The mini-binge

A lot of people here talk about binging- i'm not sure if there is an exact definition but I think all of us have a different idea of what one constitutes.

My standard binge is: small packet of chips, half a low fat turkish delight chocolate bar, a few lollies

Having had an ED in the past I was extremely strict on what I eat and would have almost nothing - maybe 2 strawberries and a cruskit all day? (and naturally- I got very sick form that)

Since i've been eating again though I feel like every day I have to have my mini binge- substituting the food doesn't work. I feel like if I have my healthy food then I will have to have my minibinge as well- so I end up cutting the healthy food out and just replacing dinner with my mini binge. I don't get up in time for breakfast and usually just have snack around lunch time or early afternoon before going for a swim or run.

Does anyone have any tips for reducing the cravings for the minibinge foods!? I wish I could go without them and eat something healthy instead....

Replies

  • SuperSexyDork
    SuperSexyDork Posts: 1,669 Member
    I would like to help you but I need to know, how many calories are you currently eating and how many calories does your "mini-binge" have?

    It seems to me like your calorie goal is set too low if you don't eat breakfast or much for lunch and find yourself replacing your calories for dinner with this.

    Also, an ED never really goes away, and you phrased it as "since I'be been eating again," I don't think your relationship with food is all that healthy and it may be wise to seek some professional guidance with this. Both a therapist and a nutritionist seem like they would be more helpful than the general populace of MFP.
  • BeccaBollons
    BeccaBollons Posts: 652 Member
    You're right in saying that a binge means different things to different people.

    To me, a binge is completely mindless, unplanned gorging on whatever is to hand. This is my experience. If all I had in the cupboard was bread, bread it would be. If it was pasta, then pasta it would be. If all I had was soap or paper, then, well they are an option for desperate times! Usually though a binge will consist of lots of chocolate or sweet pastry items.

    IMO as your mini binge is thought about, even kind of planned, why not calculate it into your day, and if you're worried about the calories, then do some jumping jacks or something.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    your 'binge' is probably less that 500 cals, and it seems like that is pretty much all you're eating... you still have very disordered eating, speak to a professional to get help.
  • splixi
    splixi Posts: 86 Member
    I would like to help you but I need to know, how many calories are you currently eating and how many calories does your "mini-binge" have?

    It seems to me like your calorie goal is set too low if you don't eat breakfast or much for lunch and find yourself replacing your calories for dinner with this.

    Also, an ED never really goes away, and you phrased it as "since I'be been eating again," I don't think your relationship with food is all that healthy and it may be wise to seek some professional guidance with this. Both a therapist and a nutritionist seem like they would be more helpful than the general populace of MFP.

    It is usually around 400-450 calories worth. - it is just a LOT more than i'm used to and makes me feel like i'm a bit out of control in that I HAVE to have it now. - I think that is why I feel like it is a binge because it feels like it is out of my control. - but it comes with a LOT of guilt- so I just restrict elsewhere and figure that whilst i'm asleep i'm not eating so I just sleep all the time apart from in the night time when the shops aren't open for me to go crazy at.

    @becca - i'm trying to calculate it into my day but it means i've been cutting out any form of good food.

    I don't get it- I used to find it so hard to eat and now i'm mindlessly eating!

    I just wish I could take the urge away to eat those foods! because I swear their fat contact will end up making me gain weight even when i'm eating under maintenance calories.

    I tried to stop logging food here because I was just getting too obsessed with it- but I actually think i'm better whilst I log it because I can see the patterns.