Is there something wrong with me....
josiereside
Posts: 720 Member
I am truly starting to believe I have some sort of disorder. I can eat very well during the week but on weekends, and only when I am alone, my eating is out of control. I literally will go from one thing to another. For instance, last night I had dinner, probably around 7:00ish. My husband went to bed as he had to go into work in the early morning hours. I then had cheese and crackers. A while after that I had a bowl of ice cream in which I mixed in peanut butter and some dark chocolate, and then later I got a box of cereal out and just ate out of the box. This happens frequently when left to my own devices. I would NEVER do this in front of my husband... I should note I do not deprive myself of any particular foods nor do I starve myself.... I am truly beginning this think there is something mentally wrong with me or is there such a thing as a food addict??? Anybody else do this... just seems like I am sabotaging myself. I do know I need to keep certain trigger foods out of the house but that means I need to stop buying them!! :ohwell:
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Replies
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I should add I do know that stress definitely affects my eating patterns and I have current stress now with an old, sick pet plus working full time and studying for a certification, so none of that is going away anytime soon.0
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there is such thing as a food addict.
Question: Why would you not eat that way in front of your husband, but do it alone? It sounds like maybe you are losing weight for his benefit, not yours. Once you start doing it for yourself, I think things will get easier.
Make sure that you aren't starving yourself during the week, either. If you use a manageable and sustainable deficit, then you won't be so hungry that it is easy to get out of control.0 -
i do the same thing some times...usually on weekends. i think every one binges once in a while. i just started keeping junk out of the house. the upside is when i binge, its on low cal stuff AND my son doesnt have a lot of junk to stuff his face with. win/win.0
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those late night sneakin around eating binges are the bane of alot of people i imagine
you really just need to feel this remorse before you do it0 -
well saidthere is such thing as a food addict.
Question: Why would you not eat that way in front of your husband, but do it alone? It sounds like maybe you are losing weight for his benefit, not yours. Once you start doing it for yourself, I think things will get easier.
Make sure that you aren't starving yourself during the week, either. If you use a manageable and sustainable deficit, then you won't be so hungry that it is easy to get out of control.0 -
I do this also. I call it "closet eating". I try to do really good but then I get cravings and just can't stop. sweet and salty!! Try brushing your teeth, drinking water, and go to bed!!!0
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It could be a bad habit, it could be when no one is there to watch you your controls release, it would be that you are subconsciously self-sabotaging, it could be that there's something about the time of night (tired=low self control and low blood sugar), it could be stress.
First, avoid situations like that.
Second, knowing you do that, come up with a strategy ahead of time that you'll use instead of self-destructive behavior. For example, know you'll eat carrots or something else you like and can eat a lot of but won't binge on
Third, if that isn't helping, see a cognitive behavioral therapist. The way you describe your problem, it sounds like a very superficial and quite specific problem and shouldn't take a lot of time (two sessions?) to work through if you do the exercises they suggest. They deal with solving behavioral problems and figuring out what causes them.0 -
Nothing wrong with you, most of us have emotional issues with food- hence our struggles with weight loss. Maybe take away the temptation and not even keep the food in the house? Or find something to do with your hands while you're relaxing and watching tv? Something as simple as knitting or needlepoint will keep your hands and mind from becoming idle. The struggle will always be there, it's just a matter of realizing that YOU are stronger than temptation.0
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I did that all the time......when I came out of denial about my size...The first thing I did was A) confess to my family that I hide food and eat alone. (no more secrets)
told my family my weight....that was for me...just worked some how... 0 -
My Aunt would do the same thing. After a little talk with my mom (because she's awesome like this) my aunt realized she was using then 'unsupervised time' as an excuse to eat poorly/what she wanted.
Maybe time to take a look at your goals, what you want for yourself, and if it's worth it for you to be accountable for yourself. I hope it is and you're able to find the control you want/need! Good luck!0 -
Binge eating is a very common eating disorder. I struggle with it. Weekends and night times are the most difficult for me. I am only one month into my journey towards a healthy lifestyle. Since eating habits are difficult to break, starting now rather than later will help you reach goals for the rest of your life. Here is what is working for me at this time: eating small regular, healthy snacks and meals. (I tend to binge when I am hungry). I keep my dumb bells by the couch and do reps while watching tv. Anything I eat is eaten at the table, slowly while listening to music. When I am bored I take a walk or a bike ride and log into mfp and read success stories. I wish you the very best.0
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It could be a bad habit, it could be when no one is there to watch you your controls release, it would be that you are subconsciously self-sabotaging, it could be that there's something about the time of night (tired=low self control and low blood sugar), it could be stress.
First, avoid situations like that.
Second, knowing you do that, come up with a strategy ahead of time that you'll use instead of self-destructive behavior. For example, know you'll eat carrots or something else you like and can eat a lot of but won't binge on
Third, if that isn't helping, see a cognitive behavioral therapist. It sounds like a very superficial problem and shouldn't take a lot of time (two sessions?) to work through if you do the exercises they suggest. They deal with solving behavioral problems and figuring out what causes them.
and this...0 -
Couldn't say it better. Once you start doing it for yourself, it will get easier. Also , our mind is trainable, so once you set your mind to what you want to accomplish, you will do it. We all have set backs, some days better then others, but the next day is brand new day. This is a life long journeythere is such thing as a food addict.
Question: Why would you not eat that way in front of your husband, but do it alone? It sounds like maybe you are losing weight for his benefit, not yours. Once you start doing it for yourself, I think things will get easier.
Make sure that you aren't starving yourself during the week, either. If you use a manageable and sustainable deficit, then you won't be so hungry that it is easy to get out of control.0 -
Yes, there is food addiction! You may want to try finding something else to do after your hubby goes to bed so you arent tempted to eat, go for a walk, or crafting, I like to crochet, keeps my hands busy and helps me move my attention to something else, drink a full glass of water, do a puzzle. You may also want to eliminate the foods you know are bad for you from the house and make up some pre-portioned healthy snacks to keep around. I cant have anything in the house, like chips or icecream, if I get the munchies I will drink a glass of water, then do something to change my focus, if I still have the munchies after 1/2 an hour or so then I will get a small snack, like some grapes and an ounce of cheese. Also, ask yourself, "do I really need to eat this?".0
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I think the hardest thing I needed to learn to get to where I am was self control. It seems you are just eating to eat.
There are some nights after a very healthy planned out dinner, all I want to do is go to the local pizza place, get a small pizza with bacon and jalepenos and eat the whole thing just because. But I know I can't do that. 1, I care too much about my body for that and 2, I know at this point my stomach is going to not like it. It takes a while but you'll learn that just eating to eat isn't worth it.0 -
I do this also. I call it "closet eating". I try to do really good but then I get cravings and just can't stop. sweet and salty!! Try brushing your teeth, drinking water, and go to bed!!!
I think this is a good idea. I tend to do stuff like this too. I have replaced junk food in my house with alternatives. Like apple chips for my potato chip cravings and frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. I also learned that when I have munchies it actually means I'm bored. So I play a video game or get one the computer. Something to occupy my hands!0 -
Go to bed when he does, and read a book! You are waiting for him to go to bed to binge. Instead, have one thing after dinner as a treat, then go to bed early. Being well rested is better for you overall anyway when it comes to weightloss!0
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Boredom! I am a HUGE boredom eater. I sit there eating things all the while saying to myself "PUT IT DOWN YOU ARE NOT HUNGRY" and then I finish eating it...and go for something else. Its insane! Like you I WOULD never ever eat like that in front of anyone. I truly believe you can be addicted to eating- because *I* am!0
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I can't tell you the number of times I have been hungry an hour after dinner, drink a big glass of water, and it goes away. If it does not go away. I drink another glass of water and go to bed. I have actually said to my husband I have to go to bed early because I can't stop feeling hungry. Most of the time it's just my body telling me I need more water.0
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I don't buy Cheetos anymore . . . . but mainly because of the salt. Because I believe you can any food you want but it needs to fit within the calories. So I'm not sure if food avoidance is the answer. If you have particular cravings, sometimes having a bit of it at every meal can help dissipate it.
I think you should try to see the good about your diet. On your good days you're a pretty good eater and your good nutrition will maintain your health. It will definitely take you longer to get to your goal if you go over every weekend. Most people who do that do not lose weight, because everything you lose during the week will come back on the weekend.
If you go over, one way to solve it is to use a piece of exercise equipment in your house and burn off those calories before you go to bed !!!
I wouldn't say there is anything wrong with you. . . this is just an intermediate stage in finally controlling your weight. Next time you feel those cravings, try a diet soda and a single serve bag of popcorn. If that doesn't work, a cup of herbal tea . . . fill your tummy with fluids. If that doesn't work, go shopping for swimsuits.0 -
there is such thing as a food addict.
Question: Why would you not eat that way in front of your husband, but do it alone? It sounds like maybe you are losing weight for his benefit, not yours. Once you start doing it for yourself, I think things will get easier.
Make sure that you aren't starving yourself during the week, either. If you use a manageable and sustainable deficit, then you won't be so hungry that it is easy to get out of control.
I am doing this for myself, not for my husband. He thinks I look great the way I am. I have even fessed up and told him that I do do this. I don't know if it is boredome, anxiety. I am not starving myself doing the week either. I just need to figure this out...0 -
I pre-plan multiple snacks throughout the evening. Since evenings are my worst time, I make sure I have plenty of planned things to eat. All I have to do is wait another hour for the next snack time.
Nuts, bowl of berries with whipped cream, frozen juice bar, crackers w/peanut butter or celery with peanut butter, 1 oz of pretzels, frozen grapes, etc. I'd rather eat a lighter lunch and dinner and have lots of snacks included in my calories than stuff myself at dinner and have no wiggle room later for snacks.
It helps. Try it!
Also, keep the irresistable snacks out of the house - chips, ice cream, chocolate, candy, etc. If it's not there, you can't eat it.0 -
I can't tell you the number of times I have been hungry an hour after dinner, drink a big glass of water, and it goes away. If it does not go away. I drink another glass of water and go to bed. I have actually said to my husband I have to go to bed early because I can't stop feeling hungry. Most of the time it's just my body telling me I need more water.
My thing is, I am not even hungry when I am doing this!0 -
me too! i won't do it in front of my husband! i don't want him to call me out on it! i just posted this the other day! the suggestions i got were to load up on water before dinner and eat double of fiber filled veggies! i a m trying to stuff myself with veggies so that i can't put the extra food in! i don't keep junk in the house but you can go over calories allowance on healthy stuff too! hopeing veggies and water work!0
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Thank you all for the replies and advice! I am so close to my goal weight, I truly need to figure this out.0
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I am truly starting to believe I have some sort of disorder. I can eat very well during the week but on weekends, and only when I am alone, my eating is out of control. I literally will go from one thing to another. For instance, last night I had dinner, probably around 7:00ish. My husband went to bed as he had to go into work in the early morning hours. I then had cheese and crackers. A while after that I had a bowl of ice cream in which I mixed in peanut butter and some dark chocolate, and then later I got a box of cereal out and just ate out of the box. This happens frequently when left to my own devices. I would NEVER do this in front of my husband... I should note I do not deprive myself of any particular foods nor do I starve myself.... I am truly beginning this think there is something mentally wrong with me or is there such a thing as a food addict??? Anybody else do this... just seems like I am sabotaging myself. I do know I need to keep certain trigger foods out of the house but that means I need to stop buying them!! :ohwell:
Sounds like boredom to me. I'm single and don't have any children, so I'm home alone most evenings and often on the weekends, as well. I find that I am prone to continuously eat like that if I don't keep myself busy. I get bored, and then my mind wanders to food. I try to keep only healthy, low calorie snacks in the house so that, even when I binge, it's alot less damaging than when I binge on junk. However, I don't want to make a habit of bingeing at all, not even on healthy foods. I find that keeping a list of chores and projects handy helps, because when I get the urge to raid the kitchen, I can find something to do to keep my mind busy. I'll eat a light, healthy snack first. Then I fix a big sport bottle of ice water, pick a chore or project off my list, and go to it. Usually, by the time I finish that task, I'm energized and no longer thinking about food.0 -
I think boredom is a big part of it... I don't do needlepoint or anything like that to keep my hands busy. I do have a treadmill at home but I cannot see myself getting on it at 9:00 PM at night especially since I probably already had a hard workout for the day. I think just voicing this here and hearing others thoughts will help. There were some great ideas such as the teeth brushing, etc... I need to work on my stress too.
Again, thank you all and I wish you success in your own personal journeys!
:flowerforyou:0 -
You sound like a compulsive eater, same as me. It doesn't go away, at least not for me.
I just try my best to keep it in control. I don't keep any junk food in the house, but when I go to family parties or out to eat, it's tough to say no.
I am aware of it, I accept it, and I just do my best to not let it take over my life. When I fall backward, I just start a new day.0 -
You sound like a compulsive eater, same as me. It doesn't go away, at least not for me.
I just try my best to keep it in control. I don't keep any junk food in the house, but when I go to family parties or out to eat, it's tough to say no.
I am aware of it, I accept it, and I just do my best to not let it take over my life. When I fall backward, I just start a new day.
I think that is a good possibility. It used to be just when I went to social functions I had no control, but it has also now included time home alone. Keeping the trigger/bad foods out the house will be key, but hopefully admitting it and finding something else to do when I feel like I cannot stop, even if that means going to bed, will help!0 -
No, there isn't anything wrong with you. First of all, admitting and seeking help for binge eating is the first step. I have a history of compulsive overeating, and have gotten much therapy for it (and now I am even medicated..Celexa 20 mg has helped the "cravings" BIG TIME). It's all about a lack of dopamine in the brain. Face it, food makes you feel GOOD. For me, it numbs my pain. I also get in trouble at night, and have to tell my husband on a weekly basis to take certain foods to work or just get them out of the house!
Some other tricks that have helped me:
Don't eat while watching TV or on the computer
Low sugar hot chocolate or Italian ice take longer to eat, but still satisfy my sweet tooth
Brush your teeth or use Listerine if you are feeling like eating alot.
I am in the same boat as you, and would love to help or listen in anyway. I am reading a book called, "When Food is Love" by Geneen Roth, and I am finding that overeating has a lot to do with past pain or unresolved conflicts. LOVE any of her books!
Good luck and thanks for being honest! There are so many there with you who struggle with this, including me!
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