Binge Eating Support

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Like an alcoholic?

SnTsMum
SnTsMum Posts: 90 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
Hi there, my name is Sharlene and I consistently struggle with doing well for several days then just losing the ability to watch what I eat and I binge. This puts back my whole weeks progress. I am losing very slowly if at all because of this. My main question is, since I simply cannot just have one cookie, should I be avoiding cookies all together? Avoiding anything I'm likely to want to overeat on? I love food so there won't be a whole lot left on my list, but I just don't know what to do.

Do I approach certain foods like an alcoholic would in regards to drinking? Avoid at all costs, not even a little?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Replies

  • Behavior_Modification
    Behavior_Modification Posts: 24,482 Member
    I know exactly what you're talking about Sharlene. For me, the thought of restriction is terrifying. I used to think the right way to lose weight was by restricting my food intake, but that would always lead me to a binge within a few days. So I'd undo all the progress I had made and then continue that binge/restrict cycle over and over. Finally, and it took professional help, I understand how to lose weight in a healthy manner. This allows me to eat a cookie if that's what I really want. It's not the cookies fault that we binge. Granted having them looking at us saying 'eat me' doesn't help - but avoiding them altogether wouldn't work for me. The underlying reason we'd want to stuff ourselves w/ cookies is to avoid feeling certain emotions. If it isn't cookies, it will be something else. Focusing on feelings is a good first step to figuring out whether or not you really want those cookies. :flowerforyou:
  • rainydayboys
    rainydayboys Posts: 79
    For me, that's exactly how I approach it - all or nothing. I cannot stop at just one. So therefore, I cannot have any. But this is too strict and so I slip up, frequently, and I'm right back where I started. I often get the shakes or start twitching, think about chocolate/sugar and when/where I can get some. And in the middle of a craving, I will eat anything, usually hiding so I don't have to share with my kids. It's pretty sad. I've tried to switch to other, more healthy options. But face it - eating until you feel sick isn't healthy, whether you're binging on cookies or carrots.

    I have an appointment with a new therapist on Wednesday and I'm hoping to start working on this.
  • greekygirl
    greekygirl Posts: 448 Member
    I can totally relate.

    Yes, for me there are certain foods that I can't moderate so I do avoid them altogether. I think I've tried to moderate them for long enough and have proven time and again that I can't. I agree that I can always find something else to binge on if I'm in "binge mode" but eating certain foods ALWAYS turns into a binge or at least overeating, even when I have the best of intentions on having just one or one portion. I really believe I'm addicted to these foods and when I eat them I don't know how much will be enough. I eat snacks that I can moderate and the only time I really eat my binge foods is when I am already in binge mode. That's just me. For some completely avoiding them would make them binge; for me eating them will make me binge. I guess everyone is different, even though we're the same. :smile:
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