Anyone who was or is a Binge Eater?

acstansell

I do this too. My first rule is not to put stuff in the house that I would binge on - no cake, cookies, brownies, chips, debbie snacks, etc.

I still have breakthrough binges in times of stress - so I Started reading "FOOD: the Good Girl's Drug". It's been helpful...

debiw1234

Last night all night as a matter of fact. ARG! But I can't change what I ate last night but I can refocus and change what I eat today. I can't have anything in the house that is sweet or salty and then when I can't find those I eat whatever else isn't nailed down. Although I am getting much better thanks for many friends here on MFP. Good luck!

jjl0412

Most times I can get by with an apple, half banana, small bowl oatmeal, thin slice of deli ham or turkey, piece of broccoli. But sometimes I can't find the bottom, especially late at nite! I try to keep fresh steamed broccoli in the fridge all the time. I do not use butter, maybe some olive oil spray butter or a bit of spritz salad sprays. Pepper or Italian herb. No salt or fats. 1 Cup is usually more than enough to quell the binge grimlen and is about 30 calories. Regardless of what you do to satisfy or get by, count everything. I hope this helps. Good luck.

NatashaAlexandra

I have a really weird strategy to stop me binge eating...
I found that even though I stopped buying bad foods in my weekly shopping, it just encouraged me to run out to the shop up the road and buy 3 bars of galaxy or whatnot.

So.. to stop this I developed a weekend fund which is basically a jar in my kitchen.. everytime I find myself giving in and wanting to go and buy something unhealthy (in a large quantity) I either limit myself to 1 small item and calculate how much money I've saved by not buying the multiple items or just don't buy anything at all and calculate how much money I've saved myself to put in the jar...

for example if I had a craving for a tub of ben and jerrys cookie dough ice cream.. I would stop myself from buying it, look for a low cal alternative and use the money it would've cost me (£5) - put it in my jar and then use it at the weekend to buy clothes,make up, anything I wanted to treat myself

might not be practical for everybody but it works for a shopaholic like me

mlandrethsf

I think that far more people have this issue that we realize. For me, it was all about making changes to my routine, rather than searching for a root cause in my emotions (I think I just plain love food...who doesnt?)...I rarely binge lately and here is how I helped myself...

I dont keep stock of the food that I love in the house...EVER. I will consume all of it immediately. That is just who I am.

I buy healthy food on Sunday and do my best to prepare my meals for the week. They are all healthy and in-line with my diet plan. I dont slip up when I already know what I will eat that day.

I find foods that I love that are healthy. A few examples are sugar free Popsicles, smoothies that I make at home with Stevia rather than sugar, organic chicken, etc. I wont binge on these items, but I look forward to eating them and if I overeat, its not as bad as if I binged on ice cream

I log everything I eat, even if I'm not proud of myself, because I want to see it in writing. Next time, I hope that I do better. It motivates me not to binge when I see what I would weigh in five weeks when I overeat.

I try to keep my hormones balanced. I read a book by Jackie wArner called 'This is why your fat and how to get thin forever' It talks about how to keep your hormones balanced so you dont crave sugars like you did before. I found it very helpful.

Lastly, I know this sounds crazy, but one of the best things I have done is is getting Invisalign! I was just wanting to straighten a snaggle tooth (nothing to do with weight loss), and I was surprised to find that the process really keeps you from grazing. It also makes you want to drink a ton of water...two things that I am thrilled about. I think that I will always want to wear my clear retainer, even after my tooth is straightened!

best of luck to you; you are far from alone here!

cebreisch

Things that have helped me:

1) Know your limits and 'make trades'. If I really want fries at lunch, I'll order the sandwich without the bun or if it's a restaurant that brings bread before the meal, make sure to tell the server to NOT bring the bread. Don't avoid the carbs, just make sure you take control over how you have them.

2) Know you're going to journal EVERYTHING. 'nuf said.

3) don't buy stuff you can't not eat. If it's stuff the family really likes, have the family put it somewhere where you can't readily see it. Yes, have them hide the food. Or just make sure it isn't on the counters for you to see.

4) If you decide you're hungry and just have to have something to eat, have a protein or fruit or veggie FIRST. THEN have the handful of chips. You'll be less likely to over do it.

5) If you do buy bags of chips, invest in the small snack-size ziplock bags, and portion them out. Either that or buy the snack bags size from the store. It really does help! I have a "snack bag" that ONLY MINE! I have protein bars in it, snack size bags of pretzels, sometimes I'll even get the dove dark chocolate promises, but some in there, and have the husband hide the rest.

There are a lot of things I do to not keep things in the house. I love queso dip, but can't keep it in the house. BUT I can go to Don Pablo's for lunch every now and then and get a kids portion, count out 8 tortilla chips, and work it in without it killing my food journal for the day. And no leftovers!

I live near Indianapolis and Peapod is a grocery delivery service here. I LOVE IT. It has cut down on impule buying a LOT. If you're able to take advantage of such a thing in your area, then it's worth it. Walgreen's also has "Web Pickup" for a few miscellaneous things that Peapod may not carry, or I can't wait for the delivery date I've picked....it's a free service, AND they'll even bring it out to your car.

At work, I bought a small dorm fridge that's next to my desk. I got it so I wouldn't have to keep things in the office fridge and go in the kitchen where there's a constant supply of chips, cookies, cakes, whatever. Sometimes, I can't not partake. This way, I've got my water in the fridge, some yogurt, some light string cheese, grape tomatoes, and just had a chicken ceasar salad. If I get hungry and want a snack, there's plenty of things I like in my fridge and I don't have to be near or see the badness in the kitchen.

Increase fiber. Chocolite bars are great - my husband likes the cashew caramel, and cookies and cream. I like the triple chocolate ones. Meijer's carries them, or you can order them from Amazon or Healthsmart.com (the people who make them). They average about 100 calories-ish, about 9-10 grams of protein, and about 9-10 grams of fiber, and they actually taste good!

Absolutely DO NOT deprive yourself. That's only going to make you want something more. I used to LOVE Barq's red creme soda. Peapod doesn't carry it. BUT White Castle has it as a fountain drink. I konw that if I ever get a "weak moment" and want it, I can go drive through, get the smallest size they have, and "get it out of my system." I also found out they have a new dessert - cheesecake on a stick. It's AWESOME and it's tiny enough to not to a ton of damage to your day's food journal.

It's all about being creative and doing things that will give yourself any advantage possible. (I've lost 100 pounds doing this.)

Germainia

Don't keep anything in the house that might tempt you, resisit the 'special offers' as you will just eat the lot, and, having just scoffed a box of Ferrero Rochers, tell friends not to buy you treats for your birthday ! so annoyed with myself.

mcn79

One of the best things to do would be to discover the reasons why you binge eat. I'd suggest going to a therapist or counselor to see if you can find what triggers you.

I agree with this 100%. I don't know if ever had a binge eating disorder and I never purged BUT I definitely was an emotional eater. I was eat to calm down and while I was eating it would really become disassociative... I wasn't paying attention to what I was eating or how much of it I was eating... and that is where the bingeing came into play for me.

For me, the key to the emotional cause of binge eating involved many years in therapy. For the past 3 years or so I've focused a lot on being present when I eat, observing my behaviors and the feelings I'm having at the time and practicing intuitive eating. It helps.

As for the physical causes of bingeing... I have also found that eating more frequently does help me feel less deprived so I don't eat the first thing I see and/or everything I see. I also try to practice moderation.

Good luck, you'll figure this out!

Sammyjo4486

I am still trying to overcome the binge eating. I have made some great progress. Thinking about my triggers which are the slighest bit of boredom and stressful emotions. I suggest Measuring your food so you get used to eating proper portions, I was surprised to see what a real portion of some of my fave foods are as to what I was eating of them. Eat snacks between meals to prevent overeating when mealtimes come. I don't diet I eat what I want I just watch how much of it by measuring and swapping out things in my recipes like reduced fat cheese or fat free milk or low sodium labels, so it lowers the cals and fats in my fave meals. Also do not keep junk food you like to binge on in the house. I only eat "junk food" if I am at a birthday party I will have a piece of cake or a wedding. So I still get to eat with everyone else and don't always have that missing out on the good stuff feeling. If you live with someone who is not willing to stop buying the junk food tell them to please put it away and out of sight so when you open a fridge or cabinet it's not staring at in and in your reach.
I want to say it took about 3 weeks before measuring my portions became easy and now it just apart of my day. I even started measuing my bf meals I didn't tell him at first to see if there was a diference and at first he was still getting seconds but saying he wished he hadnt. Now he never goes for seconds and is always satisfied after a meal if he ever does want more will got for the veggie or salad I made that day. He doesnt really exercise ever and he lost alot of weight in the past 2 months from portion control, (but men almost always lose weight faster and easier than us women) lucky us.

LupaNera

Same story here. And the thing that helped me a LOT was keeping a journal not about food but about emotions that I had when I ended up fully drowning in binge eating episodes.
And Another important step was not to feel anymore guilty. So I was able to broke that circle. Now maybe it happens to me when I am very upset and maybe one every 3-4 months and for me it is more than ok.
I also had the support from my SO and a psich.

It was mostly about learning a different way to deal with emotions. Now I am pretty ok and finally enjoying my food and just love cooking. I prefer if I want some comfort food to cook it instead of having junk food at home. Yesterday I had to trow away half chocolate because was overdue of three months. I didn't touch it from I believe Easter.
Instead when I want it I like having a good icecream in good company.

xPOOKiEx

Like everyone else suggested...see someone for it. I have suffered from Anorexia, Binge Eating, Bulimia since I was like 14. Over eating has ALWAYS been a problem. I saw someone for it and realized it just wasn't for me. But I did realize I had to stop my unhealthy relationship with food. Ive recently gained weight from a weird battle with over eating and bulimia. My doctor said my blood pressure is way too bad and if it doesn't go down ill be on mess. Either way I have to do an overhaul starting with not eating trigger foods...unhealthy foods. When I'm hungry ill chug water to test if its hunger or not.

islandsandwaves

What did you do to overcome this!? I need help. I eat to live. Once i start i can not stop. (so i feel i can't) I know i can but how can i overcome this problem.
What steps or actions did you take to stop binge eating? Please help!

Karen

Hi Karen,

I do this off an on. I believe it is a mental thing.

What I have done to take control when this feeling comes on is only eat/buy "healthy" things...Apples, veggies, low or non-fat greek yogurt, etc. because then if you chow down, you don't have to feel as guilty. Greek yogurt is sooooo filling though so it might do the trick to make you feel satisfied.

No snack packs, 100 calorie packs or anything along those lines. If you can't overcome a craving, it's hard to eat just one pack.

Never eat sugar. Sugar only makes cravings worse. I enjoy "Sweet Leaf" stevia as my sweetener of choice and it is lovely. I do understand that sugar is in pretty much everything, but still, you can stay away from too much of it when you really try.

Even if this is mostly a mental thing, it is difficult to ignore. Sometimes I just drink a liter of water to make me feel full and then get busy doing something whether it's a craft project, reading, or exercising. I feel like when I'm bored, I eat...A LOT. So staying busy helps tremendously.

Also, try telling yourself "log first, eat second" then you can see if the food you are about to consume will keep you within your calories/goals or not.

I hope this helps you! Message me if you have questions or anything.

SavvyCake

I've struggled in the past with binge eating, and as a person with a lot of mental struggles also, I wouldn't be surprised if at times it qualified as a disorder. I don't really have any advice about actually overcoming the disorder, I haven't talked to any therapist about it. I can say, for me, something that helps when I find myself at home thinking that I really want something, even though I've already eaten all my meals and snacks for the day, I go brush my teeth. I buy one of the strongest, minty-est, powerful toothpastes I can find, and any time I fear I'm wanting to eat for the wrong reasons, I go brush my teeth. The taste of the toothpaste in my mouth makes it so that whatever I wanted to eat wouldn't taste good anyway, so it helps me get through the craving. I know this is only a band-aid, and not a solution though, so good luck!

lolaluv4

once I start i can't stop. The biggest thing for me is I am not one of those people who can just have one. i plan my days. If it's not on my plan i do not eat it.

Kimjanebrooks

Yes! I used to more or less eat the contents of my entire fridge, cupboards etc and then take loads and loads of laxatives. Then when the laxatives stopped working I started starving myself and only eating half a sandwich a day, until I kept passing out.

I still have tendencies to want to never stop eating (which is why I have weight to lose now).

I have only stopped doing it because of things I have read on here from people. Drinking lots of water makes your kidneys happy, eating fatty food puts a strain on your organs etc etc.

I would never ever go out without at least trying to look nice. I buy nice clothes, wear nice shoes, take time to apply make up, make plans for the future. So why would I not worry and try and look after my insides too?

eddie8131

I am currently in an out of control binge period, and have suffered with Binge Eating Disorder for a very long time. What I have done in the past is sought professional help (CBT), also was in Overeater's Anonymous for a while. There are above other good suggestions. I am convinced that simply logging my food and exercise on MFP, while a very effective tool, is only a temporary solution, unless I address what is truly causing the binges. So I am dipping my toe back in the water of seeking more intensive help. I wish you all the best in tackling this.

WhitneyT586

Just saw this on Dr. Oz and then on www.runsforcookies.com - you should check out her blog from either Wednesday or Thursday. It is great.

Basically the best advice I have is to keep the foods you tend to binge on out of the house. I keep individual dark chocolates in the freezer so that I have something sweet if I really really want it. I also suggest saving 100-200 calories per day for a treat of your choosing. It could be a piece of chocolate, a glass of wine, and handful of chips. Whatever it is you want. I find that treating myself can prevent any serious binging.

Good luck to you. Keep focused on your goals!

SMJ1987

I've had problems with this too. As counter-intuitive as it sounds I have found that Intermittant Fasting (specifically 16:8) has helped me enormously. I am an all or nothing type so during the 8 hours where I am "allowed" to eat I can have 2 bigs meals and a couple of snacks and fit it in my goals. Once the fasting hours roll around (usually 9pm to 1pm the next day) because I can't eat anything, food usually isn't on my mind. No more thinking, "oh I can still fit one more piece of chocolate in my calories" and then eating 50 of them.

bufger

I didnt stop until i reached the point where my liver was turning into fat and I was faced with the possibility of death. A little extreme i know but until that point (and having kids) I was just wreckless.

Its hard to listen to other people when you're in that position but believe me continuing this habit could kill you just as much as chain smoking or drinking.

Itfiguresx

hi, im becky im a binge eater.

i have been for 8 years. it took control of my life. i got up to 18.5 stone! in jan of 11 i desided to have a gastric band, which ended up with me being with the nhs for aftercare. they dont know about ym binge eating i guess they suspect my slow loss. a lot of people have educated me about it and said a band isnt for binge eaters. but that doesnt change the fact i have one!

its like a disease. luckily with the band ive managed to loose 4 stones in a year n half. i know if i werent a bine eater i could have lot a hel of a lot more.

i still have 4 stones to go. its very very hard getting by with it all. i will go for a week with eating good then 2 weeks bad eating, i eat until im physically ill. im not hungry at al when i do it. its chaos and really really hard to control. evening is my worst time. im hoping to get back on track today, im devistated on my past 2 week binge, as i dont think i will be loosing a stone before xmas now. but i try not to set too many goals. a loss is a loss no matter how long it takes. just fingers crossed for me. i can get rid of the rest of the weight before end of next year which i would be very very pleased indeed

Sabrina__26

I've been like this for some years. I think mine was due to the way I used to think of food as either being bad or good. For around 4-6 months I would eat nothing but very small amounts of 'good food'. I'd lose a fair amount of weight and get slim and feel good about myself but then there came a point when I just couldn't do it anymore and would crave junk food like mad. Then for 4-6 months I'd eat really bad food. All the worst kind of junk food you could think of and just eat that, no fruit or vegetables of any kind at all and gain all the weight back.

Now, I buy junk food and allow myself a small treat every day. It could be a small chocolate, or a biscuit or two, or some dark chocolate (usually something around 100-140 calories). If I really badly want something, then I'll have it and most importantly I won't feel really guilty about it.

Guilt about ruining all my hard work when I've had just one day of eating badly, makes me think I've ruined everything and to just give up and eat. This is something I've been working on and I think (and hope) it's working this time!