Binge Eating Disorder.

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WalkingGirl1985
WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,047 Member
in Motivation and Support
I've been battling with this past 5 months, hardly lost any weight since then. I'll do okay and lose a few more pounds once in a while, then I'll right back into a binge. Sometimes, I have a very hard time even admitting I have a eating disorder, I always thought a eating disorder is where you don't eat/purge and overeating was just simply overdoing it. When I binge, the causes can be anything..even when I'm happy..I decide to celebrate. When im having a crappy day, I binge. I tend to binge more while watching TV, but I just can't give up my televison lol its my way to kick back at the end of the night after having a busy day. As for professional help, who do I see or what do I do? I thought about seeing a nutritionist and just talking to him/her about this during a few sessions. Is that a good idea?

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  • mynameiscarrie
    mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
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    If you talk to your doctor about it he/she will be able to refer you to a specialist. Binge Eating Disorder isn't a diagnosable eating disorder according the the DSM--HOWEVER it will be in the next DSM and a lot of eating disorder centers admit people with binge eating disorder because it is so prevalent. I would definitely talk to your doctor and get him/her to refer you to someone who specializes in eating disorders/binge eating disorder..
  • sturgill
    sturgill Posts: 118
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    not sure about a specialist- but I do the same thing- I am my worst enemy - I crave sweets mostly and will do good all day and then set and eat a bag of jelly beans or somethinig just as bad. I have decided to detox - I will be home soon because of retirement so I want to go cold turkey and eat absolutely no sugar. and see if that helps me do better and eat healthy- good luck with your journey - add me as a friend if I am not already and keep us posted. I will let you know how the detox goes
  • smiley01x
    smiley01x Posts: 93 Member
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    i am the same way. the other day i went to mcsonalds and completely overdid it. i ate and ate even though i was so full that my stomach hurt. why does this happen? i felt terrible about it!
  • EDesq
    EDesq Posts: 1,527 Member
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    Eating Disorders are Psychological in nature, the results are Physical. See a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, they will then direct you relative to the " eating."
  • travishein
    travishein Posts: 78
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    I guess if you do most of your eating when in front of the television by working to slowly to 'quit' television might be helpful. Two years ago I weighed in at 330 lbs. Now I weigh just under 245 lbs. It has been a long hard battle. I'm sure I lost much more weight and gained it back along the way too, because I kept reverting to old habits. But the biggest change for me was to cut off my cable. I also happened to have a gym membership at the time, so I forced myself to watch the television only when at the gym, walking on the treadmill. That also worked to ensure I get a good hour (or how ever much television shows I could watch while walking) in each and every day. For me it was old star trek re runs. but what ever your favorite show is, force yourself to walk on just that one show only to start, and do the regular tv show watching after that if you like.

    I guess if you had a treadmill at your home in a room in front of the television too that might help as well, instead of needing to go out to a gym that is.

    For me, I got used to thinking about how each and every day now had exactly 23 hours in it. instead of 24 and such. Because that meant I had to balance my work, family, personal, and sleep time activities into that 23 hour period. because each and every day for that 1 hour when I was at the gym walking and watching tv, was my time to do that, and nothing else. Now I don't have the gym, but instead do the time in outside walking or jogging but I think I finally have come to the point where I have firmly cemented in the routine to become a lifestyle change, where you can tell I am noticably grumpy and off normal when I miss a day of walking.
  • stevemcknight
    stevemcknight Posts: 647 Member
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    I struggled with this for about 3 years before realizing that I couldn't just "get serious" and quit it. It was then that I finally sought out a therapist who helped me deal with it over the course of about a year. It was such a long road - and sadly, it will never be completely gone. However, there are some steps that I took to deal with this.

    I gave up TV. Just canceled cable! I won't lie, it totally sucked for a while, but sitting in front of the tube has never helped me and only led to snacking which often led directly to all out binges for 3-4 days. (BED is typically 4 day binges if you really read up on it.)

    I dedicated an hour every single day to myself and evolving as a person. My doc made me do this. Usually it's over breakfast, but no matter what, I study something positive in my life for about an hour a day over coffee. It centers me and gives me a goal for the day. When I'm bored and unproductive, it will lead to a binge.

    I read read read read read. With a highlighter! Here's some of the most helpful books:

    Binge No More - Nash
    No Excuses - Tracy
    The Primal Blueprint - Sisson
    The Paleo Solution - Woff
    Why We Get Fat - Taubes

    I also read some spiritual books, emotional books, self improvement - whatever - just something that I need to work on. It's somewhat about learning - and somewhat about just staying in the game and moving forward in life!

    Even after more than a year in therapy, I was still having rather steady binges when I got bummed, or whatever. It wasn't until I finally bought completely into the Paleo lifestyle that my cravings have stopped. I don't eat wheat, rice, corn or sugar. Ever.

    Yeah - it's totally hardcore - but certainly no more hardcore than a life of being overweight, depressed, lonely, spinning my wheels, wasting time/mindless entertainment and impending heart disease.

    The Paleo Solution works! It's been over a year since I've bought in to it, and I'm leaner, healthier, happier than ever.

    Reach out to your friends and family with what you're going though. If you explain to them that you struggle with food, they'll help you stay motivated because you can talk their ears off about it.

    :)

    You can do it - you have support everywhere - you just have to ask for it.
  • WalkingGirl1985
    WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,047 Member
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    For those who have greatly reduced your TV time, I commend you. I just can't do that. I admit, I do watch too much TV 3-4 hours a day in fact. I can try and work with my urges during that time, sometimes it helps or reduce it to just an hour or two before bed. My fiancee and I like to have our time together by cuddling, watching TV..just can't give that time up..if thats what your suggesting. If not, then I apologize. :smile:
  • paronomasha
    paronomasha Posts: 54
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    A nutritionist may help in the sense that he/she will be able to help you create an individualized meal plan that will keep you energized and (hopefully) full throughout the day. One thing that rarely fails to be true on days I binge is that I didn't eat breakfast and sometimes even lunch.

    For me, it's been six years and I've only recently (last two months) begun to have any semblance of control. I tried a therapist, but didn't find him particularly helpful despite binge eating disorder stremming primarily from unresolved emotional conflicts. You have to choose to get healthier and make a serious commitment to it, then get the support it takes to succeed. There will be slips; it's a process, likely a life-long conscious effort.

    I agree with what several people have said: speak to your family doctor. He/she can refer you to a mental health clinic or a counsellor, etc. Also maybe try some internet research. Read books. Improving self-awareness can help you identify what it is you're feeling so you can deal with the emotion rather than smother it with eating. Confide in people. You could also discuss if there are any contributing medical conditions with your physician, i.e. depression, hypothyroidism, etc. Also I think some drugs have been shown to help with binge eating disorder, including SRIs and topiramate. Also something you can ask your doctor about.

    Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck and much success!
  • Southboundnana
    Southboundnana Posts: 32
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    I binge also in front of the TV, in fact you could have been writting about me.
    I have thought about seeing a Dr for this, I mean I did have bypass surgery, and I lost 120 pounds and put back on
    70.
    So maybe you should see your Dr. and talk to her. but if you want you can call me when you have had a
    crappy day or watch TV. If you want I will send you my number.
    Lee

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