Help! I'm a closet eater :-(

jmirvis
jmirvis Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
Over the last year I have developed a serious closet eating problem. I'm not fat (in my own eyes I feel fat but in reality I know the outside world would categorize me as normal). I am 5'8 and about 145-150 pounds. I am 18. About a year ago I gained 10 pounds. I used to be 135 and never really worried about it. I worked out 6 times a week because I was on my swim team and ate relatively healthy and did not really think about food besides when I was hungry. Then I have no clue what happened. Somehow I developed an awful habit of eating large amounts of fattening foods when I was alone. I don't think I am depressed, angry, anxious, etc. I truthfully don't know why this has become an issue. But now that I have gained so much weight, I find myself constantly worrying about it. I have seen doctors and have no medical problems that would cause weight gain. I still exercise at least 6 days a week. I know all the guidelines of losing weight (drinking water, eating fruit, avoiding soda, etc) and try to follow them but when I binge I find those rules fly out the door. I binge once or twice a week and spend the rest of the week trying to counteract the binge, yet the weight just keeps creeping up and creeping up. What should I do

I'm also leaving for college in about 25 days and was wondering if it would be possible to lose about 5-10 pounds in that time

Replies

  • MyaPapaya75
    MyaPapaya75 Posts: 3,143 Member
    When you binge it is a medical problem that does cause weight gain...You should seek the help of your Doctors regarding it.
  • jmirvis
    jmirvis Posts: 2
    I know bingeing would cause weight gain, it just seems like something I should be able to control myself. I'm not sure a doctor would be able to tell me anything I don't already know. It's all up to me
  • mahanaibu
    mahanaibu Posts: 505 Member
    wrong kind of health professional for what's ailing you. I recommend a nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders. That person can help you figure out how you get into those cravings and help you figure out ways to avoid it.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    I know all the guidelines of losing weight (drinking water, eating fruit, avoiding soda, etc) and try to follow them but when I binge I find those rules fly out the door.

    If this is not something that needs a therapist's help, I would guess that part of the problem is here. There are no firm guidelines to losing weight (barring medical issues) other than to eat less than you burn. Are you trying to be very strict with your diet and are having a hard time staying away from 'bad' foods? Forget about 'good' vs 'bad' food for now. Just concentrate on keeping your calories in check and have a brownie or some ice cream or chips if you want and it fits in your calorie allowance. You'll still lose the weight.

    Once you get that under control, then focus on eating more nutritious food, if that is your goal. Gradual changes are easier to maintain.
  • LaRaAnHa
    LaRaAnHa Posts: 14 Member
    I know all the guidelines of losing weight (drinking water, eating fruit, avoiding soda, etc) and try to follow them but when I binge I find those rules fly out the door.

    If this is not something that needs a therapist's help, I would guess that part of the problem is here. There are no firm guidelines to losing weight (barring medical issues) other than to eat less than you burn. Are you trying to be very strict with your diet and are having a hard time staying away from 'bad' foods? Forget about 'good' vs 'bad' food for now. Just concentrate on keeping your calories in check and have a brownie or some ice cream or chips if you want and it fits in your calorie allowance. You'll still lose the weight.

    Once you get that under control, then focus on eating more nutritious food, if that is your goal. Gradual changes are easier to maintain.


    ^ That is great advice for you to follow.

    I have struggled with binge eating for a long time and actually put on about 50 pounds last year because it was getting very serious. It is important to not be so strict with yourself about what you eat. Save yourself some calories so you can fit a snack into your days, like a good chocolate chip cookie, a bit of ice cream, or a small amount of whatever it is you are eating during your binges.

    I am still struggling but have drastically reduced the amount that I binge because I realized that cookies and sugary "junk foods" are things I can still enjoy while eating a healthy diet. Also, do you eat low-fat during the day when you aren't bingeing? If so, adding some nuts, avocados, and other foods with healthier dietary fats in them might help.

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