. I am a counselor and have seen this many times. I would recommend that you seek counseling services. There are numerous food addicts meetings as well where you can find support. You must first deal with the mental before you will see changes in the physical. There could be countless reasons why you cannot stop yourself. Many people use food as a way to cope, to self-soothe, to feel better. It may be helpful for you to become aware of this so you can understand your reactions and therefore, work on controlling impulses to eat. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best of luck!

robynjsmith

[/quote]

This might help someone who can stop at just one. When you end up eating the entire package, 6-12 servings, you are in the same boat and telling yourself it's better because it's "diet" food.
[/quote]

This is true you cant eat the whole package. However, it does help with the cravings (I use to eat one or two Hershey's with Almonds daily). Which was my point. I love to eat when I'm happy, sad, alone, with a group, etc.......

It's hard for all of us because you cant get away from food. I love this blog because most of the people here are in the same boat. I am engaged into a family of thing women. All family functions I'm the heavy woman. Althought I've extreemly beautiful you have to asert yourself and be more confident.

You can do it. Have faith in yourself because we are all here for you. Positivity is also the key. If you have negative attitude and let in negative comments you'll have negative results.

funsmile1234

I went through the same thing until I got on a scale on saw how much I actually weighed. I thought about what I was doing to myself and my daughter and what I was teaching her. I decided if I ever wanted to feel good about myself I had to make a change. So when I would get my groceries I would only buy the healthy food and started a plan where I ate 5x a day. (3 meals 2 snacks) I was always eating. Would eat from all the food groups. Would not deprive myself from anyone and definitely ate breakfast. I give myself 1 cheat meal a week and every once in a while I give myself some cookies or cake. No pop only juice,water and milk. (use to be a diet cola-a-holic) When I did this I noticed that the cravings for junk food ceased. I was never extremely hungry and lost 50 lbs in 3 months with exercise. Plus a lot of prayer helped me as well. Once you make the first step and see success your new drug will be the high you get from losing weight and feeling better about yourself. That alone will keep you motivated to continue on your journey. You can do it! Plus if you slip up just think about the old adage of falling off a horse....you get back up and try again. Good luck to you!

luluwubu

Thank you to everyone who has replied on this post, I have read each and every one of your comments.

I started this topic because I knew as much to know that my weight issues are not a simple case of changing how I prepare my food, or changing the time of day I eat, swapping full fat/sugar drinks for diet versions etc. I don't eat when I'm hungry as I don't feel hungry, in the same way I don't feel full. I eat until the food has gone ... and hours later I will lie in bed and become so overheated and sick.

I went to see a doctor recently and she mentioned that I am a prime candidate for weight loss surgery. That was a bit of a shcok if I'm honest, made me realise that I have a problem here. I don't want surgery, it's not for me. I do however need to lose this weight, I'm 36, I already have several health problems related to my weight. I can give up smoking at the flick of my fingers and did so, I just need to make that same connection with the food.

I know that in some of your replies you mentioned that perhaps I may be someone who needs help with underlining issues, but for now I'm not ready to go down that road. I still feel that I will be able to overcome this alone and I will try.

Tomorrow I will go for a walk. That is tomorrow's goal.

Once again, thank you to each and everyone of you for taking the time to reply to this post, tonight I feel stronger because of you.

Louisa xx

rungirl1973

I haven't read the entire thread, but my advice: you need to seek professional help for your disordered eating.

lisabrezina1980

Wow! This sounds just like me! I am starting to do a little better with my food choices but it isn't easy! Try to take it slow and don't panic! Don't tell yourself no you can't have this, tell yourself you can have a little. But first give yourself time to get some control. If I were to go out today and get a candy bar, I would say oh well I blew it, might as well get the hamburger/chicken/pizza I have been wanting since I blew it anyway.
So, I'm taking some things away for awhile, like fast food and sweets, and everyday that I don't grab something through a drive through or the check out lane I am getting stronger. There have been so many times when I would say, "I'll eat everything I want and start a diet tomorrow." When tomorrow would come I would repeat the process until I even gave up trying to diet.
Anyway, I am just starting out and have a long way to go. I have realized that ioets are a temporary fix and that I need to change my life or I wi llalways go up and down in weight. My eating is not "clean" but it is much better than what I used to eat daily. I am finally getting to understand that junk food is a treat and is ok in moderation, but before I can have any I need to be able to stop at one meal and not make it a whole day.
Hang in there and don't give up cut back slowly, then all together and then slowly introduce those treats back into your life when you can handle them. It does suck sometimes, but working out really does help and if you need any subsittuion ideas let me know, I don't eat the healthiest but I still eat delicious food. Every little bit helps

mysteri293

I am surely no expert at this.but if you break it down into small "accomplishments". Start by eliminating 1 or 2 items in your daily diet for a week or two and then eliminate something else for a couple of weeks.
Maintain a lood chart for every day (even days that you binge). The more aware you are of what you are eating the easier it is to take responsibility for what you consume.

Another thing that helps is to eat healthy during the week and tend to relax a little on the weekends.
Never, go shopping when you are hungry.
Keep "healthy" snacks like carrots, celery or an apple readily available This way you wont be tempted to eat 'cookies' or 'candy'.
Try to plan at least a day in advance what you will eat and dont skip meals. Just be sure to make the best out of your meal planning.
Start a new way of dealing with "emotional" binging.
Start walking....try 15 minutes of brisk walking a couple of times a day. Or, whatever you feel comfortable with.
Remember it takes time and effort to accomplish your goal.

luluwubu

'might as well get the hamburger/chicken/pizza I have been wanting since I blew it anyway.'

There have been so many times when I would say, "I'll eat everything I want and start a diet tomorrow." When tomorrow would come I would repeat the process until I even gave up trying to diet.


I totally know where you're coming from on this ^^^^^^ Tomorrow is another day and I will keep on trying.

kesslertg

Lots of good comments. Not sure I can improve or offer much new.

But I got up to 217 lbs (226 lbs at my largest) and doc put me on blood pressure and cholesterol, told me my blood sugar was elevated, etc.

And I am just like you. I love food, eat a lot, and don't think about how much, just how good it tastes.

But I kept thinking that I don't see myself as a 217lb man. And that thought kept popping up. So ... I finally decided that I needed accountability - grew up in a pretty unstructured environment and don't consider myself very structured. But MyFitnessPal really does give us accountability. I add every calorie even on the horrible, blow out days.

At first I did great and lost 21 lbs. Then last week was really horrible. But my MFP friends saved me ... pulled me back in after regaining 5 lbs. Now I'm back to 21 lbs. I guess my message is that you really can control your eating if you decide that the weight you are at now is not how you see yourself. And you can agree to be more accountable. And you can start using MFP without fail. Look at some of the other folks daily food diaries and see what they are eating. That might help.

Good luck. You don't need surgery. You need happiness. MFP is the doorway and all your friends here will be on the other side to welcome, help, and support you on good and bad days.

Tom

new318

My long lost sister in the food war! You just wrote about me I feel your pain and do the same thing! I have started this 5 or 6 times and am just now starting to do well on it. I have found a few tricks and somethings that help. I know for some reason a banana works to cure sugar/ chocolate cravings and I splurge big one day a week...Im talking bad splurge. Today was that day. I make sure I walk enough each bad to have some chocolate or twirlers..It is my end of day reward Tea has no calories and either does truvia sweetener. Friend request me. Ive got a few friends going through the same thing and we do DAILY ACCOUNTABILITY! It helps so much!!! Celebrate every other pound if it makes you smile. I just reached 6 pound I think

neale68

I'm in the same boat right now, although it's only been a day since I started. I know the journey is going to take the rest of my life time. And it's about making healthy choices, but I'm like you, I want to eat what I want to eat RIGHT NOW. I know it will change, but it's about re-programming my brain.

new318

Youre starting tomorrow with me Sound like a plan?

jackieatx

Believe it or not, chewing slowly totally helps. Your tummy has time to tell your brain, "I'm full!" before you keep gorging. You also learn to enjoy food again over time. I think its about changing your mindset to, this is fuel for my body.. not, this will make me feel better. Good luck! Xo

DoozerDMB

Everyone has really good advice You HAVE to WANT to do this. I used to do a lot of mindless eating.. not paying attention to what I was eating, how much, how it tastes, etc, left me feeling unsatisfied. I know longer go to the pantry and leave the kitchen with an entire bag of (whatever I want at that moment). I now measure it out and put the rest away. I pay attention to what I am eating and enjoy every bite. Chew it, savor it.... kinda like the wine tasters lol. If I'm not satisfied when I am finished I think about what it is I am trying to feel... or why I wanted it in the first place. Is it emotional eating, boredom? Craving? etc.
Tracking every bite and seeing it in black and white will also help. The other day I had a dunkin donut chocolate munchkin - I put in the tracker and didn't want another one! 100 calories for 1 was not worth it to me!

new318

I am always up for accountability partners feel free to add me as a friend on here! new318

watercolormama

Not melodramatic, but honest. This journey requires a lot of soul searching and being honest about why we make choices. Starting by making one small right choice is the beginning. Then take another step. Maybe start by logging everything, or drinking the required water, or cutting out one of your bad choices (chips), but be committed. Move on once you have done well with the new goal. You could allow yourself to buy one small measured bag of chips at the end of one week of staying on your plan. You have to think it through and 'PLAN'. I read a couple of the stories from the "community" section at each meal to stay encouraged that I am not alone and I can do this.

Meegz84

What's going through my head is a pig headed greed of wanting what I want. Nothing else matters except getting hold of that food. Feels like a drug, but I know that's being melodramatic.

Perhaps you need a referral to go and talk to someone about this and figure out what is triggering you. Or some NLP therapy I think it is, trying to reprogram the way you think/respond to things.

MeganFexevans

I have the same problem. It is not as simple as deciding not to eat. that only makes me wont to eat more. For me it started in high school as emotional eating. I also had a medical problem witch did not allow me to levee the house unsupervised by a family member. being that both my parents worked..... The only thing there was to do was eat. know over 10 years later I am able to travel on my own but have never kicked the eating problem. When I go into a binge I have no control. My mind seas stop but physically I cant. I will fight someone to get to food if that's what it takes. (saidly Im not over stating this). Recently I have started a medically supervised diet. HMR. The diff between this and other plans is you can eat as much as you wont as long as it is HMR food. Last month alown I lost 14lb. The problem is it is expensive. I can barlly afford it there for on weeks I cant buy a lot of there food I fall off the wagon. If you have money about an extra $150 a week this is a good option.