Just struggling...

Its ok, its just one day. Just dont let it turn into more (like I have since thanksgiving... =.=)

I think all the restriction all day made you really hungry and that's why you binged. First, let me say "the" nutrition, losing weight, exercise thing is all about trial and error. You won't know what works and doesn't unless you try it all. So, you have found that eating "clean" with veggies and fruits all day doesn't work. Now, it's time to find something that does work for you. I am the same way as you. If I restrict all day, I binge at night. So, I have been working with a nutritionist to spread my meals out in ways that work well for me. Here's what works for me, I am not saying it will work for you, but it is definitely a different way to think about food/meals:

Breakfast: I usually eat 1 piece multi-grain and fortified toast and 2 tbs peanut butter for breakfast (~300 calories) and that lasts me till lunch at 1230. You have to have something high protein to make you last till lunch.

Lunch: This is my big meal for the day. If each "meal" / time I eat is 300-400 calories, this is the one where I go for 500-700. I pack it full of protein, veggies, healthy fats, etc. If I eat a full lunch, I very rarely binge later in the day. This meal is the key meal for me. My day hinges on a full and healthily planned out lunch.

Snack: I usually eat a 200-300 calorie snack around 3-4pm. This snack ranges from hummus and chips to granola bars to a 6 inch veggie sub from subway. It is important because it tides me over to dinner time.

Dinner: My calorie intake here is less than lunch. I usually am not that hungry and REALLY focus on greens and vegetables. I eat alot of salads in the summer and alot of steamed veggies in the fall/winter. One of my tips is to wrap a bunch of veggies (fresh or steamed) in a tortilla and add some salsa. It makes a yummy wrap, is low in calorie, and high in nutrients.

I used to be a restrictor. And, I thought that paying attention meant you were on a diet. But, that's not true. Truly, we just need to know where we are, where we want to go, and suggestions for how to get there. I had to re-train my brain from seeing food in terms of calories and fat, to seeing that for vegetarians/vegans, proteins, iron, and the B vitamins were the most critical for me to monitor.

If you want to add me as a friend/contact on this site, I would be happy to share insight I go from my nutritionist. She completely changed my view on food.