Binge-Eating Problems

I'd like to see what others have to say about this because I am almost the same way. Its like when I get into binge mode theres nothing I can do to stop it feels like I went 3 weeks without binging recently and it was great. I want to get back into that mentalitiy

Binge eating is a real issue, and if you struggle with it, you can get support. I have not had any experience with binge eating myself, but I hope these links will help you:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/binge_eating_disorder.htm

http://edreferral.com/binge_eating_disorder.htm

It's been going on 3 years since my last episode of consistent binging, we're talking about stopping at all three fast food places in my town and eating multiple meals from each on top of all the leftovers in the fridge bad then not eating for 2 days to "make up" for it. what helped the most was finding people I could trust to keep an eye on me {my husband} and be diligent in keeping me accountable for those behaviors. I sometimes get urges like that still, where no matter what I do I just need to eat I find chugging water {for some reason gulping water was the same satisfaction as chewing for me} and chewing gum help the most on those days. also just getting out of the house and around other people {where I can't binge} helps on very bad days. Good luck and my biggest recommendation would be to seek help be it from friends and family or professionally, we can't move beyond our bad eating habits if we don't work through the root of them in the first place.

I feel like I could have written this post. To me, the thought of curling up on the sofa surrounded by choice upon choice of junk and food and something mindless on the telly is my ultimate comfort, like I can deal with anything thats going on if I do that. Everyday, if im tired/upset/hungry/down I drive myself into the deepest depression because I "can't" do that because then I will wake up with the guilt and the weight gain. Every day is a new diet and every night I get excited about what I can buy for my binge. Iv lost so much money and gained so much weight from this horrible cycle and I find evenings absolute torture. Iv tried to seek help and I just don't know where to start.

I guess Im just saying I understand, and if you would like to support eachother to try and get over this somehow Id be willing x

I've struggled with this a lot myself over the past few years. Some thoughts:

- I'm actually going to second the suggestion to see a professional about it. When I finally did, after years of going home and eating multiple POUNDS of chocolate at a time, the therapist and psychiatrist suggested it may be a brain chemistry thing (there's a long history of clinical depression in my family, fwiw), and that we could try some meds. I'm on a combo of lexapro and Wellbutrin now, and it's gotten rid of all of those feelings of waking up and knowing it's going to be a binge day.

- That said, if you're not going the med route, it's definitely important to look at your behaviors as well. If you have three "good" day/ two "bad" day pattern, it may just be you're not eating enough on the good days, and then your body encourages you to each high calorie foods to make up for the extreme deficit. I don't know your specific stats, but women ARE supposed to have some chub. Fitness models actually carry a VERY unhealthily low amount of body fat. Anywhere between 18%-30% body fat is considered healthy for women. Your body may be reacting the way it is because you're actually at a very healthy build. Once again, though, you can always get some professional feedback to find out your body fat percentage.

- Look at triggers. I know, I know. We hear this all the time, and it can be frustrating. I've found some clear physical triggers that make me feel like I HAVE to eat: not getting enough sleep, a really long workout the day before (I play roller derby, so we have practices that last three hours), going longer than 5 hours between meals, etc..

The thing with intuitive eating is it's not just something where you suddenly know exactly what you're supposed to eat one day. You have to learn your body's methods of telling you if things are working or not working-- are you getting tired a lot? Cold? Are you cranky at specific times? Do you get gassy or crampy after eating certain things? Do you find yourself too hungry or not hungry enough after certain meals? It's a lot about learning what your body is telling you without judgement, which can be pretty hard.

I have had issues with binge eating for a long time as well and last year I ended up seeking help at a local eating disorder center. It was a program that was medically supervised and involved group and individual therapy. They also prescribed a medication to help control the binge eating (Topamax), which has also been a tremendous help. I know medication is not for everyone, but in my case it has definitely taken the edge off. I still fight the psychological urge to binge quite a bit, but it makes it a bit easier now.

I think the hardest part for me was de-programming myself from the weight watchers/dieting mindset and convincing myself that this is a lifestyle change to make myself happier and healthier. Not labeling foods as good and bad etc. I totally understand waking up and planning a binge...I used to look forward to them and I found comfort in them and then I would stress over hiding all of the evidence from my husband. It is such a complicated issue. If there is anyone local that you could talk with I would definitely recommend it!

Best wishes :flowerforyou: !
Christine

bump

If you don't have good access to medical help, type "binge eating" into Amazon and a ton of books will come up. Some of them are workbooks that can help identify your triggers and find ways to work through them.

LaurenBrooke I'm sending you a private email message about this topic.

Im a huge binge eater. I really dont snack too often but when something tastes good, I go for it. It really hinders by dieting. Much like the original poster, I sacrifice and suffer all day then in the final hours I will give in and ruin all that I have worked for.

Sometimes I dont know why I put myself through the agony all day just to ruin it. I think partly that is the problem....do not make yourself so hungry throughout the day that you feel like you need to binge to get some food in you.

Its easier said than done for myself.

honestly its not that I'm not eating a lot when im eating healthy im just not eating badly, but once i have something in like high calorie i go crazy and cant stop! the worse is the morning after, i either feel like crap and try to work out whatever i eat yesterday or i want more of what i had yesterday and then it results in like an all day binge.

I'm sending you a private email. Please check your email icon. THERE IS HOPE!!!

Tell us what your hope is, why do you have to conceal it so much. I am not speaking for myself although I do have issues with my eating habits just not as extreme. BUT MY POINT IS that you clearly see other posters who are admitting; and pleading for help yet you do not want to share. Sorry, its just its killing me how you answered is all. If I sound rude i don't mean to. I feel for all you who struggle with it. It bothers me deeply to see people struggle in general and only one person gets some advice that can be some honest to goodness useful stuff that people can try and yet they cannot. I don't mean to disrespect you or anyone by any means just feeling left out and I feel I may not be the only one.

I struggle with this too. I've been dieting on and off for years. Since I was around 10 or 11 years old I've been dieting. I've done all sorts of silly diets and although I was never overweight to begin with, I am now. I was obese before I started this again last year, and now am in the overweight category and almost in the normal category.

Although I binge eat, I can go months on end without an episode and I'll eat really healthily and lose weight. After around 6-10 months, I'll start binge eating again. It happens every single time. I'm working on not dieting and not depriving myself of food that I like. It makes things much easier, but I still worry that after all the hard work, I'll fail again and regain everything. Hopefully this time will be different. After losing and regaining weight so many times, every single year since I was just a child, I do worry that it'll never happen but I'm still hopeful.

I used to restrict my calories to just a few hundred for months and I wouldn't even touch food that I considered 'bad', this has changed now. I still eat less than I probably ought to, but I allow myself what I want. Since last year when I first started, I've upped my calories from 800-1000 to 1200-1300 and now am trying to bring them up further to around 1400. Hopefully that will help me from going back to my old ways. It's just so difficult to give up on a habit of a lifetime.

I am a nighty binge eater. I do great during the day, eat healthy smaller portions and drink tons of water. I get off work at 630pm and can go until 8 without binging. I have tried everything from eating before getting off, eating right at 7 so I am not hungry but its not related to hunger at all. It is a emotional response to something for sure. I was able to lose 20 pounds but I have lost and regained the same 5 pounds for 9 months. I work out so that's helps but does not cure my binging. I don't have an answer but I just want you to know that your not alone. I am 55 years old, 5'3 and 180-185 pounds. I dream of just being a size 14, 150 pounds. I would still be overweight but I think I would feel pretty and good at that weight. Its a control issue for me and by somehow eating whatever I want at night keeps me in control of my life.

Thanks everyone for the links to helpful articles. I hate that others have to deal with this issue but its nice to know I am not alone. There's hope for all us even if it is just for today we are in this together. Hugs!!!