*help* Binge eating is getting me down!!!

twicearoundtheworld
twicearoundtheworld Posts: 4 Member
edited September 21 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been doing really good, but every so often I get "overcome" and cannot stop eating. I mean in 15 mins eat three days worth of calories. I have always succum to random boutso of binges... It's like I'm possessed... and once I'm done I'm disggusted with myself and so discouraged that I end up off my diet for a few days... I hate this! Any sugestions?

Replies

  • SammyLynn010
    SammyLynn010 Posts: 293 Member
    I have this same problem... I always tell myself it's just one and then 10 or more later ... I feel fat and nasty! ... I hate when I don't have control. I seem to do better when I have a goal I am working towards.. Maybe you could make a few goals to work towards and that will give you something else to focus on when you need it.

    I wish I could help more, but just know that you are not alone! I feel your pain! <3
  • Holton
    Holton Posts: 1,018
    It really sounds like you need to identify exactly W H A T makes you binge eat, because there usually is an underlying cause, from an earlier or current relationship. Counselling or a direct conversation with a medical professional could be primary in identifying the issue(s) that trigger your binges. In the meantime, not sure what your home situation is, but if there is anyway to limit what foods you have at home (of course I am assuming this happens only while you are at home?) at least you could stock your pantry and refrigerator with ONLY healthy foods. Put your goal(s) on your bathroom mirror where you will see it several times a day; pack your meals when you are away from home; keep a large container of water/green tea with you at all times and drink often; other small things to try when the urge hits is to chew gum, get out and go for a walk, call a supportive friend that is aware of your situation and tell her to help you through your urge. I am prayerful that you can find a way to stop the cycle of binging, as you need to quit guilting yourself and get on with a healthy way of life! Good luck to you!
  • tinasullens
    tinasullens Posts: 203 Member
    Binge eating is difficult to overcome, but it is possible. I'm not a doctor or counselor or anything but I think if you start to look at food differently, it would slowly change to where you have control over the food instead of it having control over you.

    It's important to think of food as fuel for your body and to think of your body as a machine. A lean mean muscle machine! :wink: Also, if you don't buy the junk food it won't be in your house to binge on.

    I'm sorry I can't really relate to what you're going through. But I would recommend maybe seeing your doctor/counselor to see if there is something like a support group in your area that you may be able to benefit from. I wish I could help more, too. Sorry!
  • StarryEyedGirl
    StarryEyedGirl Posts: 585
    this happens to me as well and like the previous comment from Holton I do feel there is a trigger but I haven't figured that out yet. Good news for me is it happens farther and few between so that is a plus! it's not happening as much as it has in my past.... I hope someone has some answers for us!

    Good luck!
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    I used to binge all the time when I was dieting. The more I restricted myself from certain foods, the more I craved them and ended up bingeing. I had to do a lot of (emotional) work on myself to identify the triggers. Now, I don't view MFP as a diet - it's definitely a lifestyle change. NOTHING is off-limits, I just try to make it fit into my plan for the day. It's not perfect, but I don't binge.

    I can totally relate to that awful feeling after a binge. Ugh - it's just awful! I finally figured out that if I don't binge, I won't feel so bad afterward. Somehow, I catch myself if I start to overeat and remind myself that I don't want to feel bad later.

    Good luck!
  • smm9020
    smm9020 Posts: 12
    What I did that helped (helps) is that nothing is restricted. I feel like when I say I can't have this or that food I want it more - like a rebellious teenager is controlling my stomach. :sad: So I wanted fig newtons. I bought a pack, ate it in 2 days, I put it in my Food Log and was accountable to EVERYTHING that passed my lips. BUT I HAD MY FIG NEWTONS!!! (stomping hand on desk). :grumble: And not the diet kind...yuck! That was MY choice. I had planned to have a coke that night and decieded that I didn't need it afterall. That made me feel that I had made a balanced choice based on the...many...portions of newtons I had.

    I have stopped feeling bad about eating more than I have to. Instead I try to make it up another way by eating better the rest of the day OR even tomorrow. If it turns out that I can't stop after a couple of days then maybe I need a one-on-one with a food counselor. :flowerforyou:
  • kellyd23
    kellyd23 Posts: 24
    I have been on antidepressants for anxiety for years. I came off of them because I felt I finally had control over my panic attacks and anxiety. I was sooo wrong. I was binging non stop for weeks. It was out of control and I KNEW it was some underlying anxiety or issue that was causing me to do it. I knew I wasn't hungry but couldn't stop! I couldn't pin point it on what was truly bothering me....but I knew I had to do something .....so I got back on my medication. Within days, I stopped binge eating.

    I'm not saying everyone who binges needs medication by any means..I just have a major anxiety disorder and come to terms that I'm one of those who need it! I agree with everyone else...a counselor would be a great place to start...and in many cases can help you without any medication at all. Also, I haven't finished it but I hear The Beck Diet Solution is a great book (I have the audio book) to help people with this issue. The author is actually a theapist so it's pretty interesting! I plan to download it to my ipod and listen to the entire book next week!

    Hope this helps! I know exactly how you feel though...it's a terrible, guilty, feeling when it's all said and done..but it's so hard to stop yourself :( Best of luck to you!
  • gingerra19800
    gingerra19800 Posts: 67
    that has happened to me before and it does happen more if i am restricting myself from eating certain foods..its like somthing comes over me thinking omg!!! i cant have this so let me stock up on it for this moment and i can later work it off..but its true that its triggered..cause and effect..is how life works..and something is making u think I NEED THIS NOW!! and u dont stop until u feel "disgusted"..its almost a masochist thing to do...u have to think what did u do today that made u so frustrated..or worry or have an anxiety attack..or even happy..and once u do..then u have to tell urself..ok i cant use this food to fill that space..and if u crave it..fight the urge dont think of food..smell somthing else like perfume..so that the perfume covers the scent of food..chew gum ..drink water..brush your teeth..the taste of tooth paste makes food taste nasty after u brush..exercise..try and focus on other things..its one thing if ur truly hungry its another when ur craving..and kno the difference in ur body..i hope that helps!! good luck!!:smile:
  • drvvork
    drvvork Posts: 1,162
    :noway: It's happening to me right NOW... I just want to eat everything in the house. I've been so depressed - I have lost it as far as control over my diet... I thought having control over that one thing in my life would help keep me grounded as I travel through the hard times I'm dealing with at the moment but it isn't helping as the finances have run out - no groceries so I'm eating whatever is here and it's not the best of choices and so I have been going over on my calories... what a vicious cycle. I wish I had an answer for you but I too am looking for resolve. :ohwell:
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