Any Recovered Binge Eaters? Recovering Binge Eaters?

runnercheryl · January 2012

I'm a recovering binge eater. I want to say 'recovered', because I've been doing this for 15 months now and I have it under control, but I supposed I'm never going to say 'recovered' because even though I eat sensible portions and resist the junk food, there's often something in the back of my mind going 'have a big pizza, loads of chips and a huge bag of chocolate...go on...'.

I don't think I'll ever get rid of that, but I've learnt to keep it under control.

LMDelphia · January 2012

Hello! I was a somewhat extreme anorexic but would randomly binge (it was like i couldn't help it and couldn't stop once i started, I became a zombie). This got worse while getting better; I knew I needed to eat more regularly rather than not much at all and going all out and all out of control sporadically, but I was starving and had developed a really weird relationship with food. I thought these binges would even help my metabolism! Ha! Now I am considered to be at a healthy weight and box a lot (I'm actually quite high on my scale but I'm really fit and working hard on it). It's been a year of effort, of working out, of eating healthy foods and enough of them, of living with friends (which helps because I used to binge primarily by myself). I am honestly ok now. I am now where I would like to be but I am getting there and continue to progress. Everyone is different. Don't stop trying!

twoscimitars · January 2012

I am definitely a binge eater. I can go for weeks eating decent food in decent quantities and then BAM! I'm stopping at McDonald's twice in one day. At one point I was able to eat 3 or 4 sandwiches, fries, and a drink in one sitting. Then one day I was sitting there eating said sandwiches and I thought to myself "there is NO WAY that I am really this hungry." I'm now learning to separate hunger from that good feeling of eating food that tastes REALLY good.

It's like have one too many to drink versus getting wasted. That one extra drink gives you that nice buzz and leaves you relatively unscathed. (No driving of course

But then you keep going - and it doesn't feel good anymore. In the case of food you gain weight, feel bloated, nauseous, tired. It's just not a good feeling. So I focus on that - the after effects - instead of how awesome it seems to be as I'm doing it. It's an addiction, really. But for me, focusing on the negative after effects is what keeps me from going back. I slip sometimes, but as I'm going, those slips are happening less often. Prayer keeps me focused, too.

Feel free to add me - anyone - if you deal with the same stuff.

jubennett27 · January 2012

After a year of suffering with Binge eating disorder i was finally diagnosed and given help. It was by far the worst bout of it i have had as it has been a problem on and off since i was about 8 years old. I have also been anorexic as a teen and early 20s. After 2 years of binge eating and nearly a year in cognitive behavourial therapy i am slowly coming out the other side. Its still early days but i have lost 10lb since 1st January, im praying i can keep the disorder at bay, im hopeful with the continuing psychiatric help. It really is the loneliest, toughest disorder to work through. It nearly killed me so i am with all of you women for support. Add me if any of you would like support

Kissybiz · January 2012

I'm a recovering binge eater. I want to say 'recovered', because I've been doing this for 15 months now and I have it under control, but I supposed I'm never going to say 'recovered' because even though I eat sensible portions and resist the junk food, there's often something in the back of my mind going 'have a big pizza, loads of chips and a huge bag of chocolate...go on...'.

I don't think I'll ever get rid of that, but I've learnt to keep it under control.

I can so relate.. I have the same food triggers. Right now I'm in control, which is an awesome feeling. The food isn't really calling to me as I'm driving home from work (which is usually when the food demons would haunt me), but I'm not out there socializing much these days either. Work, gym, home... that's about it. Ironically I joined OA about ten years ago to try to deal with my eating disorder, weight and all that, and I'd leave those meetings WANTING to binge. I found it to be a depressing environment because everyone was crying about their failures or triggers or whatever was bugging them every week and I saw little in the way of what I deemed recovery. (I'm not knocking OA, it's helped a lot of people, it just wan't for me.)

The weird thing is, I'm having trouble eating all my calories every day. I feel full and not really in the mood to eat that much. But right now this is all working for me, and that's a good thing.

rachelrae215 · January 2012

Wow - reading through this has been so encouraging for me! Thank you for this! I am definitely a binge eater although I have always been too embarrassed to mention this to anyone as I have never met anyone with similar problems. I will follow a 1200 diet for 1-2 weeks and then binge like crazy (Whole loaf of homemade bread and/or tray of brownies, etc that I will eat in secret). I will feel sick and full and still eat more. I have the strongest desire to be fit and I actually love to work out (typically train for and run 2 half marathons a year) and enjoy making healthy food (eat and cook sugar free vegan for myself and family most of the time) so it is super embarrassing that I have this problem and can't get a handle on my weight. I typically fluctuate between 130 and 145 lbs but recently ballooned up to 156 which terrified me. I would love to be 125 lbs which is what I was at one time before I had kids - it felt absolutely amazing and I would love to return to the feeling of feeling comfortable in my own body. Help!

rachelrae215 · January 2012

I am just practicing putting my ticker on signatures. Do I have to copy and paste the code each time?

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

happyhaunt · January 2012

I was a binge eater. Last year I had depression, I made myself feel better by eating anything I could get my hands on when no one else was in the house. I ate slices and slices of bread, bowls of cereal, cookies, even fruit. I chew chocolate biscuits and then spit them out. I was such a mess.
I'm really happy to say I've overcame my binge eating, and I did it by joining MFP, telling my parents what was going on (they had to hide the food in the house from me). Just by asking for help made such a big difference. I haven't binged since before last summer

you can do it.

amyofftherecord · January 2012

Hi! I'm recovering from BED. I was always an overeater but about five years ago it got out of hand and descended into full on bingeing (like, 5000 kcals in a single sitting on top of my day's meals... and the meals were all pretty big, too). When I first tried to recover I kind of slipped to the other extreme and began starving myself (back to back 4- or 6-week water fasts with the periodic week of full-on bingeing). Now I'm trying to recover from *both* by doing that "moderation" thing everyone keeps talking about :P Doing pretty well so far, but always looking for encouragement and always happy to encourage!

aaleigha1 · January 2012

you can add me to the list
I use food to self medicate and binge for most emotions suffering from depression has only added to the problems

at the moment I have had the last two weeks binge free
I feel very much in control at the moment
I havent hidden an food or got up to eat in the night during that time

its nice to read of so many that have managed not to binge
I am really hoping that this being a lifestyle change and not a diet will enable me to stay firmly in control

becoming_a_new_me · January 2012

I am just practicing putting my ticker on signatures. Do I have to copy and paste the code each time?

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

No, just go to message board, then settings and it will give you the option ot put it on.

Mary Ann
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/iddreams/view/overcoming-the-obesity-mindset-194711

happydaywitty · January 2012

I like reading the blog runsforcookies.com. She is recovering binge eater who has lost over a 100+ pounds. Very cool.

SafireBleu · January 2012

Hey all You all can add me as a friend if you'd like. Binge eating has been an issue for me for years but has gotten better recently. If you send a friend request just say it's from this thread please. I think we should start a group here for binge eaters so we can post there when we feel the binge starting or step away from the binge. I really recommend Overcoming Binge Eating it is full of ideas and lots of research that can help you identify your triggers. It helps to be aware of the binge and your triggers.

PuffinPie · January 2012

Me too.
Today was my first binge in 12 weeks due to a big stresser.
Just a horrible thing to go through , i hope you can overcome your troubles.

happydaze82 · January 2012

Angellore - the behavior you described when you decided to eat fish and chips later sounds EXACTLY like me. I am not sure why I can't have a treat once in a while without sabotaging the entire day eating whatever is in sight. I have been struggling to get in control of my binge eating for quite some time. I have been doing well the past few weeks, taking things a day at a time. I think the key for me is really planning out a menu for the entire week, writing it down, and sticking to it. The hardest time for me is the weekends when I am home, because I sit around and eat mindlessly. It helps if I already know what I am going to eat, when, etc. Sometimes it isn't enough, and the food psychosis takes over and I feel completely unable to stop. It's really an addiction, and people who don't experience it really can't relate at all.

I appreciate everyone being open here about this problem. It helps to know that we are not alone in this!

vamback · January 2012

I am also a binge eater. What is helping me over come this, is digging deep and finding the reason why I turn to food for comfort. Depression with my home life has played a major part in my binges and weight gain. 2 weeks ago today I removed myself from the situation by moving out and decided that I wasn't going to let anyone interfere with me gaining happiness again. I know everyone has different reasons for binging, I just wanted to share my experience with you. If you would like to add me as a friend, I am here for support! It's always easier to have someone following along with you.

MartiJJohnston · January 2012

BUMP to finish reading everyone's posts later... I actually found this thread right at a time I'm wanting to binge... :noway:

kerrymh · January 2012

I am a compulsive over eater who used to binge eat on a daily basis, 2 big bags of chips, icecream sandwichs and m&M's where nothing in one night. Other nights it was Chinese for 4 or a whole large pizza.
I have been abstinent from my binge foods for alittle over 2 years now. I go to meetings on a weekly basis and work a 12 step program for my food addiction. I also use MFP and a gastric band. I got all the tools I can think so I don't go into relapse. It was 20 years of hell..and I don't want to go back.

lilyflor · January 2012

Not an actual case of diagnose eating disorder, more like an emotional binge eater! I used to eat anything that was available on my fridge to eat, I have been recovering, I been doing good for about a week, it's hard to hold back but my friend doctor said is worse to hold back that it causes to slow down the metabolism. I mean I actually feel hungry! So I been making me a green tea when it happens and it seems to be ok, my friend doctor says the stomach will get use to not getting so much food, to give it two weeks and that my cravings will stop. So hopefully!! good luck!

apesid · January 2012

I'm in the process of learning how to control my binges. It's HARD but I have to take it one day at a time - and not think about the big picture. I had a badbadbad day yesterday - but today is a new day and I'm controlling it.

apesid · January 2012

Hey all You all can add me as a friend if you'd like. Binge eating has been an issue for me for years but has gotten better recently. If you send a friend request just say it's from this thread please. I think we should start a group here for binge eaters so we can post there when we feel the binge starting or step away from the binge. I really recommend Overcoming Binge Eating it is full of ideas and lots of research that can help you identify your triggers. It helps to be aware of the binge and your triggers.

There is already a group - but it's not very active. Thanks for the book recommendation

marigold8g · January 2012

I can definitely relate-have been an emotional eater/binge eater as long as I can remember.

I just started a week ago-had a rough first four days-but I feel better about the last few... But that seems to be how it goes.

I've been to counseling and know it is not about the food but know I need to eat healthier so figure tracking my food intake might help me to do that (increase my veggies etc. which I definitely need to do-plus I feel better when I do but I'm just not motivated to do so otherwise.)

I would love to have some friends that understand how it is so we can support each other to get through this so please add me!

shannonmaria · January 2012

I have 2 horrible problems and binge eating is one of them. I'm great during the day, but at night every thing falls apart. My other problem is that no matter how hard I want to, I don't follow through on anything. I tell myself "Tomorrow will be different. I'll be better and I'll exercise instead of binge." I feel like all I do is think about food. I just don't know how to stop all of this. I am really mad at myself because I know exactly what I need to and should be doing, but for some reason I don't allow it to happen. It's like I'm stuck in this endless cycle. This past year I've gained 30 pounds because of it.
Thank you for posting this. Feels good to admit what I've been allowing myself to do even though it is bad. I'm so proud of all the people on here who post their success stories and pictures. I think to myself: How come they can do it and I can't? I really want to, just gotta figure out how put a stop to this binge eating.

JTick · January 2012

I am also a binge eater. I struggled with depression throughout my teenage years, and darn near drowned in it when I left for college. My friend finally pushed me to see the campus counselor, and I spent over a year doing weekly meetings with her. During this time, we addressed my binge eating. I learned how to recognize the signs that I was heading towards a binge, and how to redirect those emotions.

I am by no means perfect, sometimes I still eat my feelings. However, I now recognize what I am doing, and am much more likely to realize that I am not helping myself. I have to stay very honest with myself about my feelings. Sometimes I work out frustration in the gym, destress with music, or just let go and have a good cry. But reaching for the food is few and far between now.

dreamtoned10 · January 2012

Ok so theres actually loads of us, coming out and admitting to what we do....some of us for the first time. Go us!! Ive joined two groups on here, one is OA, and the other is binge-eating support group....lets try and get these groups more active so they can be a tool when we need to get through a craving or a binge, or a place to support someone else !

2012 is the year to stop this behaviour...when you think about it, how ridiculous is it to sit and eat until we cant breathe...yet most of us are so regimented in our calories/eating/allowed foods/excercise every other day? Seriously???? Lets not do it any more.It needs to stop, there has to be more to life than eating until our stomachs are stretched, bloated, until we feel like crying....Im not turning down one more night out with friends, because I know Ive binged that week or day and feel bloated or disgusting.

Anyone feel free to add me with this problem, mention the binge thread, and lets get the binge-eating group more active. Imagine we overcame this through MFP, it would be amazing that we are all in different locations and countries and were able to help random strangers!!!!

xxxx

missmegs1908 · January 2012

I am a binge eater and have a food addiction. It's something I've just come to terms with over the past few months. I actually had to stop WW because of the "extra" points they give you (I would be waaaay to focused on how I could save them up and binge on something). I went to a few OA meetings - but with two kids under 3, work, gym, life, etc - it's hard to get to meetings.
Please feel free to add me for support

sweet110 · January 2012

Hey there. I don't really identify as someone who has had an eating disorder, but I have certainly had troubles with binging...troubles that I have mostly gotten over.

But since I don't think of it as an illness, my strategies may look a little different than some others. They are primarily behavioral rather than mental. I do not keep binge foods in my house. I try to plan evening activities to deal with the loneliness and isolation that trigger binging. And, I do not have binge foods as a regular part of my diet. Like cake. I don't go out to eat and have cake for dessert. I'll eat pie or ice cream instead. Or chips are a binge food. So, if I want a salty crunchy snack, I'll eat nuts or popcorn instead. I'm a behaviorist, and think that very benign things can trigger behaviors...once the behavior has been established, there doesn't have to be any complicated inner turmoil going on at the time...if your mind associates gummy bears with binging, all it takes is a gummi bear to make you want to binge.

Andy finally, I just accept that sometimes, I want to binge. And because I'm not perfect, I will always have the desire to do things that aren't good for me. But that doesn't make me ill. It just makes me human. And when I can't resist, sometimes I will go through "mini-binges." Like, chips are a binge food, and certain candy, and pizza, and cake. So, I might have a pizza slice, a small bag of candy, and a small bag of chips. Because it makes me feel better, sometimes, do go through a ritual that I find comforting. I guess you could say that I use harm-reduction rather than an abstinence model. I know some folks use the AA model of abstinence, but that model has the "fall of the wagon" metaphor that I, personally, find counterproductive. If I binge, I didn't fall of the wagon, or fall off the path. That makes me go into all or nothing thinking. I just say, oh, I binged. I wished I hadn't done that. I'll have to keep an eye on that to make sure it doesn't happe too often. And then, I keep living my life, the best way I know how.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not bashing other ways that others have dealt with this issue, I'm just sharing my experience, and what worked for me.

RaeannePemberton · January 2012

add me to the list.... it's a life long fight!

duchessglencairn · January 2012

I've been an emotional binge eater all of my life. I've never been the person who had one cookie-I've been the person who ate the whole bag. Part of my struggle (every single day) is to express my feelings no matter how trivial or mean. I haven't had a binge in a couple of months but I also know that I binge to sabotage myself so now I feel like I'm just waiting for the binge to happen. I'm thankful that I finally have a core group of friends who don't judge me and listen to me...a support system really helps (so far). I just take it (literally) one minute at a time and just try and remember that I want to be healthy.

mummytummybyebye · January 2012

im another, working on it, had a stressful week, found out my son was getting bullied at school then acutally seen him getting hit! and i binged yesterday 1st time in a fortnight which is long for me, i am an emotional binger it started 14 years ago, i realised it was a problem 8 years ago. my mood is affected on if ive binged, what ive binged on, at 1st it was the sweet stuff, and about 4 years ago it became anything and everything. i started running which i will admitt has cut my binges down. it helps me de-stress. i get in a vicious cycle of counting calories start to binge go over calories get down about it and then im full throatle and eat like there is no tomorrow!!!! i often think will i ever go a day without thinking negatively about food?!?!

Any Recovered Binge Eaters? Recovering Binge Eaters?

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