What constitutes a binge?
NYCNika
Posts: 611 Member
I hear that word used all the time on this forum, and I thought that I never have binges, but...
Went out and ate thousands of excessive calories this weekend. (As in fries, bbq ribs and wings, Thai food, tons of alcohol.
Probably 5-6K+ of extra calories over maintenance.
But, I knew full well what was going to happen when I made a decision to go to particular restaurants. (I hoped that the next day's girl night out would not be as bad, but after 4 drinks I wanted... you guess it... those cheese and ranch dressing, bacon and jalapeno fries AGAIN. For 3 days in a row.
Is that a binge? If you realize what you are doing and still just really really want to do it anyway?
Or did I just overeat?
Because it seems that what some people describe as a binge, is an animal like frenzied state, as if a person is dissociated from their actions and not "legally responsible" until they come to. Like a psychiatric defense or something.
What do you view as a binge?
Went out and ate thousands of excessive calories this weekend. (As in fries, bbq ribs and wings, Thai food, tons of alcohol.
Probably 5-6K+ of extra calories over maintenance.
But, I knew full well what was going to happen when I made a decision to go to particular restaurants. (I hoped that the next day's girl night out would not be as bad, but after 4 drinks I wanted... you guess it... those cheese and ranch dressing, bacon and jalapeno fries AGAIN. For 3 days in a row.
Is that a binge? If you realize what you are doing and still just really really want to do it anyway?
Or did I just overeat?
Because it seems that what some people describe as a binge, is an animal like frenzied state, as if a person is dissociated from their actions and not "legally responsible" until they come to. Like a psychiatric defense or something.
What do you view as a binge?
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Replies
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For me, a binge is usually over 500 calories above my normal intake for the day. I accept full legal responsibility for everything that goes into my body and don't ever try to off-set the blame on anyone or anything else. On occasion, I have binged over 1000 calories above my allotment, but typically that was while I was on vacation - and I was burning a ton of calories with exercises like scuba diving or swimming or walking *everywhere*....0
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I would say yes that's a binge. I don't ever go into a binge not knowing that I am eatting this stuff. What I lack is the ablity to stop after a bit or 2. I will eat crap until I hurt before I realize that my taste turned into a quart of ice cream with hot fudge and whipped cream on it. That said is it the end of the world no. You just get back on the wagon and exercise for 10 or 15 minutes longer everyday till I work that junk off!0
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So is there a distinction between a massive overeat or a binge?
I mean, I full y realized what and how much I was eating. I just did not care enough.
It wasn't like I "came to" afterwards or anything like that.0 -
Yep..........that's a binge!!0
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In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.0 -
A binge happens for me when I eat too many calories, to the point where I'm full but still forcing myself to eat. It's usually related to my emotions, and I eat so quickly that I don't really think (kind of an out-of-control feeling but I am still aware that I am bingeing). I don't binge in public. If I'm eating too many calories when I'm at a restaurant with friends or having a special occasion, it's just overeating.0
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I consider a binge when i've eaten my evening meal, but then decide to go back for more "snacking" even though I am not technically hungry. I then go back into the larder and eat: Digestive biscuits and cheese, a bar of chocolate, 1/2 bag of cashew nuts, 2 toasts and butter and maybe a few other bits. Probably another 1,500 over what I should be eating. Feel rubbish the next day, feel depressed, unhappy with myself, hating myself, refusing to look in the mirror. I usually call that my "binge".
When I eat out 3x a week and eat way over what I need to eat, then I call that "being off the rails"... I have been "off the rails" now for a long time!
Hence being 3+ stones overweight!! I am now trying to get a grip of both situations.0 -
Do you do this often? Or just a one-time partying event?
I binge eat and I know that 1,000's of calories over allotment are a binge for me, it's me being our-of control and not caring at that moment.0 -
I see a binge as relentless eating in a short period of time, ravenously. I think you just overate/over indulged because you wanted to and were having a good time with friends. Now I want cheese fries.0
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A binge happens for me when I eat too many calories, to the point where I'm full but still forcing myself to eat. It's usually related to my emotions, and I eat so quickly that I don't really think (kind of an out-of-control feeling but I am still aware that I am bingeing). I don't binge in public. If I'm eating too many calories when I'm at a restaurant with friends or having a special occasion, it's just overeating.
I agree with this person. I've gotten psychiatric help for my binge eating disorder, but not for a fun weekend out not caring about the calories I was enjoying. I was enjoying it, not making myself eat when I didn't want to and drowning in guilt because of it. Sometimes, you have to take a break from the tracking and have a good time, and then just get back on track. Good luck!0 -
In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.
I am in full agreement with the above. And unfortunately, the overuse sometimes makes those that actually struggle feel even worse about their binges.0 -
^ This. You over-ate, and I'm assuming had a good time doing it. People cross use the term binging to describe legitimate binging, and a wild night of fun and over eating. Maybe it makes people feel better not to use the words "over ate"? Or feels like a more important word? Can't say I haven't used the word binge incorrectly myself though.In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.0 -
I never overeat when I am by myself. This happens when I go out with people (friends or even DH). Happens a lot on vacation.0
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In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.
This. You didn't binge you just over-ate.
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To me, a binge is when I am eating something uncontrollably and I am unable to stop, which leads to ingesting a huge amount of calories in one sitting. There is usually an emotion attached to it, before and after. Such as sadness or loneliness before, and disgust after.
To me, what you did was over eat.0 -
i think there is a difference between drunk-eating and binging. binging implies excessive consumption with no real joy in it - you're not eating because you want that food, you're eating because you can't stop. and feel miserable before, during, and after.
drunk eating (or even just a high calorie day here & there) happens to all of us and, while not a great idea, generally isn't the symptom of some larger psychological issue the way that binging can be.
also, given that most of us are on a diet of some sort, going out for 2 margaritas & some nachos would probably mean more calories than our daily intake. and that's hardly a binge.0 -
I never overeat when I am by myself. This happens when I go out with people (friends or even DH). Happens a lot on vacation.
That to me says you're a social eater rather than a binger. Binges are more of a secretive affair I think and not usually enjoyable, more of a compulsion to eat.0 -
In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.
^^ This.0 -
A binge is any behavior indulged to excess.
Doesn't matter if it's planned/unplanned or if you are binging on blueberries, fries or alcohol. It doesn't have to be uncontrollable or a specific caloric amount.
I went to All You Can Eat Sushi the other day. I binged. I stayed within my calorie limit for the day because I only had a light breakfast and it wasn't like I was stuffing my face uncontrollably, but I ate an excess of sushi. It was a binge.
ETA: Typos0 -
In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.
^^ This.
Binge is an actual word with an actual definiton. Not all uses of the word binge refers to binging disorders as you've described.0 -
In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.
^^ This.
Binge is an actual word with an actual definiton. Not all uses of the word binge refers to binging disorders as you've described.
Yes. Being as this is a fitness site - and in particular, a food tracking site, I thought to define the word as it relates to food and negative behaviors (as the OP was questioning the word in that sense.)0 -
Saying that I binged on sushi this weekend is relating to food. I do not have a binging disorder.0
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Saying that I binged on sushi this weekend is relating to food. I do not have a binging disorder.
At no point did I say you have a disorder. I explained what the term is in relation to a disorder - to which, if binging is a consistent issue - one needs help for.0 -
In behavioral disorder terms, a binge is classified by having a heightened and frantic (or else truly depressed and numb) emotional state. Consuming large amounts of calories totalling thousands in a short time (within a few hours) coupled with a fear and feeling of not being able to stop, even well beyond the point of making yourself sick.
The difference between binging and over-eating is the emotional and mental state that accompanies it. It is not eating a few hundred calories over. It is not even necessarily eating thousands of calories over. It is what is going on in your head WHILE you are overeating.
The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience.
^^^ This. Simply eating over your calorie goal, or snacking on treats, does not constitute a binge. That's just called "eating".0 -
Saying that I binged on sushi this weekend is relating to food. I do not have a binging disorder.
At no point did I say you have a disorder. I explained what the term is in relation to a disorder - to which, if binging is a consistent issue - one needs help for.
I know you didn't. But it was in response to "The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience." part of your statement. It is not overused if it is used as a verb to signify indulging in excess.0 -
Saying that I binged on sushi this weekend is relating to food. I do not have a binging disorder.
At no point did I say you have a disorder. I explained what the term is in relation to a disorder - to which, if binging is a consistent issue - one needs help for.
I know you didn't. But it was in response to "The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience." part of your statement. It is not overused if it is used as a verb to signify indulging in excess.
You may feel it is not. Seeing as the word, when loosely used, often shames those who deal with binging issues (to the point where it is affecting their daily physical and mental health) it is a fair conclusion that it IS overused.
It is similar to comparing a paper cut to losing a limb. Both are wounds but one signifies a much bigger and more severe problem. It is dismissive and quite frankly, insulting to suggest otherwise.0 -
I think you can knowingly binge.
A binge is defined by eating a large and unneeded amount of food in a short period of time. This is usually coupled with a feeling of being unable to stop but I think if you know what you are doing,and choose to continue that can be called a binge but not a disordered kind of binge0 -
I think you can knowingly binge.
A binge is defined by eating a large and unneeded amount of food in a short period of time. This is usually coupled with a feeling of being unable to stop but I think if you know what you are doing,and choose to continue that can be called a binge but not a disordered kind of binge
I completely agree with you, but apparently we are being insensitive.0 -
I think you just overate. When I used to binge, I would just eat and eat and eat, not for enjoyment, but to fill some kind of void I was feeling. My stomach would be feeling MISERABLE and I would still eat a whole family size bag of nacho cheese Doritos because I felt like I couldn't stop. That's binging to me, but I know everyone has a different view on it. If I go out for pizza and drinks with my friends and eat more calories than I should, that's not what I consider a binge. It's just me enjoying a treat on a night out and it's not part of my regular routine.0
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Saying that I binged on sushi this weekend is relating to food. I do not have a binging disorder.
At no point did I say you have a disorder. I explained what the term is in relation to a disorder - to which, if binging is a consistent issue - one needs help for.
I know you didn't. But it was in response to "The term "binge" is way overused on this site and minimizes the experiences and struggles those who actually struggle with binge eating experience." part of your statement. It is not overused if it is used as a verb to signify indulging in excess.
You may feel it is not. Seeing as the word, when loosely used, often shames those who deal with binging issues (to the point where it is affecting their daily physical and mental health) it is a fair conclusion that it IS overused.
It is similar to comparing a paper cut to losing a limb. Both are wounds but one signifies a much bigger and more severe problem. It is dismissive and quite frankly, insulting to suggest otherwise.
That's like saying using the term "binge drinking" for people who drink in excess (usually on Friday and Saturday nights), is insulting to alcoholics who binge drink on a whole other level. And if you believe that to be true too, well I'm afraid we will just never see eye-to-eye.0
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