Is there a difference between binge eating and over eating?
Nouran
Posts: 6
Last night, I went over my calories by almost double lol and this morning I found so many messages like "it's okay! We all binge sometimes! Just get back on the wagon..." or "binge eating is SO hard to deal with!" and i replied saying it wasn't a wild binge, i just had people over and didnt really care what i ate. And most said "still a binge, whether it's conscious or not" I don't consider last night a binge. It's not like I couldn't control myself, I could but I decided not to. I dont regret it or anything either. Isn't a binge when you feel like you NEED food and can't stop? Or am I completely wrong and just making up my own definitions?
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Replies
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I would see a binge as more deliberate - where you intend to eat too much.0
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I think that the answer if going to vary, and I'm not sure any answer will be wrong. For some, a binge is any behavior taken to excess... which probably fits with your last night. For others, it's an episode of uncontrollable indulgence, which may not be your last night. Look at how often you engage in it, assess if it's interferring with your goals. You already checked your regret and you don't have any. Usually, when it's addiction (that we're aware of) we'd have the regret. You may be just fine, whether or not you call it a binge. I think that's the key isn't in term used. Binge is a behavior. Addiction is a pattern. A binge wouldn't necessarily be worrisome out of the context of a larger problem/issue/pattern.
Also remember, it's just a term, your friends probably mean no offense, it's likely just the language they use and they aren't intending to imply you have a bigger problem. Maybe for you, the term is more emotionally loaded than for them. And I don't know how big your "binge" was, but I know folks who can put away literally thousands of extra calories. I'm sure I did it in my day too, but just never tracked then. Not one, but 2-6 thousand. So even when using the same word... all is still relative. All that matters is being honest with ourselves.
Glad you had fun with your friends!0 -
My opinion: you did nothing wrong. Anyone attempting to shame you with back handed trite encouragement about binging is incorrect. Criticism veiled as encouragement.... what crap.
So, if I go to AUCE night for Snow Crab, and have well over my calorie limit as set by MFP, I'm a binge-er? Or if I indulge in high calorie yummy cocktails along with other normal snacks, I'm a binge-er? come on..... no. no. no.0 -
From wiki: Binge eating is a pattern of disordered eating which consists of episodes of uncontrollable eating. It is sometimes as a symptom of binge eating disorder or compulsive overeating disorder. During such binges, a person rapidly consumes an excessive amount of food. Most people who have eating binges try to hide this behavior from others, and often feel ashamed about being overweight or depressed about their overeating. Although people who do not have any eating disorder may occasionally experience episodes of overeating, frequent binge eating is often a symptom of an eating disorder.
From the last statement and from the association with other terms (such as drinking/shopping/tv watching), I would classify Binge eating w/o a disorder as eating in excess/ more than you need... Doesn't mean you did bc your calorie count was high but more did you keep eating after you were full...0 -
I wouldn't call that a "binge". I'm a binge eater, and when I binge, I don't actually WANT to eat, I just can't stop. I will literally have a stomach ache from the amount of food I've eaten....and keep going back for more! To the point where it physically hurts so much that I can almost throw up ( I do not throw up....just feel like I could). That is what I call a "binge".0
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I think of overeating is just when you eat what is not normal for you but would be normal for someone with a different calorie budget. Such as eating 2400 calories instead of your normal 1600 because you went out and had a big bowl of pasta with cream sauce instead of grilled chicken and a big leafy salad. When I think of binging, I think of the person that ate a pint of icecream, half a pizza, 5 donuts, a bag of chips, 2 liters of soda, etc. all within just a couple hours and usually as a response to some stresser.0
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I think a binge is when you feel out of control, you can't stop yourself and it happens in a short space of time whereas when you overeat you know you're eating a little more, you intentionally do it. When I have binged, it's almost like I'm not really doing it, I don't realise until after the binge what I've done.0
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My opinion: you did nothing wrong. Anyone attempting to shame you with back handed trite encouragement about binging is incorrect. Criticism veiled as encouragement.... what crap.
So, if I go to AUCE night for Snow Crab, and have well over my calorie limit as set by MFP, I'm a binge-er? Or if I indulge in high calorie yummy cocktails along with other normal snacks, I'm a binge-er? come on..... no. no. no.
Absolutely this!0 -
I think that the answer if going to vary, and I'm not sure any answer will be wrong. For some, a binge is any behavior taken to excess... which probably fits with your last night. For others, it's an episode of uncontrollable indulgence, which may not be your last night. Look at how often you engage in it, assess if it's interferring with your goals. You already checked your regret and you don't have any. Usually, when it's addiction (that we're aware of) we'd have the regret. You may be just fine, whether or not you call it a binge. I think that's the key isn't in term used. Binge is a behavior. Addiction is a pattern. A binge wouldn't necessarily be worrisome out of the context of a larger problem/issue/pattern.
Also remember, it's just a term, your friends probably mean no offense, it's likely just the language they use and they aren't intending to imply you have a bigger problem. Maybe for you, the term is more emotionally loaded than for them. And I don't know how big your "binge" was, but I know folks who can put away literally thousands of extra calories. I'm sure I did it in my day too, but just never tracked then. Not one, but 2-6 thousand. So even when using the same word... all is still relative. All that matters is being honest with ourselves.
Glad you had fun with your friends!
I love every word of this. Well said!!!0 -
I wouldn't call that a "binge". I'm a binge eater, and when I binge, I don't actually WANT to eat, I just can't stop. I will literally have a stomach ache from the amount of food I've eaten....and keep going back for more! To the point where it physically hurts so much that I can almost throw up ( I do not throw up....just feel like I could). That is what I call a "binge".
I would agree with this. I've had problems with binge eating and actually had a day like this for the first time this week since I joined MFP. Ran right over and joined an eating disorder support group because I wondered if I was relapsing into one of my several eating disordered behaviors. Sigh.
But the common use of the word 'binge' is probably what your friends were referring to.
I separate the two just because of my history. Thanksgiving, I didn't really track, ate everything I wanted, and guestimated 3000 calories for the day to make sure I was covered. I don't think of that as a binge. The other day, I was tired, stressed, and hating myself for lots of non-food/diet related reasons and I stuffed myself beyond all reason and hunger. I did log it to see the damage and hopefully scare myself straight.0 -
There's nothing wrong with a high calorie day or telling yourself you're okay with a day or week of stalled / negative progress. I did this during thanksgiving weekend -- I basically said I'd stop counting calories for 5 days, enjoyed my parents home cooked food (stuff that I don't have the skills to make on my own). I did end up eating like crap part of the next week, so there's a danger in falling back to your old patterns; but as long as that's not a major issue then don't worry about it.0
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This isn't a really "technical" explanation.... but I see the two as TOTALLY different!
I have a longggg history with binge eating. It's something where you can eat decent all day, but you have strong cravings to indulge. I've had periods where I would eat an entire sleeve of cookies, ice cream, 5 slices of pizza all in ONE sitting. It's like an uncontrollable (well, it IS controllable) thing where you just get an overwhelming feeling of the inability to stop. You're not hungry; you eat because you crave it. Or at least that's how I explain my binge eating.
Over-eating is completely different. Last night I overate on my calories, but not deliberately. I was out at dinner and had a little too much food. It's not like I was hiding in a closet with a pint of ice cream.0 -
I generally do not overeat when I am at home and have control of everything around me, including what I buy.
That said, if I go out to restaurants with friends, people are passing around high calorie appetizers, and it's harder for me to pass up because it's right in front of me, does that constitute as a binge?
It's not psychological, I'm not trying to fulfill some deep rooted emotion - I'm just eating it because it's in front of me, I'm truly hungry, and it smells good.
Restaurants for me are the hardest places to stay on track because of all of the "free" food they put in front of you, like bread, chips, etc.0 -
Looking at what you ate last night, I wouldn't call that a binge.0
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It's just a word, like 'cheat' day. I don't use either one because of the negative connotation. We all have days that we eat more than we should, and it's okay. One day or one meal won't de rail the entire journey. Move on to the next day, which will be better.0
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Trust me, you would KNOW if it was a binge. I don't like to classify myself as a 'binge eater'...but I probably am. It's not like over eating where you just want to indulge a little bit more...or a lot. It's more of a mental thing where you say to yourself...'I NEED this food or I'm going to feel anxious' so you then go and frantically find as much junk food as possible. I've been there many times and it's not a good feeling at all, it's a loss of self control.0
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Looking at your diary, I would say that was a binge...whether it's an ongoing thing I don't know but maybe you were feeling stressed or something?0
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There is a HUGE difference.
Over eating means you ate too much. Maybe you indulged in some foods you don't normally eat, or dinner was so good you went back for second and are a bit full now. But you don't feel ill, you were in control while you were eating, etc.
Binging is generally associated with binge eating disorder or other EDs. The person loses all control. They will eat anything they can get their hands on, sometimes going into the trash or eating spoiled food in extreme cases. They have no control over their action and cannot stop. Binging is usually triggered by some sort of emotional or situational trigger. The person will often become sick, only to keep eating. After the binge they will feel and immense feeling of guilt, may feel like they hate themselves, and their stomachs will be painfully full.
It's very important to know the difference between these two words. People with EDs, especially BED fight a hard battle, and when you say "OMG I just binged! I ate three slices of pizza and two cookies!" it's basically a slap in the face to them.0 -
Yes.
I would say binging is an [uncontrollable] consumption of really excessive amounts of food. The urge/impulse to just eat, usually high sugar/fat foods.
Overeating is just eating more than your body needs to maintain a healthy weight. You can overeat because you're hungry (the foods you ate weren't that filling), or because you really enjoyed the meal, or because you were bored while watching a film, or because you went to a party and had food that was calorie dense and not that filling, or alcohol! There are lots of ways in which you can overeat that would not be classified as binging. People even overeat on purpose. I do (I'm trying to gain)0 -
This isn't a really "technical" explanation.... but I see the two as TOTALLY different!
I have a longggg history with binge eating. It's something where you can eat decent all day, but you have strong cravings to indulge. I've had periods where I would eat an entire sleeve of cookies, ice cream, 5 slices of pizza all in ONE sitting. It's like an uncontrollable (well, it IS controllable) thing where you just get an overwhelming feeling of the inability to stop. You're not hungry; you eat because you crave it. Or at least that's how I explain my binge eating.
Over-eating is completely different. Last night I overate on my calories, but not deliberately. I was out at dinner and had a little too much food. It's not like I was hiding in a closet with a pint of ice cream.
This ^^^. Definitely a difference between "bingeing" and overeating. Sometimes a Hershey kiss can turn into a real disaster and set me off. Feels like you can't stop; "I've already messed up today; let me just keep eating" kinda thing. I have to remove myself from wherever I am/whatever I'm doing at the time to try and break it. Literally, leave the house, throw all the "bad" stuff away, etc. Overeating occasionally isn't bad for you. Bingeing can control your life.0 -
A binge is associated with emotional comfort, mental health problems and eating disorders. You mindlessly stuff food in your mouth without any control or care, until you're fit to burst!! And then you usually feel guilty about it. Very self destructive behaviour.
Overeating is eating too many calories for your frame. Easily done with all the choices available in the western world. You mostly stop eating when you're full up (although sometimes you can like the food so much that you feel stuffed!) but calories are built up in WHAT youre eating, rather than WHY you're eating it.
I think there is a clear psychological difference :flowerforyou:0 -
Looking at your diary, I would say that was a binge...whether it's an ongoing thing I don't know but maybe you were feeling stressed or something?
You know it when you've binged. The last time I had a binge with food, I ended up vomiting. (Same as the last time I had a binge with alcohol) I looked at her diary. Twenty-seven potato chips and some peanut butter and pretzels is called eating too much at a party, NOT a binge.0 -
For me, binging is when I have no control over what I'm doing, it's more of an emotional thing than an enjoyment thing. Overeating, for me, is when I know I shouldn't have the extra cals I'm consuming but I've chosen to allow myself it. There's nothing wrong with overeating every now and again, so long as it's not making you feel bad and you can get back on the wagon after you've had your fun.0
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I think there is a big difference. Binge eating is more of a "I need to eat everything in sight" a different kind of guilt. eating what you want for one night is a release of control. I binge eat more frequently than I should which is half my problem. but it it involves, oatmeal cream pies, cookies, ice cream, chips, all at once and whatever I an get my hands on at the time. It happens when I plan on doing something and can't get done, simply enough as wanting to go out to the grocery store, but something happens at home which prevents me from following through with my plan. Or exercising, but the kids get up too early for me to do that.0
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I think bingeing and overeating are completely different.
For example, my husband and I went out to dinner at a nice Italian restaurant the other night. We shared an appetizer, I ate a side salad with a piece of bread, I ate half of my pasta dish and drank two nice glasses of red wine. It was a big meal and had a crazy number of calories (probably close to 1500)... but it was NOT a binge. I was in complete mindful control of every bite I ate., but it was still overeating. If I ate like that regularly, I would gain weight.
I think a binge is uncontrolled, mindless eating that is usually fulfilling some emotional need.0 -
I agree with the OP -- not a binge.. More of a situational indulgence.. happens to most of us especially in social situations. Binge is an uncontrollable urge to eat everything in sight and throw caution to the wind... Seemingly unable to stop. That is a bigger problem. Situational indulgences happens to all of us and should be factored into our new lifestyle.. Just try to not have too many of those days.0
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I think a binge is uncontrolled, mindless eating that is usually fulfilling some emotional need.
Exactly0 -
Yes, there is indeed.
Binge-eating is a severe disease, while over-indulging happens to everybody. To some of us more often than to others.
Look at this interesting article scan that explains the differences:
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Looking at your diary, I would say that was a binge...whether it's an ongoing thing I don't know but maybe you were feeling stressed or something?
You know it when you've binged. The last time I had a binge with food, I ended up vomiting. (Same as the last time I had a binge with alcohol) I looked at her diary. Twenty-seven potato chips and some peanut butter and pretzels is called eating too much at a party, NOT a binge.
I agree. Binging is what bulimics and people with binge eating disorder do. There is a huge difference. Some people eat anywhere from 5,000-up to 20,000+ in a binge.0 -
In my opinion binge eating is a series of episodes when you keep eating but you just can't control yourself. You consume massive amounts of food sometimes food that is consumed over a day period can be consumed in just one episode. I used to binge eat and while going through that state of mind you really can't stop and it feels like someone else has taken over you. All your fixiated on is food and getting it all in your body without even realizing the consequences till after it's over and you completely feel like garbage shortly afterwards.
Over eating is more of what you were doing last night. You're aware of it and you can control it if you really wanted to in that moment. I look at over eating as like a one time thing every now and then such as a cheat day or you go out to eat and the food is so amazing you don't want to let it all go to waste so you eat more than you should and even though you may or may not feel guilty afterwards you know that you'll get on the right track the next day if that makes sense.0
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