Binge restrict cycle?

Unfortunately I have a lot of experience with binging, and people that haven't ever had the issue don't understand how HARD it is to stop or redirect when the urge starts. It's not just a matter of self control.

I started out losing weight by only counting calories when I was 300 lbs, and I was eating 1500 calories a day. Then I moved to only counting calories and eating 1200 calories a day. Then I plateaued and added exercise. Eventually I moved to eating around 1000 calories and working out for around 3 hours a day when I could manage it. I thought, well, if a little exercise is good, more must be better. And if 1200 calories was good, less must be better. On top of that, I was eating very little fat. I was good for about a year, and ended up losing down to around 110. Then, out of nowhere, uncontrollable binges would start. I would go crazy with anything that contained carbs and fat. And then after my binges, I would go crazy again with over restricting and over exercising to "make up" for those binges. I got desperate because I was gaining weight back, and I just couldn't get out of the cycle, so I decided to get help (with the strong urging of several friends).

I ended up seeing a nutritionist that specialized in eating disorders. She taught me several things that were a BIG help. The first thing was that I was sleep deprived because I was getting up at 4 am to work out, but going to bed around midnight (I had just started dating my boyfriend). Being sleep deprived can make you crave carbs. The second was that my body was going crazy craving carbs and fat because I was expending energy like crazy, but never replenishing. I needed to start eating more, and working out less.

It's still hard to find a balance, but as long as I listened to her AND listen to my body, I have very little issues now. The below is what I try to keep in mind, and what I suggest for anyone else having problems:

1) Make sure you get enough sleep
2) Make sure you are eating enough (especially enough fat)
3) Don't over exercise, and make sure you eat enough for you level of activity
4) DON'T try to "make up" for binges.

Food isn't "junk." It's OK to eat sugar in moderation.

Many people (including myself) find that allowing themselves sensible portions of treats that fit in their calorie budgets is a much more effective dietary strategy than completely cutting out foods that they like.

Lots of good suggestions here about what might be lacking in your diet that is driving this impulse.

I'm going to take another approach: did you do this before you began making lifestyle changes? Is there anything going on around you that is stressful? Does anyone close to you eat emotively? Is it possible you're an emotional eater? It sounds like this is happening after you've been going well for a while, do you consider it possible that you are self-sabotaging?

Please don't be offended by my questions. You may answer no to everything and be absolutely right to do so.

I just recognise a pattern in your description that is similar to my own & mine had nothing at all to do with my diet or lifestyle but EVERYTHING to do with triggers, learned behaviour and a lack of self-love. I'm overcoming this now and if it is in anyway the source of your issues, you can too!

Given the added information I think that some sort of counseling would be a good idea.

Hi there, checking back in I think I may have spotted the similarities correctly. I would advise some counselling.

There is lots of information you can easily access online about building a healthy relationship with food, your body and yourself. You're not alone in this. Plenty of people struggle in a similar way. Here are some tips I wrote out for someone else:

1. Don't (just) treat the symptom, treat the cause. Why do you eat like this? Is it learned behaviour? (In my case it was, my mother ate like that so I ate like that). Is food a reward & the enemy depending on the day? Consider counselling as you don't have to do this alone. Friend me & I'll happily be a soundboard.
2. Identify your triggers using mindfulness In addition to logging everything keep a diary, written or on your phone with the time it happens. If you want to binge or find yourself buying the big bag of chips, just take a moment to sit in silence and ask yourself: what else is happening around me or in my mind right now? Write this down as the patterns can empower you. The times will also allow you to see if you are putting yourself at risk of a binge by being hungry at a high risk time.
3. Eat without distractions or rituals Do you enjoy your favourite show with a snack? Do you read the news on your phone while you eat your breakfast? Do you reward good behaviour or achievements with eating? This has to stop in order for you to be mindful as you eat.
4. Food is fuel: Now I'm not saying, stop enjoying food. Food is amazing. Tastes & textures are wonderful. But what is the primary reason we eat? To fuel our bodies to go about life. When I mentally associate food with comfort, I remind myself of this and it truly helps.
5. Love & educate thy self: My emotive eating was as a result off 3 things: a learned behaviour (addressed above), a lack of education on portion sizes and nutrition & issues with self-esteem. Grow a hunger for dietary knowledge! In turn, grow your love of yourself. We will never treat our body's as they deserve unless we respect and love them. I have at times kept a journal where I write 2-3 things every day that I like about myself (body or soul), I find walking hqas helped me enormously because it is time I can process my thoughts but is also a time I devote to myself as I deserve it. You deserve love, you have it in you - just release it to yourself & let the healing begin!

I wish you luck and love. I'm here if you want to talk.

Liv

How has this worked for you so far? I've struggled with binging most of my adult life.

I saw a picture of me standing with a group of people....I didn't like the way my body looked and since that day I stopped eating junk food and sugar. Lost 8 lbs! I eat 1200 calories everyday now and planning to lose 25 lbs by next summer. My motivation was my eye opening picture. Find your motivation and it'll help you with the binging. Good luck!