I'm new...ish, calling all binge-eaters!

irelyn
irelyn Posts: 9
in Introduce Yourself
Hi all,

My name's Lyn, I'm 27 and am from NY. I've been an emotional/stress eater since I was a teenager, and this past year it's almost like a binge food addiction. I hide from the world and binge after work. Only my therapist and parents know - but really, my therapist is the only one who knows the true (and terrible) intensity of the situation. I have a boyfriend and he's an amazing inspiration - he's very into fitness ironically and it has only rubbed off on me so much because I'm a chronic yo-yo'er. He used to be obese a few years before I met him, and actually now weighs a little less than me. While I am overweight and it is obvious, most people are shocked when they know my actual weight - it's because my height really stretches it all out. Still, I'm overweight and so tired of living in this disgusting body. I've been yo-yo'ing a lot...and I hate that he (and others close to me) see me go through phases when I'm really in it, and then inevitably fall out. I think a part of me must be afraid of succeeding. But I'm SO done with this, if I don't stop now my life will end sooner than it ever should. I deserve to FEEL beautiful on both the outside and inside. I deserve to FEEL what self-confidence feels like, and know that I've earned it - blood, sweat, and tears.

I need people who can relate really stick with me and help me see this through! It would be so appreciated, and I'll certainly help and support you in whatever way I possibly can. That is my promise. Whatever it takes, even if we text each other when we don't have internet access!

Here are some of my thoughts:

- 1200 minutes of working out per month (5 days per week of 60 minute workouts)
- Blogging my journey at least a few days a week
- Full-body pictures as I go for inspiration
- Marker board that I'll update at the end of every day for how many days I've been binge-free :)

Who's with me? What's your story? It's time.

<3

Replies

  • blue_byrd
    blue_byrd Posts: 9 Member
    Thank you for sharing your story. I just want to encourage you and tell you that you can definitely do this! :) Awareness is majority of the fight, in my opinion. Good luck! Can't wait to hear about your success!!
  • RuthRW
    RuthRW Posts: 247 Member
    Recovering emotional eater who is over halfway to goal :-) My therapist still has a hard time believing I topped out at 255 lbs! You can do this, I will be happy to encourage you! Friend request sent.
  • learntoloveyourself
    learntoloveyourself Posts: 1
    I am 21 and I had weight problems in the beginning of highschool, I hated it, I lost weight then went from 160 down to 135. Now I'm 170 lbs and feel miserable about myself. I start working out and eating healthier for a week or so, then I just quit. I'm changing that right now as well. I know you can do this, and I know I can to. I'll cheer you on. We got this! :smile:
  • nursesrun19
    nursesrun19 Posts: 1
    Your post sounds all too familiar, although I haven't had the courage to seek help/talk to anyone about my issues. Kudos to you, as that in and of itself is extremely courageous. I have been at this seriously for about two months now, although over the past 5 months I have been losing weight. The wake up call for me was reaching an all time high weight and seeing two of my sons creeping closer to being overweight. The realization that my issues were transferring to them was a huge motivation.

    I definitely binge, and yo-yo. Over the years I bounce around from overweight to obese, and can't seem to stay at a maintenance weight for anything. I tend to do really well, get to the 150-160's and then it just dies out and I start slipping. For whatever reason, even when I know I am gaining it seems like it's ok. There's always a reason, an excuse, and the guilt that goes with them.

    I am happy to offer support, words of encouragement, etc., and could definitely use some from time to time too. :)
  • irelyn
    irelyn Posts: 9
    You guys are awesome, thank you for being so kind! It would be easy to judge my story. There's so many details I didn't touch on, because how do you sum up your life in one post? You can't.

    I forgot to mention I was even heavier when I originally joined MFP in June 2011, a whopping 242 lbs. Now I'm 225 lbs. I also forgot to mention I certainly don't mean to come off like I talk lightly about binge eating. It's serious, and I feel like I'm in no control when it's happening. It's like it's not even me - I just get in this terrible state of mind, and am trying to escape everything. And I feel it's disgusting and I'm always mad at myself after. Such a terrible, vicious cycle. I want to heal on my own, and I know I'm back in the right place. I should have never left. Like they say, "If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up."

    <3
  • Kaylee_law_123
    Kaylee_law_123 Posts: 450 Member
    Hi my name is Kaylee and I'm a binge-eater. It's been 12 days since my last binge.

    There should be a B.E.A group - binge-eaters anonymous!
  • Kevalicious99
    Kevalicious99 Posts: 1,131 Member
    I was a binge eater until recently .... my issue was junk food. Mainly because I was bored and wanted something to eat to combat the boredom. Junk food was my comfort food. But of course I gained 30 lbs and hit rock bottom in the process.

    I have now given up my bad habits and am doing well. Eating is just comfortable and easy. Until it gets out of hand.

    I wish all us binge eaters success in their journeys.
  • pickyniki87
    pickyniki87 Posts: 1
    I feel the same way. My issue is the sweets. I can't control myself around them and will eat and eat until my stomach hurts. I am a teacher so there are ALWAYS treats in the lounge and it is so hard not to eat them. I stress eat. I work out daily and have been using MyfitnessPal, but still binge. I am trying to get better but need support on the "bad days". You are not alone.
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    You might want to join this group

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/726-binge-eating-support-group
  • JennNEWYou
    JennNEWYou Posts: 5
    Its glad to hear I'm not the only one going through this! Like yourself I've been emotional/stress eating since high school. Feel free to add me so we can work on this together :)
  • chelc1105
    chelc1105 Posts: 36 Member
    I am an emotional binge eater as well. Feel free to add me :) I try my hardest to comment on everything :)
  • KardioKim
    KardioKim Posts: 160 Member
    I've been known to binge... It's so hard to control.

    Add me. We can figure this out together...
  • Cheechos
    Cheechos Posts: 293
    Welcome to your new journey! I hope you keep your therapist up to date with your state of mind as you try to manage things so they can help you get through any rough patches or inclinations towards unhealthy shortcuts. Best of luck to you. (:
  • irelyn
    irelyn Posts: 9
    May I shamelessly ask you all to follow my blog?

    I would appreciate the comments be there as I go along :) And of course, messages welcome!
  • jc1229
    jc1229 Posts: 220 Member
    I'm also a binge eater. All sorts of sweets are my weakness, can't have them in the house. Unfortunately, when I go to the grocery store hungry I buy all kinds of bad stuff. Really trying to figure out what all my triggers are so I can avoid it from happening. Feel free to add me, the more friends the merrier! :flowerforyou:
  • arouse0930
    arouse0930 Posts: 29
    I'm a binge eater also. I'm doing better, but still a work in progress. I'm taking it one day at a time. I wish you the best. Sending a friend request.
  • xXxFallen_AngelxXx
    xXxFallen_AngelxXx Posts: 17
    Hey!

    I'm a huge binge/emotional eater as well- and recently I've decided to stop that habit because I'm starting to gain weight..... I'd be more than happy to work with you and add you!!!
  • MelissaPhippsFeagins
    MelissaPhippsFeagins Posts: 8,063 Member
    I am a recovering binge eater. Now I try to be a binge exerciser. I walk or climb stairs or get some kind of exercise before I let myself eat. Usually, like tonight, that keeps me from bingeing. If not, at least I worked off some calories and I always eat less after exercise.

    Sending a friend request. You can do it. :-)
  • katiebailey90
    katiebailey90 Posts: 2
    I am DEFINITELY an emotional eater.

    I am sick of letting food feel like its ruling my life!!!

    I am starting Jillian Michael's ripped in 30 tonight... Anyone want to join? I've had some success but never really fully committed to the program.

    I want to love shopping again and love working out again.

    Feel free to add me! The more friends the better chance we will make it!!

    Stay motivated. We can all do this.

    We fail because we don't strike the iron while it's hot. We don't take immediate action toward achieving what we want. We decide to wait until tomorrow, or next week, or even next month.

    THE TIME IS NOW! You will never be this young ever again... let's get down to business and get healthy!
  • lamlamsmakeover
    lamlamsmakeover Posts: 6,574 Member
    You might want to join this group

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/726-binge-eating-support-group

    I'm on this group, and it's great! They have a monthly binge challenge that I find very motivating! Feel free to add me as friend for support .:smile:
  • junebay46
    junebay46 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi I feel your shame. I and my twin are exactly the same as you. Only we are not over weight. I exercise enough to stay thin even though I feel huge and grose. I too will go thru phases where I do awesome then will have a day where I eat like I am not going to eat for days. I do great during the day but at night I stress eat. I feel the same, like I don't want to succeed. Hard for people to understand who don't have this issue I know. I would love to help each other. Sad thing, I know my triggers( tv is main one) but it is like something is missing in my life and I lood forward to crap food. I would rather snack than eat meals most of the time. I know what to do it is just doing it. commiting to it and loving myself.
    June
  • TheQisfor
    TheQisfor Posts: 3
    I struggle a bit with binging too. Sometimes I'll go months without a problem, and sometimes it seems I can barely get through a day without eating something I feel like I shouldn't have eaten. And some days... lord, I give up on even trying to log it. I don't have a ton of weight to lose, but it seems like it's been the same 10-20lbs that have been bothering me my whole life. To top it all off, I'm getting married and turning 30 next summer, so I'm ready to get this under control once and for all - and to finally feel good about how my body looks and what it can do. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time.

    I've never used the social networking aspects of MFP before, but I decided to give it a try. I need some support and accountability, and I hope to be able to offer that to others. Add me if you like!
  • michelle6jackson
    michelle6jackson Posts: 1
    Hey,
    I know what you exactly what you mean.
    I stress eat as well. It's only been this month though, My first month back in school, and since I don't harm myself anymore I tried to find a new way of dealing with stress and things. I've been binge eating, I've gain about ten pounds, I'm not over weight (I was two years ago) but I need to get back in shape for my JROTC and my military career I want to do.
  • ktbird413
    ktbird413 Posts: 1
    I was so glad to read your post and see there are other young people who struggle with emotional eating and binge eating. I recently began working full-time at a desk-type job and in the three months I've been working I realized I began gaining weight quicker than ever before. I am tall as well and "hide" my weight in the sense that it spreads all over as well but I feel awful because I weigh more now than ever before in my life. I know I need to get motivated and start making time for working out in addition to eating healthier or I am going to put myself at risk for other health issues. I It doesn't help that my friends and family aren't very encouraging because many of them feel I don't need to lose weight. However, I know losing 25-30 lbs would help me feel better about myself and feel more confident.
  • sabel728
    sabel728 Posts: 1
    Hi, I too am a binge eater. :/

    Maybe this is inappropriate, I'm sorry, but can someone tell me how to post a question to the message board?! I can't figure it out. There is no 'create post' button or anything similar!

    Thanks!
  • livesthere
    livesthere Posts: 71
    I wouldn't call myself an emotional eater, but I am MOST DEFINITELY a sugar addict! Please, feel free to add me!
  • martymid
    martymid Posts: 16 Member
    Hi. My name is Marty and I am a binge-eater. I have been eating clean for 56 days.
  • irelyn
    irelyn Posts: 9
    Love all the kind responses, keep them coming! Does anyone have AIM anymore? I was thinking it would be a HUGE help if anyone had IM and I could talk when I'm trying to get past cravings. This addiction is so bad. Even at work, or driving home I start thinking about it. It's insane. I feel like it's a monster inside of me. I would be really nice to speak with someone in real time if anyone is on. Let me know :)
  • Janae0221
    Janae0221 Posts: 12 Member
    I don't know that I am a binge eater per say but I am definitely an emotional/stress eater- no doubt about it. I just read your blog post and thank you for it. I could relate to so many things you said. I am just starting this journey too- feel free to add me.
  • leelee1621
    leelee1621 Posts: 1
    HI my name is Arlita from Seattle. I tend to be a binge eater too. Not so much emotional but i love food. I find any excuse why i should be able to eat this and that in huge amounts. I wasnt always a binge eater. It was as if it became worse every couple of yrs until i was pass 200 lbs. Im only 5'2" so my body can only accommodate for so long. I decided a while ago I was ready to change. I began working out (cardio) with some strength training and half-portioned my food. I was going strong from April/May until sometime in July......then I dropped off completely. I ate what i wanted again and stopped working out. I paid for a gym membership I never used for a bout a mth to 2 mths. I have no idea even now what really made me STOP. Then a mth ago I saw my body in the mirror( because i had been hiding from any glimpses for a long time) and decided it was unhealthy what i was doing. I was over-eating, no exercise, and smoking my front porch down. I stopped caring so much about how big i was and focused on my goal of healthy. I have been AT LEAST working out at the gym 2x a wk., side exercising at home or work, no more elevators just stairs, counting calories in a good way(which helped me learn how many calories were in what), stopped worrying if anyone could tell i was smaller because i could tell, and I have been doing great!!!!! I even have one cheat day:) I think everybody should have a day off. So far since I started up again I have lost 7lbs and 3 inches off my waist. I love that I found this website and others struggling with eating habits/unwanted weight just like me. Im not alone and neither is anyone else. I want to say thanks to the people out there in need of support and reaching out, I realized I can reach out too

Categories