What are your bingeing alternatives?

dietkat

I'm in the process of figuring out what are some actions I can take to help me through a major binge urge until it comes to an end-- things that maybe respond to the emotional triggers in a better way. Here are some ones that have worked for me. They don't necessarily take away the need to binge, but they help me distract from it long enough that it gets smaller and I eat less.

When I'm bingeing because it's late at night and I'm exhausted from work:
- Picking up a magazine and drinking tea while I read it
- Going straight to bed
- Doing something self-care-ish (ie, getting some new hand cream or lip stuff or a face mask)
- Showering

When I'm bingeing during the day:
- Go window shopping (I live in an area with a lot of retailers, so this is easy)
- Go to a coffee shop and write/work
- Crafting (making collages and such)
- Practicing roller skating (because I'm in the process of joining roller derby)

How about you guys? What helps you delay or stop a binge?

MadDogManor

I find logging my food honestly really helps me to realize just how many calories the binge is/was/might be.

I actually stopped a chips and dip binge by logging true and found out it was 1000 cal in about 15 min. Shocked me to stop right then!

Coming to MFP and reading success stories and reading how my binge eating pals are doing here help me to realize I'm not alone in this struggle.

And I go to bed REALLY early now, unless I'm exercising ( a new thing for me or taking the kid somewhere. If I stay anywhere near the kitchen or anywhere downstairs then I prowl around like a lioness setting up her kill. And I eat like that too, I'm sure lol

Chocoholic55555

I've found that switching what I'm eating can help. I can eat so much milk chocolate and I cannot seem to stop myself, however I find it much easier to stop if I reach for 70% dark instead.

Mouthwash helps too, I've put one by every sink in the house.

info_nrs

I agree with both Chocoholic! Dark chocolate satifies the sweet tooth craving but I truly think it is physically impossible to binge on it (trust me, if it were possible, I would have done it by now!!!) Not to mention, it actually is good for you and recommended by many dieticians :happy:
And the mouthwash is another good one. Carry a toothbrush with you when not at home. After you've eaten, brush your teeth. You very rarely end up grazing uncontrollably or continue to eat afterwards---learned that one for work to stop the mindless eating habit!