Has anyone successfully managed to stop BINGE EATING?

Yes, I haven't binged since I started MFP. I stop eating when I'm full. I remind myself that the next bite won't taste better than the first one.

Cutting back on 'white carbs' (sugar, bread, pasta etc.) is what works for me. I find that kind of stuff just makes me want more and more and more of it (which, incidentally, is how Nestle makes a killing ).

Also, watching things extra-closely just before and during my period helps. That time of the month usually makes me want to eat the fridge, so I try having more non-damaging foods around the house.

I had to go cold turkey on sweet stuff like chocolate and sugar laden products as I find them addictive. If I eat some it can lead me to craving more and more and/or bingeing. It's like an addiction. I had to quit them to stop craving them. Sucky bit better than that out of control feeling you get with a binge.

I managed to stop, but also hedged my bets a bit. Changed my shopping habits. Binge eating sometimes can be tough to control but if your fridge is full of fruit, non fat foods, veggies, etc. then you can have that late night snack and not feel guilty. Just give someone your car keys so you can't hit up the local fast food places.

I think it can take a few approaches or a combined few depending on why you binge. Being more mindful and really asking yourself what youre feeling when you want to binge, and working on stopping those kind of self destructive feelings. For me it was rediscovering reading. When I felt like binging I would say ok Ill read 3 chapters of this book then see how I feel. The books I would read would generally be kinda smart thinking/mindfulness books so Id feel more confident or something when Id finshed my chapters and Id make the choice to not binge. Cos its a choice. (I know this sounds kinda lame haha).
Another thing that works for me is eating kinda Primal style (Its like Paleo but I have some lovely cheese or yogurt somtimes). I think its the high fat element of this style of eating that satisfys something in me. I often eat a few squares of dark chocolate. And now thats enough
I guess not keeping stuff in the house that will tempt you if thats an option. I remember when I used to be a binger I literally could not understand how people who lived with their families and had loadsa junk in the cupboards didnt go on crazy eating rampages
Good luck!

I like the idea of distracting your mind and reading for a set amount and asking yourself whether your still hungry. Thanks for sharing.

For me, knowing that I can have something if I want it, in whatever amount I want, seems to take away the power of that food. I also think that since I have changed my goals from weight-loss to health and fitness I no longer desire certain foods. I do also think that if your are eating a very restrictive vlcd you are setting yourself up for a binge. Tell yourself you can't have chocolate, then eat low calorie for a few days and I guarantee all you will think about is chocolate. And it has nothing to do with self-control or motivation, your body is doing what it is supposed to do. Keep itself alive. I eat between 2000-2500 cals a day. I workout and try and stay active throughout my day. As I have upped my cals my weight loss has slowed, but food no longer controls me. Some months i lose no lbs, but i continue to lose inches. I don't obsess about it, I don't binge and I don't feel deprived. I am just living my life and enjoying myself. I can bench press 105 lbs, dead lift 185 and squat 150. My strength continues to get better as I feed my muscles. I want to keep that going, so I choose to eat differently to meet my strength goals. Do I eat perfect? No. Do I have treats everyday? Yes. Do I go to buffets and get my feedbag on? You betcha! Do I feel guilty? Heck no!

I think if you are struggling with binging, upping your cals is the right thing to do for you. You are learning how to eat for life, not just a quick fix diet. Be patient and satisfied with a slower weight loss that is sustainable. Your body will thank you for it.

I havent binged since... I dont remember when. My low point was driving home from the supermarket with a whole rotisserie chicken on the passenger seat while eating a half pound block of cheese like it was an apple.

What stopped me? Nothing to do with calories or diet. Happiness stopped me. Being OK with myself for the first time in years stopped me. I used to binge as a form of self harm. It took getting on top of my emotional and mental issues, and I just... stopped. Nothing conscious, nothing taking will power, I just didnt do it anymore because I didnt need to.

Yes!
- Upped my daily net kcal to 1400+
- Not completely banning any food. If I want it, I'll plan it out and fit it into my intake. I NEVER thought I could practice moderation but it has stopped my binges completely and I feel so much more in control
- 5-6 small meals a day
- Eat every 2-3 hours
- Focus not just on calories, but on macros/quality of food

I still feel tempted to binge, every day. I don't think these cravings will go away any time soon. It's really all about making yourself mentally stronger and forming habits to overcome and control them! It doesn't get any easier, you just get better

I have the rare uncontrollable binge but for me my success is due to eating 3 good meals a day plus healthy snacks and exercise. I fill up on salad, fruit and veg and allow myself treats at the weekend. I am not hungry and am not denying myself the treats. I suffered for years with a binge/starve cycle but for first time in years I really feel I have turned a corner. Good luck with your journey, feel free to add me as a friend. I have found the support on MFP a real help.

Maybe not what you want to hear, but psychotherapy with a specialist in eating disorders worked for me. I haven't binged since I was 18.

I am a recovering binger and just last week I fell off the wagon, but I'm back on it and didn't let it completely derail me. I realized that when I am tired I will munch to keep myself awake. I also know that baked goods are my trigger, especially sweet ones. I can't keep that stuff in the house and if I do have something it's a non threatening imitation like Fiber One brownies. If I have to open more than one package it deters me. Last week I did Relay for Life, I was up all night walking, so no sleep, then I went to a wedding and had a piece of cake that did me in and I hit that salty/sweet cycle for a good hour or so. Can we say 5000 calorie day? Yuck! Anyhow I snapped right back into my game plan. Yes, I failed, but I forgave myself and moved on. Some of my helpful hints are to make sure I am eating and staying satisfied, not allowing myself to get to hungry. I make sure to include lots of protein and also lots of water. I limit my consumption of simple carbs-especially white flour products, try not to have any sugar and limit salty foods. Eating dinner a little later also helps me as well as cardio in the evenings. The biggest thing is making the choice not to binge instead of being a victim to your whims.

Not yet. I have been able to get back on track quicker than I have in the past....so definitely there has been improvement.

I had to go cold turkey on sweet stuff like chocolate and sugar laden products as I find them addictive. If I eat some it can lead me to craving more and more and/or bingeing. It's like an addiction. I had to quit them to stop craving them. Sucky bit better than that out of control feeling you get with a binge.

This !!!!

Therapy helped me cut down on binging and feel more in control. Pre-therapy I'd binge almost weekly. Now, it's maybe 4-6x/year. Also, I can now recover from a binge very quickly, something I couldn't do before and I'd end up binging for days.