Binge-Eating Recovery and Weight Loss

ButterflyBrains
ButterflyBrains Posts: 56 Member
edited November 15 in Food and Nutrition
I have been dealing with binge eating for almost my whole life, back and forth, due to heavy restricting. The result was only immense weight gain.
I learned that I need to increase my calorie intake, because my body is lacking, thus causing me to binge.
I have been doing well, eating my given calorie intake for quite some time now. However recently, I have found myself bingeing, occasionally usually on breads and carbs.
Is this a sign I need to increase, again? :(
Also, I am not losing any weight eating regularily.
How long does the body and metabolism take to regulate, again to eating properly?

Replies

  • slowbutsure2
    slowbutsure2 Posts: 110
    I have the same kind of problem. I find some things help. Eat a really good / filling breakfast and lunch, with lots of protein in it. Makes you feel full much longer. In the evening eat lighter, but binge on water. Brush your teeth earlier, and do something when you feel like binging. e.g use the 7 minute workout app. Practice associating the binge compulsion with a different activity, like exercise.

    If you have worked out your calorie requirement with a sensible deficit, then I think the rest is down to having good strategies for not binging. However, I am much more successful at the theory than I am the practice! I'm on the same journey though.
  • ButterflyBrains
    ButterflyBrains Posts: 56 Member
    slowbutsure2 wrote: »
    I have the same kind of problem. I find some things help. Eat a really good / filling breakfast and lunch, with lots of protein in it. Makes you feel full much longer. In the evening eat lighter, but binge on water. Brush your teeth earlier, and do something when you feel like binging. e.g use the 7 minute workout app. Practice associating the binge compulsion with a different activity, like exercise.

    If you have worked out your calorie requirement with a sensible deficit, then I think the rest is down to having good strategies for not binging. However, I am much more successful at the theory than I am the practice! I'm on the same journey though.

    Thank you, this is some great advice!
    Good luck on your journey.
  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    Binge eating triggers aren't always physical bodily responses. I struggle with binge eating too, and while the worst period I had was due to over-restricting, most of my episodes are from anxiety. Practicing mindfulness has helped me. I ask myself "Why do I want this food? Is it because I'm hungry or because I'm upset/happy/bored/etc.?" If it is due to restricting, think about what you're restricting that may be triggering a binge. Maybe it's a particular food, or maybe it is overall calories like you said.

    If you are trying to lose 1 lb. a week, try doing a 1/2 instead, or take a break and log your calories so you are eating at maintenance. It is much better to take a break and eat moderately than try to "push through" on the weight loss, which can trigger a binge.
  • slowbutsure2
    slowbutsure2 Posts: 110
    A lot of my binge eating is due to depression, and anxiety. This is why I am trying to associate the feeling of needing to binge with exercise. I find nothing works better for stress, anxiety and depression than vigorous exercise. It deals with the cortisol that stress and anxiety produce, and gives you a real mood lift. A great book on this is called Why Zebras don't have ulcers.
  • ButterflyBrains
    ButterflyBrains Posts: 56 Member
    Pearsquared wrote: »
    Binge eating triggers aren't always physical bodily responses. I struggle with binge eating too, and while the worst period I had was due to over-restricting, most of my episodes are from anxiety. Practicing mindfulness has helped me. I ask myself "Why do I want this food? Is it because I'm hungry or because I'm upset/happy/bored/etc.?" If it is due to restricting, think about what you're restricting that may be triggering a binge. Maybe it's a particular food, or maybe it is overall calories like you said.

    If you are trying to lose 1 lb. a week, try doing a 1/2 instead, or take a break and log your calories so you are eating at maintenance. It is much better to take a break and eat moderately than try to "push through" on the weight loss, which can trigger a binge.

    Wow. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I do struggle with anxiety and depression, and most recently, a lot of lack of sleep and physical exhaustion from work.
    I have never brought up binge eating to my therapist, mostly because it is extremely embarrassing and difficult to talk about. After recent events, however, I am beginning to think that would be something to try and discuss.

    Thank you for your advice. I hope you can work through the problems! I know how hard it is.
  • ButterflyBrains
    ButterflyBrains Posts: 56 Member
    slowbutsure2 wrote: »
    A lot of my binge eating is due to depression, and anxiety. This is why I am trying to associate the feeling of needing to binge with exercise. I find nothing works better for stress, anxiety and depression than vigorous exercise. It deals with the cortisol that stress and anxiety produce, and gives you a real mood lift. A great book on this is called Why Zebras don't have ulcers.

    Thank you, very helpful advice!
    I will definitely look up that book.
    I know exaclty what you are going through, dealing with stress, anxiety anf depression. I hope it all works out for you. Best of luck!
  • adamitri
    adamitri Posts: 614 Member
    CrazyRabbitLady9 wrote: »
    slowbutsure2 wrote: »
    A lot of my binge eating is due to depression, and anxiety. This is why I am trying to associate the feeling of needing to binge with exercise. I find nothing works better for stress, anxiety and depression than vigorous exercise. It deals with the cortisol that stress and anxiety produce, and gives you a real mood lift. A great book on this is called Why Zebras don't have ulcers.

    Thank you, very helpful advice!
    I will definitely look up that book.
    I know exaclty what you are going through, dealing with stress, anxiety anf depression. I hope it all works out for you. Best of luck!

    Don't be scared of your therapist. I was like you because it was embarrassing but it was so much weight off when I was finally at my breaking point and let her know. They're there to help and I truly believe when I came clean I was able to start moving past my binging. I still do it sometimes but I have somewhere to go, I have learned how to cut them down, so many things. You can do it.
  • ButterflyBrains
    ButterflyBrains Posts: 56 Member
    adamitri wrote: »
    CrazyRabbitLady9 wrote: »
    slowbutsure2 wrote: »
    A lot of my binge eating is due to depression, and anxiety. This is why I am trying to associate the feeling of needing to binge with exercise. I find nothing works better for stress, anxiety and depression than vigorous exercise. It deals with the cortisol that stress and anxiety produce, and gives you a real mood lift. A great book on this is called Why Zebras don't have ulcers.

    Thank you, very helpful advice!
    I will definitely look up that book.
    I know exaclty what you are going through, dealing with stress, anxiety anf depression. I hope it all works out for you. Best of luck!

    Don't be scared of your therapist. I was like you because it was embarrassing but it was so much weight off when I was finally at my breaking point and let her know. They're there to help and I truly believe when I came clean I was able to start moving past my binging. I still do it sometimes but I have somewhere to go, I have learned how to cut them down, so many things. You can do it.
    You're very right. It's just hard, but I think I can do it.
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    How many calories do you have set for a day and do you work out?
This discussion has been closed.

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