How do you intercept a binge?

ladybug1620
ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
edited September 28 in Food and Nutrition
I've been having some problems that last few weeks with over eating. Not just over eating at meals, but getting random urges to just EAT even if I'm not hungry. The funny thing is (ok, not funny) that right before it happens, I even tell myself in my head that I'm about to binge and that I'm going to regret it. By then though, I'm usually in the pantry stuffing my face. If you do this too and have figured out a way to stop or intercept the binge, what do you do?
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Replies

  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    Bump. I've been suffering from similar issues lately...
  • I do the same thing, so I want to hear this!!!

    I watched dr oz the other day though, and they made red wine vinegar spritzers.............. I'd like to try it!
  • _CowgirlUp_
    _CowgirlUp_ Posts: 585 Member
    Would it help you to post pictures of what you want to look like on your pantry door? I have a picture on my fridge and one on my pantry door. It seems to help me but I know binging is a psychological thing that we're all going to respond differently to different techniques. Maybe you'll get some other ideas too.
  • FemininGuns
    FemininGuns Posts: 605 Member
    As soon as I start thinking about binging I do something that will keep me occupied for 30 minutes... The urge usually subsides. Whatever you choose to do - it has to be something you like - something that will give you positive feelings. I sometimes pick up my karaoke machine, do yoga, meditate or even go for a walk! Sometimes these are triggered by boredom etc... Another thing I used to do was journal... Then you might find out the underlying issues surrounding your urges to binge!
  • hikixx
    hikixx Posts: 13
    I read somewhere that if you are eating to eat, that you must be thirsty. So I have been intercepting my binging with A LOT of water. If that doesn't cut it, some times I will eat a citrus fruit to help with the sweet tooth that comes with my binging! I hope this helps!!!

    :)
    Adriana
  • I wish I could help you but when Im about to binge..nothing can stop me
  • ginakelley
    ginakelley Posts: 33
    Bump... :(
  • MandyGlinda
    MandyGlinda Posts: 7 Member
    You have my sympathy... and if you come up with something that works then let me know... Although I managed last week to limit myself to one day. I found that entering and being utterly honest about what I've had has quite horrified me as does the stark warning about what will happen if I carry on!

    It's the weekends that I have problems with...
  • updowngirl
    updowngirl Posts: 31 Member
    With the end of the school year and schedules changing and sudden heat after freezing cold and rain, I find myself doing that too and wonder if it is stress that is accumulating inside me--like an overwhelmed feeling without one singular trigger? I saw the vinegar spritzer thing too--sounds like it could kill a craving for anything. I'm gonna try that.
  • LaurieEReid
    LaurieEReid Posts: 273
    The distraction thing is good - "I'll snack after I do..." and then sometimes the urge passes. Or I keep some moderate binge materials - microwave popcorn or mini-rice crisps with or without hummus. That way, a binge is not that many calories. On the other hand - I ate a package of Hostess cupcakes the other night so nothing is fool proof.
  • fitnessjch
    fitnessjch Posts: 449 Member
    I binge too. I have just put a magnet on the door of the fridge saying "step away from the fridge, fatty!" That normally makes me think, and diverts me to the sink to get a glass of water. If I'm hungry still after 20 mins, then I eat something small
  • hikixx
    hikixx Posts: 13
    AWESOME post subject by the way!
  • funkyspunky871
    funkyspunky871 Posts: 1,675 Member
    I used to do the SAME thing just a few weeks ago. I've gotten back on track lately though, so I haven't had a binge in a while. :) Anyways, what I used to do is as soon as I realized that I was bingeing for no reason (because I often ran to the pantry and starting shoving food down my face without giving myself anytime to think about it), I would turn the sink on, throw the food down the garbage disposal, and wash my mouth out. Yeah, it's a waste of food, but I personally believe it's better to be in the trash than in your tummy. If you're really bingeing, then your not exactly enjoying the food anyways. It's a waste either way! Sometimes I squirt kitchen cleaner on the food. One time I took a package of oreos out to the driveway and stomped all over it.

    MAKE THE FOOD INEDIBLE! Then go for a walk, watch some tv, put in an exercise video, take a nap, come blog on MFP, read a book, surf the internet... Do anything to get your mind off of food and stay out of the kitchen! :)
  • JDMPWR
    JDMPWR Posts: 1,863 Member
    Same. I ate a whole subway Chicken Bacon Ranch last week.....I felt so ashamed.
  • funkyspunky871
    funkyspunky871 Posts: 1,675 Member
    Same. I ate a whole subway Chicken Bacon Ranch last week.....I felt so ashamed.

    Not quite a binge, but you'll be okay! :) Don't feel ashamed. Are you back on track now? Because if you are, you'll be fine!
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    Same. I ate a whole subway Chicken Bacon Ranch last week.....I felt so ashamed.
    And this made me think..."mmmm Subway" lol
  • I'm notorious for binging! I combat it by never buying anything that I don't have to really cook. I also have a "no microwave" rule. I keep tons of "healthy" foods in the house to snack on, like salad mixes and fruits. Those kinds of things? Definately okay to binge on over cheetos, which is my weakness, lol. Maybe that will help you a bit?
  • BeckyReba
    BeckyReba Posts: 43 Member
    i just go for a fifteen minute walk. normally, the cravings go away, and if not, then at least i know i got 15 extra minutes of exercise in! :)
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    I do the same sometimes as well, partly out of boredom / procrastination and also I think it's partly being thirsty. I find it helps to get a glass of water to drink instead of eating.
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    Same. I ate a whole subway Chicken Bacon Ranch last week.....I felt so ashamed.
    And this made me think..."mmmm Subway" lol

    Me too! I'm craving a chicken bacon ranch sandwich now, ZOMG!
  • ladybug1620
    ladybug1620 Posts: 1,136 Member
    I wish I could help you but when Im about to binge..nothing can stop me
    I definitely feel this way. I wish I had the time to STOP and think about what I'm doing, but usually when that thought enters my head I'm already shoving a Honey Bun down my throat. And then once I'm done with that I figure I already screwed up for the day so might as well go all out and have whatever I want.
  • getfitdiva
    getfitdiva Posts: 1,148 Member
    Out of sight out of mind. If it's not in the house I won't eat it. If you live in my house I know you need willpower. I would pick a portion of what I want to "binge" on and put it in a snack bag or little container so I know I will only eat that portion and go upstairs away from the pantry. Also drinking some almond or skim milk helps me think I'm full.
  • jdm0804
    jdm0804 Posts: 98 Member
    The way that I do it is that I don't keep anything binge-worthy in my apartment. That way, when the urge strikes, I have to expend effort in order to binge. Usually I do it when I'm being lazy, so I sort of fight fire with fire. I keep healthy snacks like carrots and celery in my fridge (next to my expired milk...I need to clean it...). It doesn't really help, because I almost never crave celery or carrots. I'll look at it and think "Man I wish you were a box of Oreos right now..." When I really get to craving something, I'll only go to Subway near my apartment, because it's about a 2/3 mile walk, plus it's better than some other fast food joints!
  • funkyspunky871
    funkyspunky871 Posts: 1,675 Member
    The way that I do it is that I don't keep anything binge-worthy in my apartment.

    Oh my gosh. I get what you're saying by "binge-worthy." Lol! I went to the grocery store one day and bought ONLY healthy foods, and it stopped my binge right in it's tracks. I was like "I am not bingeing on a bunch of stupid vegetables and fruits! If I'm going to eat 4000 calories, I'm going to eat some damn chocolate." So.... No binge for me.
  • jdm0804
    jdm0804 Posts: 98 Member
    I was like "I am not bingeing on a bunch of stupid vegetables and fruits! If I'm going to eat 4000 calories, I'm going to eat some damn chocolate."

    Precisely my thinking. It always makes me a little crazy though, knowing that I can't have what I want. But all that pacing that I do burns calories! Lol
  • Drink a lot of water and chew some gum as well, works every time.
  • bbush18
    bbush18 Posts: 207 Member
    in the front of any cabinet/pantry and the refrigerator, i have post-its stuck to them. and on those post-its, it says "do not eat if you're not hungry. do not eat if you're bored. do not eat and watch tv or read. eat at the table. eat til you're 80% full." reading that usually helps me...and since it's posted everywhere in my house practically...it keeps me focused. HOWEVER...snacks manage to make it's way into my mouth on occasion! :D
  • supershiny
    supershiny Posts: 170 Member
    I call my bf or a friend. It's hard, but calling someone and being like "I am about to eat a huge plate of oreos. Can you talk?" is ridiculously helpful. I agree with the other poster who suggested doing something for 30 minutes straight. Knit, write, paint your toenails, whatever. For some reason, doing an alternative positive activity can offset the urge.
  • supershiny
    supershiny Posts: 170 Member
    I wish I could help you but when Im about to binge..nothing can stop me
    I definitely feel this way. I wish I had the time to STOP and think about what I'm doing, but usually when that thought enters my head I'm already shoving a Honey Bun down my throat. And then once I'm done with that I figure I already screwed up for the day so might as well go all out and have whatever I want.

    I know how that is! :) I used to think this. I have since started allowing myself a junk item every day and I track it and move on, work out, and finish out the day strong. I've learned that it's all about balance and if you have all-or-nothing thinking then it can really sabotage your progress. I am a recovering perfectionist (every day is a struggle!) and I identify with this thinking pattern :) I was given this once and it helped me realize my thinking was screwing me over: http://powerstates.com/10-cognitive-thinking-errors
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