anyone overcame BINGE EATING?

ieva015
ieva015 Posts: 93 Member
edited December 19 in Health and Weight Loss
i really struggle with binge eating disorder... i don't know what to do... i can't get a professional help because i live on my own and only have money to pay for the rent, studies and food, literally...
my question is, IS IT POSSIBLE to overcome it? and HOW to do it?..
the reason why i binge almost always was because i felt deprived - i was eating 1200 or less a day, but now upped to 1500... today i binged just because 'it tasted good' ... there is something really wrong with me, and the worst part is that i can't stop it... i really tried...
binge eating for me means no less than 1000 calories above my maintenance...
help anyone? :'(

also, when i think about it, one of the reasons i binge is because (my life changed completely in past 2 years) i feel 'empty'... i don't know how to describe this feeling, but it's like something is missing from my life...
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Replies

  • Exactchange
    Exactchange Posts: 1
    I don't know what state you are in but there ought to be some sort of eating disorders association and at least a number you can call. I know this isn't very helpful, I'm sorry and I feel your pain as I struggle with the same. I have found that keeping a nutritional balance does help stave off certain cravings that can lead to binges and understanding that certain foods are triggers.

    You might want to look here: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

    Hang in there, you are not alone.
  • sullykat
    sullykat Posts: 461 Member
    I agree with above. There are usually support groups out there for any kind of addiction or eating disorder. Go online and find one in your area.
  • kmr521
    kmr521 Posts: 3 Member
    I can't say I've overcome binging...but I find it comes down to my faith. When I am in God's word and giving Him control over my eating and emotions, I am able to find the self control to "eat to live, not live to eat". I know it sounds a little flakey...the book "Made to Crave" really helps alot. Check it out if you're a believer. I am currently on day 5 of no binging....one day at a time.
  • jackieatx
    jackieatx Posts: 578 Member
    There is overeaters anonymous. Google it and find meetings in your area. It's not as bug as AA, but its out there.

    See a therapist to talk out the underlying issues behind binging

    Form a plan for when you feel like binging: I listen to music, take a drive, or take a hot shower or bath with scented oil and salts. Smell is a sense that can help soothe emotional issues as well as taste
  • brandiemhgc
    brandiemhgc Posts: 20
    That is a great saying, Eat to live, not live to eat. I don't think it's flakey at all. I literally could eat 24/7. But I hit rock bottom yesterday. My daughter had Regional Track Meet yesterday, and I saw a pic of myself on the camera, and said time for a change. Hopefully I can stick to it. I quit smoking too so it's been hard to not binge eat. Good luck, I hope you get the help you need. :wink:
  • PeaceCorpsKat
    PeaceCorpsKat Posts: 335 Member
    I always have been a binger - never purge, but I certainly sit down and take in days worth of calories in one sitting. It is almost uncontrolllable.

    What I have done that has worked is I eat lots of food now - but all my food is crazy, crazy healthy. I need that sensation of eating lots and having a full stomach, so I just eat multiple servings of veggies in one sitting.

    It helps.
  • francoles
    francoles Posts: 2
    hey i'm totally posting this every time i see someone with the same problem because i've been an overeater + binge eater for YEARS and this has totally changed the way i think about food and exercise and WHY i binge:
    http://www.foodsanity.com/online.php

    i hope it helps :) and btw there is NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU thats the first thing to realise, stop blaming yourself! read the book and see what you think [warning it gets a bit spiritual sooo it might not sit well with you but try it anyways]
  • sarajane31
    sarajane31 Posts: 18
    You mention studies in your original post--do you go to school? Almost all colleges and universities have free counseling available for students if you think you need to talk to a professional.

    I struggle with binge eating, too. For me, it's totally about feeling like my life isn't the way I want it to be. Whenever I'm feeling something missing, I end up eating to fill the void (sometimes the void doubles my calories for the day...eek!). So, I've been trying to focus on what I want to be in my life, and spend time striving toward whatever that is. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I've gone a week without a binge, so I think I'm getting the hang of it.

    Good luck! You are not alone in this!
  • MisterTEZ
    MisterTEZ Posts: 272 Member
    You really need to understand why you binge eat and why certain foods trigger the binge, you mentioned that most binges are due to feeling deprived. you daily diary should show what triggers the binges, perhaps you have been too restrictive in your calorific intake or not eating enough nutrient macros, it might be a good idea to open your diary, if you wish, to help others to see where you might be going wrong. You may find it very difficult to do this on your own so try and get the help you need and it doesn't have to cost you anything.
  • BeachBobbie
    BeachBobbie Posts: 46
    First i would say...you're not alone. Many people binge eat. Especially when depriving yourself of certain foods. Then when you add emotional scars to the mix, overeating just happens. Eating releases a "feel good" hormone that is almost like a drug.
    Since you don't have the money to see someone about the issues you're having, I'd suggest meditationa and research. We are so lucky to have an endless amount information online. As long as you remember that opinions are like *kitten*, everyone has one. Keep the research limited to well known sites with real professionals and scientists not backed by big corporate money, you'll find the answers you need on your own and all you need is time.
    I would like to say that I have my moments that I overeat, but it only seems to happen when I am cutting something out of my diet that I love. Say for instance, cheese. It's so high in calories and fat and I don't do well with dairy, but I LOVE THE STUFF!!! I cut it out of my diet completely and one day I just went nuts. I was so ill the next day, ...... I'll just say I was a mess. Anyway, now if I want cheese, I eat it because a little bit of it doesn't hurt me so much as when I binge on it.
    Remember also that we need more calories than we think. I'm 5'7" and weigh between 158 and 170 lbs. I fluctuate back and forth depending on my workouts. I workout very hard burning around 500 per 45 minutes and I'm a 35 year old married mother of two. I eat 2300 calories a day! Now....sounds like a lot, but when I ate a low amount of calories, I lost weight, but I felt horrible. Tired and always hungry and feeling deprived so i binged BIG TIME every weekend. Once I switched to a higher caloric intake, I lost inches, gained muscle and I feel great. Never deprived and although I still will go over on the weekends, its not by 1,000's.....its more like 100 or less.
    Do the research and take the time to listen to your body, what it wants and needs, and you'll do just fine :)
    Remember, confusing your metabolism with changes is always a good thing. What the crap food does to your health is not. If you're going to go over....eat good things. It's your health longterm that's at stake take a deep breath and SMILE! :D
  • BeachBobbie
    BeachBobbie Posts: 46
    oh, i forgot one thing....I've lost more than 10 inches since I switched to higher calorie intake. chest, belly, hips, thighs and calves! My husband is extremely IMPRESSED, if you know what I mean ;)
  • moe5474
    moe5474 Posts: 162
    I struggled with anorexia, then binge eating disorder. It's a tough road, but it is possible to overcome it. It might not help, but I wrote about my struggles on my blog and you're more than welcome to read it if you think it might help. Reading about other people's experiences helped me get through it. There are 3 parts and the links are below...

    Hang in there!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

    Part One that deals with my not eating..
    http://codykitchenconfections.blogspot.com/2012/01/story-of-this-blog-part-one.html

    Part Two that deals with my binge eating
    http://codykitchenconfections.blogspot.com/2012/01/story-of-this-blog-part-dough.html

    Part Three: recovery
    http://codykitchenconfections.blogspot.com/2012/01/story-of-this-blog-part-three.html
  • PaperThinLips
    PaperThinLips Posts: 79 Member
    what i did to overcome my binge eating..
    first i don't eat processed sugar very often anymore.
    second, whenever i had the craving i will literally shout out loud how i don't need it and stuff like that.
    third, i have my roomie there to call whenever i'm having an eating problem.
    fourth, i go out onto the porch and just sit, take deep breathes, maybe take out some coffee or water w/ me.
    it took me a while but that's what worked for me.
  • keg619
    keg619 Posts: 356 Member
    I was a closet binge eater mostly all of my life. I had no idea how to control it, until it contributed to my weight of 315.5 pounds. I was going through a lot of struggles with life and didn't know how to cope with the stress. I stopped the vicious process when I made myself wonder why I was doing it-what was causing me to do it, and how it was negatively affecting my life. For me, it was a matter of getting rid of all of the excuses and forcing myself to stop. Every time I would want to binge, and I still have those urges, I always think about what I want most out of my healthy lifestyle, and all of my goals I have yet to reach. I let myself have days where I don't log, but those are few and far between. One day this past October made me change my life forever, and now I am over 70 pounds lighter, and still no binge.

    You can overcome this, it might not be easy, but you need to figure out why you feel empty and how to better cope with that.

    Best of luck to you <3
  • katewillbethinx2
    katewillbethinx2 Posts: 32
    Hi! First off, you're not alone. My binge eating is very similar to yours and came about from 3 years of major deprivation and restriction from food. I go to a counselor and a dietitian who specialize in eating disorders, I also see a psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders. I HIGHLY suggest seeking out your counseling services at your school. That's where I started when I began my struggle (with anorexia at the time), and they will help you. They WANT to help you. It's nice to have a support team behind you and binge eating is so isolating you need all the support from others you can get.

    I also attend a support group with other binge eaters once a week (they are JUST like me.. 20 somethings trying to go about their normal lives while struggling with this handicapping disease).

    I hope you get the help that you are looking for. Don't beat yourself up, it is much more than the food. Have you read any of Geneen Roth's books? She's amazing and will open your eyes to binge eating and the disorder.

    And lastly... it blows my mind at all the responses! SO many people have issues with this! We are not alone in this battle!!

    Good luck and message me anytime if you have any questions or need support! Chances are I've been there, done that. :smile:
  • ieva015
    ieva015 Posts: 93 Member
    You mention studies in your original post--do you go to school? Almost all colleges and universities have free counseling available for students if you think you need to talk to a professional.

    I struggle with binge eating, too. For me, it's totally about feeling like my life isn't the way I want it to be. Whenever I'm feeling something missing, I end up eating to fill the void (sometimes the void doubles my calories for the day...eek!). So, I've been trying to focus on what I want to be in my life, and spend time striving toward whatever that is. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I've gone a week without a binge, so I think I'm getting the hang of it.

    Good luck! You are not alone in this!

    yeah i do. haha i tried :D but they probably thought that i'm crazy and exaggerating about binge eating because i'm not fat anymore... so i did not get any help from there :L
    omg, the reason for 80% of my binges is exact the same as yours :(
  • ieva015
    ieva015 Posts: 93 Member
    Hi! First off, you're not alone. My binge eating is very similar to yours and came about from 3 years of major deprivation and restriction from food. I go to a counselor and a dietitian who specialize in eating disorders, I also see a psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders. I HIGHLY suggest seeking out your counseling services at your school. That's where I started when I began my struggle (with anorexia at the time), and they will help you. They WANT to help you. It's nice to have a support team behind you and binge eating is so isolating you need all the support from others you can get.

    I also attend a support group with other binge eaters once a week (they are JUST like me.. 20 somethings trying to go about their normal lives while struggling with this handicapping disease).

    I hope you get the help that you are looking for. Don't beat yourself up, it is much more than the food. Have you read any of Geneen Roth's books? She's amazing and will open your eyes to binge eating and the disorder.

    And lastly... it blows my mind at all the responses! SO many people have issues with this! We are not alone in this battle!!

    Good luck and message me anytime if you have any questions or need support! Chances are I've been there, done that. :smile:

    hey, thank you for the response! no, i haven't read any of her books, could you please message me about them?
    than you so much!
  • tejoman
    tejoman Posts: 12
    This is something I have always struggled with, the way I handle it is of course to try and not binge, but when I feel the urge I work out like crazy first. That way if I still feel like binging I can and it's not nearly as bad, but a most of the time I feel that working out totally curbs my appetite. Try working out the next time you feel the urge.
  • melzenitram
    melzenitram Posts: 67 Member
    i started binge eating as a kid...entire loaves of bread, raw bacon, whatever was around and no one stopped me. as an adult i would eat and eat until i felt like puking and my jaw was sore and then eat more. now, 55 days in with logging, getting my water in and workouts done, i can honestly say i haven't binged but maybe once. that's ok. i know it's always going tobe a possiblity for me but i now have way more control than i used to. get some support...there are free clinics in most places that can help with counseling like alocal MHMR place. support through mfp pals helps a lot too. feel free to add me and best of luck to you
    C:
  • ReinventingLisa
    ReinventingLisa Posts: 104 Member
    I've never seeked help for my binge eating disorder. It stemmed from early childhood where I first suffered from EDNOS and starvation, and eventually led me to binge eating. The only thing that has truly helped me was a low carb diet. I don't know why, but it has worked for me. Maybe because I don't think about food as much because I'm satisfied, I'm not sure. I make fruit/veggie smoothies a lot, and eat a good amount of baked chicken and healthy fats.

    My binge eating is strictly stress related, but I've still found this works better for me.
  • livehappe
    livehappe Posts: 57 Member
    I am a binge eater. I have been binge-free for 23 days by using a new program. I am not sure if it is sustainable or not. I haven't been on it long enough that I'd feel comfortable promoting it or standing behind it. It was recommended by my nutritionist to help me with my cravings. I don't think there are any quick fixes or magical potions so I remain skeptical of every new thing I try. Inevitably, I almost always give way to a binge. And, I'm not selling this product myself nor do I have any vested interest in it.
    But, I have chronicled it all in a blog- all my feelings, how my binge-free time has been going. So, if you are interested in reading tales from a fellow binger- private message me, and I will provide the link for you.
    But, I think it is important to figure out why you binge. For me, I binge to celebrate. If I am stressed, bored or lonely, I am more likely not to eat. I binge because it tastes good and I want to reward myself. And, it is a shame that I do this to myself because I workout like a machine and cannot harness any benefit from my efforts thanks to my binge problem. My exercise routine could only get me so far. So, finding a formula that controlled my cravings helped me. But, it took me a year and a half to see that I needed some help to suppress my appetite.
    The biggest thing I have learned in my transformation year and a half is that you have to reach out for help- whether that means going to a group, talking to people on mfp, talking to a nutritionist or personal trainer- It is a long fight, but one worth having, and it is okay to seek help.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    First of all, congrats on asking for help! That is great and you CAN overcome this!

    The only way I could overcome it was by not having ANY of the binge foods in my house, period. I was a binger, anorexic and bulimic and I've been recovered for over 20 years now.

    Once you slowly change your habits you will realize that healthy foods arent so calorie dense as the stuff we binged on and you can eat a TON of stuff that actually fills you up, satisfies you and you hardly ever feel hungry. It does take effort to prepare the healthier stuff but with planning you can do it. I also don't get that nasty bloated feeling like I did when I binged, even though I'm eating a lot more food.

    Your tastebuds change after you've been eating healthier stuff for a while. I used to eat carrots and think, yuck, this is boring,,,awful and I hate it. Now they taste delicious and sweet to me! I also have treats on occasion but I'll only buy ONE serving so I won't have a whole package to gorge myself on and I know I would if it was here! I had a birthday party to go to yesterday so I had a chocolate cupcake with frosting on it. It felt rather odd eating it. It was good, but not as good as I remember! lol Today I have 2 graduation parties to go to with bbq, potato salad, slaw and more cake on the menu. I logged some of it into my diary ahead and I'm going to cut back a bit on my breakfast, lunch and snacks to fit in the extra calories today. It's all about planning for that type of situation. Again, you can have the bad stuff, just plan for it and you'll do fine and it'll get easier as you go.

    You can do this! I know you can or you wouldn't be reaching out for help! <hugs> and good luck to you!
  • shelbyfrootcake
    shelbyfrootcake Posts: 965 Member
    I'm a binger. No disorder, I'm just a mug. I don't binge often enough for it be a health concern and I enjoy the food I eat when I do binge; I've just accepted that's it's part of my eating habits and keep a check on it so it doesn't become a too regular occurrence.
  • mandemonious
    mandemonious Posts: 217 Member
    Cheers to your honesty :wink:
    I have struggled with binge eating/emotional eating for years. I used to "diet," and certainly had the yo-yo effect going on for a number of years. I've learned a lot since then and have much more realistic expectations about weight loss and a healthier relationship with food (and healthier food!). I was in counseling for a few years, and it really does help some folks; it helped me. But I still struggle with it and have days that I cave on purpose.

    I figure, if it only happens once every 2-3 weeks and I eat half a pizza with coke and ice cream for dessert later, then that is just one day in 2-3 weeks worth of days that I made healthy choices and ate tons of veggies and whole grains and lean protein. If I need to have one crazy, hedonistic, glutinous food day every so often to satisfy some eager little beast inside of me and maintain sanity the rest of the time...fine by me for now.

    Overcoming our less than desirable emotions and behaviors is a process. It takes time. It's different for everyone. You've recognized and admitted the issue, now it's up to you to do what you need to do to overcome it. This could mean a support groups (of friends, or anonymous), reading books, writing it out, seeking professional help, or some combination of all of these. I wish you the best in your efforts and feel free to friend me if you are looking for MFP support. I also think there is a group for binge eaters on here, though I'm not a member...

    Best :flowerforyou:
  • 2FattyXFatty4
    2FattyXFatty4 Posts: 215 Member
    i really struggle with binge eating disorder... i don't know what to do... i can't get a professional help because i live on my own and only have money to pay for the rent, studies and food, literally...
    my question is, IS IT POSSIBLE to overcome it? and HOW to do it?..
    the reason why i binge almost always was because i felt deprived - i was eating 1200 or less a day, but now upped to 1500... today i binged just because 'it tasted good' ... there is something really wrong with me, and the worst part is that i can't stop it... i really tried...
    binge eating for me means no less than 1000 calories above my maintenance...
    help anyone? :'(

    also, when i think about it, one of the reasons i binge is because (my life changed completely in past 2 years) i feel 'empty'... i don't know how to describe this feeling, but it's like something is missing from my life...

    I have Binge Eating DIsorder as well. I am having some good success with the Intuitive Eating approach and I highly recommend it.

    Check it out at http://www.intuitiveeating.org/
  • 2FattyXFatty4
    2FattyXFatty4 Posts: 215 Member
    i really struggle with binge eating disorder... i don't know what to do... i can't get a professional help because i live on my own and only have money to pay for the rent, studies and food, literally...
    my question is, IS IT POSSIBLE to overcome it? and HOW to do it?..
    the reason why i binge almost always was because i felt deprived - i was eating 1200 or less a day, but now upped to 1500... today i binged just because 'it tasted good' ... there is something really wrong with me, and the worst part is that i can't stop it... i really tried...
    binge eating for me means no less than 1000 calories above my maintenance...
    help anyone? :'(

    also, when i think about it, one of the reasons i binge is because (my life changed completely in past 2 years) i feel 'empty'... i don't know how to describe this feeling, but it's like something is missing from my life...

    You can send me a friend request if you like. I know exactly what you are talking about. I wish you much success in uncovering your eating disorder. **hugs**
  • Dethea
    Dethea Posts: 247 Member
    I've had a problem with binge eating for a long time. I haven't told too many people in real life.

    I have found great support on MFP. There are groups on here for people with eating disorders. The main thing I try to do is to keep myself busy. If I'm doing something, I don't think about eating.

    Things I do to distract myself:
    Weed the garden
    Paint my nails
    Hit the treadmill/ go for a walk (if I burn calories, then I can have a SNACK after. Exercising helps control my "hunger")
    Do a load of laundry
    Clean in general
    Journal
    Play computer games/ waste time on Pinterest

    One time, I logged all of my calories on here after a binge, and it was something crazy like 5000 calories. I think that was the last time I had a really bad binge. Now, I keep plenty of healthy food around. If I feel like eating, but I'm not sure if I'm hungry, I'll eat fruit or make a smoothie. Watermelon is great! You can eat a ton of that!

    It's really hard to have an eating disorder, but if you keep fighting and making good choices, eventually it becomes easier to keep making those good choices. Find some people that you can talk to, probably people who are binge eaters too who are fighting it. I've found that people who don't have an eating disorder also are not very sympathetic.

    Therapy works wonders, but it can be difficult finding a therapist or group that you identify with. Definitely check with the colleges in your area, sometimes they offer services for free or at a reduced rate.

    I really hope you find some good suggestions, and always remember to love yourself no matter what!
  • ieva015
    ieva015 Posts: 93 Member
    I've had a problem with binge eating for a long time. I haven't told too many people in real life.

    I have found great support on MFP. There are groups on here for people with eating disorders. The main thing I try to do is to keep myself busy. If I'm doing something, I don't think about eating.

    Things I do to distract myself:
    Weed the garden
    Paint my nails
    Hit the treadmill/ go for a walk (if I burn calories, then I can have a SNACK after. Exercising helps control my "hunger")
    Do a load of laundry
    Clean in general
    Journal
    Play computer games/ waste time on Pinterest

    One time, I logged all of my calories on here after a binge, and it was something crazy like 5000 calories. I think that was the last time I had a really bad binge. Now, I keep plenty of healthy food around. If I feel like eating, but I'm not sure if I'm hungry, I'll eat fruit or make a smoothie. Watermelon is great! You can eat a ton of that!

    It's really hard to have an eating disorder, but if you keep fighting and making good choices, eventually it becomes easier to keep making those good choices. Find some people that you can talk to, probably people who are binge eaters too who are fighting it. I've found that people who don't have an eating disorder also are not very sympathetic.

    Therapy works wonders, but it can be difficult finding a therapist or group that you identify with. Definitely check with the colleges in your area, sometimes they offer services for free or at a reduced rate.

    I really hope you find some good suggestions, and always remember to love yourself no matter what!

    i tried on distracting myself, it does not really work when i go crazy over food...
    like i said, my college is not willing to help me, because im not overweigh....
    crazy, i know...
  • DeadEyedSuburbanite
    DeadEyedSuburbanite Posts: 34 Member
    Yes I am a binger with a really unhealthy attitude to food. I have been known to eat entire family size packages of potato or corn chips, whole cheesecakes, packets of biscuits, etc in one sitting. Sometimes but not always this has been accompanied by purging as well.

    I have had some success with the following:

    - not having any trigger foods or temptations in the house.

    - limiting alcohol consumption, because being tipsy or drunk really inhibited my ability to control the binging.

    - planning my meals a few days in advance so I am not tempted to grab a muffin or chocolate bar for a quick meal. I now recognise that these foods are often triggers for me.

    - tracking my daily food intake on MFP so I can look back and see patterns in my eating.

    If it was possible I'd get some counselling or join a support group too but at this point it's not on the cards for me.

    Good luck!
  • valeriejbardini
    valeriejbardini Posts: 29
    i really struggle with binge eating disorder... i don't know what to do... i can't get a professional help because i live on my own and only have money to pay for the rent, studies and food, literally...
    my question is, IS IT POSSIBLE to overcome it? and HOW to do it?..
    the reason why i binge almost always was because i felt deprived - i was eating 1200 or less a day, but now upped to 1500... today i binged just because 'it tasted good' ... there is something really wrong with me, and the worst part is that i can't stop it... i really tried...
    binge eating for me means no less than 1000 calories above my maintenance...
    help anyone? :'(

    also, when i think about it, one of the reasons i binge is because (my life changed completely in past 2 years) i feel 'empty'... i don't know how to describe this feeling, but it's like something is missing from my life...


    Hi I suffered in silence for so long with that too.
    You may really need someone to talk to, Someone who will listen to you not just throw you loads of advice. I am guessing that you have bottled up a lot of stuff and it needs to be released. Try to get in touch with a women's centre or look on the internet for the nearest charitable organisation that deals with counselling or eating disorders. They are out there. Until then get a pen and paper (instead of eating when you know you don't need to) write down what's on your heart, it might take a while to get started, but just give yourself permission to pour it all out. Now if you feel you want to you can throw away what you have written, but you could also create a journal and bring it with you once you have found a counsellor to let him/her read it. Try to make sure there are plenty of healthy snacks around for you to pick up and get rid of the addictive high sugar-salt- variety. Have a list ready with other things you could do to make yourself loved and not deprived such as a nice bubble bath, try to be creative and occupy your mind. Above all treat yourself with the love and tenderness you would give to your best friend because sometimes we are our own worst enemies.
    Make sure you are getting enough vitamins for us women B vits are very important!
    If you have faith then pray and ask God to fill the void you are experiencing, He answered my prayer and I am thankful to be free from this awful binge cycle. I sought counselling and although I will always be susceptible to eating disorders, I now can stop before It starts. I will keep you in my prayers.
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