binge eating

I also struggle with binge eating. I am an emotional eater so I like to eat when I am stressed, sad, tired, mad, you name it. I was doing good yesterday until the very end of the day when I binged on some Easter candy. When I binge, I eat so quick, it's like I don't even really taste it and I always do it when I'm alone. There are times when I have it under control and times, like now, when I don't. Every day is a struggle, some days are easier than others. I try and journal a lot to get my feelings out, sometimes it helps. I wish I had a magic solution for both of us but everyone's triggers are different.

I agree with giving yourself permission.
Also, if you can, try to acknowledge your emotions. For example, I'm stressed right now and I want chocolate. Sometimes just accepting that you're stressed or whatever other emotion will help you get over the binge. Also, drink plenty of water and tea. Be the kindest that you can be to yourself and don't feel ashamed. The kinder you are, the less likely you'll want to hurt yourself by overeating. If you feel like crying, cry. It's okay and completely normal.

On the topic of kindness, writing a gratitude journal or praying really helps me in bad times. Also, try to list other things that make you feel better about yourself. For me, it's taking a bath, doing my nails, or some other kind of pampering session. Usually when I binge, it's because I want to feel nurtured. Nurture yourself in other ways and be creative. If that includes chocolate, then so be it. But don't feel ashamed of yourself needing that love, it's honestly normal.

Also, just because your friends don't binge, it doesn't mean that they also don't struggle with some kind of emotional response to stress or emotions. I have friends who are shopaholics. I have friends who drink too much, do drugs, or sleep around. Everyone has their own way of coping. So don't worry too much and accept that it's okay and normal to want to deal with emotions with things that make you feel good. Just try to replace food by positive self love like a spa night, a movie night, or a really nice healthy meal (without controlling portions).

Good luck, and hugs!

I have the same problem. I eat to few calories during the day and binge all night.

Would anyone like to be binge buddies? Any time an urge comes on you could message a binge buddy for help. If not before the binge, a binge buddy could help you recover.

I am finishing up the book Brain Over Binge. I highly suggest it. I have been struggling with a B.E.D for 2 years and so many things finally clicked for me after reading this book.

uppanddown wrote: »

I do have also depression and stress...

Are you able to speak to your doctor and seek help in other ways especially if you suffering from depression as well.

For myself I found seeing a psychologist helpful. Helped me with many things including depression and eating issues.
Not saying it still doesn't happen these says but they are now extremely less often.

Something that has helped me is that I have shifted my main focus away from food. I still meal prep, count calories and log food, these things are just a normal part of my life now. My main focus is around my exercise. I train early in the morning, which means I'm at the gym by 5:30am. If I am To binge the night before I'm not going to be able to train. Now my exercise is way more important and the thought of not being able to do this stops me from binging at night. This isn't something that has happened over night or in a day. It's been a long process but I'm determined to continue with it. Three yrs ago I couldn't walk 300meters without being exhausted, in two weeks I will be completing my 2nd half marathon.

Hope this helps.

I tried undereating all week so I could binge on Sundays, one week I was 20,000 kilojoules under my target kjs but that week I only ate my normal kjs allowance on the Sunday because I didn't want to ruin what I'd achieved but I only lost 1kg that week. All that hard work exercising for nothing. The week before that, I ate a few hundred kilojoules less per day, had a few extra treats on the Sunday (Pork roast and some low carb cheesecake, icecream and 2 chocolate bars) and on the monday I'd 3kg so I'm sticking to that plan from now on.

Moral of the story, extreme under eating is detrimental to weight loss.

There's underlying causes to our binge eating. Think of it as a game of trying to figure out what triggers you and work on fixing it. If it's too overwhelming, try talking to someone. I don't have all the answers but I've found ways to level myself out. It's tricks that work for me. They don't always work, but sometimes they do.

I also binge really badly. It got particularly bad over this semester, especially after I got sick (weird cold/fatigue that lasted for over two months. I'm trying to build my strength and self-esteem back up, but I keep binging on sweets. The added sugar really weighs me down, I didn't know before now that digesting sugar takes a huge toll.

I think it's a great idea to have a binge buddy. Please add me as well, if you're interested.