New to this group
CRody44
Posts: 737 Member
I have accepted that I am a binge eater and that it is a problem for me. Several of the symptoms of my binging are similar to the symptoms I had when I was a practicing alcoholic (almost 29 years ago). I have the same feelings of shame and self-loathing for being out of control when binging.
I have struggled with my weight for about 45 years and have been somewhat successful in losing weight using various diets, fads and plans over the years. For the last several years, finding that these don’t work for me, I started changing my lifestyle by cutting out most processed foods, bad oils, eating more fresh fruits and veggies, and cooking most of you meals, incorporating a lot of fish and chicken.
My pattern seems to be that, after I lose several pounds, I sabotage myself by rationalizing that since I have lost some weight, I can stuff myself for a while, hence, the binging. Then, when the feelings of self-loathing is stronger than my desire to binge, I’m back to eating properly, but usually I have gained several pounds back. I will eat properly for several weeks until I’m several pounds under what I was before the binging, than it starts all over.
I would like to think that I am to the point that I am going to break the cycle. I have been strong enough to quit drinking, smoking, chewing and have lost 70+ pounds, so I should be strong enough to do this.
Chuck
I have struggled with my weight for about 45 years and have been somewhat successful in losing weight using various diets, fads and plans over the years. For the last several years, finding that these don’t work for me, I started changing my lifestyle by cutting out most processed foods, bad oils, eating more fresh fruits and veggies, and cooking most of you meals, incorporating a lot of fish and chicken.
My pattern seems to be that, after I lose several pounds, I sabotage myself by rationalizing that since I have lost some weight, I can stuff myself for a while, hence, the binging. Then, when the feelings of self-loathing is stronger than my desire to binge, I’m back to eating properly, but usually I have gained several pounds back. I will eat properly for several weeks until I’m several pounds under what I was before the binging, than it starts all over.
I would like to think that I am to the point that I am going to break the cycle. I have been strong enough to quit drinking, smoking, chewing and have lost 70+ pounds, so I should be strong enough to do this.
Chuck
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Replies
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Welcome, Chuck! I know all about the cycle. For me, I will start to feel better after a few "good days" and somehow I think I can eat again. I'm glad you posted!0
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I would like to think that I am to the point that I am going to break the cycle. I have been strong enough to quit drinking, smoking, chewing and have lost 70+ pounds, so I should be strong enough to do this.
Chuck
Book to recommend based on what you say right here.... Brain over Binge. I am 4 or 5 days binge free wince finishing the book. I also quit smoking and lost over 90 pounds. But the weight loss and restriction triggered the binge behaviors, which started out as the body needing food, then became a habit, much like smoking had.0 -
You're definitely strong enough to beat this. Not only because you've struggled with issues in the past and then overcome them, but because your head is in the right place. You've got all the tools you need for this, and now you've got a support network! We're here for you if you need us, and we're all going through the same things. Stick around to help keep yourself accountable!0
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Thank you all for the support. The next few days will tell if I’m getting my mind right. Last binge I put on seven pounds which I will have lost by tomorrow. This is usually the time that I go back on the binge. I’ll work hard at holding on to the loss this time.0
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Firstly, congrats on the weight loss as well as giving up alcohol and tobacco! That's a whole lot to be proud of right there, so good job!
I have the same problem except it's on a smaller basis, if I get over a certain amount of calories in a day, I just give up and eat a crazy amount and say "i'll just start tomorrow."
Luckily I'm working thru that too (slowly), it's just gotta be mind over matter. And if I can do it so can you
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Welcome to the group! I deal with similar issues. My binge eating is cyclic and the length of the cycles varies. In my case, taking the dieting part a little too far will most likely trigger binges. What I mean by that is: when I am in a huge rush to lose the weight, when skipping a planned workout becomes unforgivable, when eating this or that food means that I'm a monster with no self control... there comes a point when I crack. With that mindset, weight loss plateaus always lead to binge eating, too, because I'm unprepared for them and unwilling to accept them.
Having realistic expectations (and I mean realistic for you, not for anyone else) and cutting yourself some slack when on a weight loss streak (while obviously staying aware of your behaviors) might help not to perpetuate the cycle.0
